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Nile River Cruises

There would be no Egypt without the Nile. Discover the civilization that rose along its banks, starting with Cairo, the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Explore Luxor’s legendary temples and tombs, then cruise to Aswan, stopping in ancient Edfu, Kom Ombo and more. A true travel milestone.

Pharaohs & Pyramids

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Highlights of the Nile River

Follow the timeline of Egyptian civilization, beginning in Cairo and culminating with a spectacular Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back. Let your imagination soar as your ship meanders through panoramic desertscapes, fertile farmlands, colorful villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that preserve the ancient glory of Egypt’s greatest temples, palaces and tombs. Included excursions in every port reveal highlights like these:

• The pyramids and the Sphinx, the only Ancient Wonders of the World still standing
• Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, featuring the treasures of King Tutankhamen
• Luxor’s Karnak Temple complex
• The Necropolis of Thebes, Egypt’s largest repository of pharaonic tombs
• Luxor Temple, with its sphinx-lined avenue
• Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens
• The graceful temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh
• The temple of Hathor at Dendera
• Aswan’s atmospheric souk
• Nubian village and school visit
• The romantic, waterbound Temple of Isis at Philae
• Horse-drawn calèche tour to Edfu’s Temple of Horus

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Here’s what it’s like to take a Nile cruise in 2022

Oct 16, 2022 • 7 min read

Plan your trip of a lifetime in Egypt with this guide to cruising on the Nile © Lauren Keith / Lonely Planet

Egypt is nothing short of a miracle. Though the forbidding Sahara encroaches from every direction, the Nile River splashes a verdant green ribbon through the country, sometimes managing to push the desert sands only a few hundred feet back from the riverbank.

One of the world’s longest and most legendary rivers, the Nile travels more than 6500km (4100 miles) through five countries, but it’s most closely connected with Egypt. And indeed, so much of Egyptian history has unfolded along the Nile that nearly all of the country’s major cities and ancient tombs and temples are located along this lush life-giving artery.

The ancient Egyptians used the river as a highway, dispatching trade and military expeditions and toting statues of their gods between temples. The 5th century BCE Greek historian Herodotus famously called Egypt the “gift of the Nile,” and even now, millennia later, cruising the Nile is still the best way for travelers to see Egypt’s gifts for themselves.

Ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime? Here’s what you need to know about picking the best Nile river cruises.

Why are so many travelers talking about Egypt in 2022?

Nowhere else in the world is the past so intertwined with the present than in Egypt, and 2022 promises to be a blockbuster time to experience them both.

Lonely Planet named Egypt one of the top 10 countries to visit this year , and the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open in November to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun , the famous golden pharaoh and “boy king.”

September marked 200 years since the Rosetta Stone was translated, which revealed the meanings of the hieroglyphs and recaptured knowledge that had been lost for centuries. New archaeological discoveries continue apace in Luxor, Saqqara and elsewhere that keep rewriting history.

Tourism hit a record high in Egypt in 2019 and was expected to grow even more in 2020, but we all know what happened then. Like many places, tourism in Egypt has now entered recovery mode, making the coming months a great – and still relatively quiet – time to visit. 

Some Nile cruise companies continued construction projects that have seen new boats launched on the river, including the August 2022 debut of the Viking Osiris , a brand new 82-passenger vessel built specifically to navigate the Nile.

Why you should take a Nile cruise when you visit Egypt

While cruises might get a bad rap elsewhere in the world, traveling by boat on the Nile is a time-honored tradition that stretches back to the pharaonic era.

Along the riverbanks, life carries on in the way that it has since time immemorial: mudbrick houses poke out from behind the foliage, children wave excitedly at passing ships, a lone man paddles a blue-painted canoe piled high with alfalfa for his hungry livestock, palm trees heavy with golden dates sag as they await the harvest.

In a fast-paced world, opportunities to simply sit back and watch life glide by are few and far between. Sitting outside on the Osiris ’s balcony traveling at the speed of the river, I felt like I was watching a slow travel TV show – at once both an outside spectator and also completely immersed in it.

In ancient times, mastering the river helped rulers unite the country, and most temples are built within easy reach of the water. Sure, Egypt’s modern-day road and rail network can transport you to these temples overland, but if you skip a cruise on the Nile, the magic of the journey will certainly be missing.

How to choose a Nile cruise itinerary

The vast majority of Nile cruises operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan in southern Egypt, making stops in Edfu, Kom Ombo and sometimes other small towns.

Which Nile cruise you pick depends on the usual two travel constraints: your budget and your time. Certain boats sail only on certain days, and Nile cruises can be as short as three days, but more commonly last five days.

Most luxury cruises on the Nile, including Viking’s Nile cruises, require signing up for a full Egypt-wide itinerary that starts and ends in Cairo , an excellent option for first-time visitors.

With little signage at historic sites and prices always open to negotiation, Egypt is a tricky place for independent travel. Unless you want to spend your precious vacation time bargaining with taxi drivers and tour guides everywhere you go, it’s best to join a tour for your first visit and leave the logistics to someone else.

What I liked in particular about Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary is that it includes two unusual stops that aren’t standard ports of call for most Nile cruises. 

The ship travels north of Luxor to Qena for passengers to disembark and visit the gorgeous Temple of Hathor at Dendera , where the ceilings have recently been cleaned, exposing beautifully painted zodiac symbols and the warped body of the sky goddess Nut, who swallows the sun every night and gives birth to it the next morning. 

The boat also stops in Esna for the Temple of Khnum , a small but wonderfully preserved structure. Look up to spot the column-topping capitals, each of which has a colorfully decorated, unique bouquet of palm fronds, bunches of grapes, lotus flowers and papyrus shoots.

In Luxor, you’ll get private access to the show-stopping tomb of Nefertari – arguably the most beautiful burial site in the entire country (and certainly the most expensive at LE1400, about US$72) where nearly every square inch is painted in stunningly vibrant bas-reliefs – as well as the chance to see the stark dichotomy of Egypt’s landscapes from the sky in the basket of a gently drifting hot air balloon.

Tours of the temples and tombs are led by local expert Egyptologists who explain and translate the meanings of the hieroglyphs before your very eyes. 

A few companies offer Nile cruises from Cairo, but these sailings are rare, usually operating just once a month – if at all – and take significantly longer because of the distance involved. But you’ll get the chance to check out off-the-beaten-track tombs and temples between Cairo and Luxor that see few visitors.

What is it like on board the Viking Osiris ?

Decked out in a sleek Scandi color scheme of blond wood and blue textiles that are drenched in natural light thanks to huge floor-to-ceiling windows across much of the ship, the Viking Osiris is an oasis of calm that’s a treat to return to after a long and dusty day of exploring. 

The cruise ship has 41 cabins across three decks, plus two upper levels with an indoor/outdoor dining space with windows that fold away for al fresco evenings, a cozy bar and lounge with a resident piano player in the evenings, an infinity-style pool at the back of the boat and a sun deck for days of lazy lounging.

Travelers can check out books from the on-board library’s exquisite collection to read up on Egyptian history on their voyage.

The guest rooms are surprisingly spacious, with comfy hotel-like beds, plenty of wardrobe and storage space, and good-sized bathrooms. Many staterooms come with balconies.

The ship is partially powered by solar panels, and you can see how much electricity is being generated by the sun as well as the carbon dioxide savings on a screen inside.

What travelers should know before visiting Egypt

Almost all nationalities need a visa to visit Egypt , which you can get on arrival at the airport or apply for online in advance if you’d rather skip the line. The cost of a single-entry Egyptian tourist visa is USD$25, payable in cash at the airport or by card online.

Egypt is a traditional, Muslim-majority country, so both men and women should dress modestly when visiting. For tips on what to pack, local etiquette and more, check these 14 things to help you plan your visit to Egypt .

Lauren Keith traveled on the Viking Osiris cruise by invitation from Viking River Cruises .

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Nile River Cruises

Cruise the Nile in a manner once reserved for queens and pharaohs. Experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury. Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest ancient religious complex, and the entrancing Temple of Luxor. Visit temples dedicated to Hathor, Horus, and other mythological figures, and pay homage to the country’s first female ruler at the Temple of Hatshepsut. Follow in the footsteps of renowned scholars and explorers as you venture forth into the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty. You will enjoy an exhilarating ride in a felucca, a traditional Nile River sailboat.

Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (2024)

Cairo to Cairo | 12 days

For 12 adventure-filled days, experience Egypt and the Nile’s most wondrous sites in style and luxury. * Wander amongst the towering ruins of the Temple of Karnak, the world’s largest...

Ships: River Tosca, S.S. Sphinx

Country: Egypt

River: Nile

4.6 /5 (743 reviews)

From $6,499 per person

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Splendors of Egypt & the Nile (2025)

From $6,299 per person

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Nile River Cruises

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Nile River Cruises fleet

Ms mayflower, ms amwaj livingstone, ms esplanade, ms sonesta st george, ms viking princess, ms steigenberger omar el khayam, movenpick ms darakum, ms oberoi zahra, ms nile dolphin, ms sonesta star goddess, movenpick ms hamees, ms sonesta moon goddess, movenpick ms prince abbas, ms kasr ibrim, review of nile river cruises.

Egypt cruises on Nile River and Lake Nasser are of those experiences imperative to take at least once in a lifetime. Nile River has been the lifeline of Egypt since ancient times and the best way to trace the passage of Egypt's history is to follow the course of the river.

Nile cruise itineraries are between the ports of Luxor and Aswan . River cruising is a comfortable, luxury hotel-style way to visit Upper Egypt's archaeological sites. Most voyages on the river depart from Cairo and last between 3 and 7 days (round-trips), rarely over a week. Longer itineraries offer additional hotel stays in both embarkation / disembarkation ports, but also in the companies' privately owned hotel and resort properties located on Egypt's Red Sea coast - in or near the resort towns and port cities Sharm El Sheikh , Hurghada , El Gouna, El Quseir, Makadi Bay, Sokhna (55 km / 35 mi south of Suez ).

Nile-based cruise ships - the very boats cruising the mighty river - are generally larger in comparison to typical river cruise ships, for example, to those sailing on European waterways. Each vessel accommodates up to 200 passengers. Similar sized (bigger) riverboats can be only deployed on wider inland waterways, such as Yangtze (in China), or Mississippi (in the USA).

Lake Nasser and Nile river cruises in Egypt

The Nile is a major river in northeastern Africa. This very special north-flowing waterway is generally regarded as the longest in the world at 4258 ml (6853 km). The resources of the Nile are shared by eleven countries, and the river is also the primary water source of Sudan and Egypt.

The Greek historian Herodotus once wrote that "Egypt was the gift of the Nile". Being a precious source of sustenance, Nile provided a crucial role in the evolution of Egyptian civilization. As the river played such an important role, even the ancient calendar was based on the 3 cycles of Nile.

To sail these life-giving waters, surrounded by millennia-old sites, is an unforgettable experience through Egypt’s heritage. Step back in time to explore the ancient wonders of the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Luxor, as well as temples devoted to Egypt's pantheon of gods and goddesses.

Colourful bazaars, ancient temples, and pyramids, that were already ancient by the time of Cleopatra, only begin to mark the highlights of the unique cruising vacation on Nile River through Egypt. Itineraries commonly include tours of landmarks in Aswan, Cairo, and Luxor, as well as visits to solitary temples, such as Abu Simbel . The Nile River cruise offers plenty of tours, but there is also time to relax while watching this ancient world float by.

List of Lake Nasser cruise ships

These are the names of the few big-sized hotel ships and new riverboats deployed at Lake Nasser in Egypt:

• Movenpick Prince Abbas - departures are on Monday (from Aswan) and on Friday (from Abu Simbel).
• Movenpick Darakum (Nile River) - departures are on Monday (from Luxor) and on Friday (from Aswan).
• SS Sphinx (2020, Nile River) is Uniworld 's ship in Egypt, deployed on the route Aswan-Luxor (transfer flights Cairo-Luxor-Cairo).
• AmaDahlia (2021, Nile River) is AmaWaterways ' new boat with scheduled roundtrips from Luxor (transfer flights Cairo-Luxor-Cairo).
• Kasr Ibrim - departures are on Saturday (from Aswan) and on Wednesday (from Abu Simbel). The ship is also exclusively chartered by Viking Cruises .
• Steigenberger Omar El Khayam - departures are on Monday (from Aswan) and on Friday (from Abu Simbel). The ship is also exclusively chartered by Viking Cruises.
• Movenpick MS Hamees - departures are on Monday (from Luxor) and on Friday (from Aswan). The boat is also chartered to Emerald Waterways and Riviera Travel UK.
• MS Farah (2011-built, Nile River) operates between Aswan and Luxor. The ship is also exclusively chartered by Avalon Waterways .
• MS Nubian Sea - departures are on Monday (from Aswan) and on Friday (from Abu Simbel).
• MS Eugenie - departures are on Friday (from Aswan) and on Monday (from Abu Simbel).

Nile River cruise package prices

In this section are listed several of the numerous Nile cruise travel package deals. Know, that all offers and their pricing are only indicative. Prices are per person, in USD, and represent the lowest possible cruise fares. Group booking rates are different, and dependent on the number of passengers.

• 1-Day Fishing Trip In Luxor (prices start from USD 100) - Nile river fishing trips give the opportunity to cruise on a traditional for Egypt sailboat (like Felucca) in the region of Luxor. Deals are inclusive of one oriental meal. No cabin or entertainment are included.
• 1-Day Cruise From Luxor To Dendera Temple (prices start from USD 100) - the small boat cruise visits the Temple of Hathor.
• 3-Night / 4-Day Cruise from Aswan to Luxor or the reverse Luxor to Aswan - prices start from USD 350).
• 4-Night / 5-Day Cruise Tour Luxor-Aswan, or the reverse Luxor–Aswan - prices start from USD 420.
• 7-Night / 8-Day Cruise Tour Luxor to Aswan, or the reverse Aswan to Luxor - prices start from USD 740.
• 7-Night / 8-Day Red Sea and Nile Cruise - prices start from USD 730. The itinerary includes 3-night "Red Sea Cruise" round-trip from Hurghada, followed by 4-night "Nile Cruise" from Luxor or Aswan. The same pricing is offered on the tour package that includes 3-night "Nile Cruise", followed by 4-night Red Sea Cruise" round-trip from Hurghada.
• 7-Night / 8-Day Cruise Tour from Cairo - prices start from USD 900. The itinerary includes 3-night Cairo hotel package, day tours visiting The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Sakkara necropolis (Zhoser’s step pyramid), Cairo Airport transfers, domestic (Egypt) flight travel to Luxor, a transfer from Luxor Airport to the ship and embarkation before lunch. On day 7 there is onboard Breakfast and disembarkation from the ship, transfer to Aswan Airport, domestic (Egypt) flight travel to Cairo, transfer to a Cairo hotel (second overnight stay), and on day 8 there is a Breakfast, hotel checkout and transfer to Cairo Airport. International flights to and from Egypt are not included in cruise fares.
• 7-Night / 8-Day "Nile and Red Sea Cruise Tour from Cairo" (round-trip) - prices start from USD 1200. Itineraries start and end in Cairo (Sunday to Sunday, Tuesday to Tuesday, or Thursday to Thursday). Deals are inclusive of Cairo Airport meet, visiting the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, transfer a Cairo hotel(overnight stay), domestic (Egypt) flight Cairo to Aswan, visiting the Temple of Philae, transfer to the ship, embarkation before lunch. On day 5 there is disembarkation, visiting the Valley of Kings, bus travel from Luxor to Hurghada (the Red Sea, approx 280 km / 175 ml drive distance), a Hurghada hotel (2 overnights). On day 7 there is bus travel from Hurghada to Cairo (approx 450 km / 280 ml drive distance), a Cairo hotel (overnight). On day 8 is the hotel check out and transfer to Cairo Airport.
• 11-Night / 12-Day "Nile and Red Sea Cruise" - prices start from USD 1150. The itinerary includes 7-night "Nile Cruise" from Luxor or Aswan, followed by 4-night "Red Sea Cruise" round-trip from Hurghada. The itinerary includes arrival in Luxor (private arrangement), transfer to the ship, embarkation before lunch. On day 8 there is Breakfast and disembarkation in Luxor, bus travel to Hurghada, plus 4-day Hurghada hotel package (included meals - Breakfast and Dinner).

Egypt river cruise ship companies

Among the largest cruise companies operating on the Egypt river cruising market (the Nile and Lake Nasser) are the "hotels, resorts and cruise" brands Travcotels, Steigenberger, Jaz, Sonesta, Iberotel, Sanctuary, Oberoi, Movenpick.

