Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts (MH&R) have signed a contract to manage the new deluxe Nile cruiser Royal Lotus to enhance its present fleet of Mövenpick Nile Cruisers Radamis I & II, which have built up an enviable reputation sailing between Aswan and Luxor over the last two decades. The move is in continuance of the Swiss domiciled company's aggressive strategy to expand its portfolio throughout the Middle East. Royal Lotus is scheduled to be commissioned later this autumn and will cruise between Aswan and Luxor.

Nile Exploration Corporation, the owning company, boasting almost 30 years experience is renowned for utilising the latest marine engineering and navigation technology, certified to the highest international standards for safety and comfort. They currently operate three sister ships on the Nile and a cruiser on Lake Nasser.

Mövenpick M/S Royal Lotus is a deluxe floating hotel boasting four decks which have been specifically designed for around the year cruising with fully air-conditioned public areas and cabins. The tastefully decorated 62 guest cabins of around 21.6 square metres are located on the upper decks to allow unhindered view of the spectacular scenery and offer the guests every home comfort. For the ultimate in luxury cruising, the two Royal Suites offer 42 square metres of bedroom and living space.

The large restaurant offers varied buffets and menus in the Mövenpick tradition to satisfy the most discerning taste with Egyptian cuisine, a selection of international and vegetarian dishes.

The Salon Deck with panoramic windows is elegantly decorated in natural hues and offers a relaxing lounge, a semi-circular bar and a dance area. The Sun Deck has a canopied area, a plunge pool cleverly linked to a heated Jacuzzi and an informal bar. A wide choice of activities is offered to ensure an unforgettable cruise in the true Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts style. Furthermore Royal Lotus offers a great chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Nile banks and to visit the magnificent temples and tombs of the ancient world.

"We chose Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts for Royal Lotus as they are a serious management company with a superb reputation", said Nagui Erian, Chairman of Nile Exploration Corporation.

"We are delighted with our new partner, Nile Exploration Corporation, as they are known for setting new standards for cruise passengers", said Andreas Mattmüller, Senior Vice President Middle East MH&R. "With fewer guest cabins than is usual, the accommodation is generous with more amenities. The design also allows for very spacious public areas."

"The experienced crew of around 70 employees gives a substantially higher staff to passenger ratio than normal", continued Andreas Mattmüller, "which will ensure truly personal service and attention to detail."

"A further advantage of our association with Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts is that passengers can also experience the Jolie Ville Mövenpick Luxor Resort and the Elephantine Island Resort Aswan at either end of the cruise", added Nagui Erian. "They are both unique hotels idyllically located on secluded private islands surrounded by lush tropical gardens."

Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts currently enjoys international representation with 70 hotels existing and under construction. MH&R manages two hotel types, the business and conference hotels and the holiday resorts. The business hotels are located near cities or airports and cater for the needs of business travellers. Holiday resorts are located in ideal leisure destinations. The Hotel Group is currently represented in the following 18 countries: Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, Turkey, Jordan, Egypt, Qatar, Morocco, Tunisia, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, Lebanon and in Tanzania.

Alain Gozzer
Public Relations Manager
+41 44 712 25 51
Mövenpick