Oberoi group set to launch cruiser Zahra on the Nile

New Delhi: Hospitality major Oberoi group is all set to launch its luxury cruiser on the Nile, The Oberoi Zahra, in October this year. The only all-suite cruiser on the Nile that visits historic sites between Luxor and Aswan, the luxury boat comes with on-board Spa and private docking in select cities. This will be the second cruise ship managed by the Oberoi Group, which has been offering the service since 1995.

There are over 300 cruise boats that regularly sail on the Nile, taking tourists to popular sites on the banks. Tour operators say the famous Egyptian Pyramids are attracting attention of many discerning Indian travellers. However, the bulk of tourists visiting Egypt come from United States and Europe.

“In our new luxury cruiser, the journey would be as important as reaching the destination,” said a group spokesperson. “The idea is to re-define the paradigm of luxury on the Nile,” she added.

The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser comes with 25 luxury suites and two Grand suites. The Grand suites have their own private decks and outdoor Jacuzzis.

“The Oberoi Zahra will be the only cruiser on the Nile with four massage suites, each with shower and steam room,” a senior company executive said. All suites come with LCD TV and wireless internet connectivity. Egyptologist lectures and astronomy sessions are part of the seven-day itinerary. The boat has a private auditorium, library and a cigar lounge for the guests.

The Oberoi Zahra would be among the very few cruisers on the Nile that has private docking in certain cities. “This allows guests to disembark and visit sites at leisure,” said a company executive.

The Oberoi Group operates in five countries including India, Egypt, Mauritius, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia with 32 properties.