• Travco Group (founded 1979) is a large corporation that owns around 160 luxury hotels, resorts and river cruise ships. The "Travco Travel" company handles over 1,3 million tourists annually. Among its renowned brands are the luxury resort and hotel chains Jaz, Travcotels, Iberotel, Steigenberger, Sol Y Mar. Since 2010, Travco and Air Arabia have a joint venture domestic airline called "Air Arabia Egypt"(50% Travco, 40% Air Arabia, 10% private investors). Travco Group has its network of local tour operators.
• Oberoi (founded 1934) is an award-winning chain of 30+ luxury hotels and resorts located in premium destinations in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia, Mauritius. The company's head office is in Delhi, India.
• Sonesta International Hotels Corporation owns prime hotel and resort properties in Egypt, USA, Brazil, Peru, Italy, Bermuda. The company also privately owns 4 luxury Nile cruise ships.
• Movenpick Group (founded 1973, headquarters in Baar, Switzerland) is a joint venture hotel company owned by Movenpick Holding (66,7%) and Kingdom Holding Company (Saudi Arabia, 33,3%). Movenpick operates around 110 hotels, resorts, and Nile ships.
• The hotel chain serves 5.8 million people per year, and in 2003 was named the “fastest growing hotel chain in the Middle East” by The World Travel Market.
• CEO Jean-Gabriel Pérès left the company in early 2016. His replacement, Olivier Chavy, took over in September 2016.
• Sanctuary Retreats is a chain of 17 luxury African safari camps and lodges, plus 6 luxury cruise ships operating on rivers in Egypt (Nile), Burma / Myanmar (Ayeyarwady, Chindwin) and China (Yangtze).

List of owned by Egypt river cruise companies hotels and resorts

Follows the list of owned by Nile riverboat cruise lines hotels and resorts. These are premium location properties, that are included in the "cruise and hotel" package. Another option is to book "cruise and stay" package that includes more hotel overnights or even resort vacation in Egypt - all at discounted pricing.

• Iberotel's hotels in Egypt are named: Iberotel Makadi Beach (Hurghada), Iberotel Luxor, and Iberotel Palace (Sharm El Maya Bay).
• Steigenberger's leisure properties in Egypt are named: Steigenberger Cecil Hotel (Alexandria), Steigenberger El Tahrir (Cairo), Steigenberger Golf Resort (El Gouna), Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel (Hurghada), Steigenberger Aqua Magic (Hurghada), Steigenberger Nile Palace (Luxor), Steigenberger Makadi (Madinat Makadi, Safaga), Steigenberger Coraya Beach (Marsa Alam), and Steigenberger Alcazar (Sharm El Sheikh).
• Oberoi's leisure properties in Egypt are named: The Oberoi Philae (hotel ship), Oberoi Zahra (hotel ship), and Sahl Hasheesh (on the Red Sea, across Sharm El Sheik, approx 18 km / 11 mi south of Hurghada Airport).
• Sonesta's leisure properties In Egypt are named: "Sonesta Cairo Hotel, Tower & Casino", "Sonesta Beach Resort & Casino" (Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea), and "Sonesta Pharaoh Beach Resort" (Hurghada, Red Sea).
• (Travco) Jaz Travel hotels and resorts in Egypt (on Red Sea, near Sharm El-Sheikh) are named Jaz Belvedere (El Montaza), Jaz Fanara Resort (Ras Om El-Seid), Jaz Mirabel Beach (Nabq Bay), Jaz Mirabel Club (Nabq Bay), Jaz Mirabel Park (Nabq Bay), Sol Y Mar Naama Bay, and Sol Y Mar Sharks Bay. Jaz Travel properties near Marsa Alam are named: Jaz Dar El Madina, Jaz Lamaya, Jaz Samaya, and Jaz Solaya. Company's leisure properties near Hurghada (Madinat Makadi) are named Jaz Acquaviva, Jaz Makadi Oasis Club, Jaz Makadi Oasis Resort, Jaz Makadi Saraya Palms, Jaz Makadi Saraya Resort, Jaz Makadi Star & Spa, Jaz Makadina, Sol Y Mar Makadi Sun, and Sensimar Makadi Hotel. The company's leisure properties in Hurghada (Magawish District) are named Jaz Aquamarine, Jaz Bluemarine, and Sol Y Mar Ivory Suites.
• Movenpick resort and hotel properties in Egypt are mainly at the Red Sea - in Hurghada (incl Soma Bay), El Gouna (approx 30 km / 19 ml from Hurghada Airport), El Quseir, Ain Sokhna, Sharm el Sheikh, and Taba (Gulf of Aqaba). In Cairo are Movenpick Hotel Cairo Pyramids, and Movenpick Hotel & Casino Cairo.

Note: You can see the CruiseMapper's list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

Itinerary of Nile River Cruises

This is a review of the longest (12 days) the Red Sea and Nile cruise itinerary, as it includes the typical Nile River itinerary with all its ticket price inclusive tours, also domestic flights (in Egypt, between embarkation/disembarkation ports) and the coach transfers to and from the ship. The itinerary map below shows also Lake Nasser.

(Day 1) Arrival in Luxor and Embarkation

• Arrival in Luxor, bus transfer to the ship, embarkation before lunch.
• Tours included on the river's East Bank - Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor
• Bus transfer to the ship
• Onboard welcome dinner, overnight stay on the ship in Luxor
• Lunch and Dinner are included.

(Day 2) Southbound cruising from Luxor to Esna

• Onboard Breakfast
• Tours included on the river's West Bank - Valley of Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (aka Djeser-Djeseru, at Deir El-Bahari), Colossi of Memnon
• Cruising to Esna Lock
• Onboard Lunch
• Arrival in Esna (Dinner and overnight on the ship)
• Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner are Included.

(Day 3) Southbound cruising from Esna to Edfu and Kom-Ombo

• Cruising to Edfu
• Arrival in Edfu (on the river's West Bank) - an included tour to Temple of Edfu (God Horus).
• Cruising to Kom-Ombo
• Arrival in Kom-Ombo (on the river's East Bank) - an included tour to Temple of Kom-Ombo (God Sobek and God Haroeris).
• Onboard Dinner and overnight on the ship in Kom-Ombo

(Day 4) Southbound cruising from Kom-Ombo to Aswan

• Arrival in Aswan (aka Assuan, on the river's East Bank), onboard Lunch
• Included tours to Temple of Philae (relocated to the nearby Agilkia Island ), Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, boat tour (by felucca/traditional for Egypt wooden sailing boat) around Elephantine Island and the Aswan Botanical Gardens.
• Dinner and overnight on the ship in Aswan

(Day 5) Optional tour from Aswan to bu Simbel

• Overnight stay on the ship in Aswan

(Day 6) Northbound cruising from Aswan to Kom-Ombo, Edfu, and Esna

• Overnight stay on the ship in Esna

(Day 7) Northbound cruising from Esna to Luxor

• Optional excursion - Luxor Museum
• Overnight stay on the ship in Luxor

(Day 8) Cruise ending (disembarkation), transfer to Hurghada (Red Sea)

• Onboard Breakfast, follows disembarkation and transfer (bus travel) to Hurghada
• A Hurghada hotel check-in, free exploration time
• Breakfast and Dinner are Included.

(Day 9, 10, 11) Hurghada (Red Sea)

• Hotel Breakfast, free exploration time
• Optional tour - Giftun Island snorkeling (lunch included)

(Day 12) Hurghada (cruise vacation ending)

• Hotel Breakfast, transfer to Hurghada Airport for departure.
• Breakfast is included.

Avalon Waterways ' Nile cruise itineraris are roundtrips from Cairo, with included all 4x Cairo hotel overnight stays and two domestic flights (Cairo-Aswan and Luxor-Cairo). Avalon Waterways currently charters for its Egypt Nile cruisetours the ship MS Farah .

Viking Cruises' "Nile and Lake Nasser" itinerary

Next is shown the Viking River Cruises ' Nile and Lake Nasser cruise itinerary map. Also round-trip from Cairo, this river cruise tour includes an additional flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where the Lake Nasser based ship is docked for embarkation. From Abu Simbel, the riverboat visits Kasr Ibrim and Amada.

The itinerary (themed "Pathways of the Pharaohs") is also operated by the newbuilds Viking Ra (2018), Viking Osiris (2022), Viking Aton (2023), Viking Hathor (2024) and Viking Sobek (2025). Its total duration is 12 days, with included 17 guided tours and excursions ashore.

Below listed tours are all included in the fares.

• (Day 1, 2, 3) Cairo - 3-night stay
• (Day 2) tour to Sakkara necropolis, Giza Plateau, Great Pyramids (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure), camel ride, Great Sphinx
• (Day 3) tour to Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, guided city tour (Saladin Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque), walking tour (bazaar, Al-Aqmar Mosque), Al-Azhar Park dinner
• (Day 4) flight from Cairo to Luxor, in Luxor - tour to the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, embarkation, optional tour (Karnak Temple - evening sound and light show)
• (Day 5) Luxor - optional tour (hot air balloon ride over the temples and monuments), including tours to Valley of the Kings and Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Madīnat Habu, Mortuary Temple of Ramses III. Follows cruising to Edfu.
• (Day 6) Edfu - horse-drawn carriage ride (tour) to Temple of Horus. Follows cruising to Kom-Ombo (arrival, tour to the temple of Haroeris and Sobek. Follows cruising to Aswan (dinner time arrival), an onboard Nubian party in the evening (traditional music and dancing)
• (Day 7) Aswan - tour to Philae Temple (Isis), tour to Nubian Museum (gardens, terraced waterfalls), tour to Aswan High Dam, a scenic boat tour on a felucca sailboat, overnight in Aswan
• (Day 8) Abu Simbel (flight from Aswan), arrival, tour to the temples, embarkation on the Lake Nasser cruise ship. Optional evening tour - Abu Simbel temples (sound and light show)
• (Day 9) Lake Nasser cruising to Kasr Ibrim and Amada (sun deck / onboard lecture on Kasr Ibrim Fortress, Amada arrival in the afternoon, tour to Temple of Amada (by Pharaoh Thutmose III, dedicated to Amun), cruising to Wadi el Seboua
• (Day 10) disembarkation, excursion to Wadi el Seboua (Valley of the Lions), tour to Temple of Dakka (Thoth) and Temple of Meharakka, afternoon cruising back to Aswan, evening Nubian show (traditional music, dance, costumes)
• (Day 11) Aswan - morning arrival, breakfast, tour to Temple of Kalabsha (God Mandulis), tour to Aswan High Dam, shore lunch, transfer to Aswan Airport (flight to Cairo). 1 overnight in a luxury hotel (Citystars Cairo, or similar first-class hotel, dinner is included. Optional tour - Giza pyramids (sound and light show).
• (Day 12) Cairo - hotel breakfast and transfer to Cairo Airport for the return flight from Egypt.
• 4-night Nile River voyage
• 3-night Lake Nasser voyage
• 3-night Cairo hotel package (Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah)
• 1-night luxury Cairo hotel stay (Cairo CityStars)
• 17 fully escorted and professionally guided tours - each led by a certified Egyptologist
• A total of 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners, including Welcome Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner
• Complimentary beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks - during onboard dinners and lunches)
• 3 domestic (Egypt) flights
• Onboard enrichment programming (in-depth narration by Egyptologists, Nubian evening event), also camel riding
• All transfers and port charges.

Note: In March 2018, the company started its own operations on Nile River with the newly refurbished/reconstructed ship Viking Ra.

Nile River cruise fleet

Follows a list of large-sized riverboats operating on the Nile River in Egypt. Most of the vessels are operated as "hotel ships". It means they are moored dockside and their staterooms are bookable as hotel accommodations. In brackets are shown the shipowners and hotel brand companies' names.

• (Sunrise Resorts and Cruises Egypt ships) Sunrise Terramar, Sunrise Semiramis 1, Sunrise Semiramis 2, Sunrise Semiramis 3
• (Travco Group / Travco-Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts ships) Steigenberger Minerva, Steigenberger Legacy
• (Travco Group / Travcotels ships) Regina, Regent, Nile Monarch, Nile Empress, Lady Sophia, Imperial, Helio, Crown Prince, Crown Jewel
• (Travco Group / Travco-Jaz Hotels and Resorts ships) Jaz Jubilee, Jaz Regency, Jaz Senator, Jaz Yakouta
• (Travco Group / Travco-Iberotel Hotels and Resorts ships) Iberotel Crown Empress, Iberotel Crown Emperor
• (Movenpick Hotels and Resorts ships) Sun Ray, Royal Lotus, Royal Lily, Hamees , Darakum
• (Oberoi Hotels and Resorts) Oberoi Philae
• (Presidential Nile Cruises ships) Nile Symphony, Nile Ritz, Nile Plaza, Nile Odyssey, Nile Commodore, Nile Admiral
• (Grand Circle Cruise Line GmbH) River Anuket
• (Grand Cruises Egypt ships) Nile Romance, Nile Beauty, Grand Star, Grand Rose, Grand Preziosa, Grand Palm, Grand Glory
• (Sakkara Tours ships) Monte Carlo, Monaco, Mojito
• (Amarco Nile Cruise) Amarco II Antares
• Tamr Henna, Tower Prestige
• Stephanie, Solaris II, Sentido Mahrousa
• Royal Viking, Royal Ruby, Royal Esadora
• Ra I, Ra II
• Nubian Sea, Nile Supreme, Nile Smart, Nile Rhapsody, Nile Premium, Nile Festival, Nile Crown
• Moon Dance, Monica, Magic I
• Lady Mary, Lady Carol
• Golden Boat
• Eugenie, Emilio
• Domina Prestige
• Amarante Osiris, Amarante Isis, Alexander The Great

Nile River Cruises related cruise news

Fatal ferryboat accident outside Cairo (Egypt) leaves 10 dead

A ferryboat carrying day workers sank in the Nile River just outside Cairo (Egypt's capital), resulting in the tragic loss of at least 10 lives out...

A&K Luxury Travel building a new riverboat (5th Nile cruise ship)

In the 1970s, while in Egypt, Geoffrey Kent (Abercrombie & Kent's founder) had a visionary encounter at the Sofitel Legend Old Cataract (Aswan...

TUI River Cruises unveils first newbuild ship TUI Alma

TUI River Cruises is poised to initiate the construction of its inaugural newbuild riverboat, starting revenue services (Douro River cruises) in the...

River cruise companies cancel post-voyage extensions in Israel

Major river cruise companies operating on the Nile River in Egypt have adjusted their cruisetour itineraries in response to the recent events in...

Viking Cruises adds two new Nile River ships in Egypt - Hathor (2024) and Sobek (2025)

Viking has opened bookings for voyages on its upcoming Nile River ship Viking Sobek, scheduled to debut in 2025. This vessel will become the 6th...

Viking Cruises' newest Nile River ship, Viking Aton, officially named in Aswan

On August 19th, Viking unveiled its latest river ship, Viking Aton, during a special event in Aswan, Egypt. The ship's ceremonial godfather, Richard...

Uniworld unveils 2024 itineraries including world's longest river cruise tour

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is expanding its long-haul program for 2024 by introducing 3 new brochures that highlight extraordinary journeys and...

Viking names its newest river ship, Viking Osiris, in Luxor (Egypt)

Viking Cruises on Tuesday, August 22, officially named its newest riverboat - Viking Osiris, with a celebration in Luxor (Egypt). As part of the...

AmaWaterways launches 2nd river cruise ship in Egypt - AmaLilia

AmaWaterways announced it will launch a 2nd river cruise ship to sail in Egypt.  AmaLilia is scheduled to debut on the Nile River in 2024...

AmaWaterways' newest Nile River ship AmaDahlia sets sail on maiden voyage

AmaWaterways' newest boat specifically designed for Nile River cruises - AmaDahlia, set sail on her Maiden Voyage in Egypt on September 6th...

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5 Tips for Choosing the Best Nile River Cruise

You’ve decided to cruise down the Nile, the best way to see Egypt in my opinion. But now what?

This is the hard part, narrowing down the seemingly endless options of cruises and tours.

Choose the ultimate Nile Cruise with confidence with these 5 expert tips.

Get more Nile Cruise planning tips !

*This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

How to Choose the Best Nile Cruise

When I started planning our trip to Egypt, to say I was overwhelmed by all the Nile River cruise options would be an understatement. There are so many travel agencies and cruise lines and itineraries, how am I supposed to narrow it all down?

After hours and hours of googling, I realized most of the options actually seemed very similar. And because I couldn’t really tell what the big differences were, it made it even more difficult. Talk about decision paralysis.

Since there are way too many options, the key is to figure out exactly what you want to do and look for cruises that fit those perimeters until you find your perfect Nile cruise.

Establish Your Budget

One easy way to narrow down the seemingly endless Nile Cruise options is to decide how much you are willing to spend. If you’re on a tight budget don’t worry, there are options for every kind of spender from frugal to luxurious.

How much does a Nile Cruise cost?

Fortunately, Nile River cruises range drastically in price point . Standard Cruises start around $350 while the Luxury Cruises can go up to $1700, and everything in between.

Some cruises include entry to all the sites in their initial pricing, but some do not. If the cruise does not include this, add an extra $100 or so to estimate what you will actually pay. Our tour package also gave us the option to add the hot air balloon in Luxor for an additional $80.

All cruises are 5 star accommodations, meaning guests are catered to at the highest level. They also include all your meals on the boat , and often an afternoon snack with tea and coffee. Drinks such as beer, wine, and water cost extra and are added to your tab to be paid at the end of the cruise, along with any tips for the staff. WIFI is also not included on the boat but you can pay per gig at reception.

