As one of the world’s biggest and most recognisable hospitality brands, Hilton is making waves with its first foray into luxury cruising via its flagship brand, Waldorf Astoria. The plan is to bring the high-end styling of Astoria to an ultra-luxe river cruise along Egypt’s iconic Nile River. The ship is expected to begin sailing in early 2026 and hopes to mirror the experience of its land-based counterparts.
But Hilton’s Nile cruise is only the latest in a series of moves intended to take advantage of current travel trends. Recently, this has included new openings in Maestra, Venice, to debuting the Waldorf Astoria in Osaka and opening LXR properties in stunning locales like Bali and the Seychelles. And of course, this announcement comes hot off the fluffy heels of the iconic 2024 collaboration with Paris Hilton, that brought glittery pink strawberry waffles (yes, the glitter was edible) to the breakfast table in Hilton’s prolific Hampton hotels.
A New Ship to Sail the Nile
Designed as a small ship cruise with just 29 suites, Hilton’s Nile ship promises Waldorf’s blend of old-world sophistication, with a touch of 20th-century river cruising romance, and modern ammenities like a spa and a state-of-the-art fitness centre.
The ship will cruise between Luxor and Aswan, offering various itineraries following Egypt’s enthralling history. Many of Egypt’s major sights will be covered: Luxor’s grand temples, the Valley of the Kings, and Edfu’s Temple of Horus, and every guest will have access to a personal concierge to fine-tune the experience. Conveniently, Hilton has secured private docking facilities in both Luxor and Aswan, promising seamless transitions to on-land excursions from the ship.
Suites are modern with a subtle nod to contemporary Egyptian heritage, finished in natural tones and embellished with large windows from which to enjoy the view. There will be multiple dining choices, including an onboard version of Waldorf’s signature Peacock Alley restaurant.
The inaugural sailing of the Hilton Nile Cruise is scheduled for late 2026, but until then, here’s our handpicked selection of the world’s best discovery yachts and some of the most exclusive adventure cruises everywhere from the Amazon to Antarctica.
