MS Movenpick Darakum
Fully refurbished in 2024, the MS Darakum 'perfectly blends modern elegance with oriental charm', making it a truly elegant way to cruise the Nile in luxury.
Good for
Dining Options, Onboard Entertainment, Fitness Area, Sun Deck Pool, Excursions Included
What to expect from MS Movenpick Darakum
Overview
One of the largest ships on the Nile, with 52 cabins and suites, the five-star ship is managed by the renowned Swiss hospitality company, Mövenpick, and has been designed with a low draft in order to navigate the full length of the Nile in Egypt.
The MS Mövenpick Darakum is currently one of only two five-star vessels cruising the Nile from Cairo all the way to Aswan - so this cruise is very much a bucket list experience!
Appointed to the highest specification and imaginatively furnished with a distinctive Moroccan theme, the MS Darakum offers extensive open deck space on three levels, with plenty sun loungers, sofas and armchairs to relax in. The pool on the sun deck is perfect for a cooling dip. The spacious, yet cosy lounge bar is the social hub of the ship, with board games and evening entertainment including music, wine-tasting and cookery lesson, a black & white party, the ever-popular ‘galabiya’ party and even a belly dancer!
Accommodation
Appointed to the highest specification and imaginatively furnished with a distinctive Moroccan theme. All cabins have tea and coffee making facilities, complimentary bottled water, hotel style beds, wood panelled bathrooms with fixed shower and bath and complimentary toiletries.
Senior Suite
Senior Suites are located on both the Upper and Top Decks. The Upper Deck Suites are 40 square meters and the Top deck suites are 34 square meters.
Senior suites provide stunning views of the river Nile through their panoramic windows. All cabins have a separate spacious seating area with a second bathroom and feature individually-controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, personal safe, fridge, TV and the convenience of tea & coffee making facilities. The beds are hotel-style and can be configured as a double or two twins, with the fine Egyptian cotton sheets, and an evening turn-down service. Clever design allows for all the wood-panelled bathrooms to have a bath with a fixed shower above, along with complimentary toiletries. A laundry service is also available.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Panorama Suite
The forward facing Panorama Suites are 34 square meters and are located on the Upper Deck providing stunning views through the panoramic windows. All cabins have a separate spacious seating area in front of forward facing windows and feature individually-controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, personal safe, fridge, TV and the convenience of tea & coffee making facilities. The hotel-style beds are queen size have fine Egyptian cotton sheets, and an evening turn-down service. Clever design allows for all the wood-panelled bathrooms to have a bath with a fixed shower above, along with complimentary toiletries. A laundry service is also available
Features
- Individual climate control
- King size bed or twin beds
- Panoramic windows
- Tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Upper Deck Cabin
These cabins are 20 square meters, with a large picture window offering magnificent river views, with a panel that can be opened. All cabins feature individually-controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, personal safe, fridge, TV and the convenience of tea & coffee making facilities. The beds are hotel-style and can be configured as a double or two twins, with the fine Egyptian cotton sheets, and an evening turn-down service. Clever design allows for all the wood-panelled bathrooms to have a bath with a fixed shower above, along with complimentary toiletries. A laundry service is also available.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Deluxe Cabin
These cabins are 26 square meters and are located at the front of the ship with a large picture window offering magnificent river views with a panel that can be partially opened. All cabins feature individually-controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, personal safe, fridge, TV and the convenience of tea & coffee making facilities. The beds are hotel-style and can be configured as a double or two twins, with the fine Egyptian cotton sheets, and an evening turn-down service. Clever design allows for all the wood-panelled bathrooms to have a bath with a fixed shower above, along with complimentary toiletries. A laundry service is also available.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Large picture windows with panel that can be opened
- Tea and coffee making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Standard Cabin - The Main Deck
These cabins are 20 square meters, with a large picture window offering magnificent river views, with a panel that can be opened. All cabins feature individually-controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, personal safe, fridge, TV and the convenience of tea & coffee making facilities. The beds are hotel-style and can be configured as a double or two twins, with the fine Egyptian cotton sheets, and an evening turn-down service. Clever design allows for all the wood-panelled bathrooms to have a bath with a fixed shower above, along with complimentary toiletries. A laundry service is also available.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Standard Cabin - The Lower Deck
These cabins are 20 square meters, with two sealed windows facing the Nile. All cabins feature individually-controlled air conditioning, hairdryer, personal safe, fridge, TV and the convenience of tea & coffee making facilities. The beds are hotel-style twins with fine Egyptian cotton sheets, and an evening turn-down service. Clever design allows for all the wood-panelled bathrooms to have a bath with a fixed shower above, along with complimentary toiletries. A laundry service is also available.
Features
- Individual climate control
- Twin beds which can be configured as double
- Tea making facilities
- Ensuite bathroom with bath and shower
- Shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, body lotion, soap
- Towels, bathrobes, slippers and hairdryer
- EU plug sockets
- Flat-screen TV
- Safe & mini fridge
- Turn down service
Decks
Sun Deck
- Pool
- Open-air bar
Please note: The Sun Deck is only accessible by stairs.
