Take me to the river
The Oberoi is a household name when it comes to Nile river cruises. They’ve dialed in the experience, which is why we’re eagerly awaiting the launch of two new luxury Dahabeya boats in early 2025. Here’s what you need to know.
High-end Cruising Is In
If you thought you knew cruises, think again. Luxury ships are redefining what a cruise can be. Think more yacht than floating metropolis. Even the most avowed "never-cruisers" are beginning to test the waters.
The ships we're most excited about
Introducing Windstar's newest ship, Star Seeker
Windstar’s newest ship, the Star Seeker, is now accepting bookings for its inaugural season, which starts January, 2026 (when it comes to cruises, the more lead time, the better). Choose from sailings in the Caribbean, Alaska and Japan. You’ll love any one of the 112 cabins, which are decked out with luxury bedding and fully stocked (and complimentary) mini-bars. Even better, most suites have a private veranda or floor-to-ceiling windows framing prime ocean views.
A 1:2 guest-to-staff ration will ensure you’re treated like royalty, and gourmet dining will keep you well fed throughout your journey, regardless of its duration — journeys range from seven to 49 days. Get ready to set sail.
Image courtesy of Windstar
Dahabeya is Arabic for “golden one.” True to its name, dahabeya sailboats were traditionally used by royalty for hundreds of years. The Oberoi has preserved the boats’ regal tradition and history, outfitting the interiors with Egyptian craftsmanship. But the luxury brand has enlisted the help of designer Karim Mekhtigian and his studio, Kyme - an Alchemy Studio. Mekhtigian and his team masterfully combined cultural touchpoints and historic significance with contemporary, luxurious design.
The boats’ smaller, more intimate size ensures hyper-personalized service and exclusive access to remote docking locations unreachable by other boats.
Each dahabeya — the Melouk and Malekat — will have a mere seven cabins, and will hold a maximum of 14 guests. All rooms are located on the side of the boat, to maximize space, and all face the Nile.
Expect an indoor-outdoor lounge equipped with books, cocktails, tea, coffee and snacks. Cozy up on a comfy, plush chair and read your literary selection amid handpicked artwork. The elevated deck will have a plunge pool, with some of the best views you’ll encounter. In between swims, stop by the pool bar for masterful craft cocktails. Inside, the Oberoi spa room overlooks the Nile and comes with a steam room and sauna. Don’t miss the spa’s signature treatment, which nurtures the body’s seven chakras with seven different Egyptian oils.
The main restaurant serves an ever-changing international menu that highlights regional specialties. Its interactive kitchen allows you to watch and learn about local techniques, and themed culinary nights introduce you to ancient Egyptian recipes. You can even prepare meals using both the tools and ingredients once found in the pharaohs’ kitchens.
The Oberoi’s Dahabeya boats are optimized for a leisurely experience. You won’t feel rushed on board. Choose from a four-night or six-night journey from Luxor to Aswan, or vice versa. Resident Egyptologists will guide you throughout your journey, and on any shore excursions. Even better, on each stop, you’ll be able to hop in a small luxury coach to seamlessly get around.
Aqua Expeditions heads to East Africa
Fora's Head of Travel Operations, Leslie Overton, called Aqua's luxe yachts "the best of the best." Their teams excel at elaborate small-group touring, where expert guides take you where you want to be. In late 2025, Aqua will add East Africa to its curated destination selection.
Expeditions will range from five- and nine-night itineraries exploring Seychelles’ inner and outer islands, respectively. Expect a super-yacht experience, with a 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio, personalized service, acclaimed cuisine helmed by world-renowned chefs and small-group, expert-guided excursions that show off the best of each destination.
Image courtesy of Aqua Expeditions
Advisor cruise guides
Learn where, when and how to cruise from our Fora Advisors.
Images courtesy of Scenic Cruises and Four Seasons Yacht
When to book your cruise
Wave Season, which runs from January through March, is like the extended Black Friday of cruises.
Wave Season, which runs from January through March, is like the extended Black Friday of cruises.
Cruise lines let us know about exclusive offers and promotions — during Wave Season or otherwise.
Cruise lines let us know about exclusive offers and promotions — during Wave Season or otherwise.
Connect with a Fora Advisor to take advantage of the year's best cruise deals. And the earlier you book, the better.
Connect with a Fora Advisor to take advantage of the year's best cruise deals. And the earlier you book, the better.
Images courtesy of Explora Journeys and Aqua Expeditions