Hilton is the latest hospitality heavyweight to dive into cruises.
The American company has announced its flagship luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria, will begin offering voyages next year, bringing even more of the five-star hotel experience to the water.
Kicking off in late 2026, the new Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience will allow travelers to explore the world’s longest river in the lap of luxury. Ranging from four to six nights, the itineraries will spotlight some of Egypt’s most famous landmarks. The routes run either downriver from Luxor to Aswan or upriver from Aswan to Luxor, with private docks in both locations. Guests will be able to see historic temples in the Valley of the Kings, as well as many more cultural attractions in Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. Each stop will provide extraordinary insight into Egypt’s rich history, according to Waldorf Astoria.
The hotel brand didn’t specify the ship it will use for the experience, but says it will feature five decks and 29 suites. It will offer hotel-like amenities, toom such as a high-tech fitness center, a lavish spa, and a rooftop deck. Gourmands will also be catered to, with the Waldorf Astoria’s signature Peacock Alley serving up refined dishes and a brasserie offering Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. Guests can expect the finest Waldorf Astoria service throughout their stay, with personal concierges at their whim.
A render of the lounge in the suite.
Hilton
“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,” Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head, Hilton Luxury Brands, said in a statement.
Hilton helms some 24 brands that collectively comprise more than 8,600 properties across the globe. It currently operates 14 hotels in Egypt, but is set to triple its presence with plans to open 35 hotels in the country. Waldorf Astoria itself has 34 locations worldwide, including a 589-room hotel in Cairo that opened in 2023. Focusing on Egypt is a smart move: The country welcomed 3.9 million tourists during the first quarter of 2025, marking a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year.
There are, however, several players offering high-end cruises along the Nile, such as Viking and Ama Waterways. (You can charter a luxury yacht to sail the world-famous river, too.) Waldorf Astoria is also quite late to the cruising game: Ritz-Carlton, Belmond, Aman, and Four Seasons have all launched or are planning to launch cruise liners. But hey, there’s nothing like a little friendly competition to help raise the bar.
