Century Cruises is expanding its international presence by turning its attention to Egypt for the 2027 season, announcing its debut on the Nile with two new itineraries dedicated to discovering the country's history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes.
The entry into the Egyptian market marks another milestone in the company's growth strategy. With more than 30 years of experience operating luxury river cruises on China's Yangtze River, and following its more recent expansion into Europe, Century Cruises is now bringing its expertise to one of the world's most iconic waterways. The decision to launch Nile cruises comes after years of planning and in response to requests from loyal guests eager to experience the Century Cruises style on one of the world's most famous rivers.
David Fredericks, President and General Manager of Century Cruises Inc., explained that guests had been asking the company to expand to the Nile for several years. Century Cruises ultimately decided to answer that demand, recognizing Egypt as one of the world's most extraordinary destinations and an ideal setting to deliver an experience that reflects the company's core values: elegant ships, high standards of service, authentic cultural experiences, and excellent value for money.
Fredericks also emphasized that the 2027 launch represents only the first phase of a project intended to grow further. The company plans to progressively expand its presence on the Nile by introducing additional departures and deploying more vessels in the years ahead.
For its inaugural Egyptian season, Century Cruises will offer two itineraries. The first, Treasures of the Nile, is an 11-day journey connecting Cairo and Luxor, taking guests through some of Egypt's most iconic landmarks. The itinerary places particular emphasis on the country's ancient history and cultural heritage and is especially designed for first-time visitors to Egypt. The second itinerary, Legends of Egypt, spans 15 days and combines the Nile cruise with a four-day extension in Hurghada on the Red Sea. Following the river cruise, guests can relax at a seaside resort or take part in activities included in the program, such as scuba diving, camel excursions, and desert adventures. Both itineraries are designed to combine cruising with a carefully curated program of sightseeing and activities, offering guests a deeper understanding of the destination.
Century Cruises' packages include a wide range of services designed to provide a seamless travel experience. Round-trip airfare from the United States, private transfers, three nights in Cairo, and seven nights aboard MS Terramar are all included, along with guided sightseeing and gourmet dining. Beer and wine are included during lunch and dinner, together with a selection of shore excursions from the company's Signature Collection. For the Legends of Egypt itinerary, the package also includes transfers to Hurghada, three nights at a resort, daily excursions, meals, and return transportation to Cairo.
A key feature of the experience is the Heritage Collection, a carefully curated selection of excursions created by Century Cruises to provide a more authentic immersion into Egypt's history and culture. These exclusive experiences are designed to offer privileged access and unique moments available only to the company's guests.
The itineraries will be operated by MS Terramar, a vessel designed to deliver an intimate and personalized cruising experience. The ship features 20 cabins, each with a private balcony overlooking the Nile. Accommodations range from the 323-square-foot (approximately 30-square-meter) Junior Suite to the 463-square-foot (approximately 43-square-meter) Royal Panoramic Suite. Onboard facilities include spacious accommodations, a restaurant serving international cuisine, a swimming pool, a spa, a fitness center, and evening entertainment. The onboard experience is further enriched by lectures focusing on the history of Egypt and the vital role the Nile has played throughout the centuries—and continues to play—in the country's development. The choice of a smaller vessel reflects the company's philosophy of offering a more personal cruising experience and a closer connection with each destination.
The launch in Egypt forms part of Century Cruises' broader strategy to develop river cruise itineraries with a strong cultural focus, combining destination discovery with a high standard of service.
Following its success on the Yangtze River and its expansion into Europe, the Nile represents another important milestone in the company's international growth. Century Cruises aims to gradually expand its Egyptian program in line with demand, adding new departures and introducing additional vessels over the coming years.
Gabriele Bassi