To save money, consider stocking up on alcohol beforehand at the Duty Free in the airport in Aswan. They aren’t really strict about bringing outside beverages onto the ship. Water is another thing you can buy outside the ship to save a little money. There is usually even a guy on the street just before you get on the cruise selling waters for slightly cheaper.

Remember to account for tipping when considering your budget as well. It is expected to tip drivers, cruise staff, and your tour guide. Most tour guides will help you navigate the appropriate amounts for each of these scenarios.

Another way to save money is by booking through a site like Viator instead of the official cruise agencies. We were able to get a Deluxe cruise on Viator for the same price as a Standard on the cruise’s website.

Choose a Route

The majority of the Nile River cruises start in Aswan and travel north to Luxor. This popular route takes 3 nights and 4 days. I recommend this option because you get to see a ton of sites in a short amount of time and the itinerary keeps topping itself as you get closer to Luxor, where Karnak is the grand finale.

However there are also some that go the opposite way, which adds an extra day (4 nights, 5 days). If you really want to start in Luxor and end in Aswan, it is important to find those specific cruises as they are less common.

There are also even longer 5 day or 8 day cruises traveling north if you have the extra time. You can even cruise all the way up to Cairo! It really depends on the rest of your trip’s itinerary and what you can reasonably accomplish in that time .

Define Your Desired Quality

Nile River cruises are offered in four different tiers: Standard, Deluxe, Ultra Deluxe, and Luxury . After looking at hundreds of cruises online, I honestly had a hard time seeing a huge difference between them. All of the cruises look a bit dated and traditional, and all have similar amenities such a bar, roof deck, gift shop, and pool.

In person, the subtle differences are a bit more noticeable. I walked through several cruises when we docked, and although some were definitely nicer than others, I’m not sure what tier each of them fell into.

Quality of food could be another differentiator between tiers, but I am only speculating. We stayed on a Deluxe cruise and I thought the food was great.

All levels of cruises still boast 5 star accommodations and stop at the same sites along the journey.

Select an Itinerary

Selecting the best Nile Cruise is not only which boat you want to stay on, but what sites and tours you want. All tours make the same core stops : High Dam, Philae Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, Luxor Temple, Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings, and Karnak.

But there are some additional activities to consider to really personalize your cruise experience. Some of these other options include Abu Simbel, hot air balloon over Luxor, Valley of the Queens, and the Karnak Sound and Light show.

There is also the option to have a private guide or group tour. The group tour will obviously be the cheaper option and you can meet new people. But the private guide can really personalize your tour and give you his full attention.

Typical Itinerary from Aswan to Luxor

Day 1: High Dam and Philae Temple

Day 2: Abu Simbel (optional) and Kom Ombo

Day 3: Edfu Temple, Karnak and Luxor Temple

Day 4: Hot air balloon (optional), Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings

Shop Around

There are tons of cruises and tour companies offering essentially the same thing. There’s no sense in settling or paying a lot of money . Shop around until you find exactly what you want; and if you don’t know what you want, you can’t really go wrong with any of them.

Choose Your Best Nile Cruise

Now that you are armed with these tips on how to choose the best Nile cruise, it’s time to start planning! Discover even more about the Nile cruise itinerary, what is the best Nile Cruise , and other important planning tips .

Jack and I went on this 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor & Abu Simbel and had the most unforgettable experience. I highly recommend!

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11 Amazing Things to Do on a Nile River Cruise in Egypt

Egyptians have been sailing the Nile for thousands of years on traditional barge-style boats called Dahabiyas.   In the 19th century, Egyptian tourism exploded when Thomas Cook brought steam-powered cruise ships to the Nile in 1870. This launched the golden age of Egypt tourism that lasted well into the 20th century, inspiring artists like Agatha Christie to write Death On The Nile – The Nile River Cruise has been the crown jewel of Egypt Tourism ever since! 

Today, taking an All-inclusive Nile River Cruise from Aswan to Luxor is one of the easiest and stress-free ways to see the country. I traveled throughout Egypt for an entire month, and in that time taking a Nile River Cruise that sailed to Aswan and Luxor was one of the best things I did on my trip.

Please note that some links on my site are affiliate links, including Amazon Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases – These affiliate links help support my site at no additional cost to you. Read more about this on my privacy policy page.

🏆 BEST OVERALL NILE RIVER CRUISE 

The hands-down best Nile Cruise I recommend is  this one that includes a tour of the Great Pyramids  in Cairo.

11 Amazing Things You’ll See On Your Nile Cruise 

1. temple of luxor .

Luxor Temple is unique among Egyptian historical sites because it closes at 10 PM. At night they set up the temple with multicolored lights so it looks just as impressive in the dark as it does in the day. Most Nile River Cruises arrive at Luxor Temple around 6 PM, so you get to see the complex as the sun is setting. 

2. Karnak Temple 

Karnak Temple is actually a complex of different temple ruins that were built over hundreds and hundreds of years. Karnak Temple is famous for having a hypostyle hall where you can walk through, and take  amazing  photos, in rows of dozens of ancient columns. 

3. Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut

The Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut was one of my favorite stops on the Nile River Cruise. Hatshepsut was an Egyptian pharaoh (king), but she was unique because she was a woman. 

Interesting Facts About The Temple Of Hatshepsut 

• Hatshepsut’s temple is special because she was the only confirmed female pharaoh of Egypt 
• Hatshepsut had herself carved as a man with a beard and presented herself as a “king”, but always inscribed the statues with terms calling herself “her majesty” or “Daughter of the sun god”.  
• At the temple, you will see some of the faces of Hatshepsut have been chiseled away. This is because her stepson followed her on the throne and set about destroying Hatshepsut’s legacy after her death – no one knows why! 
• Hatshepsut is considered one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs. 

4. Valley Of The Kings

The Valley Of The Kings is one of the most iconic spots in Egypt that no Egypt Travel Itinerary would be complete without visiting, and it’s a must-do day trip from Luxor! The final resting place for over 60 Ancient Egyptian Pharaohs, The Valley Of The Kings is most famous for being where King Tut was discovered by archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. 

Tips For Visiting The Valley Of The Kings 

• If you have a camera, keep it in your bag when entering the tombs. Bags aren’t checked, but if the attendants see it out of your bag at the entrance (whether you plan to use it or not) they will insist you pay a 300 EGP ($15) camera fee – Photography with a phone is allowed for free.
• 💡  Tip:  All of the tombs in the Valley Of The Kings are underground and it is HOT, like an oven in the desert! Make sure to wear loose clothes and bring adequate water.
• King Tut’s tomb is the most famous and expensive (300 EGP) in the Valley of the Kings. Since the contents of King Tut’s Tomb are all in museums, our guide advises we skip it. Instead of King Tut’s tomb for 300 EGP, I recommend visiting the tomb of Ramses the V for 100 EGP. It’s 1/3 of the price and has more things inside to see. 
• There are no bathrooms at the Valley of the Kings excavation site, only at the entrance. 

5. Sunrise Hot Air Balloon 

Waking up at 4 AM for a sunrise to ride a hot-air balloon over ancient Egyptian temples is  the most amazing thing  you can do in Egypt!  If your Nile River Cruise doesn’t include this, and instead only has the Hot Air Balloon as an add-on option, make sure you book it! The hot air balloon rides over Luxor are awe-inspiring. 

6. Edfu Temple 

Edfu is a Ptolemaic temple, which was the last ancient Egyptian dynasty, so it’s more recently built than most temples in Egypt. The Temple of Edfu is also called the Temple of Horus. Horus was the ancient Egyptian god of the sky and is frequently shown with the head of a bird.

7. Kom Ombo Temple 

Kom Ombo Temple is another stop about halfway between Aswan and Luxor. Perched on the banks of the Nile, Kom Ombo is a  gorgeous  temple to take in from your Nile River Cruise. We visited Kom Ombo around sunset, and the golden colors lighting up the temple with the Nile River in the background was an amazing sight. 

8. Crocodile Museum 

The Crocodile Museum is right next to Kom Ombo Temple and even though it’s just one room, I thought it was the most interesting museum we visited in Egypt.  Kom Ombo Temple is partially dedicated to the ancient Egyptian god Sobek, who was represented as a crocodile. When the Kom Ombo Temple was in use, they would keep a crocodile believed to be the earthly incarnation of Sobek himself. Every time a divine crocodile would die, the priests at Kom Ombo would mummify it and then select a newly chosen crocodile to represent Sobek. 

💡  Tip:  For some reason, you can’t have a camera at the crocodile museum, but they do allow photography with a phone. 

9. Temple Of Philae 

The temple of Philae is also known as the “Temple of Isis”, and more informally as the “Cat Temple” due to there being a small cat sanctuary on the island on which it’s located. Guides on the island have capitalized on their cat population and offer cat food to tourists, in exchange for some Baksheesh (tips), of course! 

Facts About The Philae Temple 

• The proper name of Philae Temple is “The Temple of Isis at Philae”. It’s dedicated to the ancient Egyptian Goddess, Isis, her husband Osiris, and her child Horus. 
• Isis is the ancient Egyptian goddess of motherhood, magic, death, and rebirth. 
• When a dam was built on the Nile in the 20th century, it accidentally flooded Philae Island. You can still see water markings today on the temple walls from when it was partially submerged. 
• In the 5th century, the Temple of Philae was converted into a Christian church dedicated to Saint Stephen. You can still see chisel marks where the Christians tried to erase the ancient Egyptian stories from the walls. 

10. Abu Simbel 

The shorter Nile River Cruises, less than 5 days, likely won’t include a stop at Abu Simbel unless it embarks from Aswan because it’s located at the far southern end of the Nile. 👉 My Advice: If your Nile River Cruise offers a trip to Abu Simbel as an add-on excursion, book it! Abu Simbel is an awe-inspiring sight. Abu Simbel is located around a 3-hour drive from Aswan, and to beat the intense heat most tours depart early in the morning, around 4 or 5 AM. 

Facts About Abu Simbel 

• Abu Simbel was built by Ramses the II, who is more commonly known as Ramses the Great. 
• The Abu Simbel complex houses two temples, the larger one is called the Grand Temple and is dedicated to Ramses the II, while the smaller temple is dedicated to his favorite wife, Queen Nefertari.
• Abu Simbel isn’t the original name of the temple, but rather of the little Egyptian boy who rediscovered it in the early 19th century. The whole temple complex was buried underneath the sand, and a little boy named Abu Simbel led explorers to the site. 

11. Nubian Villages 

The Nubian Villages are located around 1 hour outside of Aswan, we had to take a small boat down to the villages. They’re famous in Egypt for historically breeding Nile River Crocodiles, and if you visit you get to hold baby crocodiles. I don’t think the Nubian Villages are an essential stop for a Nile River Cruise, there was quite a bit of hassle when we went, but if your cruise offers it as an add-on tour it was an interesting experience! 

Where Do Nile Cruises Depart From? 

Nile River Cruises in Egypt typically only depart from Aswan and Luxor. Nile River Cruises used to sail directly from Cairo, but now it’s very rare to find one due to the long distance between Cairo, the fly-in city for most tourists in Egypt, and Luxor, the gateway to the Nile River Valley where most of the temples and attractions are. 

My Top Tips For Taking a Nile Cruise From Aswan to Luxor 

✅  my number #1 top tip is to consider an all-inclusive tour with cairo included.

As I mentioned earlier in this article, standard Nile River Cruises don’t depart directly from Cairo, but many include the overnight train or bus to get from Cairo > Luxor where the ships set sail.  I recommend booking a Nile River Cruise that includes your tour of the Great Pyramids in Cairo, as well as transportation to Luxor.  It’s way less stress, plus you’ll have your guide organized the whole way.

👉 Our Egypt Travel Nightmare at the Pyramids: We booked a private tour of the Great Pyramids Complex in person through our hotel in Giza and it was one of the regrets of our trip because our Pyramids Complex tour guide was terrible! If you book your tours in Egypt online ahead of time you can read reviews from other travelers, something I wish we had done! 

✅  Make Sure Your Cruise Includes A Hot Air Balloon Experience!

Taking a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the temples outside of Luxor at 5 AM is one of the  best things I have done in my entire life . NO JOKE! Not all the cruises include a Hot Air Balloon Ride, make sure yours does OR that you have the option to add it to your itinerary! 

✅  Bring Lots Of Cash for Tips (& Bribes)

Even on an all-inclusive Nile River Cruise, you’ll need to bring lots of cash for things like tips, drinks, and entrance fees to the temples (if your tour doesn’t include entrance fees). Sometimes, we also needed cash for bribes (which our tour guides told us about beforehand) to take pictures in certain places, like inside the Great Pyramids.

How Much Does A Nile River Cruise Cost? 

Due to the extreme range of options and trip length, you could spend anywhere from $400 for a short 3-day Nile River Cruise (if you’re sharing a room or going on off-season!) to $20,000 for a luxurious private charter.  For a standard Nile River Cruise like the one we took in Egypt, it came to around $550 per person including all entrance fees and drinks for our 5-day/4-night Nile River Cruise -Take into consideration in that price that we were 3 girls sharing one room, if you’re a solo traveler or a couple it will be more expensive! 

💰 For Budget Travelers: For around $100-$300 per day (depending on how nice your boat is) for EVERYTHING including transportation, food, accommodation, an English-speaking tour guide, and excursions, I consider our Nile River Cruise one of the best budget travel hacks for Egypt!  

👉 Note!  These prices include entrance fees – most Nile Cruise tour packages don’t include entrance fees to the temples. For us, entrance fees came out to around $100 per person for our 5-day cruise.

✔️ BEST Nile Cruise Quick Guide 💸 Budget Nile Cruises > Aswan > Luxor: 4-day / 3-night > Luxor > Aswan: 5-day / 4-night (what we did!) 🛕 Nile Cruise Packages Including Cairo > 8 Days / 7 Nights > 9 Days / 8 Nights < Budget Option! 🍾 Luxury Nile Cruises > 8-Day Package Including Four Seasons Hotel

Katie Caf, founder of Katie Caf Travel, is a seasoned travel expert who has explored over 30 countries and lived abroad in places like Egypt, Morocco, Mexico, India, Indonesia Thailand, Europe, and the USA. Her goal is to help other traveler see the world by providing first-hand accounts of what to expect on the road.

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4-Day Nile Cruises – Find the 16 Best Nile River and Lake Nasser Cruises in Egypt

Leave the bump and grind of daily life behind you with one of our spectacular 4-day Nile cruises . All our river cruises and lake cruises feature only the very best cruise boats, thereby ensuring that you get to enjoy a 5-star world-class experience from beginning to end.

Enjoy onboard entertainment; delicious meals; luxurious accommodation, and daily sightseeing tours to ancient monuments that serve to remind us of one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations. Visit Egypt’s most treasured ancient ruins, timeless temples and royal tombs. Explore the treasures of the Nile River Valley in true comfort and style.

4-Day MS Mayfair or MS Esplanade New Year Nile Cruise

4-Day New Year in Egypt Nile Cruise Aboard MS Salacia

4-Day MS Esplanade Cruise

4-Day Oberoi Zahra Cruise

4-Day MS Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise

4-Day Movenpick Royal Lotus Cruise

4-Day MS Amarco I Cruise (Wheelchair-Friendly)

4-Day MS Mayfair Cruise

4-Day MS Salacia Cruise

4-Day Steigenberger Minerva Cruise

4-Day Cruise On Board The Movenpick MS Royal Lily

4-Day Sonesta St George Cruise

4-Day MS Nile Goddess Cruise

4-Day Nile Cruise in December (Movenpick or DWA Nile Cruises)

4-Day MS Amoura Dahabiya from Aswan to Esna

4-Day Sai Lake Cruise From Abu Simbel to Aswan

4-Day Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise

4-Day Prince Abbas Lake Cruise

Design your custom egypt tour.

Explore Egypt your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Nile cruises safe?

Nile cruises are very safe, with protection provided by the Egyptian government. Security has also been beefed up at all the attractions that passengers visit during the course of their cruise.

Is a 4-day Nile cruise worth it?

Absolutely! A 4-day and 3-night Nile cruise is very affordable and great for people who don’t have much time to spare. You still get to see nearly all the sites you would see with a longer cruise.

What to wear on Nile cruise?

On most Nile cruises you are free to wear whatever you want. However, on some cruises you are expected to wear long pants or a long dress in the dining area, especially in the evening.

How to book a Nile cruise?

The best way to book a Nile cruise is via a reputable Egypt tour operator . They should have several cruises listed on their site for you to browse through, and they will walk you through the process.

How much to tip on 4-day Nile cruise?

As a general rule, you should tip the ship’s crew about $10 p/person per day. These tips are shared between all on-board staff. You should also tip your Egyptologist about $10 per day.

What to expect on a 4-day Nile cruise?

Expect a truly unforgettable experience with indescribable sightseeing at some of Egypt’s most cherished ancient monuments. There is no better way to see Egypt’s wonders.

Click here to learn more about our 4-day Nile cruises.

