Hilton has extended its luxury hospitality empire to the cruise sector by announcing the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience, a new upscale voyage set to begin in late 2026. Scheduled for 4- and 6-night itineraries, the service will offer travelers luxurious passage along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan (Egypt), featuring private docking in both locations. The route will showcase major archaeological sites including the Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo, providing curated cultural immersion.
While specifics about the vessel remain limited, Hilton notes that the ship will include five decks, 29 suites, a rooftop terrace, fitness centre, spa, and premium dining venues like the Peacock Alley bar and a brasserie offering Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. Personal concierge services will be available, along with the option to redeem Hilton Honors points for reservations—historic first for the brand’s river cruising operation.
This venture builds on Hilton’s long-standing presence in Egypt through its extensive hotel portfolio, now comprising 14 properties with plans to expand to 35 accommodations. The entry into river cruising aligns with broader trends in the country’s tourism upsurge, as Egypt recorded 3.9 million visitors in the first quarter of 2025—a 25% increase year-over-year—as the sector gears up for sustained growth.
Despite entering a competitive market dominated by operators like Viking, AmaWaterways, Ritz-Carlton, Belmond, Aman, and Four Seasons, Hilton’s approach draws on its historic ties with Egypt dating back to floating-hostel services in the 1960s. Dino Michael, Hilton’s Senior Vice President of Global Luxury Brands, indicated that the initiative is not a sign of a broad cruiseline expansion, but a bespoke offering designed to elevate the Nile cruise into an ultra-luxury experience.
As tourism continues its post-pandemic rebound— bolstered by the reopening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and a government plan to add tens of thousands of hotel rooms—Hilton’s entry highlights the growing appetite for high-end, culturally immersive river voyages.