Movenpick SS Misr

SS Misr cruises the Nile River (Upper and Lower sections) on routes between Cairo and Aswan, and between Aswan and Luxor. Built in 1918 in Preston (Victoria, Australia) for the Royal Navy, the steamship was purchased in 1938 and converted into a luxurious floating palace for King Farouk I (Egypt’s last monarch, reigned 1936–1952). The name “Misr” means “Kingdom of Egypt.” The vessel is currently owned by Movenpick Group and operated by its subsidiary, Movenpick Hotels and Resorts Egypt.

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

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

After Egypt’s monarchy was overthrown in 1952, SS Misr became state property and was assigned to the Ministry of Irrigation, where she remained docked in a Cairo shipyard. In 2003, Traveline acquired the vessel and, with special authorization from the government, completely rebuilt her using the original plans. She was relaunched in 2006 and has since operated as a five-star luxury hotel ship.

Today, the fully restored 5-star steamship accommodates just 45 passengers in air-conditioned, spacious cabins and suites. The elegantly furnished Misr features the Saraya Lounge, Dahabia Bar, and Marasem Restaurant on the upper decks, offering panoramic Nile views. The period-style restaurant, located on the main deck, seats all guests at once and serves international cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while dinner is a la carte with waiter service. Tables seat six to eight guests. Tea and coffee are complimentary during breakfast and afternoon tea. Special dietary requests should be submitted in advance (in writing); however, halal and kosher meals cannot be guaranteed or provided.

The lower sun deck features wicker chairs, while the upper sun deck offers comfortable loungers for relaxation and a swimming pool. Attentive staff are always available to serve cool beverages. SS Misr also has a gift shop selling locally handmade souvenirs.

Movenpick Nile cruise fares include:

• airport transfers (to/from the cruise ship in Luxor or Aswan)
• all ground transfers by air-conditioned coach
• meet-and-greet service upon arrival/departure
• crew assistance onboard and during tours, with a certified English-speaking Egyptologist guide on excursions
• stateroom accommodation
• all excursions and entrance fees listed in the cruise itinerary
• taxes and all service charges

Not included in the fares are optional tours, personal expenses, and gratuities.

Note: You can find CruiseMapper’s complete list of river cruise ships and riverboats in the “Itinerary” section of our River Cruises hub, which includes all companies and their fleets.