In Egypt, licenses for River Boats are size and capacity specific and relate to named boats but permission has been given by the Egyptian Government for the hull to be extended by one metre to accommodate a small propeller to assist in manoeuvering. The present owner is willing to undertake the restoration on behalf of the buyer. The restoration will be to a maximum of 22 luxury suites as per the newly extended license.

The Memnon is not one of the Royal boats but has an illustrious past as it was used sixty years ago to portray the 'Karnak' in the original 'Death on the Nile' film starring Peter Ustinov.

There are only three working steam ships on the Upper Reaches of the Nile in Egypt and only two of those have paddles. This makes restoration of the Memnon a viable proposition for offering up-market cruises between Luxor and Aswan. There is a move away from the middle size boats towards either very large cruise ships with upwards of 80 cabins or smaller boats with 10 -20 cabins offering more privacy and exclusivity. Cruises on the smaller boats are well supported as more discerning travellers are returning to Nile travel.