4-Day Nile River Cruises from Aswan to Luxor and from Luxor to Aswan

Following in the Footsteps of Pharaohs

Now, thousands of years later, modern and beautifully appointed Nile cruise ships are following the same routes as the pharaohs did. With one of our luxury cruises , you too can follow in their footsteps as you sail from one magnificent ancient Egyptian attraction to the next in absolute comfort and style.

4 Days and 3 Nights on the Nile River with Lifelong Memories Guaranteed!

Our 4-day Nile cruises have been painstakingly designed and structured to ensure that you get to see and explore as much as you possibly can in such as short space of time. Most of our 4-day Nile cruises start at Aswan, and they terminate at Luxor . Some exceptions would be our 4-Day Lake Nasser cruises, and certain other cruises, such as our 4-Day Aswan to Esna Dahabiya cruise .

Regardless of which Nile cruise you choose, you can be sure that you will cruise the Nile in the lap of luxury. All cruises include full board and lodging on whichever cruise ship features in your chosen tour package. From luxuriously decorated cabins and suites to world-class cuisine, your comfort and satisfaction are guaranteed.

4-day Nile River and Lake Nasser cruise packages are the perfect choice for people who are traveling on a tight budget, or for people who only have a limited amount of time to explore Egypt.

Professional Guided Tours and Excursions

Three nights and four days may not seem like a long time, but it long enough to ensure that you get to see many of Egypt’s best historical attractions. All tours/excursions during your cruise are small group tours with one of our expert Expert guides accompanying you to make sure that your visits to these ancient sites are more rewarding than ever.

4-Day Nile Cruises: Explore Ancient Egypt

4-day Nile cruises sail between Aswan and Luxor with exceptional sightseeing opportunities beginning on the very first day shortly after boarding. Excursions in Aswan typically include a guided tour to three of the area’s most prominent historical attractions, including the ancient Temple of Philae . Nearly all of our existing packages also include guided onshore excursions at Kom Ombo and and at Edfu. During these these excursions, you will be taken to see places such as Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple .

Whether your cruise begins in Luxor or ends in Luxor, you can look forward to some more exceptional sightseeing. In most cases you will visit both the West Bank and the East Bank . Both the East Bank and the West Bank are home to many impressive ancient sites, such as the Karnak Temple on the East Bank and Valley of the Kings on the West Bank. Karnak was once an entire city of temples, while Valley of the Kings is an ancient necropolis where more than 60 tombs have been discovered, including the tomb of King Tutankhamen .

4 Days of Lake Nasser Sightseeing

Our Lake Nasser cruises are just as enjoyable and just as affordable as our Nile cruises are. They too include fantastic sightseeing opportunities and are particularly well-suited for people who have already experienced a cruise on the Nile.

Book Your 4-Day Nile Cruise with Complete Peace of Mind

When you book one of our Nile cruise packages , you are booking a tour package from an Egypt Tour operator that has been established since 1955. With experience spanning more than 65 years, and with more than 205,000 tour packages already sold, you can book your chosen cruise package with complete peace of mind.

Easy and efficient Online Booking

Booking your cruise could not be any easier than it is. Simply fill in the inquiry form found on all our itinerary pages, and one of our tour consultants will send you an exact quote, usually within 24 hours. Alternatively, you can book your cruise immediately by using our Live Chat feature, or by calling us on our Toll-Free number.

Book Now, Pay Later – Flexible Payment Terms to Suit Your Budget

Book your 4-day Nile cruise package today and pay later. Cruise reservations can only be finalized and confirmed once your deposit has been receive. If you can’t pay your deposit in full, don’t worry. One of our consultants will be happy to discuss available payment terms and options with you so that you can enjoy a hassle-free and stress-free travel experience.

Last Updated on February 14, 2024

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The Nile is the world's longest river, traveling more than 4,000 miles through northeastern Africa and emptying into the Mediterranean Sea at Egypt's coast. Cruises on the Nile are frequently incorporated into longer land-based trips that usually travel round-trip from Cairo. Along the way, guests see some of the country's most treasured antiquities.

Walk through the Luxor Temple, for example, which was built about 3,000 years ago and is especially beautiful when lighted at night. Philae Temple was carefully dismantled during the construction of the Aswan Dam and moved to a nearby island. Four giant stone statues of Ramses II flank the temple at Abu Simbel.

The Valley of the Kings was the final resting place of Egyptian pharaohs, including young king Tutankhamun. You'll see treasures excavated from Tutankhamun's tomb at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. Other excursions to look forward to include a visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx and a sunset cruise in a traditional wooden sailboat called a felucca.

On your cruise, all the day-to-day travel details are handled by experienced tour directors who accompany you during the entire trip. At each stop, sightseeing guides show you the sights and share the history behind them. Cruises are easy to budget, too, as so much is included in one price that you pay up front, including riverboat accommodations, hotel stays, many meals and activities ashore.

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• Uniworld: Save 10% off 2025 river cruises. Prices shown reflect discount. Expires April 30. Click here .
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Budget Nile River Cruises

Explore a varied offer of budget river cruises that will take you through some of the most renowned destinations such as Luxor and Aswan. Each affordable adventure will provide you with memorable experiences for some of the lowest prices on the market.

26 Budget Nile river cruises with 1898 reviews

• River Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor

I really enjoyed the tour. Especially our guide, Hassan, was very kind and let us know about Egyptian history well. Thank you.

Best Of Egypt - 5* Cruise

Our guide, Mina, was very knowledgable and helpful when you wanted to find specific things. The accommodations were great, the river cruise was fantastic. Do the trip to Abu Simbal and the Nubian village dinner, it's 100% worth it. It would have been nice to do a tour in Hurghada of the Museum (which is worth the 20 minute walk), the mosque and the church.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Nile Adventure - Felucca cruise

Wow! What an experience. It was magical to see all the wonderful monuments and impressive rich history. Timeless tours made everything easy and the staff were wonderful. In particular, Summer was such a great guide. She was knowledgeable, ready to help, had a great personality and helped us understand not only Egyptian history but the culture both past and present. We also had the chance to meet Khaled on the Felucca ride and he was absolutely charming and an interesting person. We recommend doing the Felucca cruise if you’re looking for that authentic and adventurous experience. Also, DO NOT SKIP Abu Simbel. Absolutely stunning and worth the price! Thanks again to Summer, Khaled and professor Isam for the experience. Would do again!

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Felucca Odyssey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

This was a brilliant trip organised by a more professional tour company. Thank you travel talk for the recent trip/experience that you organised for us. Your service is much more appreciated now that we can compare what you have done for us as compared with other tour operators like GeTS Holidays. Your brochure is far more transparent and accurate. You give your customers a better chance to take ownership of the trip as you highlight immediately what type of accommodation your customer will have and this gives your customer a chance to review and research your offering. By doing this, you show that you value your customers’ preference and satisfaction over making money. Of course every business should make a profit but at least your company do not come across as daylight robbery. We looked at your trips to India but did not choose your trips due to unavailability of Diwali Festival celebration. We went for a more expensive company but gave us very poor service. It’s a shame, we should have just stuck with you. One thing guaranteed, we look forward to booking with you again in the future and we will also be an ambassador to your brilliant service.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Jewels of the Nile (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

My partner and I are very happy with our tour with Mo. He was very passionate and knowledgeable with everything and we learnt so much, more than we expected. I would very much recommend doing a tour through Mo he was always looking out for us especially with getting scammed he would make sure we knew how much we should pay before hand and he took us to the legit stores which I’m very thankful for because that meant I wasn’t going home with a fake. Overall we are so so happy we went with a tour group and very lucky to have had Mo as our Egyptologist.

Movenpick MS Royal Lily Nile Cruise

Wir wurden mit der Nile Premium gefahren, nicht Movenpick! Das Schiff war gut, unsere Kajüte sehr gut genauso wie unser Führer

From Aswan: 4-Days 5-Star Nile Cruise with Guided Tours

Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise

• Sightseeing

Cairo - Aswan - Luxor 8 days 7 Nights with Nile Cruise

This was a great holiday and well planned itinerary. The tour guides, organisation and itinerary made for an interesting, enjoyable and safe holiday. The sights are incredible and I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending this tour to others. Starting out with the pyramids and mummy museum and finishing with a hot air balloon ride over the valley of the kings and king tut’s tomb was amazing. I felt safe and looked after for the whole duration and very much enjoyed the special sights which are unlike anything I’ve ever seen.

Egypt Nile Cruise 8 Days 7 Nights Tour Package

everything pretty good..cruise boat was the weakest part of tour...the gentleman that picked us up in cairo, and arranged transfers, excellent

Cairo, Cruise & Coast - 13 days

Classic Egypt with Nile Cruise + Red Sea Extension

Adventure Ancient Egypt - 7 Day

It is the best tour of Egypt especially the guide is very kind and patient I loved it super recommended it is the best do not hesitate to take your tour with Ihab is the best 100% recommended.

Aswan - Luxor Nile cruise in Nile River

The combination of the Cruise, lying on the sun deck and riding along the nile with the cultural trips to great temples and monuments was nice! The things we saw were great and the relaxation on the deck was great! The service personal on the ship was very nice! The ship was outdated but the crew made the best of what they had! Cairo Pass tour was available all the time and answered to all of our needs if we needed something! That was impressive! But we did not get an itinerary and that is very important to have at the beginning of the trip with information about what time to get up, what time the ship leaves, what time lunch is, when there is free time, when we would go where etc... So we can relax and prepare ourselves. He also tried to organise as much as possible for us with extra trips without really asking us which combination or what kind of vacation or what trips were better suited for us. It was just assumed that we want to see as much as possible and he didnt give us advice if the extra trip, we paid for extra!, were actually worth it or if we could have done less and then more relaxing.. We did not get free water as it was written on the website. Cairo Pass tour did drive us to places to buy water but we still thought we would get free water, which was not the case. The drinks on the boat are too expensive! Cairo Pass tour is a very great trip organiser and was there for us for everything! But we were just too ill informed and felt like we were pushed into extra trips and costs we didnt necessarily need or at least not in the way or in the time slot that he wanted us to go, wich led to an unrelaxing and expensive vacation for us. Also the fact that one expects us to tip everyone although everything was already paid for, was unexplicable to us. But Cairo Pass Tour is a great guy!! And the sights we saw were amazing! My friend and me always had our own guide, so we werent in a big group, which was also very nice and special.

Ramses II Legend Tour Package

Budget nile river cruise reviews.

What a Great experience! The staff is so very friendly and our Guide Wael was very enthusiastic, friendly and knew a lot of fun facts and interesting stuff about everything! We absolutely recommend this trip.

Our guide, Mina, was very knowledgable and helpful when you wanted to find specific things. The accommodations were great, the river cruise was fantastic. Do the trip to Abu Simbal and the Nubian village dinner, it's 100% worth it. It would have been nice to do a tour in Hurghada of the Museum (which is worth the 20 minute walk), the mosque and the church.

I booked a trip to Egypt last year in September 2023, Mina was out tour guide, he’s very helpful and kind. We celebrate the birthday of some travelers during our visit to Egypt, always with a cake or a dessert! We had a great time, the trip was amazing and very comfy thanks to him.

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• Budget River Cruise tours (15)
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Nile River Cruise Guide: All Info for Your Egypt Boat Trip

In this special guide, we give you all necessary information and explain everything you need to know to about a Nile River cruise between Luxor and Aswan in Egypt.

Taking a Nile river cruise

Taking a cruise on the River Nile has always been one of the top holiday activities in Egypt.

Already in the early 1900s, European socialites and adventurers flocked to Egypt and embarked on a steamer or sailing boat down the Nile.

From Agatha Christie’s book ‘Death on the Nile’ to Madness’ madcap song ‘Night Boat to Cairo’, a river cruise down the Nile has always featured heavily in literature, films and popular culture.

Indeed, for many people, cruising down the Nile and taking in the sights from the comfort of your river boat is the quintessential Egyptian experience.

There is just something mystical about sailing down the Nile while seeing all the life on the river banks and making stops at all kinds of fascinating temples.

Even though I was a bit hesitant going on a cruise being a young independent traveller who generally dislikes organised group travel, I had such a great time board that I can highly recommend a Nile river cruise to anyone.

All you need to know about Nile river cruises

Booking a Nile river cruise is not as simple as it might sound as there are quite some things you need to take into account and choices to make.

These are some of the questions people have when deciding upon a Nile cruise:

– What Nile river cruise itinerary should you choose? – What is best: Sailing upstream or downstream? – Which ship should I sail on? – How much does a Nile cruise cost? – Where can I book a Nile river cruise?

In this guide you can hopefully find the answer to all of these questions and find a lot more useful information which will help you booking your perfect Nile river cruise and preparing you for your big Egypt trip.

What is the best Nile cruise itinerary?

Most travellers who embark on a Nile river cruise in Egypt do so between the cities of Luxor and Aswan.

Although you find the majority of cruise options and departures between these two cities, this isn’t the only option.

There are also so-called long Nile cruises between Cairo and Aswan and you will find cruise boat itineraries on Lake Nasser as well.

Given that cruises between Aswan and Luxor are by far the most popular and this was my itinerary as well, it will be the main focus of this guide.

A typical Aswan to Luxor cruise itinerary

If you book a Nile river cruise between Aswan and Luxor, the itinerary will typically take four days and three nights (five days and four nights in the opposite direction when sailing upstream from Luxor to Aswan).

However, do note that some cruises might take shorter or longer depending on the exact programme.

What will be included in your itinerary when it comes to food & beverages, shore excursions and guided tours also depends on the exact cruise package you book.

After all, you can find anything from all-inclusive luxury cruises with private tours to more basic, cheaper options.

Below, you can see the exact schedule of my Nile river cruise itinerary between Aswan and Luxor.

My cruise itinerary

1st day: Pick-up from Aswan train station, airport, or hotel. Guided visit to the Unfinished Obelisk , Philae and the Aswan High Dam . Embarkation and lunch on board the Nile river boat, followed by free time in Aswan (in which I visited the Nubian village on Elephantine Island). Dinner and overnight on the boat while it remains anchored in Aswan.

2nd day: Breakfast on board and free morning in Aswan , in which I went on an optional excursion to Abu Simbel . Lunch on the Nile cruiser and start of the sailing downstream towards Kom Ombo. Guided visit of the Kom Ombo Temple , followed by dinner on the boat.

3rd day: During the night the boat sailed from Kom Ombo to Edfu. Breakfast on board, followed by a guided visit to Edfu Temple . Lunch on board the ship as it sails down to Luxor via the Esna Locks . Guided visit to Luxor and its East Bank sights ( Karnak , Luxor Temple ) and farewell dinner on board. Last night on board the ship as it remains anchored in Luxor.

4th day: Breakfast on board, check-out and disembarkation from the ship. Guided visit of the Luxor West Bank sights ( Valley of the Kings , Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut , Colossi of Memnon) which marks the end of the cruise itinerary. Drop-off at the Luxor railway station or airport, or a hotel of your choice.

Should you sail upstream or downstream?

Whether you should sail upstream or downstream is an entirely personal choice and therefore there is no simple answer to this question.

Indeed, a lot of it might depend more on your own schedule than on your preferences.

If you have only limited time on your trip, the advantage of starting in Aswan and sailing downstream is that such cruises typically take one night less.

As I was set on taking the night train from Cairo , it was also more practical for me to begin my cruise in Aswan as the arrival time of this train in Luxor is so early in the morning that continuing to Aswan meant I could sleep longer in my compartment and enjoy the journey more.

However, starting in Luxor and sailing upstream will mean that the journey will be a bit slower and more leisurely, giving you more time on the Nile cruiser to savour the Egyptian landscapes.

Another advantage of sailing upstream is that it’s arguably the more natural route, as also the great explorers and ancient navigators used to travel southward.

The further south you go upstream on the Nile, the more exotic the landscapes become.

You will finish your journey in the Nubian lands and leave the awe-inspiring sight of Abu Simbel just before the Egyptian border with Sudan as your last stop.

However, there is also something to say for leaving Luxor as your last stop, as Karnak and the Valley of Kings easily rank among the most impressive in Egypt.

How are shore excursions arranged?

The way how shore excursions are arranged depends on the exact cruise package you book.

In my case, I had booked a Nile cruise package which included a private guide and private transfers at all stops on the itinerary, with all the entrance fees of the sights included.

The advantage of this is not only the fact that you have a much more tailor-made and personal experience visiting the sights, but it will also help you beat the crowds.

While all the group tours still had to assemble on the quay at each stop, me and my guide had already begun our visit.

The fact that we had our own SUV instead of a bus to reach the destinations further away from the cruise berthing place (for example in Luxor) certainly added to the comfort as well.

If you don’t opt for a private guide and excursions, you can join a tour group, which will certainly be cheaper.

In some cases it’s also possible to book your Nile cruise on the basis of meals and lodging only.

However, that means that you will have to arrange all visits, transportation and optional guided tours at temples yourself and that it’s your own responsibility to be back in time before departure.

Although this is straightforward at Kom Ombo where it’s just a short walk from the berthing place to the temple, it will be more challenging at Edfu and Luxor.

