Ships
Zein Nile Chateau
Overview
About This Ship
Glamorous, intimate and quintessentially Egyptian, Zein Nile Chateau was the first dahabiya of its kind, a loving recreation of its 19th-century predecessors, and one of the most charming sights on the river today – wood-clad, slender and low, with billowing sails fore and aft, and an ever-graceful air. With capacity for just 12 guests, it is available exclusively for private charter, its diminutive stature enabling it to dock where typical river cruisers can’t, for a truly bespoke adventure. This is what sailing on the Nile was always meant to be.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE Zein Nile Chateau, an A&K Sanctuary:
- The smallest of the A&K Sanctuary fleet, able to dock where others can't
- Offers a day-by-day, expert-guided introduction to 5,000 years’ worth of history
- Bespoke itineraries between Luxor and Aswan tailored to guests’ wishes
- The chance to visit less familiar sites such as Gabal Selsela, where the Nile narrows
- Stylish sun deck with dipping pool and comfortable daybeds
Deck Plans
Observation Deck
Upper Deck
Main Deck
Accommodations
Setting
WHAT TO EXPECT
The River Nile wends its way more than 4,000 miles from Lake Victoria to the Mediterranean Sea. Yet it’s the 130-mile section between Aswan and Luxor in southern Egypt that exerts the most powerful hold on the collective imagination. Here are many of the largest, most elaborate and intriguing structures built in ancient times, including the massive Temple of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Greco-Egyptian shrine to Isis at Philae. The river and landscape themselves possess an elemental beauty; expect ruby-red sunsets over groves of palms and endless amber desert.
DAY-TO-DAY
Zein Nile Chateau offers four-to-seven-night itineraries departing from Luxor, travelling upstream to Aswan then returning to Luxor. Because it operates as an exclusive-use charter, itineraries can be adapted to guests’ wishes. Throughout the journey, you’ll be immersed in more than 5,000 years’ worth of uniquely rich history. Twice-daily excursions to must-see sites in the company of an expert guide will help you get your dynasties in order. In between, there’s plenty of time to relax and enjoy the onboard amenities. Naturally the lounge and Arabian-themed Sun Deck provide highly convivial points of focus, further enlivened, on occasion, by the presence of oud musicians, belly dancers and whirling dervishes.
Accommodation
WHAT TO EXPECT
Elegant on the outside – even more elegant on the inside. Zein Nile Chateau is something of a Nile icon, renowned for the discreet sumptuousness of its four deluxe cabins and two suites, all individually decorated in a manner calculated to recall specific aspects of Egyptian history and culture.
CABINS & SUITES
• Four Deluxe Cabins and two signature suites, Farouk and Napoleon
• Each cabin or suite has its own distinctive design theme
• Four king-size double beds and two twins, all with Egyptian linen
• Complimentary minibar stocked with soft drinks and water
• Coffee and tea selection
• Nightly turn-down service
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Amenities including bathrobes and slippers, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, mosquito repellent and vanity kit. Toothbrushes, toothpaste and shaving kits are also available on request
Dining
A cruise aboard Zein Nile Chateau is effectively two adventures in one – one that takes place on and around the Nile, and one that takes place three times a day in the riverboat’s elegant dining room (four times a day, if you count afternoon tea).
Zein Nile Chateau’s award-winning onboard chef delivers impeccable cuisine reflecting not only the unique flavours of the region (don’t miss his excellent kushari, a spicy mix of black lentils, rice and chickpeas with tomato and fried onion) but also the full diversity of the Middle East. A well-rounded complement of familiar international options is available, too, at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Naturally there is a carefully curated selection of wines and spirits to provide just the right accompaniment to every dish, occasion or whim. Individual dietary requirements, including fully vegetarian menus and menus for children, are scrupulously catered for.
Gallery
