By
Alex Smith |
Abercrombie & Kent Travel Group (AKTG) has signed an agreement with Egyptian shipbuilder The Arab Contractors to construct a second luxury river cruise ship, a sister vessel to Nile Seray.
Nile Seray is scheduled for delivery in late 2026, with its sister ship now set to follow in 2028, marking the biggest expansion of A&K’s Egyptian fleet in nearly five decades.
The new vessel, whose name will be revealed in the coming months, will replicate the design and accommodations of Nile Seray. It will feature 32 suites for 64 guests, each offering at least 33 square metres of space, floor-to-ceiling windows, and waterside Juliet balconies. Two suites will include full private balconies with outdoor spa pools overlooking the river.
“This second vessel represents our absolute confidence in Egypt’s enduring appeal and our commitment to setting new standards in Nile cruising,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of AKTG. “Having two sister ships of this calibre allows us to offer even more travellers the exceptional experiences that have defined A&K’s presence in Egypt since 1977.”
A&K’s has been sailing on the Nile since founder Geoffrey Kent’s first Nile cruise in 1977, inspired by a meeting with David Niven on the set of Death on the Nile. With the expansion, A&K’s Egyptian fleet will grow to six vessels, including the Zein Nile Chateau dahabiya and the Sun Boat III and IV riverboats.
The new vessel will replicate the design and accommodations of Nile Seray
“Egypt is experiencing a remarkable renaissance in luxury tourism, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation,” said Amr Badr, Senior Vice President for Egypt and the Middle East at A&K. “These new vessels represent not just an expansion of our fleet, but a deepening of our commitment to Egypt and its people.”
The vessel will offer two restaurants led by world-class chefs, a spa with two treatment rooms, a gym, and a top deck featuring a swimming pool, canopied daybeds, and an outdoor bar with panoramic Nile views. Every journey will include expert Egyptologists to bring the region’s history to life.
The new build forms part of AKTG’s wider Sanctuary portfolio, which spans South America, Africa, and North America. Recent additions include the Pure Amazon in Peru, the reimagined Gorilla Forest Lodge in Uganda, and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana. Future openings include Kitirua Plains Lodge in Kenya (mid-2026) and a luxury retreat in Moab, Utah.
“Egypt has always held a special place in A&K’s story,” added Levis. “These vessels reflect our vision of luxury as space, authenticity, and quality of experience — deeply personal, beautifully crafted, and rooted in genuine connection to place.”