Our 11-night Secrets of Egypt & the Nile itinerary—featured on Conde Nast Traveler’s 2025 Hot List—and optional extensions in Jordan, Alexandria and Dubai not only showcase the awe-inspiring sites in this region of the world but also offer an unparalleled level of comfort, safety and cultural insight. Travel advisor Carol M. shared why these qualities have solidified her trust in AmaWaterways.

Carol and her husband began their adventure in Jordan on their optional pre-cruise extension. As the couple explored Jordan, they felt a profound sense of security and warmth, even while visiting a region that travelers often approach with caution. “It’s not just that the sites such as Petra and Jerash were amazing,” Carol states, “it’s also that we felt totally safe in a part of the world that many fear, and we learned so much about the culture and the peaceful nature of the Jordanian people.”

Much of this peace of mind came from their guide, Loay Olayyan, a.k.a. Louie. Carol shares, “[Louie] was extraordinary and truly one of the best guides we have ever had anywhere in the world. He was gracious and kind, extremely knowledgeable and, overall, a true gentleman. We honestly felt as if we were traveling around this country with a good friend rather than as tourists being managed throughout the time we spent there.”

Accommodations played a significant role in the journey’s success, as Carol highlights the St. Regis Hotel in Amman as “the best hotel we have ever stayed in. It was not simply the beauty of the property; rather, it was the beauty of the hospitality shown by every member of the staff we encountered there. While we have stayed at many top hotels with name recognition in our industry, I have never felt as valued as a guest as I did at this property.”

Carol emphasizes the exceptional service from the staff of the hotel, “Especially . . . our encounters with Basher the concierge and Ahmad the bar manager. To say these two—and really everyone on staff—bent over backwards to make us feel welcome and comfortable is an understatement. We left feeling truly sad that we could not stay longer.” Even after they had departed the hotel, the staff went above and beyond for the couple. “My husband left his Kindle at the hotel as we departed for Petra. The staff not only found it but also handed it to him at the airport as we arrived last night to depart for Cairo,” Carol shared.

These experiences have inspired Carol to continue offering AmaWaterways as her exclusive river cruise line, stating, “As a travel advisor, I love recommending AmaWaterways, and in fact it is the only river cruise line I sell. And it is experiences like the one we just had that give me the ability to sing your company’s praises to every client.”

The combination of breathtaking destinations, exceptional service and a genuine commitment to guest satisfaction makes our Secrets of Egypt & the Nile river cruise with Cairo, plus the optional pre-cruise land extension in Jordan, a journey that is truly unforgettable.

Experience Egypt and the Nile River for yourself, including a visit to the impressive new Grand Egyptian Museum, the world’s largest archeological museum, in Cairo—all part of your 11-night river cruise and land itinerary. If you would like to experience the St. Regis Hotel in Amman yourself, you can add our 4-night Jordan extension pre-cruise. Explore the captivating highlights of Jordan, from its vibrant capital, Amman, to the UNESCO-designated “Rose City” of Petra and Wadi Rum, the breathtaking “Valley of the Moon.”

For a limited time, you can receive complimentary roundtrip airfare to Egypt when you reserve select 2025 and 2026 Secrets of Egypt & the Nile departures. CLICK HERE to view eligible dates and more information.