Latest news with #DinoMichael
The Star
01-07-2025
- Business
- The Star
Waldorf Astoria to start cruising on the Nile in 2026
When Marriott dipped into cruising with its introduction of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brand in 2022, it was the first hotel company to head to the ocean. Then came Four Seasons, Orient Express and Aman – all with plans to launch ocean yachts in the next two years. And now, as of May, Hilton Worldwide has decided to quietly join the fray with its flagship luxury brand Waldorf Astoria, which is set to introduce a Nile River cruiser in late 2026. The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience will bear some of the hallmarks of the hotels that share its name: a Peacock Alley Bar, a monumental lobby clock and art deco design flourishes. (Yes, there will be plenty of Champagne, perhaps even enough to fill the Nile.) But Hilton's head of luxury brands Dino Michael says the decision to expand into cruising has more to do with the company's heritage than keeping up with the competition. Hilton, after all, has a long history in Egypt, stretching from the 1958 opening of the Nile Hilton to the 589-room Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, which opened in 2023, and the months-old Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi. It also operated two "floating hotels' there in the 1960s, long before the phrase was trendy. The Isis and Orisis, two 184-passenger vessels launched in 1965 and 1966, each sailed for about 25 years up and down the Nile. Rediscovering that history in the lead-up to the Cairo hotel opening made executives feel nostalgic, Michael says. "The conversation led from one thing to another.' Before long, he says, the team had concluded, "you know, we should do it again'. With that in mind, Michael says the Nile River Experience won't be part of a broader entrance by Hilton into the luxury cruise market, but rather "a distinctive offering that reimagines Nile River cruising through the lens of the Waldorf Astoria brand.' Egypt's tourism moment The Nile is a crowded market for luxury cruising, with a broad range of companies sailing along similar routes. But it's also thriving: Viking will have 10 ships sailing the Nile by 2026, and this fall will see the debut of two butler-serviced dahabeyahs – wind-powered boats associated with Egyptian royalty – from lauded Indian hotelier Oberoi. So is tourism in Egypt, generally. Despite the turmoil enveloping the broader Middle East, the country's tourism ministry has seen record arrivals in the first months of 2025, with visitor numbers up almost 24% in April compared with the year before. That trend is expected to continue with the late 2025 opening of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum and a newly unveiled, US$30mil refurbishment to the tourism infrastructure around the famed pyramids of Giza. To that booming backdrop, Hilton will add a five-deck vessel with a lavish rooftop deck and 29 river-view suites, each with personal concierges able to arrange "tailored programming' off the ship. "There was an existing vessel that was in need of a full renovation, which is great for us because you get to create from the ground up,' Michael says. He declines, however, to name the ship or the price of the project. The company's local partner for the endeavor is Middle East for Nile Cruises and Hotels, owned by the Egyptian plastics manufacturer Al-Ahram Group, whose assets include a 21-year-old ship called The Nile Story. The reimagined Hilton cruiser will sail a tried-and-true route. Departures will set sail from Luxor toward the Valley of the Kings and the intriguing market town of Aswan; other stops will include private docks at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, to see temples dedicated to the gods of crocodiles and falcons. Other experiences, such as helicopter rides and wellness-oriented excursions, are under discussion, though Michael says it's too early to talk specifics; the goal, he says, is to avoid "touristy and overcrowded' spots and to seek "unique' opportunities to explore along the river. Points hounds welcome One distinguishing factor is that guests will be able to earn and burn: Hilton Honors points on the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience's cruises. While prices have yet to be decided, Michael says bookings are expected to open for sale around the second quarter of 2026, and trips will range from four to six nights. The only other Nile cruises that can be paid for with loyalty points are much longer itineraries – nine- to 13-day trips with AmaWaterways, Viking and Uniworld River Cruises – which are bookable via Marriott Bonvoy's Cruise With Points programme. And while travellers can also book the Waldorf Astoria in Cairo on points to extend their trips on either end, Hilton doesn't plan to replicate that strategy for now. Where other brands such as Orient Express and Four Seasons are deliberately planning diverse rail and sea itineraries that can easily get combined with stays at nearby hotels, Hilton plans for now to stick to the Nile. "Right now, it's just something we felt was unique,' Michael says. "Given the popularity of Nile cruising and the huge opportunity that exists at that premium level, we thought Waldorf Astoria was the right fit.' A Nile cruise, Michael says, is "on a lot of bucket lists-and when done well, it's extraordinary'. – Bloomberg
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Travel + Leisure
27-06-2025
- Business
- Travel + Leisure
The First-ever Waldorf Astoria Cruise Ship Will Offer Luxe Nile Sailings in 2026—What to Know
