AmaWaterways Unveil Third Nile Ship, AmaNubia

Most cruise lines would consider having even one ship ferrying travellers up and down the Nile something of a mic-drop moment, let alone two.  

AmaWaterways are not most cruise lines. 

Far from dusting off their hands and calling it a job well done, AmaWaterways are already charting their future in Egypt, with plans to double their offering over the next few years. The Egyptian fleet currently comprises AmaLilia and AmaDahlia, with third ship AmaNubia set to join her sisters later this year and AmaCleo rounding out the quartet in 2028. This is in line with AmaWaterways’ proposed expansion – the biggest in the line’s history – which will see a total of 50 ships fleetwide by 2050.

Just like her sisters, the 76-passenger AmaNubia will feature the perfect blend of quiet elegance (as seen on their European vessels) and some distinctly Egyptian-influenced detailing, with everything from the artwork to fabrics taking inspiration from Nubia, a.k.a. ‘The Land of Gold’.

In true AmaWaterways style, the AmaNubia experience is designed to be an intimate, highly personalised one, with just 38 cabins on board, split across three decks: Lotus Deck, Lily Deck and Jasmine Deck. Unusually, the Lotus Deck is situated at the bottom of the ship and features both French balconies and walk-out verandas (no non-opening, just-for-decoration windows here!) This is something the ship can accommodate due to the Nile’s lack of ship height restrictions and is perfect for those wanting to be closer to the lobby, lounge and Journeys Restaurant. 

All three decks feature a combination of 215-square-foot French Balcony Cabins and 240-square-foot Atrium Cabins, which come fitted with AmaWaterways’ famous Twin Balcony configuration.  A handful of 430-square-foot Luxury Suites can be found on the Lily Deck, whilst the upper Jasmine Deck plays host to the Grand Suites and the 525-square-foot Owner’s Suite. Unrivalled in both size and luxury, the Owner’s Suite spans the entire width of the vessel over the bow and features the Twin Balcony as well as a larger living area and bathroom.

Guests sailing aboard AmaNubia will primarily eat in Journeys Restaurant, which is large enough to accommodate all guests at once and serves a combination of regional and Western dishes. However, they will also have the opportunity to dine at The Chef’s Table at least once, indulging in a 7-course tasting menu experience, prepared in front of them and paired with regional wines. 

Elsewhere, there’s plenty going on with a lounge and bar for relaxing, sipping pre-dinner cocktails with new friends and revelling in after-dinner entertainment, including Darawish shows, Galabeya parties and belly dance performances. If you find time between all that and the array of fabulous excursions, there are plenty of onboard amenities to be enjoyed, including a fitness centre, nail and hair salon, massage rooms, sun deck and pool.

AmaNubia’s maiden voyage is pencilled in for September 2026 and will be the same 11-night Secrets of Egypt and The Nile sailing operated by both AmaLilia and AmaDahlia. The itinerary comprises of a 7-night roundtrip from Luxor with key stops at places like Karnak Temple, Aswan and the Valley of the Kings, plus pre- and post-cruise stays in Cairo, providing ample opportunity to tick off such bucket list items as the Great Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

You can find out more about AmaWaterways here.