CALABASAS, CA — AmaWaterways celebrated the launch of its newest ship – AmaDahlia – on the Nile River earlier this month, sailing the Secrets of Egypt & The Nile itinerary.

During the festivities, co-founders Rudi Schreiner and Kristin Karst surprised the ship’s first passengers by joining them for a cocktail hour at the five-star Four Seasons Hotel Cairo At The First Residence where all guests enjoyed their four-day pre-cruise land packages.

Passengers then boarded the ship in Luxor where they were greeted by local musicians and an Egyptian whirling dervish performance before exploring the AmaDahlia and embarking on their 7-night river cruise.

“I am absolutely delighted to have our wonderful new AmaDahlia sailing the Nile River,” said Kristin Karst, executive vice president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “It was truly such a joy to be with our guests as together we discovered the beautiful setting on board, reflecting the local culture and distinctive art of the region. Egypt has a very special place in my heart, and I am so excited to have many more guests experience the beauty of AmaDahlia and the unparalleled experiences that this itinerary offers.”

In addition to having the river cruise line’s co-founders present during the ship’s inaugural sailing, guests also had the opportunity to interact with AmaWaterways’ Egyptian partner, Ahmed Atef El Wassief, president of Wings for Tourism Investment – an integrated travel services company known for its dedication to hospitality and professionalism and close collaboration with international partners.

“We are so appreciative of our Egyptian partners, who helped us launch AmaDahlia on time to start her inaugural season as planned this September,” said Rudi Schreiner, president and co-founder of AmaWaterways. “Their local experience has been critical throughout all the design and construction period and we look forward to continuing to work together to share the iconic wonders of Egypt with our guests.”

The 72-passenger AmaDahlia has 36 staterooms including 16 suites between 370 and 430 square feet. Amenities include a swimming pool and bar on the Sun Deck, as well as locally sourced cuisine at the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Al Fresco Restaurant.

AmaDahlia’s immersive 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile itinerary operates seasonally from September through June each year, sailing roundtrip from Luxor to Aswan with intra-Egypt flights between Cairo and Luxor. Days are spent discovering the Temple of Luxor and Valley of Kings and Queens, the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza.

The 11-night cruise and land itinerary includes three nights in Cairo pre-cruise and one-night in Cairo post-cruise, where guests stay in the Four Seasons Hotel and enjoy an exclusive private tour and special farewell lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace. Optional extensions include pre-program, three nights in Dubai or four nights in Jordan (Amman and Petra) and post-program, four nights in Israel (Jerusalem).

AmaWaterways requires all guests to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their river cruise. For those who’ve received the Pfizer, Moderna or AstraZeneca shots, they must be fully vaccinated at least 14 days prior to their sailing date. Those who’ve received Johnson & Johnson must be fully vaccinated at least 28 days prior to their departure.

For entry into Egypt, travelers must present a printed negative PCR test and complete and carry with them a Egyptian Health Declaration Form. Passengers are also asked to refer to AmaWaterways’ outline of Travel Entry Requirements.