Fully refurbished in 2024, the MS Darakum 'perfectly blends modern elegance with oriental charm', making it a truly elegant way to cruise the Nile in luxury.

One of the largest ships on the Nile, with 52 cabins and suites, the five-star ship is managed by the renowned Swiss hospitality company, Mövenpick, and has been designed with a low draft in order to navigate the full length of the Nile in Egypt.

The MS Mövenpick Darakum is currently one of only two five-star vessels cruising the Nile from Cairo all the way to Aswan - so this cruise is very much a bucket list experience!

Appointed to the highest specification and imaginatively furnished with a distinctive Moroccan theme, the MS Darakum offers extensive open deck space on three levels, with plenty sun loungers, sofas and armchairs to relax in. The pool on the sun deck is perfect for a cooling dip. The spacious, yet cosy lounge bar is the social hub of the ship, with board games and evening entertainment including music, wine-tasting and cookery lesson, a black & white party, the ever-popular ‘galabiya’ party and even a belly dancer!

Giving a gratuity is entirely at your discretion, so we have not included these in your holiday cost, and we don't add it as a set percentage.

If you would like to tip the staff, a good guideline is to give €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate.

If you do choose to give a gratuity, there will usually be an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening. This is for you to be able include any tips, and you can then drop it off at reception the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.

Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.

Appointed to the highest specification and imaginatively furnished with a distinctive Moroccan theme. All cabins have tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary bottled water, hotel style beds, wood panelled bathrooms with fixed shower and bath and complimentary toiletries.

Located on the lower deck is the main restaurant, serving a varied buffet dinner every evening.

A daily programme is produced on board and delivered to your cabin each evening, detailing the following day’s activities.

On our river cruises we love to take you right into the heart of each town or city you visit along the way, and during your cruise local guides will offer a variety of guided walking tours, panoramic coach tours and/or visits to museums and local cultural favourites such as a wine tasting in Burgundy and a train journey through the Swiss mountains.

You will have a good mix of touring and free time to learn about the history and the little quirks of each place, with plenty of time to explore at your own leisure. Please check the itinerary of the cruise for more specific details.

Visits to places of interest are organised for most of the days of your holiday, but it it is not compulsory that you go on all the included experiences that have been arranged.

Please note: entrance fees to museums are not usually included in the price of your holiday.

On board you will find a spacious sun deck with loungers, sofas and armchairs, a lounge and bar area to relax in, evening music entertainment and a selection of board games to enjoy.

There is a small fitness area and a plunge pool on the sun deck.

Please note: there are no dedicated kids or teens facilities onboard.