Egypt is not a destination that reveals itself gently. For many travellers, it sits firmly on the bucket list — a place defined by monumental history, iconic imagery, and a level of cultural weight few countries can rival.

Cruising occupies a strangely fixed place in the travel imagination. For some, the format is associated with regimented schedules and large ships engineered for mass-market efficiency. For others, the cliché is demographic — a holiday designed primarily for retirees.