Although I’m normally not a person to take private tours being more of an independent traveller, I have to say that I certainly appreciated all the benefits this time around and found it value for money.

Besides, if you truly want to understand the history, symbolism and meaning behind all ancient Egyptian sights, having a professional guide with you is an absolute must.

Whether you opt for a private guide or join a group tour, you are likely to have the same guide for the entirety of your cruise as he/she will travel on board as well for the entire voyage.

Choosing your vessel

Once you have an itinerary in mind, you will have to decide on which vessel you want to sail on your Nile cruise.

There are dozens of river boats plying the Nile and it’s up to your own preferences in style, budget and comfort which ship you select.

Some river boats feature a hypermodern design, a couple of ships may have more of a retro vibe by adding some local colour, while other vessels might be antiquated and haven’t seen a refurb in decades.

Of course, the price you pay for your cruise largely depends on the quality of the vessel you select, with the newer or more recently refurbished cruise ships commanding a premium over the older boats.

Most travel agencies offer you the choice between dozens of cruise ships, although not all vessels might be available on your preferred date.

Choosing a vessel is therefore as much about selecting your preferred sailing dates as it is about finding the perfect ship!

For example, the Nile cruiser I travelled on, the M/S Princess Sarah, departs every Wednesday from Aswan on its river cruise down to Luxor and heads back from Luxor to Aswan every Saturday.

If you therefore want to depart Aswan on a Monday, this vessel will currently not be an option for you!

Needless to say, if you book a tour of Egypt with a river cruise included, you don’t have to worry about this as your entire holiday itinerary from arrival in the country until departure will be set by the travel agency or tour operator.

However, if you are an independent traveller who wants to add a Nile cruise to your trip, you will need to plan carefully.

I would certainly recommend you to plan the dates of your Nile cruise first based on availability and preferred vessel and work out the rest of your Egypt itinerary from there.

Accommodation on board

Most Nile river boats have a wide variety of cabins available, ranging from twin and double cabins to family rooms and spacious suites.

The exact accommodation you select – as well as the exact ship you want to sail on – are therefore all factors which determine the price you pay for your cruise package.

You can generally expect each cabin to have a modern en-suite bathroom, air-conditioning, fridge and TV.

Depending on the ship you select you may only have a small window, sliding glass doors opening up for a perfect Nile view, or even a full balcony.

One thing you should note is that single cabins are non-existent on most Nile cruisers and the quoted prices you see are often per person based on dual occupancy.

That means that as a solo traveller you often have to pay a supplement when you want to book a private twin or double room.

Meals and drinks on board a Nile cruise

It depends on the exact Nile cruise package you book what meals and drinks are included in the price.

Most Nile cruises have breakfast, lunch and dinner included – with all of them served buffet style.

However, more luxury cruise boats may serve food à la carte and might even have multiple dining outlets on board.

In my case, all meals were included and served buffet style in the sole restaurant on board the ship, with multiple hot and cold dishes and sides available on each occasion.

Although bottled water was included in my cruise package, other drinks were not.

If you order something which is not included in your package, the costs will simply be billed to your room number after signing the bill and you pay everything upon check-out.

Alcoholic drinks such as beer, wine and liqueurs are usually all available on board the ship and can be ordered in the restaurant with your meal, or while lounging in the onboard bar or on the outdoor deck.

Expect prices for drinks to be slightly higher than they are in the average tourist-oriented restaurant in Egypt.

Can you bring your own food and drinks on board?

It is usually possible to bring your own food and drinks on board your river boat, although you should of course not do so in an overt way and only consume it in the privacy of your own cabin.

Before embarkation of my Nile cruise, I stocked up on some booze and mixers, or to be precise a bottle of wine, gin and a few beers.

Sipping a gin tonic from the seating corner of my cabin with the sliding door fully opened to lovely views over the banks of the Nile was certainly a top cruise experience.

Although I don’t know any liqueur store in Aswan, you can buy alcohol from a chain store called Drinkies in both Luxor and Cairo.

WiFi internet on board

Many Nile river boats nowadays have WiFi internet installed, although network reliability and speeds can be rather erratic.

Indeed, on my own Nile cruise the WiFi signal basically only covered the lobby area – and even there I didn’t manage to get the internet working.

Although this may of course be better on other vessels, I would highly recommend to buy a local SIM card with plenty of mobile data before you embark on your cruise.

Mobile coverage along the Nile is generally excellent and I had no problems whatsoever accessing websites or uploading my cruise pictures to social media.

Tipping on board your Nile cruise

It is customary to tip the personnel on board your river boat, although this is usually done at the end of your cruise.

On my own river cruise, all passengers were given an envelope on the final night for their tips.

Upon check-out, the envelopes are collected, the money added up and then divided among all staff members on board, from the waiters to the cleaners and cooks.

You therefore do not have to tip people individually (although you can do so if you want, of course) but rather can leave one big tip at the end in your envelope.

However, do note that these tips only go towards the staff who are directly employed on the river boat.

Therefore, you will have to tip your guide and drivers for excursions separately.

How can I book a Nile cruise?

There are lots of travel agencies and tour operators where you can book your Nile river cruise.

I arranged my entire cruise package through Luxor & Aswan Travel Agency , a local Egyptian tour agency which I can wholeheartedly recommend for their reliability and easy communication by e-mail and Whatsapp.

Most travel agencies like Luxor & Aswan Travel allow you to choose between dozens of vessels and departure dates.

Big international travel agencies and cruise outfits in Europe and the US may also offer Nile cruises, with some of them even having their own vessels.

Depending on your exact wishes it is therefore always a good idea to shop a bit around and see what the options are.

My own cruise experience

In the next chapter of this trip report, I will detail my own river cruise experience on board the M/S Princess Sarah and review the facilities on this ship.

So for more specific information about this vessel and my overall experience, check out the above link!

Embarking on a Nile river cruise is a fantastic way to take in the sights and natural landscapes of Egypt.

The River Nile has always been of great importance to Egypt by allowing for fast transportation and irrigation of the lands.

Without the Nile, the ancient Egyptian civilisation would never have existed in the first place.

By cruising down this mighty African river you really get a better sense of place and time as well as an appreciation of the unique Egyptian geography, culture and history.

Although I’m not your typical cruise passenger being an independent traveller, I tremendously enjoyed my own river cruise experience because of the aforementioned reasons.

Besides the fact that a river cruise is a logical choice of transport to take in some of the sights along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, it is also an enjoyable way to travel.

There is just something magical about seeing the beautiful landscapes on the banks of the River Nile from the comfort of your own cruise ship.

Time spent on board is certainly not lost as you can relax with a drink, read a book, enjoy some good food, or simply sunbath on the top deck.

With a wide variety of vessels in different styles and comfort levels being available, there is always a suitable river cruise available which matches your preferences and budget.

Whether you opt for a short Nile river cruise between Aswan and Luxor or want to go for a longer itinerary, I can certainly recommend the experience!

Trip report index

This article is part of the ‘ Walk Like an Egyptian: A Grand Tour of Egypt ‘ trip report, which consists of the following chapters:

1. Red-Eye Ramblings of a Late Night Flight to Cairo 2. A Visit to the Pyramids of Giza by Camel 3. Review: Sofitel Nile El Gezirah, Zamalek, Cairo 4. Exploring the Medieval Old Town and Islamic History of Cairo 5. Visiting the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities in Cairo 6. Mar Girgis: The Churches of Christian Old Cairo 7. Review: Ernst Watania Sleeping Train Cairo to Aswan 8. The Ancient Quarry of Aswan and the Unfinished Obelisk 9. A Boat Ride From Aswan to the Temple of Isis at Philae 10. A Visit to the Aswan High Dam and Lake Nasser 11. A Visit to the Nubian Village on Aswan’s Elephantine Island 12. Aswan Guide: A Visit to Egypt’s Most Stunningly Located City 13. A Half Day Trip From Aswan to Amazing Abu Simbel 14. Nile River Cruise Guide: All Info for Your Egypt Boat Trip (current chapter) 15. Review: M/S Princess Sarah Nile River Cruise Ship 16. Nile Cruise: Sailing From Aswan to Kom Ombo 17. A Visit to the Ancient Crocodile Temple of Kom Ombo 18. A Visit to the Temple of Horus at Edfu 19. Nile Cruise: Sailing From Edfu to Luxor 20. Luxor, Egypt: Visiting the Sights of Ancient Thebes 21. A Visit to Luxor’s Giant Temple Complex of Karnak 22. Visitor Guide to Wonderful Luxor Temple 23. Valley of the Kings: A Visit to Luxor’s Ancient Necropolis 24. The Temple of Hatshepsut: A Visit to a Unique Mortuary Temple 25. Review: Sofitel Winter Palace Hotel, Luxor, Egypt 26. Review: Daytime Train Luxor to Cairo, Egypt 27. Review: Steigenberger Hotel El Tahrir, Cairo 28. A Visit to the Pyramid of Djoser and the Saqqara Necropolis 29. A Visit to the Dahshur Pyramid Complex 30. Memphis: Exploring the Old Capital of Ancient Egypt 31. From Cairo to Alexandria by Train: My Travel Experience 32. Review: Paradise Inn Le Metropole Hotel, Alexandria, Egypt 33. Alexandria: A Visit to Egypt’s Historic Mediterranean Port City 34. Egypt: Impressions and Reflections After My Two Week Trip 35. Epilogue: How to Deal With Street Hassle In Egypt

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Koen works as a freelance journalist covering south-eastern Europe and is the founding father and editor-in-chief of Paliparan. As a contributor to some major Fleet Street newspapers and some lesser known publications in the Balkans, he travels thousands of miles each year for work as well as on his personal holidays. Whether it is horse riding in Kyrgyzstan’s Tian Shan mountains, exploring the backstreets of Bogotá, or sipping a glass of moschofilero in a Greek beachside taverna, Koen loves to immerse himself into the local culture, explore new places and eat and drink himself around the world. If you enjoyed this travel article and found the information provided useful, please consider supporting us. Although we gladly share all information for free at Paliparan.com, a one-time donation is a great way to help out an independent publisher! You can support Paliparan by buying us a coffee for €5 , or by making a donation through PayPal . Thank you for your support!

4 thoughts on “ Nile River Cruise Guide: All Info for Your Egypt Boat Trip ”

Thank you so much for this write up! It cleared up soo many things for me!

How much should we expect the range of the cost that you ended up paying for your 4 day 3 night cruise – if you don’t mind me asking?

I am seeing standard cruises in viator to be in the 600-750 range! Should i expect my quote from Luxor and Aswan Best Travel agency to be higher or lower than that?

It’s impossible to answer this as it depends on a big number of factors. A lot of tour operators (and especially international websites like Viator!) might bump prices, quote only the lowest price on their website but in practice leave you with a much higher offer when you contact them.. And then it of course also depends on sailing date, cruise ship, exact itinerary, any add-ons such as (private) tours..

I would recommend two things:

– Ask as many price quotes of river cruise itineraries from different tour operators as possible and compare both prices and what is included in the package; – Check the online reviews so you know whether a tour operator is trustworthy and indeed delivers on everything.

From the top of my head I paid around $700 for the cruise, with all meals and private excursions (apart from the optional Abu Simbel trip) included. Unfortunately cannot confirm the exact amount at the moment as I’m on another trip and cannot easily find the email confirmations back… Note that the price I paid was based on sole occupancy of a cabin. The costs per person will be (much) lower if you travel as a couple or group.

Hi, your review is excellent and really helpful. I have a couple of specific questions regarding boat docking and access to the sites/temples, as I have mobility issues due to spine injury. Can you elaborate on the length/difficulty/incline etc of visiting the standard sites from where the boat docks? Were any of them particularly laborious? Thanks for your help.

Thanks Evie!

If I were you I would contact your tour outfit (or prospective tour outfits if you haven’t booked a Nile cruise yet) to ask them about this. First of all it’s quite a specific question and unfortunately I won’t be able to answer it fully, and secondly, it will help you ensuring your needs will be taken care of. Especially if you haven’t booked anything yet you might be able to differentiate standard travel agencies from others which will go the extra mile to help you in answering your queries and providing assistance on the spot.

Generally, the ramp from the boat to the shore doesn’t have much of an incline and won’t be much longer than a metre/two metres max. There are always people at hand at the reception area of the ship to assist you with (dis)embarkation (also because they need to check how many people go off/if everyone has returned yet! So there will always be someone waiting at the ship’s entrance).

As for the sights: – Aswan: Boats are one level lower than the corniche at street level. There are stairs at most points, but I’m quite sure some have ramps too. Most of the city sights aren’t far away from the docking places. – Aswan side trips: Philae has a bit of walking and some steps. Abu Simbel is a bit of a longer walk from the main parking lot on uneven terrain (sand/gravel) – Kom Ombo: It’s a short distance walking from the boats to the temple (200-300 metres?). There were however some steps involved to reach the temple as it’s located on a hill. I’m not sure if there are also ramps to access the temple instead of the stairs – but distance-wise it’s the shortest of all the sites. – Edfu: Although the site is not close to the docking place, it’s probably the easiest one. If transport hasn’t been arranged as part of your Nile cruise (the traditional way is by horse carriage) you can easily charter it yourself as there will be dozens of horse and carriages waiting for business right in front of the boats. – Luxor: The boat docking place is quite some distance away from all the sights in Luxor, so you need some kind of transport to reach all the sights, whether it’s the East Bank sights such as Karnak or the Valley of the Kings. If it’s included in the tour it might be by bus (large groups) or vans or cars (smaller groups or private tours).

I hope this helps a bit! Sorry if I can’t give more details, as it’s hard to remember exactly and given that I didn’t pay specific attention to this I don’t want to give any wrong answers and err on the side of caution with what I say.

One big, fat disclaimer: Boat docking places at the sites are given on a first come, first serve basis. So the boat which arrives first will often take the best place/closest to the site!

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Nile Cruise Aswan Luxor: What to Know + How to Book (Affordably)

Posted on Last updated: February 15, 2024

Thinking of booking a Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor (or Luxor to Aswan) but stuck figuring out the best way forward? Don’t worry; I feel you. There’s not a lot of information out there and it’s difficult to discern what should be included and how much you should pay.

But don’t worry, my article is here to save you – from extra headaches and possibly overpaying (which you should start to become aware of NOW if you are heading to this region of Egypt… it’s famous for relentless salesmen!)

First, let’s make clear that a Nile river cruise is one of the BEST things to do in Egypt and is an absolute MUST in this country. If you are spending any time in Egypt and are interested in its rich history (who isn’t?), then visiting all the temples around Luxor and Aswan is a given. And the best way to see all these temples is with a Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor.

Aswan Luxor Nile Cruise FAQ’s

You can choose how many days you would like to cruise for! The shortest amount is 2 days, and the longest is 7. But remember, the itinerary doesn’t change depending on how many days you choose as the boats are on a fixed schedule. You either go from Aswan to Luxor (3 nights/4 days), Luxor to Aswan (4 nights/5 days), or Aswan to Aswan/Luxor to Luxor (7 days), or get off the boat early in one of the cities (2 nights/3 days). Also, keep in mind that you pay per night and per room, not per cruise.

This depends on your budget and your energy levels! The 3-night Aswan to Luxor cruise moves FAST, but is cheaper than the 4-night Luxor to Aswan. If you have the funds, I would say to do a 4 night/5 day Luxor to Aswan cruise so you have time to relax as well as see temples.

Yes, it is VERY safe – perhaps one of the safest tourist attractions in Egypt! This activity is protected by the ministry of tourism and receives thousands of foreigners weekly. Each boat has a metal detector and security.

What Should Be Included in an Aswan + Luxor Nile Cruise

This is the famous question! For some reason, it seems a lot more complicated than it should be, but I’ll break it down for you.

All the Nile River cruises have the same itinerary, so it’s just a matter of opting into the specific activities that are offered. And I would assume you are only doing this once-in-a-lifetime trip once, so you should do all of them. This is not a place to be skint – just do it all, or you’ll regret it (in my humble opinion).

All of the tours + optionals offered are (in Aswan-Luxor order):

• Abu Simbel Temple Tour, Driver, Guide
• Tour + Guide + Boat to Philae Temple (and possibly high dam)
• Guide at Kom Ombo temple + Crocodile Museum
• Horse + Carriage to Edfu Temple, Guide
• Karnak Temple + Luxor Temple Guide + Transport
• Valley of the Kings + Luxor West Bank Tour with other stops (usually Hatshepsut Temple, Colossus of Memnon, Valley of the Queens, and/or Medinet Habu Temple but can vary) and transport/guide
• Luxor Sunrise Hot Air Balloon ride

For some reason, some tours let you add on each activity separately, or include some things and not others and try to upsell you on other things. My best advice is that, to save confusion and headaches, save up enough and do a Nile cruise that includes ALL OF IT! You don’t want to have to come back because you missed something.

Not everyone on the whole cruise has the same guide/tour of each destination. Nile cruises are strange like that. Depending on how you book your cruise, your tours are organized separately. More on that below.

