TUI River Cruises has revealed the newly developed onboard venues aboard the TUI Bahareya ship, scheduled to commence its maiden voyage along the Nile in November.
The Nile cruiser, completely refurbished and characterized by Arabic-inspired interior design, will accommodate 146 passengers across 74 cabins. The design of the ship emphasizes versatility and aligns with TUI’s broader strategy of cultural integration and modern comfort.
A key highlight is the introduction of "Hetep"—named after the Arabic word for “peace”—which will include the first sauna aboard a vessel in the Egyptian fleet, as well as two massage rooms, one of which is designed for couples. This wellness facility represents a notable enhancement in onboard amenities within the regional market.
The top deck of TUI Bahareya has been designed as a multi-functional space, similar in concept to that aboard TUI Al Horeya. It will feature a swimming pool, sun loungers, and an area titled “Sofra,” offering light lunch fare during the day and transitioning into a dinner venue at night. In the evening, Sofra will operate as a reservation-only à la carte restaurant, accommodating up to 30 guests. The dining experience will be characterized by locally inspired cuisine and service delivered by staff dressed in traditional galabaya attire.
The primary dining venue, “Belhana”—derived from the Arabic expression for “Bon Appétit”—will seat all guests for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. This restaurant will offer buffet-style meals for breakfast and lunch, with dinner featuring à la carte options and live cooking presentations. Each voyage will include a gala dinner held in Belhana, structured as a multi-course dining experience designed to showcase regional culinary traditions.
Entertainment and cultural programming will be centered in “The Observatory,” which will serve as the ship’s principal lounge and event venue. Programming will include performances by traditional Egyptian artists, such as Whirling Dervishes and Nubian musicians. Licensed Egyptologists will conduct talks and offer commentary to provide guests with historical and cultural context, enhancing the thematic depth of each itinerary. The venue will also be used by the cruise line’s in-house entertainment team for musical performances, film screenings, and interactive quizzes.