Hilton Is Launching a Nile River Cruise Sailing

Hilton recently announced it's expanding its global footprint—but it might not be in the way you expect. The hotel giant's luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria, is entering the cruise game with a Nile River itinerary that will take place in 2026.

In April, the hotel brand, along with Middle East For Nile Cruisers, announced the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience, a cruise designed to “bring Waldorf Astoria’s signature elegant service to Africa's longest and most renowned river,” as per the press release.

As Hilton explained in the statement, it will soon offer travelers four or six-night itineraries, either down the Nile from Luxor , Egypt, to Aswan , Egypt, or up the river in the opposite direction, departing from its private docks at either point. 

“Waldorf Astoria is in an incredible new era of luxury, creating unforgettable, immersive experiences in the most sought-after destinations,” Dino Michael, the senior vice president and global head of Hilton Luxury Brands, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure. “… This new destination experience offers guests a spectacular view of Egypt, and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard this one-of-a-kind experience when it launches next year.”

During the sailings, guests will get the chance to explore the temples in Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, as well as go on guided tours to cultural attractions at stops across Egypt, including Esna, Kom Ombo, and Edfu.

While there will undoubtedly be plenty to do off the ship, the star of the show here may just be the vessel itself. 

According to Hilton, the ship that the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience has five decks and just 29 suites, ensuring personalized service from the moment you step on board. While there are only renderings of the rooms (for now), the vision includes light wood floors, bright white linens, separate sleeping and living spaces, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open to verandas, allowing the Egyptian sun to illuminate every inch of the ship. 

There will also be all the luxe amenities travelers could hope to have, including a “state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa,” along with “distinctive food and drink experiences,” such as Waldorf Astoria’s signature Peacock Alley, a brasserie that will serve Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. However, the best perk of all will undoubtedly be the ship's rooftop deck, where guests can savor the Nile views both day and night. 

This, however, isn't Hilton's first foray into Egypt. The company noted in its statement that it currently has 14 hotels sprinkled across the nation and is “set to triple its presence” there through its lifestyle brands. And, as Michael added, this new sailing is just the beginning of the adventures to come from the brand, with the “anticipated opening of the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York, and debuting in destinations including the most recent openings in Osaka and Costa Rica, and into the future with Sydney, London, Jaipur and many more.”

Sailings are set to kick off in late 2026, so stay tuned to Hilton's website for booking details.