It’s important to note that this USUALLY doesn’t include entry fees for each temple, which is between $10 to $17 for each temple. This adds up FAST. More on that in the cost section.

What to Know Before Booking a Nile Cruise Aswan Luxor

Here are some things nobody tells you about booking a Nile Cruise between Aswan and Luxor. For a tour of the boat I had, see below!

Also, make sure to know your Egypt visa requirements and apply ahead of time if you need to.

@kimmconn Nile cruise boat tour🚤 #nileriver #nilecruise #tiktoktravel #travel #egypt #aswan #fyp #foryou #tour #cruise ♬ original sound – Kimmie Conner

All the Cruises have the Same Itinerary

This is good to know because all cruises are pretty much the same, with the same itinerary, stops, and schedule. Boats leave from Aswan to Luxor 2 days a week (Wednesday/Sunday I think), and they leave from Luxor to Aswan 2 different days of the week (Monday/Saturday).

So, if you decide to spend more money on a ‘nicer’ boat, you’ll still be with the great herd of Nile Cruisers at each temple at the same time, spending the night in the same row of boats at the same time. This is a downside.

Many Companies Charge Per ROOM, not Per PERSON

If you are a solo traveler booking a Nile Cruise and are ASTONISHED at the price, it might be because the cruise would be the exact same price if you were two people. Try to join a group if you are solo (I link to one below), or make SURE you are booking a single occupancy room for a cheaper price.

Nile Cruise Boats also Charge Per NIGHT Rather than Per Cruise

Nile cruise ships are essentially floating hotels that stick to a fixed schedule. They will charge per room per night, and the cost may not change much depending on group size (it should a little, but it depends).

If you want to save money, do the 3-night Aswan Luxor Nile cruise, as it fits the same activities in 3 nights that the 4-night Luxor Aswan Nile cruise does in 4. You’ll hardly sleep, but you’ll do it all!

It’s Not Relaxing. It’s All Early Wakeups and Tours.

It’s true; the Nile River cruise is hardly relaxing at all, but it’s worth it. If you manage your expectations of this properly, you’ll be prepared for all the early wakeups and 2x/day tours, and you’ll have an incredible, fascinating, and enriching time.

I recommend trying to get to sleep as early as you can every night, because the wake-ups are at 3:30, 4, and 5:45am every morning. Check out the show on the boat, and then hit the hay! It’s not worth paying huge prices for drinks and staying up.

The First and Last Nights are in Port: Less Sailing Time

When you think about the Nile cruise, it seems like you’ll be in the middle of nowhere sailing around all the time like on a safari (at least it did to me). This is far from true. When you get on the boat, it doesn’t even move for the first night (as you’ll have an early activity the next day).

It moves for the first time when you return from your temple tour the next morning. It’s quite anticlimactic to get on a cruise that does not move for almost a day.

The next night is in Kom Ombo , and the third (and possibly fourth) nights are in the next port of Luxor or Aswan. So you only spend ONE night not in Luxor or Aswan. It’s essentially a floating hotel where you can enjoy views going by sometimes.

The sailing time really isn’t that much, unfortunately. You are only moving a few hours a day. I still think it’s worth doing though, but it’s good to be prepared for this as not to be let down.

It’s a Very Family-Friendly Travel Activity

Our boat had people of all ages (well, usually older because of the price) and families. There are not too many social activities or things to do at night (besides short shows on the boat around 830/9pm), so it’s a good opportunity to really enjoy the full extent of the days and sleep early.

Food + Drink on the Nile Cruises

Luxor + Aswan Nile Cruises are all FULL BOARD with food, so you can expect fabulous massive buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. On our boat, the food was pretty good; some things were hit and some miss.

In terms of DRINKS on Nile Cruises, they are VERY pricey. By that, I mean they were probably the most pricey of anywhere we had seen in Egypt – at least $10 for a basic alcoholic drink ranging up to $20USD. This must be how they make their money!

We didn’t drink on the cruise, but our friends said the drinks were decent, some better than others. But a it’s not a drinking culture, I wouldn’t expect anything amazing.

At the End of the Day, The Boats are Quite Similar

Okay, I know they have some super-crazy-luxury tours like the Abercrombie and Kent ones, but in my humble opinion, the boats are all quite similar at the end of the day. Any extra square footage in your room isn’t really worth paying THAT much more for, because you won’t even spend that much time in the room at all and only sail a few hours a day.

Many, if not most, boats say they are 5-star Nile River cruise boats, and I’m sure they all are. The staff are incredible and attentive, the hospitality is great, and the rooms are comfy. But it seems like a much of a muchness to me (I may be wrong about this, but personally, I think the point of the Nile cruise is seeing the temples so the boat is secondary).

Costs: How Much You Can Expect to Pay for Nile Cruise

FINAL COSTS TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION:

• Check if your tours are private (more expensive) or with a group (cheaper).
• The Luxor-Aswan Cruise is 4 nights (more expensive), and the Aswan Luxor Cruise is 3 nights (cheaper)
• It’s almost twice as expensive over Christmas and New Years
• ENTRANCE FEES: If your cruise INCLUDES entrance fees to each temple (WIN), this is a game changer because they add up to maybe just under $100 per person on TOP of everything else. So take that into consideration. Check current fees here.

SO… let’s say you are in a room with someone else (which you should be) and you are signed up for all the tours in groups (which you should be).

If you want to do it as cheaply as you can, you should be looking to pay from about $400 to $650 per person for a fair price without entrance fees, and maybe $500 to $750 per person with entrance fees . Aswan-Luxor (3 nights) are cheaper than Luxor-Aswan (4 nights).

If you want to splurge, you can pay up to… thousands. There’s no upper limit for fancy Nile River Cruises!

Possible Optional Activities on a Nile River Cruise

Some of the activities that many cruises consider as additional optional are the Abu Simbel Temple tour from Aswan and the Luxor Hot Air Balloon sunrise. Both are worthwhile, in my opinion. Some cruises include these (win), but some try to charge you for an add-on.

Using the price of $375 to $450 plus entrances as a baseline, consider if you may be getting overcharged. The BEST way to see if you are getting overcharged is to compare the prices agents are charging you to prices on Viator. If there are any optionals that you are getting overcharged for, just book your tour on Viator for a fair price, and they will pick you up from your boat. See below:

Viator Abu Simbel Group Tour from Aswan: $35 Tours leave around 4am and drive to Abu Simbel and back

Luxor Hot Air Balloon: $40-$80 : I don’t know why they’re all so different in price. Like everything else on the Nile River Cruise, all the balloons take off together from the same place, have the same inclusions, and cannot be much different. We booked a cheap one and had a fantastic experience with a professional captain, but book what looks right to you! I think they’re all similar.

Luxor West Bank Tour: $54 (Valley of the Kings + Queens, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon): This is the tour you’d do on your day in Luxor.

Use the prices above as a guideline, and don’t forget to compare these prices to any prices you are given.

Best Ways to Book an Aswan to Luxor Nile Cruise Affordably

Overwhelmed? Don’t worry. I’ll give you a few trustworthy links below.

How We Booked Our Cruise

PERSONALLY, we booked our tour through my friend Mustafa’s tour company, Egylust. He is well-connected all over Egypt, honest, and knowledgeable, and organizes tours all over Egypt for foreigners and backpackers.

I have had a lot of people book with him through this article and give positive feedback, and even people who continued to book more Egypt Travel thought Egylust. They can set you up with any tours and transport in all of Egypt.

His company can help you book the best price out of a lot of different boats, so it won’t be a certain guaranteed boat, but they will do the best they can for the time of year, availability, and . Make sure to select that Kimmie/Adventures&Sunsets sent you , and they’ll help you out as best they can. They can also help you organize trips around the whole country!

If you are ready to book, you can fill out this form . If you have more questions, message their Instagram page, @egylust or check out their google maps reviews . There’s no harm/cost in asking a few questions. You can also message me if you have any doubts and I’ll tell you more about my experience.

If you’d Rather Book Direct, Here are my Two Top Recommended Nile River Cruises

I did a TON of research on Aswan Luxor Nile Cruises before meeting Mustafa, and honestly wanted to pull out my hair. We were very close to booking the tour below before he got us a better deal.

The tour below is a FOUR night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan . It INCLUDES Abu Simbel AND the Luxor Hot Air Balloon (solid extra value) and includes all the regular tours that should be included with guides, from $585pp. It has recent, great reviews and photos and means with entrances, the total looks like around $685pp.

It doesn’t include entrances, but for a 4-night cruise and all the inclusions, this is a FAB deal (the best I could find), and you can book right on Viator, who protects your purchases.

CHEAPEST: If you want something with fewer days, the second-best-looking tour I found online is below. It has great reviews and starts quite cheap. Don’t expect the most incredible boat, but it’s affordable.

This one starts from $385 ( excluding entrances, but INCLUDING hot air balloon and Abu Simbel ) and is a 3-night 4-day river cruise from Aswan to Luxor. With entrance fees added on, you are looking at a total of around $485pp with this one.

I honestly still recommend booking the longer one above with everything included if you want to stop stressing, reading and rereading descriptions and inclusions, and comparing things nonstop like I was!

My Final Opinion on How to Book a Nile River Cruise MOST Affordably

If you ask me, you should first contact Egylust and see what price they can get you for your dates.

If you need to book right away and prefer Viator, and have more budget and time, book the 5 night Luxor to Aswan Cruise with everything included . It’s the most hassle-free.

If you need to book right away and prefer Viator, and are on more of a backpacking and DIY budget, book the 3-night Aswan to Luxor Cruise .

None of these options will leave you disappointed.

Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?

Let’s break it down. Luxor is closer to Cairo by train (9 hours-ish), and Aswan is farther away (14+). It makes the most technical sense to start in Luxor, as it is closer to take the train to, rather than take the train past Luxor to start in Aswan.

If you start in Luxor, you will do a 4-night cruise, not a 3-night cruise. This is a MUCH better pace; it’s nicer to have more time on the boat and not rush things, if you ask me. If you book the tour linked above, you’ll have the best of all worlds and then get to visit the amazing Nubian Village after Aswan.

How to Get to Luxor and Aswan for the Cruises

If you are coming from Cairo, you can take a train bus, or even a plane to Luxor/Aswan. I recommend the train.

For this, you’ll want to get the train from the Rameses train station in downtown Cairo. There are night trains every night to both Luxor and Aswan (same train) around 8:30 and 10:30. You’ll want to get first class for around 250 Egyptian Pounds (less than $20). You can also book online:

• Cairo to Aswan Transport Options
• Cairo to Luxor Overnight Train

Book an overnight train for the night before you are supposed to get on your boat (if you are short on time) or a day or two before (if you want to take it easy – recommended). You’ll arrive the next day in the morning (Luxor) or early afternoon (Aswan). Your cruise should be able to organize a pick-up for you from the station.

Let me know if this post helped you or overwhelmed you in the comments below – ask any more questions you have, or feel free to DM me on Instagram.

I truly hope this can be a great resource for people booking Aswan Luxor Nile Cruises so you don’t overpay and can learn how it works. Have fun, and don’t forget my other Egypt guides:

• Cairo Travel Guide: Things to Do in Cairo
• One Day in Alexandria Self-Guided Trip
• Most Unexpected Views of the Pyramids of Giza
• Best Places to Visit in Egypt

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How to score a cheap nile cruise.

Taking a Nile cruise in Egypt is one of the quintessential things to do in this country, but if you’re anything you like me, you probably have reservations about how expensive this notoriously tourist experience might be.

But fear not, I managed to score a bargain Nile cruise when I was in Egypt and now, to help you do the same, here’s the full lowdown on how you can score a cheap Nile cruise in 2023 and beyond…

Related Posts

• Ultimate 10 Day Egypt Itinerary
• Plan to Travel Egypt? 27 Things You Need to Know
• 15 Epic Things to Do in Egypt

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What is a nile cruise all about.

Both of these destinations are must-see cities on your Egypt itinerary and while it is possible to travel by road or train between Luxor and Aswan, taking a cruise up (or down) the Nile between them is a much nicer way to travel.

Yup, normally lasting between 3-5 nights, drifting slowly up the world’s most famous river as you laze by a pool and take in the amazing views really is a spectacular experience.

Don’t you agree?

And that’s not to mention the temples you get to see along the way, which are otherwise very difficult to get to.

This makes an Egypt Nile cruise a classic traveller experience in this country and after the fabulous time I had, I highly recommend getting it on your list.

Aswan to Luxor Vs Luxor to Aswan

So after deciding you want to make a Nile cruise, the next thing to plan is in which direction to take it.

Generally speaking, Luxor to Aswan cruises follow a longer itinerary of 4 days than Aswan to Luxor routes, which usually only take 3 days.

If you’re on a budget therefore, it’s likely that making the latter journey is going to work out more cost-effective for you, simply because it’s shorter.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that each leg of the cruise normally includes a tour in the respective city of your final destination.

In other words, if you’re travelling from Aswan to Luxor, a day exploring Luxor’s attractions (like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple) will be included in your cruise itinerary.

Likewise, if you’re travelling from Luxor to Aswan, a day exploring Aswan and /or Abu Simbel will also be included in your cruise programme.

If you’re planning to stay in either Luxor or Aswan for a few days on either side of your cruise therefore, another great way to keep the price of your Egypt Nile cruise down is cut the programme short, check into a Luxor or Aswan hostel as soon as you dock there, and seeing the attractions in these respective cities independently.

For more information about how to do this, check out my ideal 2 day Luxor itnerary or my list of the top 10 things to do in Aswan – both give great tips about the best way to take in these destinations on a budget too.

Normal Costs of an Egypt Nile Cruise

But even with these money-saving hacks in place, there’s no getting away from the fact a Nile cruise can be an expensive experience.

Just have a look online at the prices offered by companies and you’ll probably take a large and sharp inhale!

Yes these cruise packages offered online or by travel agencies in Egypt start from around $200 USD per day and that’s just for a basic ship – roughly equivalent to a 3*star hotel.

Generally these prices include 3 meals a day, plus use of all ship facilities and some temple tours, but nevertheless, it’s likely to be a hefty chunk of your travel budget.

And that’s because booking online or through an agency in Egypt means you’re also paying a huge amount of agency commission.

In order to get the best prices therefore, you need to cut out the middle man for your Egypt Nile cruise and head straight to the source (pun intended!)

How to Score a Cheap Nile Cruise?

So how do you cut out the middleman?

Well first of all, you need to be in Egypt to make sure you are booking direct.

This does mean leaving your cruise slightly to the last minute, which may prove difficult if you have a jam-packed, tight or well-planned itinerary.

However, if you are even slightly flexible, it’s generally possible to find a cheap Nile cruise just a few days ahead of time.

With this in mind, it’s also worth considering the season in which you’re travelling to Egypt.

It goes without saying that travelling in the shoulder or low season is going to make it a lot easier for you to score a cheap Nile cruise.

So, if you’re yet to book your trip to Egypt at all, I’d definitely recommend avoiding the peak season of November through February and heading to this country during the shoulder season of September to November or February to April instead.

I visited (and Nile cruised in) Egypt in March and it was perfect, with delightful weather and much fewer crowds than I’m told are there in the high tourist season.

The second thing you need to bear in mind when trying to score a cheap Nile cruise is that the ships only run on certain days.

What I mean by this, is that there aren’t cruises ferrying up to Aswan or down to Luxor every day of the week.

Normally there are departures 2/3 times a week, but again it’s worth being a bit flexible with your dates when trying to score a cheap deal.

How to Avoid the Travel Agencies?

So the best thing to do for your cheap Nile cruise is, as I’ve said, to cut out the middleman and go direct.

I’d read many blogs when I got to Egypt about heading straight onto the ship to score a cheap cruise, but I actually find this information wasn’t useful.

In Luxor, it was time-consuming and ultimately unproductive walking between the many different ships trying to find when they were leaving, where to and whether they had space.

Also, new ships come and go daily, so keeping track of which ones you have and haven’t approached is time-heavy and often, success poor.

That’s not to mention the fact that a ship which might be leaving on your intended day of departure, with space for a couple of cheap last-minute bookings, may only dock the day before you want to leave.

Having the time to find this boat, head to this boat, talk to the staff, score a place on it and be ready to leave all within the space of an evening may be unrealistic.

At least it was in my case.

As such, I highly recommend seeking out some of the cruise scouts.

These are basically guys that work on behalf of lots of different ships, filling the vacant places they have with last-minute bookings.

As I was sailing from Aswan to Luxor, I managed to find a great guy in Aswan, down by the ships, who hooked me up with a stellar deal – just $40 USD per day for a 3 day cruise to Luxor!

My Egypt Nile Cruise Experience

So yes, my 3 night cruise on the Nile cost me just $120 USD in total!

This included 3 meals a day, a lovely cabin and a guided tour of Luxor, plus the possibility to see both Kom Ombo and Efnu Temples.

The itinerary ran as follows:

Day 1: Board ship in Aswan | Sail to Kom Ombo | Visit this temple | Sail to Efnu

Day 2: Visit Efnu Temple | Sail to Luxor

Day 3: Visit Luxor with a guided tour | Enjoy final night aboard ship

Day 4: Disembark in Luxor

The level of service and provision I got was exactly the same as everybody else on the ship, except they had paid possibly 5 times more than me!

