By Ben Wheeler
AGATHA CHRISTIE’S steam ship which inspired one of her most celebrated novels Death on the Nile could be the period-style cruise of your dreams from just £1,500-a-week.
The Steam Ship Sudan was built in 1885 as a gift for King Fouad, who at the time ruled over both Egypt and Sudan, it was subsequently bought by British tour-operator, Thomas Cook, and became one of the first boats to carry British tourists down the world-famous river.
The vessel played host to legendary British author, Agatha Christie, in the 1930s and became the inspiration for her novel, Death on the Nile, which was published not long after her return from Egypt.
Stunning images reveal the astounding decadence and beauty of the cruise ship as it meanders along the glistening waters of the Nile and which despite elements of modernisation still retains its distinguished original features.
The Sudan, with just 18 cabins and five suites, has an intimate feel and each cabin contains gorgeous period furniture including wall-mounted telephones and brass bedsteads.
The cabins are laid out between the ship’s two decks, just off the broad passageways where passengers can sit and relax. Each cabin bears the name of a person linked with Egypt’s history including Queen Victoria and Howard Carter, the archaeologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Other suites bear the name of Christie herself as well as her fictional protagonist, Hercule Poirot, the star of Death on the Nile, for which the Steam Ship Sudan has featured in both film and television remakes.
Life on board the ship is bound to take passengers gently back in time where you could easily imagine the refined guests of Christie’s day strutting about with their parasols.
The bar in the lounge features genuine period craftworks including gorgeous woodwork, copper and furniture, whilst the walls are lined with old photographs of distinguished former guests.
The restaurant has also lost none of its period charm as guests can settle down in the grandiose surroundings to enjoy Egypt’s finest cuisine accompanied by the spellbinding voice of Oum Kalsoum, the legendary Egyptian songstress whose music has been played on the boat for over a century.
Although there is no pool on board, the sundeck provides the perfect spot for passengers to relax and watch the world pass by or why not take a stroll to check out some the ship’s original workings such as pistons and paddle wheels, the staff may even let you visit the engine room if you’re lucky.
For more information see www.mediadrumworld.com
