River Tosca back on the River Nile

By guest blogger Steve Newman

Over the last several years, Uniworld River Cruises have seen a growing interest in Egypt, a glorious destination. As a company, they felt the need to provide travellers with a Nile River cruise that would incorporate the same high standards as their riverboats in Europe. As a result, Uniworld originally commissioned the River Tosca with the goal that it would be one of the most luxurious ships to sail the Nile.

However, when it became apparent the Tosca did not meet Uniworld standards, the company made the difficult decision to dry-dock the ship for seven weeks. The main deficiencies were: the quality of workmanship with the floors in the staterooms, main stairwell, and corridors - damaged and scratched during installation; the mosaic tiles in the restaurant; the paint and woodwork in the staterooms; and the choice of fabrics in the staterooms.

Dry-docking the ship - in the height of the season in Egypt - was a very difficult and humbling decision for the company. It was the right decision to make, however, both for the long term success of Uniworld in Egypt and, most importantly, for their customers. The Tosca resumed sailing the Nile last March, with all the floors in the staterooms, corridors, stairwells and restaurant having been replaced.

The 84-passenger ship now has new wall coverings in the staterooms and the furniture has been reupholstered with tones more appropriate to the destination. The staterooms are spectacular, both in size (a minimum of 300sq ft) and decor. With the Tosca resuming its Nile sailings, the Uniworld team eagerly awaits guests’ feedback.

Uniworld features elegant, boutique hotel-style cruise ships designed for the experienced traveller, with an average capacity of 134 guests, expertly planned itineraries and shore excursions, world-class cuisine and award-winning hospitality from an all-English speaking staff with a ratio of one staff member to every three guests. The company offers over 500 departures on 35 itineraries sailing on 9 rivers in 16 countries throughout Europe, Egypt, and China.

For more information, visit http://www.uniworldrivercruises.co.uk/

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