The move will allow voyages of up to 14 days, running as far north as Cairo.

Cruises now operate only between Luxor and the southern city of Aswan - a section known as the Upper Nile.

The report says the section between Luxor and Cairo, known as the Lower Nile (though it’s north of the Upper Nile) was closed to cruise vessels 16 years ago because of silting and security concerns.

Planned re-opening is seen as a bid to boost tourist numbers in the wake of the uprising which deposed President Mubarak.

Cruisecritic.com says there’s been no talk yet of new itineraries.