Hilton recently announced it's expanding its global footprint—but it might not be in the way you expect. The hotel giant's luxury brand, Waldorf Astoria, is entering the cruise game with a Nile River itinerary that will take place in 2026. In April, the hotel brand, along with Middle East For Nile Cruisers, announced the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience, a cruise designed to "bring Waldorf Astoria's signature elegant service to Africa's longest and most renowned river," as per the press release. As Hilton explained in the statement, it will soon offer travelers four or six-night itineraries, either down the Nile from Luxor , Egypt, to Aswan , Egypt, or up the river in the opposite direction, departing from its private docks at either point. 'Waldorf Astoria is in an incredible new era of luxury, creating unforgettable, immersive experiences in the most sought-after destinations," Dino Michael, the senior vice president and global head of Hilton Luxury Brands, said in a statement obtained by Travel + Leisure . "... This new destination experience offers guests a spectacular view of Egypt, and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard this one-of-a-kind experience when it launches next year.' During the sailings, guests will get the chance to explore the temples in Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, as well as go on guided tours to cultural attractions at stops across Egypt, including Esna, Kom Ombo, and Edfu. A rendering of the living room lounge area. While there will undoubtedly be plenty to do off the ship, the star of the show here may just be the vessel itself. According to Hilton, the ship that the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience has five decks and just 29 suites, ensuring personalized service from the moment you step on board. While there are only renderings of the rooms (for now), the vision includes light wood floors, bright white linens, separate sleeping and living spaces, and massive floor-to-ceiling windows and doors that open to verandas, allowing the Egyptian sun to illuminate every inch of the ship. There will also be all the luxe amenities travelers could hope to have, including a "state-of-the-art fitness center and a spa," along with "distinctive food and drink experiences," such as Waldorf Astoria's signature Peacock Alley, a brasserie that will serve Egyptian, Mediterranean, and international cuisine. However, the best perk of all will undoubtedly be the ship's rooftop deck, where guests can savor the Nile views both day and night. This, however, isn't Hilton's first foray into Egypt. The company noted in its statement that it currently has 14 hotels sprinkled across the nation and is "set to triple its presence" there through its lifestyle brands. And, as Michael added, this new sailing is just the beginning of the adventures to come from the brand, with the "anticipated opening of the legendary Waldorf Astoria New York, and debuting in destinations including the most recent openings in Osaka and Costa Rica, and into the future with Sydney, London, Jaipur and many more." Sailings are set to kick off in late 2026, so stay tuned to Hilton's website for booking details.
Vancouver Sun
26-06-2025
- Business
- Vancouver Sun
Hilton breaks into cruising with a Waldorf Astoria Nile ship
When Marriott dipped into cruising with its introduction of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brand in 2022, it was the first hotel company to head to the ocean. Then came Four Seasons, Orient Express and Aman — all with plans to launch ocean yachts in the next two years. And now, as of May, Hilton Worldwide Holdings has decided to quietly join the fray with its flagship luxury brand Waldorf Astoria, which is set to introduce a Nile River cruiser in late 2026. The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience will bear some of the hallmarks of the hotels that share its name: a Peacock Alley Bar, a monumental lobby clock and art deco design flourishes. (Yes, there will be plenty of Champagne, perhaps even enough to fill the Nile.) But Hilton's head of luxury brands Dino Michael says the decision to expand into cruising has more to do with the company's heritage than keeping up with the competition. Plan your next getaway with Travel Time, featuring travel deals, destinations and gear. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. A welcome email is on its way. If you don't see it, please check your junk folder. The next issue of Travel Time will soon be in your inbox. Please try again Interested in more newsletters? Browse here. Hilton, after all, has a long history in Egypt, stretching from the 1958 opening of the Nile Hilton to the 589-room Waldorf Astoria Cairo Heliopolis, which opened in 2023, and the months-old Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi. It also operated two 'floating hotels' there in the 1960s, long before the phrase was trendy. The Isis and Orisis, two 184-passenger vessels launched in 1965 and 1966, each sailed for about 25 years up and down the Nile. Rediscovering that history in the lead-up to the Cairo hotel opening made executives feel nostalgic, Michael says. 