And in between all the temple viewing, I thoroughly enjoyed lazing by the pool on the ship’s top deck, sunning myself and watching the Nile sail by!

My Contacts for a Cheap Cruise

And so here they are people, my direct contacts for scoring a cheap Egypt Nile Cruise.

(I’d like to point out that, in no way, have I been sponsored, nor am I affiliated with either of these individuals. I just like helping fellow budget travellers out and can’t be held responsible for any trips you book with the below contacts.)

• First up, the manager of the ship, Quest Cruise, I sailed with:

His name is Nasser and can be contacted for direct bookings on +20 112 666 000 41 or emailed at [email protected]

• Secondly, the cruise scout who I actually booked my trip through:

Hi name is Montasser Mohamed. He can be contacted by phone on +20 122 33 59 105, or + 20 111 638 5004, via Whatsapp on +20 102 511 1063, or via email at [email protected] .

Other Well-Priced Nile Cruise Options

Alternatively, if booking last minute, down at the dock is a bit too stressful for you – I appreciate not everyone has all the time in the world – then it’s good to know there are some great priced online tours that offer a more secure and official booking process!

Then this excellently priced 4-night all-inclusive Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan is a great option for those with less flexible travel plans, or for those who want greater peace of mind.

It’s a 5* cruise boat and the package includes a trip to Abu Simbel, as well as Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, plus the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens in Luxor… tick, tick, tick!

Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Aswan and want to sail north up the Nile cruise to Luxor, this top-rated 3 night cruise onboard a 5* ship, is a great option offering brilliant value for money and a hassle-free experience, with visits to the Philae Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings thrown in too!

And finally, if you’re based in Hurghada, but don’t want to miss out on a Nile cruise too, then this is the option for you!

It includes both a pick up and drop off at your Hurghada hotel in an air-con minivan, as well as a 4 night cruise on a 5* boat, with visits to all the temples in both Luxor and Aswan, as well as inbetween, all included!

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it folks, the full lowdown on how I scored my budget Nile Cruise.

Hope you manage to get a bargain too!

Have you tried to get in touch with either of the contacts I mention?

How did your trip go?

Please help fellow travellers out by leaving details of your experience in the comments box below…

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Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

137 thoughts on “ How to Score a Cheap Nile Cruise ”

best blog i ever read thanks for such niceest blog

Hello. What was the name of you’re boat?

Hi Drew, I’m afraid I cant remember, I made this journey in early 2018 and forgot to note the name down at the time. Fail!

Nile Quest Cruise, as she mentioned in the article…

Hi Steph! My partner and I just had a read of this and we’re currently in contact with Montasser! Seems like he can help us out, but I guess there is a language barrier..

I just wanted to ask how do I best pay him (e.g does he have an office?) and whether this transaction is considered legit?

Apologies for my wariness as this is our first time in Egypt!!

Looking forward to your reply 🙂

Hi Michael – thanks for your comments. I think you also emailed me about this one and I’ve just replied, so please check your inbox for this. Otherwise, I paid Montasser a small deposit up front and the remainder once I’d seen the cabin and checked in on the boat. This worked well and I’d advise you doing the same. Good Luck!

Hi, Robinhood! Now the queries for Egypt. We have six days starting 30 Dec. 1. What should be the new year like in Egypt? 2. What is the best itinerary for the time one has? 3. I too got in touch with Montasser and he is asking 50$ per pax per night. What kind of cabin is provided? What are the inclusions? Is it even wortht the cruise, or one should just fly to and fro from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan.

Hi there, thanks for the questions – will answer them as best I can. 1) Don’t know – haven’t been there at this time of year – sorry! 2) I’ve written an Egypt itinerary post giving all the details – please search it out on the blog using search bar, or destinations tab > Africa > Egypt 3) I’m not sure what Montasser has in mind, so it’s best to ask him for the details. I’d pay a bit more to upgrade for a good cabin if I were you. My inclusions were 3x meals per day + guided tours of the 2 temples we visited enroute and guided day tour in Luxor

I definitely think a cruise is worth it. Views as you glide up the Nile and the experience of it were highlights for me.

My husband and I are travelling to Egypt In December and I have contacted Montasser. It was rather difficult to understand everything he said but he appeared to be able to book us a cruise on the date we wanted. Did you book through him and how was your experience (if you have already been)? We would be grateful for any feedback/advice/information you may be able to provide. This will be our first time as well and any help will be much appreciated.

Thank you !!

Hi Samina – hope you get on the cruise. Please let me know your experience so I can share in the post with other readers. Best

how much he charged you?

Probably best to pay with Egyptian money, bc to exchange money, the natives must have a passport, and many don’t. So if you are dealing sub rosa…

Thank you for sharing your experience Steph! My husband and I are travelling to Egypt next month and your blog is very helpful. I have just contacted Montasser. There is a language barrier as Michael commented but he appeared to be confident of booking us for a cruise on the date we want. We will arrive on 15th Dec and want to spend a couple of days in Cairo and visit Alexandria and embark on the cruise around 18th. A bit worried about leaving the cruise arrangements to the last minute.

Hi Samina – I do find that strange as Montasser’s English was amazing when I spoke with him – perhaps it’s a written language barrier? Where are you hoping to get on the cruise from – Luxor? As I said in the post, I booked mine only a few days before via Montasser and was not at all sure it was going to work out either because everything was so casual. That said, all turned out fine. I hope you manage to get on! Please let me know your experience afterwards.

I called him this morning, so maybe there was some problem with the connection. I shall establish communication through Whatsapp which may work better. I would prefer to get on at Luxor, trying to work out the logistics of travelling back to Cairo from Aswan. We want to fly back to London on the 24th Morning and there are suitable flights from Cairo and Luxor. I’m probably sounding muddled. Do you recommend taking the night train or flight from Cairo to either place? Many thanks!

Hi Samina – both train and plane are good options for Cairo to Aswan / Luxor, depends on your timings really. Worth noting however that the night trains in Egypt are a LOT more expensive than the day trains, so do your price comparison against flights. Also research about getting tickets, because they can be some confusion. I got the train from Luxor to Cairo – 10 hours, but first class cost silly small dollars. I got someone from the hostel to book it for me the day before so I got the local rate. Even with a tip, much cheaper than tourist prices! Views were amazing and I love train travel, but I understand some people want to save time and fly.

Hello Stephanie,

We will be travelling to Egypt in Feb 2019. I read you blog and want to thank you as we found it quite helpful. We were planing a 4 day Nile cruise, so I got in contact via Whats app with Montasser for a preliminary exchange and I did not feel any language issue in our written conversation…He also wrote that he is at our service and to contact him closer to our trip date…So far so good!!! we will post again once we embark and enjoy!!!! Thanks again

Great Jean-Marc, that’s wonderful to hear and I really appreciate your up-to-date info on this, as well as your kind words about the blog. Keep me posted how it goes nearer to the time too and happy travel planning. Thanks Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, do u get a full itinerary if we book with Montasser? Just wondering do you get the lower or upper deck with full facilities?

Honestly Dorothy, you’re best to ask him yourself. I’m not affiliated with Montasser in any way and really can’t speak on his before about the trip you are arranging. Thanks

Sorry Steph, one last question (for now), is Hot Air Balloning over Luxor worth it?

Not sure to be totally honest. I didn’t hot air balloon ride in Luxor 🙂

Hi Steph, Just contacted Montasser and can’t wait to visit egypt soon. I had to questions; did you get private tours of the temples or did you join a group? everyone i’ve contacted so far, always only offered private tours and as i’m travelling solo, i’d love to mingle a bit and join a shared tour. How was that for you, as you werer also travelling solo? Also, after booking with montasser, did you get some kind of confirmation from the cruise or from him? I’m heading to egypt late january on a bit of a tight schedule & will be arriving in Aswan, one day before boaridng the cruise. I’m worried, that i’ll arrive there and i won’t be able to board the cruise the following day..

Hi Milena, all great questions and excited to hear you are travelling to Egypt soon. I did not get confirmation from Montasser. Honestly, I just found him at the dock and got a bit of paper saying I’d paid a deposit. It is far from official and I’m in no way affiliated with him or can vouch for what he does – just sharing my experience – I hope it works out for you. The temple tours along the Nile and in Luxor should be included in the package, so you don’t need to pay extra for that. I was travelling solo yes, and in Aswan, I booked a group tour at my hostel to see Abu Simbel and the other days used a taxi driver to take me around the local sights. Hope that helps and you get your cruise 🙂

Thank you so much for your quick response. It helped a lot 🙂 also; were the included tours along the Nile and in Luxor shared tours or solo private tours? Kind regards from Switzerland!

Hi Milena, so glad to hear I’m helping out with your Egypt plans – fingers crossed they go well! They were shared tours I got, which as a solo traveller I enjoyed – but do check the specifics of what you’re getting too for your money. My experience, of course, doesn’t mean yours will be the same. Good luck, Steph 🙂

Thank you for the informations. I heading next month to Egypt for 2 weeks and I was planning to do the Nile Cruise. I am just wondering about the boat quality and condition is it a 5 stars.

Hi Ali, the boat I went on was not 5 star – that’s how I got such a bargain price, but it was totally fit for purpose and quite comfortable. If luxury is important to you, I would consider being sure of the standards of the vessel you will be travelling on and pay to upgrade 🙂

Hi Steph, Thanks a lot for your posts. I’ve contacted Nasser and he gave us a price as of 165 usd /per for the 3 night cruise, and an extra fee for the excursion package of 190 usd /per, so the total price for the cruise will be 355 usd /per. I find it quite expensive compared to other 5-star cruises. How were you able to negotiate the incrediable 120 usd for 3 nights ? Thanks for you advises, Hanh.

Hi Hanh, I booked it with Nasser in person in Aswan 2 days before the tour left, but it was not a 5* cruise. I’m guessing a last minute booking in person on a cheaper boat might have been how I scored such a deal.

Hi Steph, I have greatly enjoyed reading your many travel blogs! Thank-you for that! I am looking to get on a boat from Aswan to Luxor on Wednesday, April 17th. I will be in Aswan from the 14th until the 17th. Do you recommend that I go to the boat docks (and look up Nasser) on Tuesday, the day before? Or should I do it the morning of departure (the 17th), or would it be best to go on Monday the 15th? Thanks so much!

Thank YOU Kevin, so happy to hear you are enjoying the blog and also that you will be heading to Egypt soon. I think it would be best to go and find Nasser as soon as you reach Aswan, because cruises don’t leave every day and some might be full – I’d say the more prep time you have to sort in when you’re in Aswan the better. Good luck 🙂

Hi Steph, hi everybody! I visited Egypt last week of December till first week of Januaryfor diving at Hurghada. As I also wanted to make a short Nile cruise I contacted Montasser and got a quote of 60 USD per night on a 3*** ship. I agreed by whats up, Montasser offered to pick me up from Assuan airport. Arriving there on time, no body was there to pick me up. After some phone calls with Montasser and some fights against taxi drivers that tried to pull me in there cars, somebody came and took me to town (Montasser charged me later more than double the normal taxi price for that). OK, such things can happen.

In town I met Montasser who now told me, that he missunderstud our whats-up conversation. The price per night would increase to 100 USD. There was not much I could do in that situation, so I had to agree. As Steph mentioned, it is almost impossible to arrange a cheap trip on your own when you are already in Assuan or Luxor and when your counterparts feel that you are somehow under pressure.

Montasser also offered me to arrange a daytrip to the valley of the kings in Luxor and my trip back to Hurghada in a public bus. I agreed the price of 30 USD for the daytrip and 10 USD for the bus ticket (which was in fact 4.5 USD). The cruise was OK, but the daytrip in Luxor again was a mess. I expected an almost private tour for the money, but Montasser chartered 2 very small mini-busses for 22 people and one guide. We hopped from hotel to hotel to collect all these people. When we started the tour, 2 hours were already gone. Many of the other Montasser-customers tried to call him for a complaint, but this time Montasser was not available by phone.

The trip was short as I had to catch the public bus on time. We arrived at the bus station late, but the bus was still there. The only problem was: Montasser didn´t book my ticket and the bus was full. Now I was really fed up with Montassers arrangement. The guide in Luxor was hard trying to help me and he could get a ticket for the night bus. All in all I am sorry that I have to say: Montasser is not very different from the various taxi driver I met in Egypt. They rip you off as there was no tomorrow. Even when I told him, that I will report everything in the blog, Montasser was not willing to refund a single dollar.

Thanks for your detailed and helpful feedback Martin, this is so useful to know for other travellers and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave the comments. As you know, I’m not affiliated with Montasser in any way, I just wanted to report my experience with him to try and help others repeat such a deal. Sadly it looks like he is not always a man of his word. I’m sorry you had this experience and sincerely hope it didn’t ruin your time in Egypt. Thanks again for reporting back.

Dear Steph! In no ways it was my intention to blame you for anything! I only wanted to report what happened to me. By the way, Montassers mismanagement laid to wonderful experiences with some local people: The guide from Luxor took me to his home, bought me food and cared for me in a lovely manner. A coachman showed me some very interesting places in Luxor and the ride with the night-bus was smooth and comfortable. So at the end, it turned out to be one of the most valuable impression of my trip to Egypt.

Thank you Martin and well done for looking on the positive side! Wishing you all the best on your travels 🙂

I’m travelling to Egypt in the same time as yours(March 1st week). I’m glad that I came across your blog. You will be helping me on saving big bucks. I contacted Mohamed for the Cruise and he was very responsive. On enquiry , reg the Cruise begin days, he said except Sundays they leave on all days. I’m a quite skeptic regarding this as I have a planned itinerary so it will be difficult to shuffle my plan. Kindly clarify on this. And I will be taking up the 3 day Aswan-> Luxor Cruise , so how does the package work? Could you please give me more details on the entire trip from beginning to end and the number of meals covered for the 3 days package? This will help me plan accordingly as I’m quite confused reg the inclusions for 120$.

And thank you so much for your lovely blog. Keep up the great work. Information like these are priceless for budget travelers. Looking forward to your reply.

Hi there, thanks for your comments and excited to hear you’ll be travelling to Egypt soon. I honestly can’t clarify when the cruises leave or how often – I don’t know the answer to this, but recent info from Martin in these comments suggests Montasser may not be a man of his word, so I’d be careful arranging anything in advance with him when you’re on a strict timetable that doesn’t allow for flexibility.

As I have said across this article and comments, I’m not affiliated or in contact with Montasser at all, I just used this post to write honestly about the experience I had, which included 3 meals a day, 3 nights accommodation and day trips around Luxor as well as 2 other temples up the Nile.

I cannot, however, make any claims about YOUR arrangements with Montasser – what they will include or indeed whether it will go ahead. If you’re on a tight timeframe and want to know all the ins and outs, I recommend booking ahead of time with someone you can guarantee the package, otherwise, turn up to Aswan and discuss with Montasser in person as I did. I’m not a travel agent or a booking agent, so it would be best to consult one of these types of people if you have concerns.

I’m so happy you like the blog and thank you for your kind words. I do hope you have a great time in Egypt 🙂

Thank you for the prompt reply. Much appreciated. And good to know from Martin that I have to be watchful with Mohamed.. In that case I would like to know what would I be charged if I contact Nasser directly from Wisdom tours as mentioned in your blog? Is it possible to get at the same price(40$)?. And I’m curious to know how you found Mohamed in Aswan? Where can I find similar scouts in Aswan to get similar prices? Because I feel if Mohamed can get you for 40$ there must be a few more who can do that as well.. Thank you again!

Hi there, I don’t know who Mohammed or Wisdom Tours are I’m afraid – I dealt only with the people mentioned in the post, who I found by enquiring at the dock in Aswan. Good luck 🙂

I ve reading this post for a while, Im going to travel to egypt in feb/19, I contacted mohame at the 1063 number posted here. he told me that a cruise from aswan to luxor would cost 35usd per person per night, I guess he gives different numbers , but this is not too different for what steph has paid. I m not running on a tight schedule, so if he changes his mind big time about the price I will try to find another boat.

Thanks for joining the discussion Andres. Please be careful, read the other comments here and good luck 🙂

Hi Steph! I am posting to thank you for your very helpful post. I arranged an Aswan-Luxor Cruise with Montasser at the beginning of January, and he gave me a pricce of 50 USD a night for single cabin. I could probably have gotten 40 (he said that price was for a shared cabin). An important thing I figured too late is that the ship spends the third day docked in Luxor, so there is no traveling that day, and most likely all you will see trough your window is the ship parked next to yours. So I could have actually taken a two day cruise and spend that other night in a cheaper place in Luxor instead. The deal included a group tour of east and west bank temples, however I had to ask multiple times at the reception and they never gave me a clear answer, I think they had to call Montasser more than once to confirm that. When they called me on the third day and told me I had a tour I was quite surprised. Overall I was happy about the deal. When I booked, Montasser also offered me a trip to Abu Simbel for 15usd, I did not take that tour but on hindsight I learned it was a good deal and I should have taken it. Overall I was quite satisfied, so thanks once more for your helpful and detailed post.

