Tried & Tested Cleo – Queen of the Nile
A journey along Egypt’s Nile is a classic bucket-list experience. Travelers can tick it off aboard a sizable hotel ship – or opt for a luxury dahabeya instead. Nile in style? Yes, please! That is the mission of Cleo, a brand-new Nile vessel designed for discerning guests. LuxuryWise joined a fam trip from Luxor to Aswan to reveal whether she lives up to those high expectations. As experienced by LuxuryWise Senior Editor Cathrin Lührs
The Vessel
First things first: This floating lady makes a real difference on the Nile. It all starts with her size. Compared with conventional Nile ships, which often resemble floating hotels, Cleo feels tiny in the best possible way at only 55 meters (180 feet) long and eight meters (26 feet) wide. The dahabeya, as these traditional sailing vessels are called, has just one cabin deck and a sundeck, where all the socializing takes place. This makes the layout easy to navigate and quickly creates an intimate, almost family-style atmosphere. Dahabeyas have one sail at the bow and another at the stern, which provide propulsion when conditions allow. However, especially when traveling upstream from Luxor to Aswan, sailing against the current is not always practical. The solution: Dahabeyas travel with their own tugboat, which pulls the vessel when needed. It keeps enough distance that engine noise does not disturb guests. Cleo is still a newcomer to the Nile, having completed her first voyage in December 2025.
The Concept
The idea behind Cleo, designed and operated by Melc Travel Group, is simple: cruising the Nile in Style. The vessel is primarily intended for private charters along what is widely considered the world’s longest river, although individual bookings are available on request. Departures from Luxor to Aswan take place every Saturday, with return sailings leaving on Thursdays. Guests can see what makes a dahabeya journey different as soon as they arrive in Luxor: the mooring. While comparatively huge Nile ships line the city’s promenade, Cleo docks several miles outside the center.
Anyone unfamiliar with the location would struggle to find it. When I arrived, I thought the driver had taken a wrong turn as he entered a narrow passage between banana trees. A few hundred yards later, Cleo suddenly appeared in front of me. Wow! This advantage continues throughout the journey. With a draft of less than two meters (seven feet), dahabeyas can moor in places conventional Nile ships simply cannot reach. A deserted island in the Nile? Check. The ancient sandstone quarry of Gebel El Silsila? Cleo guests have it almost entirely to themselves. The dahabeya operates eleven months a year, with August reserved for maintenance. Smaller repairs are completed after every journey.
The Staterooms
It does not take long to feel at home on board, and the cabins play a big part in that. There are just ten of them, giving the vessel something of a private-villa feel. The highlights are the two suites at the stern, each with a private balcony. The interior measures 24 square meters (258 feet), while the balcony adds another five (54 feet). The remaining accommodations comprise four Deluxe Twin Bed cabins and four Deluxe Double Bed cabins, each measuring 15 square meters (161 square feet).
Cleo also delivers on design, with stylish wooden furniture, wood floors, color-coordinated artwork and well-planned beds. The mattresses are extremely comfortable, the elevated frame creates enough space for a suitcase underneath, and the height makes it easy to enjoy the view outside. Naturally, the bed linens are made from high-quality Egyptian cotton. I am staying in a Twin Bed cabin and am initially glad not to be sharing it, as closet space seems fairly limited. The minibar takes up part of the storage area, as does the safe. My belongings fit, but it would be tight for two people. Only later do I notice another storage compartment above the main closet, although it is too high for me to reach. Good to know: Additional hangers are always available on request.
Space is also somewhat limited in the otherwise elegant bathroom. The vanity is narrow, while the few available surfaces are already occupied by the towel holder and a large dish for the amenities and soap. After rearranging things slightly, it works well enough, although more practical storage would be welcome, especially when two guests share the cabin. The bathrooms in the two suites, however, offer considerably more room.
The Culinary
Three chefs take care of the culinary needs of Cleo’s maximum 20 guests, creating an impressive variety of dishes in the compact kitchen below deck. The desserts are a particular highlight, whether flambéed on the sundeck or served as freshly made vanilla ice cream with lemon sauce. Hello, flavor explosion!
During my fam trip, the menu was planned in advance and featured plenty of meat and fish, often with Egyptian influences and occasional Asian or Italian touches. There were no vegetarians or vegans on board, but the kitchen can accommodate all dietary requirements. Guests receive a detailed questionnaire before departure to list allergies and preferences, while private-charter clients can naturally help shape the menu. Another highlight are the baked treats, as Cleo even has its own bakery. Definitely worth trying, especially at breakfast, which is served buffet-style on the sundeck and includes a live cooking station for made-to-order omelets.
Afternoon tea is served in the lounge below deck and announced over the onboard speakers with the sound of chirping birds. As for alcohol, only local premium brands are served due to licensing restrictions, although guests may bring their own bottles on board.
Sensory Impressions
What the Stay Feels Like
Family Style
From the very first moment, Cleo feels like a personal floating living room, with an atmosphere that makes guests feel instantly welcome.
Gentle Cruising
It is remarkable what the Nile does to you. With hardly any ships around in low season, its often mirror-calm waters quickly bring a deep sense of peace.
Royal Proportions
Size matters – and in this case, the ship’s compact dimensions make the journey feel especially elegant. Quality over quantity is the guiding principle on board.