Top Deck
- Senior Suites
- Lounge
- Lower Sun Deck
- Patio
Upper Deck
- Senior Suites
- Panorama Suites
- Cabins
- Fitness Room
- On-board Shop
- Rear Sun Deck
- Lobby
Please note: The Upper Deck is only accessible by stairs.
Main Deck
- Reception
- Cabins with Picture Windows
- Deluxe Cabins
Please note: The Main Deck is only accessible by stairs.
Lower Deck
- Restaurant
- Lobby
- Cabins
Please note: The Lower Deck is only accessible by stairs.
Kids and Teens
Please note: there are no dedicated kids or teens facilities onboard.
Gratuities
Giving a gratuity is entirely at your discretion, so we have not included these in your holiday cost, and we don't add it as a set percentage.
If you would like to tip the staff, a good guideline is to give €8-12 per person per day should you feel that is appropriate.
If you do choose to give a gratuity, there will usually be an envelope is left in your cabin on the final evening. This is for you to be able include any tips, and you can then drop it off at reception the following morning. The tips are divided equally between the crew.
Should you also wish to give a gratuity directly to your Riviera Travel Cruise Director and Concierge, this is also at your discretion.
Entertainment
On board you will find a spacious sun deck with loungers, sofas and armchairs, a lounge and bar area to relax in, evening music entertainment and a selection of board games to enjoy.
Lounge/Bar
- Lounge and bar area to relax in
- Evening music entertainment
- A selection of board games to enjoy
Sun Decks
The Sun Deck has the pool and an open-air bar.
Enrichment
A journey along Egypt’s River Nile is the perfect way to relive ancient history. Relax on the deck as centuries of farmland and plantations pass you by, gaze at the Great Pyramids of Giza, whilst sipping refreshing drinks or visit the tomb of the Pharaoh, Akhenaten, and listen to tour guides uncover the secrets of the past.
With the choice to spend your days onboard our boutique vessels, appreciating the astonishing views or venturing on guided tours, we have the perfect balance of itineraries and free time to discover the world’s hidden gems just for you. Worldwide river cruising is just the beginning of a bigger adventure.
Onshore Experiences
We start in Cairo - the largest city on the African continent, Cairo remains a fascinating fusion of western, Islamic and Christian culture, all mixed up with something a lot more ancient. You will visit the magnificent Grand Egyptian Museum, housing a plethora of priceless treasures. We’ll also visit the Step Pyramid of Djoser in Saqqara, just south of Cairo and built over 4,600 years ago, this is Egypt’s first proper pyramid, and is now considered to be the oldest stone building in the world. After two days of relaxing sailing on the world’s longest river our tour continues with visits to the tombs of Beni Hassan, followed by one of the most imposing temples in all of Egypt, at Abydos. Our exploration continues with the temple of Hathor at Dendera, built during the time of the Ptolemies, heirs to Alexander the Great’s empire. From here, we continue to the well-known sights of Luxor and beyond.
Luxor, known as Thebes in ancient times, was centred around the two great temple complexes of ancient Egypt – Karnak and Luxor. These are both on the East bank of the Nile and dedicated to the sun god, Amun Ra, the giver of life. The West bank, where the sun sets, was reserved for the tombs and funerary temples of the Pharaohs, their families and high officials. We also see the temple of Kom Ombo, plus one of Egypt's greatest modern achievements - the Aswan High Dam.
Highlights
- Marvel at the Golden Mask of Tutankhamun and numerous other treasures at the stunning new Grand Egyptian Museum.
- Get close to the Pyramids at Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx, plus take a guided tour to the lesser-known ‘Step Pyramid’, the oldest stone structure in the world.
- Take guided tours of lesser-known sites, such as the city of Amarna, created by the pharaoh Akhenaten and Nefertiti.
- Visit some of Egypt's amazing temples, including Abydos Dendera, Karnak, Luxor and Kom Ombo and explore the Valley of the Kings with visits to the Pharaohs' tombs and the temple of Hatshepsut.
- See one of Egypt's modern achievements, the Aswan High Dam.
Dining
Located on the lower deck is the main restaurant, serving a varied buffet dinner every evening.
Restaurant
The MS Mövenpick Darakum restaurant offers a diverse selection of international and local buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Start your day with a variety of freshly baked pastries, hearty hot dishes, and continental options. At lunch and dinner, enjoy an even wider spread, featuring local specialties alongside global flavours.
Whether you crave indulgent comfort food or light, healthy options, there's something to satisfy every taste. With a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients, this restaurant provides a dynamic culinary experience that blends local traditions with international influences.
Health and Fitness
There is a small fitness area and a plunge pool on the sun deck.
Fitness Room
The Upper Deck is where you’ll find the small fitness room.
Other Cruise Information
ClassCruise Type: river
Class:
Ship Size: boutique
Style: luxury
Operator Reference: riviera-travel
Nursery: none
Child Facilities: none
Our Cruise Consultunts
Whether you're an avid fan or new to cruises, our experienced consultants will help you find the best value on a cruise holiday that's tailored to suit you perfectly.
