Sanctuary Retreats · Sanctuary Nile

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a 80-passenger Sanctuary Nile river cruise vessel operated by Sanctuary Retreats. Launched in 2007, she measures approximately 72 metres in length and offers 40 staterooms and suites across 4 passenger decks. Sanctuary Sun Boat IV primarily sails the Nile, with seasonal repositioning to additional waterways.

Launched2007
Guests80
Cabins40
Decks4
Length72 m

About Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV belongs to Sanctuary Retreats's Sanctuary Nile series and entered service in 2007. Built to navigate the lock systems and bridge clearances of European waterways, she measures roughly 72 metres in length and accommodates up to 80 guests in 40 staterooms across 4 passenger decks.

Part of A&K Travel Group, Sanctuary Retreats operates a small fleet of luxury river vessels including the Sanctuary Sun Boat III and IV (Nile), Sanctuary Ananda (Irrawaddy) and Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer (Yangtze), each designed for fewer than 100 guests with all-balcony cabins. Sanctuary Sun Boat IV reflects that brand DNA — from the design of her public spaces to the inclusions in her base fare.

The ship's typical home waters are the Nile, where she runs 2 distinct itineraries during the operating season. Repositioning sailings, themed wine cruises and Christmas-market voyages may be added in autumn and early winter.

Background reading: our long-form explainer of the Sanctuary Retreats fleet philosophy covers the design choices that distinguish Sanctuary Nile ships from the rest of the European fleet.

Cabin categories

The following stateroom and suite categories are offered onboard. Square-foot figures are quoted from the operator's published deck plans and exclude balcony floor space.

CategorySquare feetDeckWindow / viewMax guests
Standard Cabin 225 sq ft Main Deck Picture window 2
Sun Deck Suite 420 sq ft Sun Deck Outside balcony 2

Deck plan

Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is laid out across 4 passenger decks plus the open-air sun deck. Public spaces, cabins and crew areas are arranged in the configuration described below.

Sun Deck
Open-air sun deck with putting green, walking track, herb garden and shaded lounge.
Upper Deck
Most premium staterooms and suites, plus the panorama lounge and library.
Middle Deck
Mid-tier staterooms with French balconies and the main restaurant.
Main Deck
Standard staterooms with fixed windows, the reception, the gift shop and the spa.
For cabin-selection strategy across this class, see our deck-by-deck guide to choosing a cabin on a Sanctuary Nile-style vessel.

Onboard amenities

  • Sun deck with shaded lounge area
  • Panoramic lounge with floor-to-ceiling windows
  • Main restaurant serving open-seating regional cuisine
  • Casual bistro for breakfast, lunch and late-night snacks
  • Reception with 24-hour staff and concierge service
  • Lift between most passenger decks
  • Complimentary onboard Wi-Fi throughout the ship
  • Hair salon and small fitness room
  • All-inclusive beverages, gratuities and shore excursions

Featured itineraries

The voyages below are representative of those Sanctuary Sun Boat IV sails during her primary season. Exact ports, departure dates and durations vary by year — consult the operator for current schedules.

ItineraryLengthSample portsRegion
Wonders of Egypt & the Nile 12 nights Cairo · Luxor · Esna · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan Nile
Treasures of Egypt 8 nights Cairo · Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan Nile
Planning notes: our pre-departure logistics guide for Nile river cruises covers visa requirements, port-of-embarkation transfers and pre-cruise hotel options.

Sister ships in the Sanctuary Retreats fleet