Interieur
Life on Board the Eugénie
A Vessel With History — Carefully Preserved
Our dahabiya Eugénie (built around 1950) is herself an antique in a land of antiquities—a vessel with a history whose character has been carefully preserved over time.
All restorations have been undertaken with great care and restraint, always with the intention of safeguarding the original spirit of the boat.
We have deliberately refrained from adding further cabins in order to maintain her classical proportions:
roughly one third of the vessel forms the forward section—once the rowing area—while two thirds are reserved for passengers.
The cabins vary in size and are individually arranged. Bright, whitewashed interiors, warm wooden floors, oriental rugs and large windows define the atmosphere on board. Light enters from all sides, opening wide views across the Nile.
Handcrafted textiles—some from our own workshops—natural materials, aged brass and a clear attention to detail lend each space its distinctive, traditional character.
Aft Cabin (Captain’s Cabin)
The most spacious cabin on board, quietly situated at the stern, offering generous proportions and open views over the river.
Forward Double Cabin
Bright and airy, filled with natural light, with a bathroom opposite.
Large Single Cabin
Well-proportioned and comfortable, with a private bathroom; it may also be arranged as a double if required.
Small Single Cabin
Compact and simple, yet inviting; without a private bathroom, but with direct access to the bathroom adjoining the aft cabin.
Salon and Deck — The Rhythm of the River
Salon and Deck — The Rhythm of the River
The salon—the heart of the vessel—echoes this design: generous, wraparound upholstered seating, balanced proportions and continuous wooden flooring. Rugs and cushions introduce warmth and texture. It also houses a small, carefully curated, multilingual library of travel literature and fiction—a quiet space for conversation or reading.
Life on deck offers something of a window into the past. Beneath the shaded canopy, a protected, open space looks out over the river. A large table forms the centre for shared meals and evenings, while comfortable seating invites lingering. The rhythm unfolds naturally: passing riverbanks, shifting light, and calm evenings on the water.
On Board — Comfort, Cuisine and Quiet Service
Three bathrooms serve the four cabins, each fitted with shower, washbasin, and toilet. Practical, well-maintained, and in keeping with the
In the compact, modern stainless-steel galley, our cook prepares freshly made, locally inspired dishes each day. Seasonal ingredients and a sensitive approach to regional cuisine turn every meal into a gentle culinary journey along the Nile.
Attentive service accompanies the stay with quiet discretion—present without intrusion, and guided by a genuine sense for our guests’ needs. This is complemented by an English-speaking boat manager, who acts as a bridge between crew and guests, accompanies excursions, and oversees all arrangements, including transport and tickets.
Technically, the Eugénie has been brought into the 21st century—almost invisibly so. Three fully equipped bathrooms, modern solar technology allowing for near-silent operation, water filtration systems and a closed wastewater system ensure comfort and sustainability, without altering the vessel’s essential character.
Alan Gardiner (1879—1963)
British Egyptologist and Linguist
