AmaLilia

AmaLilia’s Sun Deck opens with a seating area at the bow, where comfy loungers and umbrellas make a great perch as the ship passes through the locks and approaches temples guests can visit right from the ship. Just behind it is the pool, with in-water loungers and an edge where guests can sit and dangle their feet. It’s a welcome way to cool off, since Egypt gets quite warm at different times of year. Cabana-style seating sits nearby.

Farther aft, a large shade structure covers sofas, tables and chairs, with padded sun loungers on either side. Misting machines run around the edges to keep guests cool, and the shade lowers when the ship needs to pass under a low bridge, just like on AmaWaterways’ European rivers. All the way aft is a full bar with an espresso machine, ready for a coffee at sunrise or a cocktail at sunset over the Nile.

The Chef’s Table is one of AmaWaterways’ signature spaces, set aft on deck four with big views. Every guest dines here once during the voyage, enjoying a multi-course tasting menu that includes Egyptian delicacies. A glass-walled open kitchen lets guests watch the chefs at work, and they can dine inside or step out for a true al fresco meal. On the way, skylights pour natural light down to cozy reading nooks near the staterooms.

The Restaurant hosts breakfast, lunch and dinner every day, with tables for groups, couples and solo travelers, plus wine rooms for groups who want a private space. Breakfast and lunch pair a buffet with grab-and-go items and made-to-order dishes, like eggs and waffles. Dinner is plated, with a rotating à la carte menu of Western favorites and Middle Eastern flavors. Local beers and wines are included with lunch and dinner.

The main lobby works like a hotel front desk, handling questions and anything to do with money. Guests gather here before each day’s touring and pick up whisper headsets so the guides can talk to them around the sites. The hotel manager and the cruise manager have desks on either side. Guests tap their key card on the way out, and when they return they’re greeted with cool cloths, a little tea and plenty of smiles.

The Main Lounge has sofas, chairs and seating nooks, a piano, a full bar and a large dance floor. Each evening before dinner the complimentary Sip & Sail happy hour pours local wines, beers and cocktails, and screens drop down for lectures about the places ahead. Nearby are a large library, a gift shop run by a local company and vetted by AmaWaterways, and a 24-hour coffee corner with espresso drinks, teas and cookies.

Deck one holds the Fixed Window staterooms, reached by both the staircase and the elevator, with the spa right around the corner. Guests can book several styles of massage plus manicures and pedicures. The fitness center is well equipped for a river ship, with a cable machine, two treadmills, a spin bike, another bike, an elliptical and free weights. Yoga mats can be used there or taken up to the Sun Deck to start the day.