'The conversation led from one thing to another.' Before long, he says, the team had concluded, 'you know, we should do it again.' With that in mind, Michael says the Nile River Experience won't be part of a broader entrance by Hilton into the luxury cruise market, but rather 'a distinctive offering that reimagines Nile River cruising through the lens of the Waldorf Astoria brand.' The Nile is a crowded market for luxury cruising, with a broad range of companies sailing along similar routes. But it's also thriving: Viking will have 10 ships sailing the Nile by 2026, and this fall will see the debut of two butler-serviced dahabeyahs — wind-powered boats associated with Egyptian royalty — from lauded Indian hotelier Oberoi. So is tourism in Egypt, generally. Despite the turmoil enveloping the broader Middle East, the country's tourism ministry has seen record arrivals in the first months of 2025, with visitor numbers up almost 24% in April compared with the year before. That trend is expected to continue with the late 2025 opening of the long-awaited Grand Egyptian Museum and a newly unveiled, $30 million refurbishment to the tourism infrastructure around the famed pyramids of Giza. To that booming backdrop, Hilton will add a five-deck vessel with a lavish rooftop deck and 29 river-view suites, each with personal concierges able to arrange 'tailored programming' off the ship. 'There was an existing vessel that was in need of a full renovation, which is great for us because you get to create from the ground up,' Michael says. He declines, however, to name the ship or the price of the project. The company's local partner for the endeavor is Middle East for Nile Cruises and Hotels, owned by the Egyptian plastics manufacturer Al-Ahram Group, whose assets include a 21-year-old ship called The Nile Story. The reimagined Hilton cruiser will sail a tried-and-true route. Departures will set sail from Luxor toward the Valley of the Kings and the intriguing market town of Aswan; other stops will include private docks at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo, to see temples dedicated to the gods of crocodiles and falcons. Other experiences, such as helicopter rides and wellness-oriented excursions, are under discussion, though Michael says it's too early to talk specifics; the goal, he says, is to avoid 'touristy and overcrowded' spots and to seek 'unique' opportunities to explore along the river. One distinguishing factor is that guests will be able to earn and burn Hilton Honors points on the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience's cruises. While prices have yet to be decided, Michael says bookings are expected to open for sale around the second quarter of 2026, and trips will range from four to six nights. The only other Nile cruises that can be paid for with loyalty points are much longer itineraries — nine- to 13-day trips with AmaWaterways, Viking and Uniworld River Cruises—which are bookable via Marriott Bonvoy's Cruise With Points program. And while travelers can also book the Waldorf Astoria in Cairo on points to extend their trips on either end, Hilton doesn't plan to replicate that strategy for now. Where other brands such as Orient Express and Four Seasons are deliberately planning diverse rail and sea itineraries that can easily get combined with stays at nearby hotels, Hilton plans for now to stick to the Nile. 'Right now, it's just something we felt was unique,' Michael says. 'Given the popularity of Nile cruising and the huge opportunity that exists at that premium level, we thought Waldorf Astoria was the right fit.' A Nile cruise, Michael says, is 'on a lot of bucket lists — and when done well, it's extraordinary.'
Bloomberg
24-06-2025
- Business
- Bloomberg
Hilton Breaks Into Cruise With a Waldorf Astoria Nile Ship
When Marriott dipped into cruising with its introduction of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brand in 2022, it was the first hotel company to head to the ocean. Then came Four Seasons, Orient Express and Aman—all with plans to launch ocean yachts in the next two years. And now, as of May, Hilton Worldwide Holdings has decided to quietly join the fray with its flagship luxury brand Waldorf Astoria, which is set to introduce a Nile River cruiser in late 2026. The Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience will bear some of the hallmarks of the hotels that share its name: a Peacock Alley Bar, a monumental lobby clock and art deco design flourishes. (Yes, there will be plenty of Champagne, perhaps even enough to fill the Nile.) But Hilton's head of luxury brands Dino Michael says the decision to expand into cruising has more to do with the company's heritage than keeping up with the competition.
Travel Weekly
12-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Weekly
Waldorf Astoria will offer Nile cruises in late 2026
Luxury hotel brand Waldorf Astoria will begin offering river cruises on the Nile next year. Waldorf Astoria parent company Hilton and Middle East For Nile Cruisers announced the Waldorf Astoria Nile River Experience. Waldorf Astoria will offer four- and six-night itineraries on the Nile beginning in late 2026. Passengers will travel from Luxor to Aswan or the reverse. The ship will stop at ancient temples in Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. The brand has secured private docks in Luxor and Aswan. "This new destination experience offers guests a spectacular view of Egypt, and we look forward to welcoming guests aboard this one-of-a-kind experience when it launches next year," said Dino Michael, senior vice president and global head of Hilton's luxury brands. The ship has five decks and 29 suites and includes a fitness center and spa. Dining options include Waldorf Astoria's signature Peacock Alley, a brasserie and a rooftop deck. The cuisine will feature Egyptian, Mediterranean and international dishes. More details, including booking and itinerary information, are not immediately available.
