Description
The Oberoi Philae originally began service in 1996, configured at the time with 50 cabins and maximum capacity of 100 guests. A multiyear renovation completed in 2015 converted her into an extraordinarily beautiful and private ship, with just 22 cabins and accommodations for 42 guests, modern amenities, and a relaxed, elegant ambiance.
Her 22 cabins, including 4 suites, are large and comfortable, with ample space for storage. Bathrooms are large too. Windows are nearly floor to ceiling and slide open, offering idyllic views of the Nile and the passing scenery. The topmost deck has a swimming pool that is among the largest of any Nile ship, and an al fresco restaurant where lunch is served, weather permitting. Downstairs, there’s a stylish enclosed restaurant as well. A spa and a professional wellness specialist add an extra level of amenity and comfort. The lounge is the venue for talks and recaps, and there are a number of other public spaces for you to discover—to relax, read, and enjoy the views.
Cruise Line
To get where we are today, we drew upon decades of family exploration and travel experience. While some fathers pass on a family business with a sign out front, my father handed down a passion for insatiable curiosity when it came to the unknown, the faraway or the undiscovered. He was in the true definition of the word, an explorer.
In the years that followed, the sea became increasingly more important, leading up to the present, where it is our entire focus.
In the early '80s', we expanded our charter activities, which were very successful. There was one drawback, however. We had became very demanding and it became increasingly frustrating in not having total control of our ships. In 1987, we launched our first ship, the M.S. Polaris, and for a decade she roamed the world from the Arctic to the British Isles to the Amazon. Since 1997, she has served our guests exclusively in the Galapagos. It was with the Polaris that many of us really cut our teeth. We were proud and very happy with the ship and what we could do with her, but at the same time, every problem was now ours and in the early stages there were no shortages.
Since then we have acquired five additional ships, Sea Lion (89), Sea Voyager (90), Endeavour (96), Sea Voyager (00) and our most recent ship the islander.
Ships
Delfin II, Delfin III, Harmony V, Lord of the Glens, National Geographic Delfina, National Geographic Endeavour, National Geographic Endeavour II, National Geographic Endurance, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Gemini, National Geographic Islander, National Geographic Islander II, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Quest, National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Sea Bird, National Geographic Sea Lion, National Geographic Venture, Oberoi Philae, Oceanic Discoverer, Panorama II, Sea Cloud II, Sun Goddess, The Jahan