The Italian hotel giant Arsenale has signed a contract with Egyptian National Railways to build a luxury cruise train called Guardian of the Nile, according to Railway Supply.

The Italian-made train will be designed to transport tourists along Egypt’s key historical and cultural routes in a level of luxury reminicent of the famed Orient Express.

The train will consist of 15 carriages, and carry up to 80 passengers, with compartment options that will include Deluxe, Suite, and Honor Suite classes.

Routes from Cairo to Luxor, Aswan, and Abu Simbel, will offer travelers the opportunity to enjoy the country’s unique landscapes and cultural landmarks from 2027.

This project promises to significantly enhance Egypt’s tourism infrastructure and attract more guests who value comfort and high-quality service, and will enhance the appeal of Egypt as a cruise destination for cruise lines that offer overland add-ons as part of their itineraries.

Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and Silversea in particular are known for their overland cruise add-ons, either before, during or after a voyage. 

Arsenale’s agreemend with Egyptian National Railways comes amid major expansion in the Middle East. The company is also actively developing luxury train projects in other countries, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

The launch of 35 trains is planned on routes from El-Fujairah to Abu Dhabi and from Qurayyat to Riyadh. The trains, to be introduced by 2025, will match the Egyptian Guardian of the Nile in terms of comfort and luxury.

The UAE’s Etihad Rail and Arsenale are building a luxury train that will reflect Emirati heritage and Italian signature design, with routes across the country’s Liwa desert, made famous as a filming location for the Dune trilogy of movies.

Like the cruise train in Egypt, the luxury experience in the UAE will enhance the country’s appeal for cruises, as it will offer an alternative, more immersive way for passengers to explore the destination before or after their cruise.

While the UAE has become a major cruise destination for voyages departing from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, Egypt remains primarily a stop-over destination, which does not provide as much revenue for the local economy.

By offering enticing ways for passengers to explore the country pre- or post-cruise, the country can enhance its appeal as a cruise departure port.