Steam Ship Karim
A Piece of Egyptian History
Built in 1917, this historic vessel was originally used by King Fuad I of Egypt and then by his son King Farouk. After the Egyptian revolution, the S/S Karim was used by the state and hosted President Gamal Abd El Nasser and later on President Anwar Al Sadat and his wife Gihan. Still powered by its original 1917 steam engine and stern quarter wheel paddles, the S/S Karim today combines the comfort of the modern era with the grandeur of the bygone past.
The boat is decorated in a period style with many subtle reminders of her distinguished past. The restaurant serves a splendid selection of both – international and Egyptian cuisine with buffet and waiter service. With 32 covers, this elegant room allows for dining in one sitting and provides an intimate setting for dinner parties on board. The lounge bar offers a full international bar service, a library with a collection of books dating back to 1849, as well as a dance floor and music system.
Outside, the lower sun terrace provides a shaded area with elegant tables and chairs as well as deck bar service. The upper deck has sun loungers, a Jacuzzi pool and is home for the ship’s steam funnel with original ship’s steam whistle. The reception area has colorful stained glass windows through to the restaurant and the reception provides full services including an international telephone.
Technical Information
- Stern wheel paddle steamer 1917
- Length 47.4 m
- Width 10.80 m
- Height 11.15 m
- Draft 1.21 m
- 3 decks + 2 sun decks
- Water purification system
- Fire and sound proof walls and ceilings
- Smoking is allowed on the sundeck only
Boat’s Amenities & Public Areas
- Period lounge bar
- Elegant restaurant with 32 covers
- Sun terrace with bar
- Sun deck with Jacuzzi pool
Guests Cabins
The S/S Karim has a total of 14 cabins:
- 6 Twin cabins between ca. 14 and ca. 19 sqm
- 5 Double cabins between ca. 12 and ca. 14 sqm
- 3 Royal cabins between ca. 20 & ca. 22 sqm featuring private balconies
All cabins overview the Nile and they feature:
- En suite bathroom with W. C. / shower
- Hair dryer
- Individually controllable air conditioning
- Satellite-TV (when boat is docked)
- Mini bar
- Internal phone
- Safe deposit box
Cruise Itinerary
7-night Cruise Itinerary
7-night Cruise Itinerary
Monday: Cruise Embarkation – Sail to Esna
In the afternoon, embark aboard the Royal Paddle Steamer: SS Karim. Dinner aboard. Sail to Esna, overnight aboard. Meals (D)
Tuesday: Edfu Temple – Sail to Kom Ombo
In the morning, sailing to to Edfu. Visit Edfu Temple. Of all the temples in Egypt, the Temple of Horus at Edfu is the most completely preserved. Sail to Kom Ombo. Overnight aboard. Meals: (B/L/D)
Wednesday: Kom Ombo Temple – Sail to Aswan
In the morning, visit the unusual Temple of Kom Ombo. One side of the temple is dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek, god of fertility and creator of the world. The other side is dedicated to the falcon god Haroeris, also known as Horus the Elder. Sail to Aswan. Overnight aboard. Meals: (B/L/D)
Thursday: The High Dam – Philae Temple – the Unfinished Obelisk
Breakfast aboard. Visit the High Dam, which was built between 1960 and 1971 that helped Egypt to have a predictable guaranteed water supply throughout the year. Next comes Philae Temple: the temple shows a wonderful blend of Egyptian and Greco-Roman architecture, in perfect harmony with its magnificent natural surroundings. Back to the boat. Lunch aboard. In the afternoon, enjoy a felucca ride on the Nile around the islands. Back to the boat. Dinner and overnight aboard. Meals: (B/L/D)
Friday: Free for Leisure /relaxation – Sail to Kom Ombo & Edfu
Breakfast aboard. Morning free for leisure in Aswan or optional excursion to Abu Simbel to visit the temples of Ramses II & Nefertari. Sail to Kom Ombo then to Edfu. Overnight aboard. Meals (B/L/D)
Saturday: Sail to Esna & Luxor
Sail to Esna and then to Luxor. Relax and enjoy the scenery on both banks of the Nile. Overnight aboard. Meals: (B/L/D)
Sunday: Luxor West Bank
Breakfast aboard. Today, you will you will explore Luxor’s West Bank. The first stop there will be at the two colossi of Amenophis III known as Memnon Colossi. The next stop will be at the Valley of the Kings with the secretive tombs, hewn into the rock and decorated by the best craftsmen that were meant to preserve the royal mummies for eternity. Last stop on the West Bank will be at the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, set back in a spectacular natural amphitheater of soaring pinkish purple cliffs. The last stop will be at Memnon Colossi. Back to the boat. Evening free. Overnight aboard. Meals: (B/L/D)
Monday: Disembarkation – Luxor East Bank
Breakfast aboard followed by cruise disembarkation. Today, you will discover Luxor’s East Bank. You will start with Karnak Temple. The scale of Karnak surpasses every other pharaonic temple. For 13 centuries, successive pharaohs added their share to make this the most magnificent temple complex in the country and the entire ancient world. Next, you will visit Luxor Temple. Karnak and Luxor Temples were connected by the 3km-long avenue of Sphinxes and during the annual Opet (fertility festival), Amun’s statue was escorted from Karnak by a grand procession of barques (holy barges) to be reunited with his wife Mut at Luxor. Back to the boat. Lunch aboard. Meals (B/L)
Notes:
* This itinerary may be changed without prior notice due to navigational restrictions.
* The itinerary may change in sequence but all visits will be offered.