The Quick Answer
The most unique way to see the Nile is on a dahabiya. It is a small, traditional sailing boat with real cabins. It is quiet and slow. It is not for everyone, so we also offer big ships. We have both.
THE MAIN WAYS TO SEE THE NILE.
There are a few ways to see the Nile. Each one feels very different.
| Way | What it is | The feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Big cruise ship | A floating hotel with many cabins. | Lively, with lots of facilities. | Travelers who want more space, more venues and more people. |
| Felucca | A simple open sailing boat. | Basic. Very close to the water. | A short sunset sail. Most rides are short. |
| Dahabiya | A traditional Nile sailing boat with real cabins. | Small, quiet and slow. Luxury on board. | Couples, friends and small groups. |
| Hot-air balloon | A short flight over Luxor at sunrise. | A view from above. | An add-on. It is not a way to travel the river. |
We offer the two boat types: dahabiyas and big ships. Below, you will see why we think the dahabiya is the most unique.
WHY A DAHABIYA IS THE MOST UNIQUE.
A dahabiya is a traditional sailing boat from the Nile. It has big sails. It is small. It looks nothing like a cruise ship.
Dahabiyas are built around big sails. Nawara sails first and keeps an engine as backup.
Our dahabiyas have 8 to 12 cabins. Our big ships have 70.
You watch the river go by. There is no rush.
A shallow hull lets a dahabiya stop where big ships cannot. Ask us which stops each boat makes.
Pools, spas and Jacuzzi Suites, on a traditional boat.
WHAT ABOUT A BIG SHIP?
A big ship is not a worse choice. It is a different one.
Lady Carol and Lady Mary each have 70 cabins on five decks. Each has a pool, a spa and a gym. Lady Carol’s restaurant seats 140. Lady Mary’s seats 160.
You get more space and more facilities. You also share the Nile with more guests. Pick a big ship if you like a lively, hotel-style trip.
OUR NILE BOATS.
Here are all five. Each card links to the full listing.
Want to see them side by side? Visit our Nile cruises page.
HOW TO CHOOSE.
Not sure? Ask us. We will help you pick.
SEE ALL OF EGYPT FROM THE WATER.
Egypt has two great waters: the Nile and the Red Sea. Boreas runs trips on both. On the Red Sea, we have our own 50 m superyacht.
Not sure which to pick, the river or the sea? Read our guide: A Nile Cruise or a Sea Voyage.
Questions About Seeing the Nile
What is the most unique way to see the Nile?
A dahabiya. It is a small, traditional sailing boat with real cabins. It is quiet and slow. Our dahabiyas are Nile Divine, Nawara and Nile Majestic.
What is a dahabiya?
A dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing boat. It has big sails and a shallow hull. Ours have 8 to 12 cabins and modern comforts.
Is a dahabiya better than a felucca?
They are very different. A felucca is a simple open boat, often for a short ride. A dahabiya has cabins, meals and service, so you can stay on board.
Is a dahabiya better than a big cruise ship?
Neither is better. A dahabiya is small and quiet. A big ship has more people and more facilities. We offer both. Ask us to help you pick.
Which dahabiya should I pick?
Nile Divine has the fewest cabins and a spa. Nawara has a heated pool, a gym, a yoga deck and Jacuzzi Suites. Nile Majestic has a pool sundeck and full Nile-view rooms.
Do big Nile ships have pools?
Yes. Lady Carol and Lady Mary each have a pool, a spa and a gym.
Can I see the Red Sea too?
Yes. Boreas also runs Red Sea trips on its own 50 m superyacht. Ask us about adding the Red Sea to your Nile trip.
How do I book?
Contact us. Tell us your group size and when you want to travel. We reply within 24 hours and help you pick a boat.
See the Nile in a Way Few Travelers Do
Tell us when you want to travel and how many guests. We reply within 24 hours.