Movenpick MS Darakum

MS Movenpick Darakum was launched in 2008 and has since operated on Nile River cruises in Egypt. This premium riverboat features Moroccan-inspired interior design, top-quality service, and 5-star hotel facilities and amenities.

The shipowner, Movenpick Group (founded in 1973, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland), is a joint venture between Movenpick Holding (66.7%) and Kingdom Holding Company (Saudi Arabia, 33.3%). Movenpick operates around 110 hotels, resorts, and Nile cruise ships.

MS Darakum’s fleetmates (Movenpick-owned Nile cruisers) include SS Misr (steamship), Prince Abbas, Hamees, MS Sun Ray, MS Royal Lotus, MS Royal Lily, and SB Feddya.

Cabins

MS Darakum has a total of 44 cabins (Standard and Superior categories) and 8 Suites. All staterooms are designed and furnished to the highest standards. Standard cabin amenities include King-size (double) or twin beds, premium bedding (100% Egyptian cotton sheets, pillow menu), a large wardrobe, flat LCD TV (satellite reception, on-demand movies), minibar, refrigerator, electronic safe box, two life jackets (in the closet), phone (internal ship calls), hairdryer, bottled water (replenished daily), tea and coffee-making facilities, and an en-suite bathroom (wood-paneled, with fixed shower, bathtub, WC, single-sink vanity, bathrobes, slippers, and premium toiletries). Each cabin is air-conditioned with individual controls and includes evening turndown service.

The Suites feature a separate lounge/seating area, while Senior Suites include a second bathroom.

• (Lower Deck) Main Restaurant; Standard and Superior cabins (20 m² / 215 ft²) with small, non-opening square windows. These cabins can be booked for sole occupancy without a single supplement, subject to availability.
• (Main Deck) Light and airy glass-panelled Reception area. All Standard and Superior cabins on this and higher decks feature large picture windows with an opening panel.
• (Upper Deck) Senior Suites (40 m² / 430 ft²), forward-facing Panorama Suites (34 m² / 365 ft²), Rear Sun Deck, Fitness Room (mini-gym), and Onboard Shop.
• (Top Deck) Two Senior Suites (34 m² / 365 ft²), Main Bar, and Lower Sun Deck.
• (Sun Deck) Open-Air Bar, plunge pool, sofas, armchairs, and loungers.

Shipboard facilities

MS Darakum offers a variety of dining and entertainment options. The Main Dining Room (Lower Deck) serves buffet-style themed meals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as waiter-served options. Cooking lessons and wine tastings are available at an additional charge. The Lounge Bar offers Afternoon Tea, premium cocktails, board games, daily lectures, and live evening entertainment (shows, dancing, themed parties). The Sun Deck Bar serves both the pool area (furnished with loungers) and the shaded seating zone.

Active guests can enjoy the onboard Gym equipped with modern fitness machines. The Gift Shop sells travel essentials, branded jewelry, and handmade Egyptian souvenirs. Laundry services are available at extra cost.

Movenpick Nile Cruise Itineraries

MS Darakum operates Nile River itineraries between the homeports of Luxor and Aswan, as well as extended cruises between Luxor/Aswan and Cairo (including domestic flight transfers). Cruise durations vary between 3-day (Aswan–Luxor), 4-day (Luxor–Aswan), 7-day (roundtrip from Luxor), 9-day (Luxor–Cairo), 11-day (Cairo–Luxor), 12-day (Aswan–Cairo), and 14-day (Cairo–Aswan). Departures are scheduled on Mondays (from Luxor) and Fridays (from Aswan).

Below are examples of the ship’s 10-day and 14-day cruise tour itineraries, showing port sequences and double-occupancy prices per person.

10-day Cairo to Luxor (from USD 2550 per person)

14-day Cairo to Aswan (from USD 3200 per person)

Movenpick Nile cruise fares include:

• Airport transfers (to/from the cruise ship in Luxor/Aswan)
• All transfers by air-conditioned coaches
• Meet-and-greet service upon arrival/departure
• Crew and certified English-speaking Egyptologist guide assistance (onboard and ashore)
• Accommodation onboard
• All excursions and entrance fees listed in the itinerary
• Taxes and service charges

Optional tours, personal expenses, and gratuities are not included in the fare.

Note: The complete list of river cruise ships and riverboats is available in the “itinerary” section of CruiseMapper’s River Cruises hub, which includes all companies and their fleets.