The signing of an agreement for a second newbuild luxury riverboat, a replica of the forthcoming Nile Seray, marks a major expansion of the A&K Sanctuary Nile fleet.
To be built by Egyptian shipyard The Arab Contractors (Osman Ahmed Osman & Co.), the sister ship will follow Nile Seray—scheduled for delivery in late 2026—with an expected launch in 2028. According to the company, the project represents the most significant fleet expansion in A&K’s nearly five decades of operating on the Nile.
The new vessel, whose name will be unveiled in the coming months, will replicate the “sophisticated design and spacious accommodations” of Nile Seray. The ship will feature 32 suites for just 64 guests, each offering a minimum of 355 square feet, floor-to-ceiling windows and waterside Juliet balconies. Two flagship suites will include full private balconies with outdoor spa pools overlooking the river.
“This second vessel represents our absolute confidence in Egypt’s enduring appeal and our commitment to setting new standards in Nile cruising,” said Cristina Levis, CEO of AKTG. “Having two sister ships of this caliber allows us to offer even more travelers the exceptional experiences that have defined A&K’s presence in Egypt since 1977.”
The announcement continues A&K’s long-standing legacy on the Nile, which began when founder Geoffrey Kent launched the company’s first Nile cruise onboard the SS Memnon in 1977, inspired by a chance encounter with David Niven during filming of Death on the Nile. With the addition of the two new vessels, A&K’s Egyptian fleet will expand to six luxury craft, joining the Zein Nile Chateau and the Sun Boat III and IV riverboats.
“Egypt is experiencing a remarkable renaissance in luxury tourism, and we’re proud to be at the forefront of this transformation,” said Amr Badr, Senior Vice President for Egypt and the Middle East at A&K. “These new vessels represent not just an expansion of our fleet, but a deepening of our commitment to Egypt and its people.”
Onboard amenities will include two restaurants led by world-class chefs, a spa with two treatment rooms, a gymnasium, and an expansive top deck featuring canopied daybeds, a swimming pool, and an outdoor bar with panoramic views. Expert Egyptologists will accompany excursions to bring the country’s rich history to life.
The expansion comes at a pivotal moment, following the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and rising demand for A&K’s Tailormade holidays. It also forms part of AKTG’s global investment in its Sanctuary portfolio. “These vessels embody our understanding that luxury today is defined not by excess, but by space, authenticity, and the quality of experience,” Levis said.
