What is a wind-powered Dahabiya, and how much does it cost?
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Why do wind-powered dahabiyas matter?
- Unique features of Wind-powered dahabiyas
- How much does a Dahabiya cruise actually cost?
- Why Choose a Wind-Powered Dahabiya Cruise?
- Concluding words
Back in time, dahabiyas have been an inseparable part of the Nile River, and at ports, a variety of dahabiyas have been sailing in the Nile currents for transportation and travel purposes for centuries. It offers quiet, client-focused, and slow sailing, giving a perfect vibe of serenity and nature closeness, as you can feel the breeze’s freshness while sailing.
A wind-powered dahabiya is a two-masted traditional sailboat used for travelling through the deep Nile waters. It offers silent and peaceful travel, promoting much more relaxed travel than those big cruise ships in Egypt.
In ancient times, the boats completely depended on the wind for sailing and also did not have any new-age amenities on board. As modernization came into existence, these sailboats were transformed and have become more vibrant. Now you can stay comfortably on a dahabiya; it has individual cabins with fully furnished bathrooms.
From the designs to the architect, the cruises make the experience truly a luxury for the guests. It’s no less than any key attraction of Egypt. It holds the same significance as history and the Nile River. Read further about wind-powered Nile dahabiyas and their advantages.
Why do wind-powered dahabiyas matter?
Imagine lying on the sundeck of a dahabiya sailing slowly, with closed eyes, feeling the early morning fresh breeze, with no crowd, just birds and breeze creating a truly magical atmosphere. Isn’t it all that matters on a relaxed vacation? That’s where a dahabiya matters and meets the expectation of the travelers. There is no large engine on the cruise; only electric motors and solar energy are used in the modernized 5-star small boat Nile cruise. It is a remarkable combination of technology and tradition that you witness on a Dahabiya.
Unique features of Wind-powered dahabiyas
- Shallow bottom with barge-like vessels
- Two or more sails; mostly they are long, white, lateen sails
- Interiors are designed by Egyptian artisans.
- Authentic, flavorful food and traditional dining
- Slow sailing, quiet environment, and luxury accommodation
- Only carries 8-20 guests.
How much does a Dahabiya cruise actually cost?
The cost of dahabiyas is decided based on different factors by cruise lines. Here are the major cruises listed with prices for different itineraries. Factors that affect the actual costs of a dahabiya experience in Egypt are duration, route, cabin and suite selection, season, and exclusions. All these factors decide the total cost of the cruise trip in Egypt.
- Swan Luxury Dahabiya: 04 Days – 03 Nights ($1179 / USD)
- Merit I Dahabiya: 04 Days – 03 Nights ($999 / USD)
- Movenpick SB Feddya: 05 Days – 04 Nights ($5499 USD)
- Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise: 04 Days – 03 Nights ($899 USD)
Here, some cruises are mentioned; you can find more on Dahabiya cruise sites on a browser. To find a budget-friendly dahabiya, compare and then book the best that fits your travel budget allowance. You can select the itinerary for Dahabiya rides on the official site of Swan Dahabiya; directly booking benefits you with the assistance of experienced travel agents.
Why Choose a Wind-Powered Dahabiya Cruise?
Many travelers aren’t able to decide what to choose between a traditional dahabiya and a large cruise ship. So here are some points listed below explaining why to choose a wind-powered dahabiya.
Best tranquil experience: You must book a small luxury Nile cruise in Egypt for an experience you want to remember for a lifetime. You will wake up to the sound of the breeze and birds and enjoy dining on open-air sun decks. Cooler nights, warm days, and sailing on the river set a perfectly tranquil atmosphere that makes vacation not just an adventure but a relaxing journey.
Slow & Safe Sailing: The wind-powered sailboats solely depend mostly on wind for sailing, which eliminates the noise of an engine. It is also an eco-friendly travel option, as it reduces carbon emission in the Nile waters. The speed of the dahabiya depends on the current flow of the Nile River from Aswan to Luxor. You can hear the sound of the river and feel more connected with nature.
Access to less-visited spots: the smaller and more compact size of the dahabiya sailboats enables you to explore the less-visited tourist spots. One can sail through Nubian villages and islands that are usually left ignored on fixed schedules of big cruises. You travel with fewer guests, which also benefits you with customization.
Connection with culture: The Dahabiyas may have all the modern amenities, but the dining style and food served on boards make you feel the authenticity of the Arabic and Nubian cultures. The famous dish of Egypt, koshari, is widely served during meals to guests and holds the rich flavors of Middle Eastern cuisine.
Is a wind-powered dahabiya right for you?
In this era of modernization, many cruise lines offering large ships have associated cruising with speed and luxury. Whereas the dahabiyas are still holding to the values from centuries ago and resemble the old style of slow sailing, where you feel connected to nature, and breathtaking landscape views make the rides memorable.
If you are someone looking to experience the premium slow sailing experience, then a wind-powered cruise is surely for you.
Another major aspect that works for you is eco-friendly travel; as nature-conscious travelers, you can choose a wind-powered Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise Egypt over large diesel engine Nile cruises in Egypt.
Concluding words
Explore the serene natural beauty of the desert on the riverbanks with traditional golden dahabiya sailboats and create experiences that you remember for ages. Get connected with culture, food, and history on your way to sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Book the dahabiya cruises in advance, as they only have capacity for 8-20 guests, which are usually booked during peak season (October-April). Always choose a certified and reputable Dahabiya Nile cruise company for booking Egypt tours.