Swan Dahabiya Decks

On the Swan Dahabiya, there are 3 decks: the Nile Deck (lower deck), the upper deck, and the topmost sun deck. These traditional sailing vessels in Egypt carry the legacy of Nile transportation; our dahabiya cruise is also inspired by the traditional dahabiyas, and with all the modern amenities, we crafted our multi-deck dahabiya that sails on the Nile, offering memorable and luxurious experiences. 

The decks on the dahabiya refer to the floors and compartments on the cruise. Each level of vessel is crafted for a distinct purpose, allowing travellers to enjoy different activities throughout the trip. The layout and design of the dahabiya prioritize the comfort, easy movement, and constant panoramic views of the Nile and its riverbanks that travellers can experience. Unlike the large cruise ships, the river dahabiya arrangement offers intimate and uncrowded spaces for soulful sailing. On an inclusive dahabiya package, the guests get access to all the decks onboard. 

Let’s have a detailed breakdown of the Decks of Swan Dahabiya 

Nile Deck (Main or Lower deck) 

This deck consists of 10 luxury cabins, 2 premium royal suites, and a kitchen and cabins for the crew and staff.  

The Nile deck is one of the major decks on the cruise, as it houses the accommodations, comfortable lounges, and a kitchen, as well as spaces for logistics. Here guests stay and rest while on the journey. From this deck the travelers can enjoy the views through panoramic views of the Nile and can closely feel the sailing movement, which gives you a relaxing feel. It is often the most frequently visited area because it connects the private and communal parts of the boat. This deck was usually occupied during the hotter hours of the day, as it provides a comfortable indoor alternative.  

Upper Deck 

It consists of The Oasis lounge, The Swan Restaurant, and the Jacuzzi. This deck offers relaxation and leisure experiences on board. 

The upper deck dining spaces offer welcoming seating for meals all through the day with river views. At the lounge, you can read, listen to music, or just relax with the comfortable seating; most of the guests spend most of the time on this deck, as it also organizes evening entertainment programs showcasing the Egyptian dance and music programs. Evenings bring cooler temperatures and golden views of sunset across the Nile. The atmosphere is peaceful, making it perfect for quiet reflection or photography.

During the day or mid-afternoon, the guests can enjoy the Jacuzzis and spas onboard. Hot water baths in the jacuzzis while sailing on the Nile are completely leisure activities that guests perform during the day, with the fewest shore excursions. At the restaurant on this deck, the fresh food prepared by experienced gourmet-class chefs is served by the staff. One gets to savor the original Egyptian flavors, and international dishes are also served.  

The meals are included in the packages of the Swan Dahabiya itineraries.  

Sun Deck 

This part of the dahabiya is the star of the cruising, as you get to witness the majestic sun deck views from the top of the ship. 

The sun deck is the highest level of the Dahabiya; it’s open-air, and one can feel the breeze of the Nile while sailing. On this deck, the guests get chairs for comfortable seating and for unwinding as well. It’s like a relaxation zone for the travelers. Open space allows travelers to move freely and take in scenery from all sides, and the sun deck is especially popular during sunrise and sunset. 

In the evening or after sunsets, the deck offers magical experiences of the tranquil atmosphere, as guests can see the stars in the open air. Stargazing at night on the sailing boat offers a slow and peaceful exploration that tourists remember for a lifetime. 

While making bookings, a lot of travelers ask fascinating questions about the decks, so here we are answering some of the commonly asked questions by guests before booking to clear their doubts. 

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 

Can guests access all decks during the cruise? 

Yes, passengers onboard are free to move around the dahabiya throughout the trip and can easily move from one deck to another to enjoy different views and areas on your 4-5 day trip between Aswan and Luxor. 

Which deck offers the best views of the Nile? 

The upper deck with the lounge, jacuzzis, and the restaurant offers the best views; the longer guests stay, the more time they spend capturing memories. Also, all three meals are served in an organized way with river views, which is quite inviting for the guests, and they usually spend mid-afternoons and evenings on this deck. 

Can I spend time on deck at night? 

Yes, the guests can stay after the sunset on the deck for peaceful nighttime views of the Nile skies. The stargazing enhances the overall experience of vacation for the guests. It offers a cooler and calmer atmosphere for travelers to relax after a full day of sightseeing. 

Are the dahabiya decks crowded during the cruise? 

No, the decks of the dahabiya are not crowded, as only a small number of guests come on board, so overall anytime of the day, except for dinner or party time, you usually get intimate travel experiences on board.