Egyptian Vibes
Subtle details such as hieroglyphic-patterned armchairs create a sense of place, reinforced by views of the riverbanks.
The Outdoor Area
The airy Sun Deck is divided into five areas: the forward deck used for going ashore, the so-called Sailing Deck with comfortable benches, the bar and lounge area where all meals are served, the Relaxing Lounge with sofas and armchairs, and the Pool Deck. The latter features four loungers, a large daybed, and a jacuzzi. It is refilled daily, making it a very refreshing dip in the morning and a bubbling bathtub by the afternoon. But it is all about the view. The crew also serves drinks directly to guests in the jacuzzi.
Apart from the Pool Deck and the forward deck, the entire outdoor area is covered and offers plenty of shade. If the sun becomes too strong in one seating area, large curtains can partially screen the sides of Cleo while leaving other sections open to the beautiful and, to me, surprisingly green scenery along the Nile. Guests ready for a little activity can find a partner for Scrabble or choose from a selection of other board games available on board.
The Excursions
What would a Nile cruise be without visits to ancient Egyptian sites? Exactly: nothing. Every Cleo journey includes an Egyptologist who shares expert knowledge and accompanies guests through the temples. And that is worth its weight in gold. Our guide, Hedra, brings countless facts and details to life through vivid role-playing with the group. For the duration of the trip, the gods Horus, Hathor, Osiris, and Isis seem to travel with us.
Cleo’s standard itinerary includes the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut, Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Avenue of Sphinxes, the Temple of Horus in Edfu, Gebel El Silsila with its sandstone quarry and tombs, Kom Ombo Temple, and the Temple of Isis on Philae Island.
Guests can discuss itinerary changes with the crew in advance. There are 18 crew members for a maximum of 20 guests. In general, the busier the season, the more crowded the temples. Waiting in line is not part of the experience, as tickets for Cleo guests are arranged beforehand.
The Experiences
As mentioned, a dahabeya can moor almost anywhere, including on small islands in the Nile. The crew may set up a barbecue there or, as with our group, create a special setting for a milestone birthday. Since Melc Travel Group also operates a DMC, CEO Azza Zaghloul and her team can make a wide range of experiences possible. Your clients want the Pyramids of Giza entirely to themselves? Or the Grand Egyptian Museum? Consider it done.
The same applies to selected tombs in the Valley of the Kings, major temple complexes, Saqqara, the Sphinx, and palaces. These arrangements require around two months’ notice. Some experiences, particularly those in Cairo, call for a stay before or after the Nile cruise, while others can be organized during the journey. In Luxor, guests can also take an early-morning hot-air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings. Good to know: In October and November, when water levels allow, Cleo can sail as far as Cairo.
Guests can also explore the Nile’s riverbanks on guided walks through the fields, learning about everyday life and nature in Egypt. Those who would like to swim in the Nile can even do so at a small designated swimming spot.
The Service
The crew deserves top marks for warmth alone. From the very first second, it is clear how much they enjoy their work. After every excursion, the team welcomes us back with a genuine smile, a cool towel, and a refreshing drink. Since there is no standard cocktail menu, our group keeps suggesting new creations throughout the journey, which are quickly mixed and added to the onboard repertoire.
Good to know: English works perfectly well throughout the trip. One small request, however, proves surprisingly difficult: I repeatedly ask to skip the salad course, yet it arrives with every meal despite daily reminders. Hardly a major issue, but with such a small group, a little more attention to individual preferences would be welcome.
Minor glitches like this are quickly forgotten when you see how much the crew enjoys creating memorable moments for guests. During the Egyptian live music at the barbecue, team members clap and dance along, while the farewell brings an emotional performance of singing and dancing that even leaves a few guests in tears. Shukran!
What We Loved
✔ Goodbye, Egyptian sun! Every cabin has blinds for privacy and to keep the room cool throughout the day. ✔ The bathroom has the same feature, as the shower comes with a window. Showering with Nile views is next level! ✔ Making the most of limited space: The small desk has an extension, creating extra room for a laptop and more. ✔ The leisurely pace, combined with views of the lush Nile riverbanks and abundant birdlife, is wonderfully relaxing. ✔ The warmth on board creates a true sense of family. ✔ The season: Yes, it is hot, but the temples are far less crowded.
Not So Much
✖ The safe is a little tricky: My belongings were suddenly locked inside without me entering a code, but help arrived quickly. ✖ Guests' food and drink preferences were mixed up on several occasions. ✖ The service team wears rubber gloves while serving, which unfortunately gives off slight medical-office vibes.
Images: Cleo (7), LuxuryWise (2), Boosterbees Media (1)
In a Nutshell
Travelers have to look hard to find a comparable product on the Nile. Cleo stands apart from the large cruise ships primarily through her open deck and the strong outdoor feeling it creates, combined with a modern design. Guests who want to travel the Nile in style will find everything they need on board this dahabeya, along with authentic Egyptian hospitality. That is Cleo’s real USP. And: Cleo guests gain access to special places that remain out of reach for others. And while Cleo is not a classic luxury cruise ship, she has no reason to hide. She is perfect for travelers who want to immerse themselves in Egyptian culture and enjoy the Nile with a high level of comfort. A sister vessel is planned for 2028 that is expected to feature suites only.
Trade Contact: Astrid Oberhummer, CEO & Founder of Lobster Experience