Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has celebrated its 50th anniversary with its largest agent charter in Australia and New Zealand, hosting 140 travel advisors and their partners on a double-ship journey through Egypt.
The group travelled aboard S.S. Sphinx and River Tosca, which each accommodate 82 guests supported by 60 crew members.
The itinerary combined three nights in Cairo with seven nights cruising the Nile from Luxor to Aswan and back to Luxor.
“We were thrilled to charter just one of the ships, but when that filled within a week, we thought, why not? Let’s charter both,” Uniworld ANZ Managing Director Alice Ager said.
Guests were given opportunities to experience both ships, including dining aboard each vessel and enjoying entertainment in their respective lounges.
The centrepiece was Uniworld’s 50th Anniversary Golden Celebration, held on the sundeck as the two ships cruised the Nile.
“We danced the night away while our ships gently cruised the Nile,” Ager said. “It’s something I think we’ll all remember for a long time.”
The journey also produced another reason to celebrate when Julia Brunato from MTA Travel’s marketing team on the Gold Coast became engaged to her partner, Rex.
During sunset afternoon tea at Mandarin Oriental, Old Cataract in Aswan, Rex dropped to one knee and presented Brunato with a blue sapphire engagement ring as the other guests cheered.
Uniworld marked the occasion by giving the couple a flight to Abu Simbel to visit the temple dedicated to Queen Nefertari, built by Pharaoh Ramesses II in honour of his wife more than 3,000 years ago.
“Julia and Rex are such a beautiful couple and the crew and the team at Uniworld were thrilled to be part of such a special moment,” Uniworld Senior Manager of Key Accounts Jen Pagett said.
“You could feel the wrap of love from everyone and it is something I know we will all remember.”
The Splendours of Egypt & the Nile itinerary includes visits to Saqqara, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx and Grand Egyptian Museum, along with temples and tombs between Luxor and Aswan.
Highlights include Dendera, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Tutankhamun’s tomb, with guests travelling in groups of no more than 27 accompanied by a private Egyptologist.
Optional Masterpiece Collection experiences include Abu Simbel, sand-dune adventures and swimming in the Nile at Aswan.
“I think we’ve really showcased the best of what Egypt has to offer with this double charter,” Ager said.
“It’s a game-changer for Egypt, having the highest calibre of professional travel agents experience Splendours of Egypt & the Nile first-hand. I’m anticipating huge results based on the feedback.”
Uniworld said its Egypt sales for 2028 were already more than 100 per cent ahead of the corresponding point last year.
The charter also coincided with EgyptAir announcing plans for a new Cairo–Singapore–Sydney service from early 2027, subject to regulatory approval.
“First-hand experience brings even deeper confidence to sell it,” Ager said. “I can see Egypt becoming our biggest program outside of Europe.”
Agent rates are available on selected Splendours of Egypt & the Nile departures aboard S.S. Sphinx on 31 October and 7 November.
The 12-day Cairo-to-Cairo itinerary is priced from $11,899 per person twin share, including a $2,000 per person air credit for bookings made by 31 October.
Uniworld Splendours Of Egypt & The Nile
