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Dahabiya
Cruises were
common in
Egypt in the
days of the
monarchy
(1920s-40s)
when
aristocrats
and
sophisticated
travelers
loved to
cruise the
Nile in
style.
-
They rented
the boats
for weeks at
a time, and
made their
way from
temple to
temple
enjoying the
river
breeze.
-
The boats
had four to
ten cabins,
bathrooms
and a host
of servants.
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The
dahabiyya's
were popular
amongst
those who
wished to
enjoy Egypt
at a
leisurely
pace, to
drink in the
landscapes,
and peruse
the
monuments
and villages
on the
riverbanks.
-
Dahabiya
have revived
those
elegant
days, but
with modern
comforts and
conveniences.
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Many
visitors
come to
Egypt
expressly to
fulfill
their dream
of sailing
the Nile.
-
Most of them
have been
obliged to
do this on
large,
fast-moving
cruise
boats.
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Dahabiya
allow you to
experience
the Nile 's
romance in
an intimate,
privileged
setting.
Relying on
the soft
river
currents, it
will take
you back in
time to a
gentler,
more
gracious
era.
-
Dahabiya
are
beautifully
crafted
wooden
ships,
outfitted in
colonial
style with
oriental and
Egyptian
touches.
-
The
interiors
boast period
furnishing,
and each
cabin has
its own
decorative
atmosphere.
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Some cabins
offer two
single beds
and others
have a
double.
-
Each
Dahabiya
comfortably
accommodates
twelve
passengers.
-
The cabins
are located
towards the
front of the
boat on the
starboard
and port
sides,
separated by
a central
corridor.
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The communal
lounge
covers the
width of the
boat, and is
a lovely
setting for
enjoying
meals.
Engines will
only be used
if wind is
insufficient
to sail, but
generators
are
available to
provide
electricity.
