Movenpick SS Misr

SS Misr ship cruises on Nile River (Upper and Lower sections), on the routes between Cairo and Aswan, and between Aswan and Luxor. The 1918-built steamship was constructed in Preston (Victoria, Australia) for the Royal Navy. In 1938, the vessel was bought and converted into a luxurious "floating palace" for King Farouk I (Egypt's last monarch/reign 1936-1952). The name Misr means "Kingdom of Egypt". The vessel is currently owned by Movenpick Group and operated via its subsidiary company Movenpick Hotels and Resorts Egypt.

The shipowner Movenpick Group (founded 1973, headquarters in Baar, Switzerland) is a joint venture hotel company owned by Movenpick Holding (66,7%) and Kingdom Holding Company (Saudi Arabia, 33,3%). Movenpick operates around 110 hotels, resorts, and Nile cruise ships.

SS Misr's fleet mates (Movenpick-owned Nile cruisers) are Prince Abbas, Darakum, Hamees, MS Sun Ray, MS Royal Lotus, MS Royal Lily, SB Feddya.

When in 1952 Egypt's monarchy was overthrown, steamship Misr became state property. The boat was allocated to the Ministry of Irrigation, where languished in a shipyard in Cairo. Traveline bought it in 2003 and with special permission from state authorities, SS Misr was entirely rebuilt according to the original drawings. In 2006, the vessel was relaunched and since then is operated as a top-luxury hotel ship.

Today, the fully restored to a 5-star propeller steamship accommodates just 45 passengers in air-conditioned, spacious cabins and suites. Misr cruise ship is elegantly furnished throughout. Saraya Lounge, Dahabia Bar and Marasem Restaurant are on the higher decks and offer wonderful views of Nile River. The period-style restaurant is able to accommodate all passengers at one sitting. It is situated on the main deck and serves international cuisine. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style while dinner is waiter-served. Tables seat 6 to 8 people. Tea and coffee are offered on a complimentary basis during breakfast as well as Afternoon Tea service. Special dietary requests should be made (in writing) in advance. However, the ship is unable to guarantee some special requests and is not prepared to serve halal or kosher cuisine.

There is a lower sun deck with wicker chairs and Upper Sun Deck with comfortable sunbeds for relaxation and a pool. The attentive staff are always at hand to offer a cool beverage.  SS Misr also has a gift shop selling local (handmade) souvenirs.

Movenpick Nile cruise prices are inclusive of

• airport bus transfers (to/from the cruise ship in Luxor/Aswan)
• all bus transfers (by air-conditioned coaches)
• meet-and-greet service (upon arrival/departure)
• crew assistance (onboard and on tours), certified English-speaking tour guide (Egyptologist) on shore excursions
• stateroom/accommodation
• all excursions and entrance fees for sights listed in the cruise tour itinerary
• taxes and all service charges

Not included in Movenpick cruise fares are all optional tours, personal expenses, gratuities.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.