AmaLilia

AmaLilia at a Glance

AmaLilia is AmaWaterways’ purpose-built Nile river ship, launched in 2024 and designed to carry a maximum of 82 guests in an intimate, attentive setting. Here are the essentials a traveller sizes her up by:

• Crew: 65 — an exceptional crew-to-guest ratio
• Home waters: The Nile River, Egypt
• Home port: Luxor, Egypt

All sailings currently on sale depart from Luxor, Egypt, the gateway to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings and the wider antiquities of Upper Egypt — one of the world’s great starting points for a river voyage. AmaLilia sails for AmaWaterways, a river cruise line with a strong reputation on inland waterways worldwide.

Dining on AmaLilia

AmaLilia offers two distinct included dining venues, so every meal is covered in your cruise fare without any upcharge.

The Main Restaurant is the culinary heart of the ship, serving regional cuisine with open seating times and river views throughout. The relaxed atmosphere encourages guests to dine at their own pace and share the table with fellow travellers. For something more theatrical, The Chef’s Table offers an intimate, multi-course tasting menu prepared by a dedicated chef right in front of you — personalised, unhurried, and equally included in your fare. Both venues are open to all guests.

Away from the table, a Specialty Coffee & Tea Station operates on a self-service, complimentary basis — ideal before a morning excursion or during a quiet afternoon on board.

On-Board Spaces and Activities

Despite her compact 71.9-metre length, AmaLilia carries a thoughtful range of spaces for relaxation, socialising and staying active.

The Main Lounge is the social centre of the ship: a fully stocked bar, informative talks about the ports of call, and live evening entertainment — all in one space. Up on the Sun Deck, open views of the Nile stretch in every direction, and a Heated Sun-Deck Pool with an integrated swim-up bar makes for a genuine resort moment on the water. A Walking Track circles the upper deck for guests who want to keep active between stops.

The Fitness Center is equipped with cardio and strength-training equipment and is complimentary to use; specialist fitness classes carry a separate charge. The Massage & Hair Salon is the place to unwind — treatments and hairdressing are available at an additional charge, but the space itself is open to all. A Library stocked with books and games offers a quieter retreat, and a Gift Shop carries souvenirs and essentials.

One detail worth highlighting for shore days: AmaLilia carries a complimentary bicycle fleet, so guests can explore ports independently at their own pace, without needing to join a guided tour.

Cabins on AmaLilia

All 41 cabins sleep two guests, and the range spans from comfortable outside-view staterooms to the ship’s flagship suite. Full deck plans and the complete grade listing are on the AmaLilia cabins and deck plans page.

The Outside Cabin E (20 m²) brings natural daylight and river scenery through a fixed outside-view window — a meaningful step up from a windowless interior, without the cost of a balcony. The Balcony Cabin CA (20 m²) takes that connection further with a drop-down window-wall that opens the cabin directly to the river air and views, giving a private outdoor feel that standard cabins simply cannot replicate.

At the top of the range, the Owner’s Suite is the most spacious accommodation on board at approximately 48.5 m², offering generous living space in an intimate ship where every cabin is within easy reach of the lounge, the deck and the dining rooms.

Why Book AmaLilia with Cruise1st

As one of the UK’s leading cruise specialists, Cruise1st offers something a general travel agent cannot: genuine knowledge of AmaWaterways and the ships they operate on the Nile. Our team provides expert advice from real cruise specialists — available on the phone before you book — to help you choose the right cabin grade and fare inclusions for your circumstances.

Because every AmaLilia sailing departs from Egypt, the cruise sits at the centre of a longer trip. A Cruise1st Package lets us bring the flights, the hotel either side and the transfers together with the cruise fare into a single, managed holiday booking — one call, one holiday.

Prices for sailings on the Nile River start from £5,569pp* for departures from autumn 2026. Browse available departures directly from Luxor to find the dates and cabin grades that suit you.

Other AmaWaterways Ships to Consider

If you are weighing up ships before you commit, AmaWaterways operates several other vessels you can compare on Cruise1st. AmaMagna and Zambezi Queen are the two other ships in the fleet with the highest search interest. You can also explore AmaVerde, AmaVenita, AmaDahlia and AmaLea — each a different ship in the AmaWaterways fleet. The AmaWaterways cruise line page is the quickest way to see the full picture.

Common Questions About AmaLilia

When Did AmaLilia Enter Service?

AmaLilia was built in 2024, making her one of the newest ships in the AmaWaterways fleet. She was designed specifically for Nile River sailings and has been purpose-built for the conditions and itineraries of Egypt.

Do I Need to Fly to Join AmaLilia?

Yes — all current sailings depart from Luxor, Egypt, so a flight from the UK is required. Cruise1st can arrange your flights, hotel stays either side of the cruise, and transfers as part of a single Cruise1st Package, so you are not piecing the trip together yourself.

Which Cabin Should I Book on AmaLilia?

The right cabin depends on how much time you plan to spend in the room and how important a private outdoor connection is to you. The Outside Cabin E suits guests who want natural light and river views without paying a premium. The Balcony Cabin CA adds a drop-down window-wall for a more direct feel of the river. The Owner’s Suite at 48.5 m² is the most spacious option on board. Our cruise specialists can talk through the trade-offs with you before you book.

What Is Included in an AmaLilia Cruise Fare?

Both dining venues — the Main Restaurant and The Chef’s Table — are included in the cruise fare, as are the Specialty Coffee & Tea Station, the Sun Deck and Heated Sun-Deck Pool, the Walking Track, the Fitness Center, the Library and the complimentary bicycle fleet. Spa treatments at the Massage & Hair Salon and specialist fitness classes carry a separate charge, as do drinks unless covered by a beverage package.

How Many Guests and Crew Are on Board?

AmaLilia carries a maximum of 82 guests, served by a crew of 65. That ratio — roughly one crew member for every 1.3 guests — is a defining feature of the experience on board and contributes directly to the level of personal attention the ship is known for.