3: Uniworld: The Finest In Luxury Travel
The S.S. Sphinx Or The River Tosca?
Uniworld’s two Nile ships, the S.S. Sphinx and the River Tosca both offer the same itinerary, but agents will need to match their clients to the ships.
“Guests do exactly the same experiences, they have the same shore excursions, the same activities and events—it’s really just about what décor appeals to your clients,” says Uniworld’s md ANZ Alice Ager.
Both ships have a pool, a shop, spa, a coffee corner and a rooftop bar.
If clients love the colourful landscape of Egypt, traditional décor and the bright blues of the staterooms, suggest the purpose-built S.S. Sphinx, which was the preferred ship of a number of the Kiwi agents, says Ager.
For those looking for a more understated luxury feel, the refreshed River Tosca delivers. (It also offers plush seating in the lounge and restaurant, as opposed to the traditional seating on the S.S. Sphinx.)
“There’s really not a lot in it. I would actually recommend don’t overthink it, both ships are absolutely stunning,” says Ager. “Whatever ship you’re on you sorta fall in love with it.”
. . . Groups
For agents selling groups on the Nile, Ager points out that the all-suite River Tosca can offer a standard room type, which she says is especially popular with ship charters. The S.S. Sphinx is suited for those looking for a mix of cabin types within a group, she adds. See more from Ager in this clip HERE.
. . The Abu Simbel Add-on
Pictured: Uniworld offers an optional Abu Simbel excursion that includes early morning flights to the iconic temple, a couple of hours to explore, and then back to the ship for lunch. The Kiwi group is pictured at the temple, which was moved to higher ground after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
Dining on the Nile
Dining is definitely a highlight for passengers travelling on Uniworld’s S.S. Sphinx and River Tosca ships.
Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, and there’s changing barbequed meats, salads and sauces on offer as well as a traditional Egyptian share plate for the table at lunch.
The onboard soups were also a hit with the Kiwis. Dinner is a changing selection of western favourites, as well as the option to sample some local fare. There’s also a vegetarian option.
Let's Talk Mobility
Egypt is really a destination for those who are mobile. Ancient Egypt was not built with modern accessibility standards in mind, and a luxury cruise product cannot turn an ancient archaeological site into a fully-accessible attraction.
There can be uneven ancient stone surfaces, steps and some steep descents into the tombs.
A Nile cruise provides an excellent base from which to explore Egypt, but the excursions still involve walking, steps and uneven surfaces.