Dahabiya comparison
Iris vs Akhnaton: which dahabiya suits you?
Choose Iris for a new, larger dahabiya with comfort to match a small hotel: 17 cabins and suites for up to 36 guests, panoramic windows, a heated pool and jacuzzi, and fixed departures on Fridays from Aswan and Mondays from Luxor. Choose Akhnaton for a small classic sailing boat with six cabins and about a dozen guests, ideal for a family or friends taking the whole boat. Both sail between Aswan and Luxor or Esna all year, and both cost about the same per person for the same length.
The facts
Iris and Akhnaton side by side
| Iris | Akhnaton | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 17 cabins and suites, up to 36 guests, three decks | Six: five twin cabins and a suite, about a dozen guests |
| Built | 2025 | A classic two-masted boat with colonial-style interiors |
| Cabins | Deluxe cabins of 20 m² with panoramic sliding windows; suites of 29 to 40 m², some with a veranda; one single cabin | Twin cabins that join into doubles, each with a private bathroom; the suite has larger windows |
| On deck | Heated pool and jacuzzi, sun deck, gym and yoga | Shaded sun deck with loungers and a tiled plunge pool |
| Inside | Indoor and outdoor dining, library corner, board games | Library of Egyptian books, salon with sofas, lounge bar |
| Routes | 3 nights Aswan to Luxor (Fridays), 4 nights Luxor to Aswan (Mondays), 7-night round trip | 4 nights Esna or Luxor to Aswan, 3 nights Aswan to Luxor |
| Stops | Islands of El Hyrdiya and Besaw, Kom Ombo, Daraw, Gebel el-Silsila, Edfu | Edfu, Gebel el-Silsila, Kom Ombo, Philae at Aswan |
| Drinks | No alcohol sold on board; bring your own | Lounge bar |
| Wi-Fi | Around the clock | In the lounge, limited while sailing |
| Season | All year; best October to April | All year |
The guest view
What guests say about each
Iris guests describe a quiet boat with no engine hum, small groups on shore and housekeeping twice a day, with a cold drink and a fresh towel waiting after each temple. Worth knowing: no alcohol is sold, so bring your own, and on a full week some found the menu began to repeat.
Akhnaton guests talk most about the crew, who handle special requests without fuss, and the food, which copes well with gluten-free and vegetarian diets. An island barbecue with music is a highlight. Worth knowing: some bathroom finishes show wear, and the most common regret is that the trip felt too short.
Our view
Which to choose
| If you are | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Couples who want comfort | Iris | New cabins with panoramic windows, a heated pool and a jacuzzi on the top deck. |
| A family or friends taking the whole boat | Akhnaton | With six cabins it is one of the easiest dahabiyas to charter privately. |
| Travelling alone | Iris | It has a single deluxe cabin, so there is no need to pay for a double. |
| The most personal trip | Akhnaton | About a dozen guests, and a crew that guests say handles every request. |
| Special diets | Both | Guests on Akhnaton mention gluten-free and vegetarian food done well; Iris cooks Egyptian and international dishes, so tell either boat at booking. |
| Staying connected | Iris | Wi-Fi around the clock, where Akhnaton's is limited while sailing. |
Dahabiyas run about US$140 to US$1,500 per person per night, depending on the boat, cabin and season. Compare other boats in the best dahabiyas, or see chartering a whole dahabiya.
Asked often
Iris and Akhnaton, answered
- Is Iris or Akhnaton better?
- Iris is better for comfort and facilities: new cabins, a heated pool, a jacuzzi and fixed weekly departures. Akhnaton is better for an intimate trip or a private charter, with six cabins and about a dozen guests.
- How many guests do Iris and Akhnaton carry?
- Iris carries up to 36 guests in 17 cabins and suites. Akhnaton has six cabins, five twins and a suite, for about a dozen guests.
- Does Iris have a swimming pool?
- Yes, a heated pool and a jacuzzi on the top deck, which is rare on a dahabiya. Akhnaton has a smaller tiled plunge pool under the canopy.
- Can you drink alcohol on Iris?
- Iris does not sell alcohol, so guests bring their own. Akhnaton has a lounge bar.
- Can I charter Akhnaton or Iris privately?
- Both can be chartered. Akhnaton, with six cabins, suits a family or a group of friends; Iris suits a larger group of up to 36.