Hi George, thanks for taking the time to comment and leave your kind feedback. It’s interesting to know your experience on the third day as this is when I received a tour of Luxor included in my cruise price without hassle. It seems this didn’t happen for you? How confusing! Yes 15 USD for Abu Simbel is very good – I hope you got there anyway as it is a must see in Egypt. Wishing you continued happy travels 🙂

Hey Steph, Nice blog.

Just came back from Egypt, and booked the cruise trip from aswan to luxor with Montasser, great experience and very cheap.

35 usd per night per person in a 2 bed cabin. (Or 50 usd for a single room)

No tours or temple tickets were included but the ship was very nice for that price (maybe 4 stars for western standards but more than 5 stars comparing with hostels) 3 meals a day included (great all u can eat buffet.-drinks not included)

TIP: Montasser is not friendly at all but just met him in person one or two days before deaprture, to check photos of the boat. Paid a small deposit (less than 10%)and then the balance in the ship.(he picked up at the hotel)

He also offered a great deal to go to Abu simbel with a private car/driver at 9 am , instead of waling up at 4 am for the tour.

Alan thank you so much for this useful feedback! Really appreciate you taking the time to leave your experience of the Nile Cruise and to help others see more of this country for less. Wishing you all the best 🙂

Hello, very nice portrait. I appreciate your article and your skills. I and my family had a plan to visit Egypt Nile cruise along with some more beautiful places in Egypt. Can you suggest me the perfect website or any tour company for my travel?

Thank you so much for the kind words! My advice in Egypt would be to do it yourself – you don’t need a tour company and it’s so cheap to travel here that everything is much easy alone. Happy travels 🙂

Hi Steph, and thanks a mil for the so valuable information. I am doing myself our long 3-country journey and your tip about booking through a scout came just on time! I have already contacted Montaseer and now waiting for the offer.

Wonderful to hear Lily and best of luck. What other countries are you visiting outside of Egypt?

Hi Steph and than you again for the travelling tips. We visited Israel, Palestine and Jordan this year. I would like to tell you some things – Monty is a fantastic person and he did a wonderful job for the boat and the trip to Abu Simbel. Yet, I would not recommend to anyone to book through Monty Luxor – the guy was absolutely horrible!!! I am happy, it is behind our back; yet, it nearly gave a heart attack. Thanks once again 🙂

Hi Lily, thanks for the useful feedback to help other travellers. Are you talking about 2 different guys called Monty? It’s not quite clear from your comments what you mean? Glad you had 1 good experience and sorry to hear about the other. Best, Steph 🙂

We booked a Luxor package from Monty in Aswan before taking the boat. I spoke with Monty how we want the thing and as we have allocated 4 full days for Luxor, Monty said my plans are OK and that in Luxor we were going to meet his agent and tell him what we had decided to do. So, this is that other guy, his agent, who nearly gave me a heart attack. He was extremely pushy, demanding all to be done his way despite our objections, shouted at me on the boat and later started a fight with a guy who wanted to defend us on the West Bank. Long unpleasant story which finished with our host calling Monty in Aswan and asking him for full refund. We got the money back but that was the most dreadful and stressful experience someone could possibly ever have.

Thanks for filling in the details Lily and sorry to hear of the experience. Really appreciate you taking the time to let me and other travellers know. Best, Steph 🙂

Blimey! Glad I found this article on Google. I was thinking that $550 for a 5 day 4 night cruise in a single cabin was good as my first enquiry came back with a figure of $1,250! And the trip to Abu Simbel is quoted by everyone at $85 so for $15 were they sending you on camels rather than cars?

Anyway it’s really good to know what the real prices are. I keep reading how expensive Egypt is for tourists but I could never understand why when cost of living is so low there. Now I understand that it’s just profiteering and taking silly foreigners for a ride.

Egypt is ridiculously cheap – in fact it’s my budget travel recommendation for this year, because it is so well priced, so definitely don’t pay more than you should! No camels to Abu Simbel, my price included hotel pick up / drop off in Aswan, and although we had to pay entrance, this is less than $8 USD and includes a guide, so all in all a bargain for one of the most amazing places I’ve been! Good luck on getting a bargain cruise – I know, many like me, who have achieved it by cutting out the unnecessary travel agent fees and being flexible with their itinerary. Booking trips on the ground when you are in the country is the key if you have time! I arranged Abu Simbel through my hostel in Aswan for example.

Quick question. I was originally going to bypass the cruise situation a) because they’re typically so expensive by Egyptian standards and b) time constraints – I only have about 12 full days in Egypt before I fly out to India. From your post I guess I could possibly squeeze the cruise in if I try and cut my stay in Luxor from 4 days to 3 but it all depends on that schedule you mentioned – there’s two days of actual sailing, right, by the end of day two you’ve actually arrived in Luxor and simply stay overnight again on day 3? What time did you board on Day 1 in Aswan?

Thanks for the posting – it’s certainly given me food for thought.

Hi Tim – great question. In answer, I boarded the cruise in Aswan at lunchtime. We set sail that afternoon – arriving at Edfu to see the temple at sunset. We sailed overnight to Esna to see those temples in the morning, before continuing to Luxor. We spent night 2 moored at Luxor, day 3 was the tour of Luxor and night 3 on the boat. Does that make things clearer? I also have a Lxuor itinerary on my blog if you want to check that – honestly you don’t need long in this city and can see it in 2 full days if you do have to move on. Otherwise, 3 would be very adequate. Hope the plans go well. Best Steph 🙂

Since this is the Montasser review page 😉 here my experience with him:

No problem with booking cruise, 50 US$ pp and night on a (Egyptian) 5 star boat. We stayed 2 nights, but it felt like you could do only one night if you insist. (This is not high season.) He certainly delivered here without any issues.

Also offered Abu Simbel for EGP 200 with unguided group tour

We took a guided group tour from him for Luxor Westbank US$5 pp

Only issue was when he didn’t seem to want to organise a night ferry that we needed and ceased communication instead of saying that he is not interested.

Overall you get the best deals I heard, he delivers when the deal is sealed, but I can sense that he can have a mood.

Thank you Steph, for bringing him to my attention.

Myriam, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review and help other travellers with the latest info and your experience. I certainly appreciate it and I’m sure all the others who stop by this page do too. Wishing you all the best and happy continued travels. Steph 🙂

Reading this blog is so insightful. I have enquired at some tour booking and they are charging me USD699/pax for 3 night Aswan to Luxor cruise. I see that your itinerary doesn’t include any Aswan temple tours. Is that correct? I am travelling with my husband and teenage daughter, do you think it will be difficult to book last minute since there are 3 of us. Travelling in Dec. I will likely contact Montasser for a quote.

Hi Agnes, yes that is correct – I toured Aswan independently before joining the cruise. I have no idea about booking last minute for 3 people to be honest, I guess it’s just a case of 2 cabins being available instead of 1. As always, you’ll have more chance outside of high season, which means it will be harder in December. Good luck 🙂

Hi Steph! We are traveling to Egypt in Mai. I read your Article and write Montasser to reserve a cruise from Luxor to Aswan. He gave us for 3 Nights, 4 Days and excursions 120$ per Person which I find very well. I asked him how to book the Travel and he told me to send him a Passport Copy. Is that normal? I have so many doubts. Thank you in advance.

Hi Ana, thanks for your question. As I wrote in the article I dealt with Montasser on the ground in person – I didn’t send him anything in advance, so I honestly can’t comment on whether this is normal. My hunch would be not, as I don’t know why he would require these details? Did you ask him what we needed them for? Have you scanned back through the other comments on this post to read other travellers advice? I was in Egypt a year ago and am not affiliated with Montasser in any way, so I really can’t speak, advice or vouch for his actions. Many others who have read this post have more up-to-date info on their experience. Sorry, but I really can’t advise you here. Just be sensible – which it sounds like you are! Good luck 🙂

They need a copy of your passport for a trip to Abu Simbel,they have to get a permit from tourist police,the ship will take a copy of passport when you check in,not beforehand. We did Nile cruise last year,you can inspect the ship before paying the cash if you insist.

Very helpful Duncan, thanks for joining the conversation 🙂

Hi steph Thanks for all your help And welcome by your guests to Egypt Best regards Nasser

The man himself! Hi Nasser! As you can see, I am sending lots of guests your way, so please treat anyone coming through Big World Small Pockets well by giving them the best price and service! This will make the best thank you 🙂

I have spoken with Montasser via whatsapp in the last few days. I just booked 4 spots on the nile cruise and the trip program as a whole this morning. Even Including pick-up from new marina at Hurghada. We will start our trip on May 25.Hope everything is going well. Thank Steph and every one for the threads in the post.

Amazing to hear Connor – best of luck and enjoy the Nile! Please let us know how you get on so we can keep helping other travellers on a budget in Egypt. Best Steph 🙂

What was your experience like With Monty? Thanks

I booked with Monty montasser, very nice man, great 4 star cruise and price.

Thanks for reporting in on this Nicki. Glad you enjoyed the cruise 🙂

Hi Steph, thank you for this brilliant blog and this information. Will be getting in touch with the provided contacts. Just curious if the tickets to the sites were included as part of the package? Or did you have to pay extra for the entrance fees? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi Sama, great to hear the post was useful. The tickets to the sites along Nile and tour within Luxor was included in my ticket price, but do understand from more recent travellers this may not be the case anymore. Best to check and see what you can haggle! Enjoy, Steph 🙂

Thanks for the post Steph!!! This is exactly what I was looking for. I’ll be heading to Egypt in November so I’ll message him about a week before my anticipated date I want, and see what he says. If not my plans are open and flexible so we’ll see how it goes. Thanks again!!

Great Mark, good luck and enjoy 🙂

I’m also a little conufsed you said you tried to find a bargain in Luxor for Luxor to Aswan, but you said you took the cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

Hi Mark, yes I took the cruise from Aswan to Luxor, but they operate in both directions. The details of where I met Nasser are in Aswan, but likely you can do it in reverse, although I don’t have experience of this. I would suggest contacting Nasser to see what he can arrange.

Hi Steph! First off, I wanted to say thanks for writing this. You undoubtedly saved me a huge amount. For the rest of your readers, I’m happy to report that it worked! A few more details below for those interested and to continue the goodwill you’ve started.

I contacted Montasser (or Monty as some call him) about a month before I travelled to Egypt, asking him for a quote. While he’s prompt enough in responding, I realised eventually that he’s not very good in understanding certain words or phrases. A tip here is to use Google translate to get the Arabic phrase.

Eventually, I wound up in Aswan and arranged to meet him prior to the cruise departure. Tip: cruises depart every day except Sunday (Aswan to luxor) there are many ships operating but I’m unsure how many he sells for. We were placed in a ship by Sunrise, which was great.

Our quote was 35usd pp per night initially but it was for the lowest deck. We finally opted for a 40usd option on the level above. It was worth the view. One more factor to consider is that these prices are also based on the season (and supply/demand). I believe I was on the tail end of a low season so things were reasonably cheaper. (I think!)

Other tips; the usual package for the Aswan/luxor leg includes a west+east bank tours in luxor. It might help you plan your time best. Monty also sells other tours, eg Abu Simbel, hot air balloon experience, and his prices are reasonable. One thing to note about Egypt in general is that EVERY price is fluid, so please don’t get too frustrated if you found out you overpaid by a little.

I hope this helps! Thanks again for this great post and safe travels to all.

Thank you so much Soon Min for adding in this helpful feedback and extra tips for readers. Glad you had a great trip in Egypt and delighted the blog came in handy! Best, Steph 🙂

Steph – Great Blog!, thanks for doing this!, completely changed my perspective towards planning an Egypt Trip and i’ve approached the necessary contacts! i am planning a Trip in December 19 and i will be sure to write back on my experience!

Soon Min – I had a question regarding payments, I think i am in the same boat as you planning my trip a month ahead. With regards to the cruise and packages around it, did you have to pay in advance ? how did you deal with the payment portion?

Hi VJ, great to hear you like the blog. Good luck with planning your Egypt trip and please do let us all know how you get on. Best, Steph 🙂

Thanks Steph, There were two questions i had. 1) Did Abu Simbel need an extra day on top of this 4 day itenary? 2) Did you do any local tours in Aswan and are there any recommendations?

Hi VJ, thanks for your questions. If you take the cruise from Luxor to Aswan, normally you visit Abu Simbel on day 4. If you travel from Aswan to Luxor (as I did) you tour Luxor on day 4 instead. In this case, you’ll want to visit Abu Simbel before you begin the cruise. I have a post about Luxur on the blog, which gives my perfect 2 day itinerary for this city and includes tour recommendations. Please search that post and you’ll get all the info. Best, Steph

Hi Steph, Thanks for posting a great blog. After surfing a thousand of blogs I could discover yours one which came so handy to me who likes to explore Bigworld but with small pockets. Apart from the blog itself, I got fascinated by the way you handled the queries so lucidly. Will be eagerly following your posts. Thanks again.

Thank you so much for this lovely comment and delighted you have found the blog helpful. Great to have you along for the adventures now and I wish you happy travels too. Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, thank you for this lovely post! I really wish I had read your post before I left for Egypt( I’m going to make sure to check out your blog first before going anywhere from now on!) quick question: i was on a cruise aswan -> luxor for 3 days. Got this through some travel site before i left US, and it was $300 USD per person. I paid $100 in advance as a deposit and I’ll be paying the remaining $200 today ( today’s the last day) do you think i can haggle at all?

Hi Cynthia, so happy you plan to follow the blog from now one… great news! In terms of haggling over the cruise, it really depends who you’re organising it through, Needless to say travel agents based outside of Egypt are likely to be less receptive to this than, say, individual traders within the country. Without knowing the details, it’s hard for me to advise, but I guess it’s always worth a go! Good luck! Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, Thank you very much for sharing your experiences in your blog. I have just returned from Egypt and one of the highlights of the trip was the Nile cruise, which we booked through Montessar thanks to the details you provided in your blog. Had absolutely no issues dealing with him, contacted him 4 days before our dates and got a rate of $40/person per night. Had to pay separately for tours to the west and east bank in Luxor though. The Boat was the Happy 5, probably not a 5 star cruise ship but great value and the food as well as the staff were exceptional. He also arranged a pvt taxi for us to both Philae as well as Abu Simbel. Thanks again. Best Ganesh

Dear Ganesh, thank you so much for taking the time to fill us in on your Nile cruise experience. Delighted it worked out well and that you enjoyed your trip to Egypt. Best, Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, Thanks for the useful info & blog. We just bought a Nile cruise for early Feb (refundable for now) & I wanted to know how this compares to current alternatives. It was on the US Black Friday sale on Booking.com & is on the Nile Carnival boat. Cost was $140 plus taxes (14% VAT,12% service,1% city), which brings it to $180 per person. It is for 4 nights & ALL excursions are additional. So, how does $180 for 4 nights without excursions sound? Should we look some more? Cheers, Noel

Hi Noel, thanks for the comment and the question.

Unfortunately, I just don’t have the time to go around and compare tons of prices for you here. It’s not what blogging is about. You can see from the post what I paid for my cruise, and you can search online for other options which will also give you an idea of rates during the dates you want to travel. The reality is that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of tours that all offer different packages and levels of style and comfort. I don’t know if the Nile Carnival Boat is 5* or 2*, for example, so it’s impossible for me to comment on the deal. The idea of this post was to show budget travellers how cheaply I got a Nile Cruise and how they can potentially do it too. Sorry, but I can’t advise or research the best one for you personally. Hoping you have a great cruise however and enjoy Egypt – I’m sure you’ll love this amazing country. Best, Steph

Hi steph Hope you are good MY know mail Nasser652000@yahoo’com 00201126660041 This is my know contact if you need any information about Egypt Nile cruise please contact me any time Happy New year 2020

HI Nasser, I sent you an email! Thanks

Hi, Britney, Did you get a quote from Nasser? Which cruise did you pick? Thanks Jenny

Hi. Thanks for the advices. We took the boat tour, and all was perfect. Totally recommend montasser. We done 4 night 5 days tour, from Luxor to Aswan. All perfect and price was the best 🙂

Mr Montasser is very responsible and always ready to help and advise. When I was in the bus from Aswan to Hurghada I realized that I forgot my laptop at the ferry reception. I called him and he reacted very fast and helped ( when he didn’t have to). He took the laptop at the reception, drove like in Formula 1 and brought the laptop to the bus. Btw he also helped us to figure out how to get Hurghada from Aswan.

Great to get this feedback Filipe, thanks for taking the time to leave it! Happy travels, Steph 🙂

Thanks so much for feeding back Filipe. This is really helpful for other travellers. Appreciate you taking the time to do this. Best wishes and happy travels, Steph 🙂

You are doing a great informative article! Thanks

Thanks Peter! Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Hi All! Wanted to chime in with our experience just to help others out. Big thanks to Steph for this info! So we did en up meeting Montasseur (Monty) in January 2021. If you have traveled Egypt you know how much of a mess it can be and we have had great experiences as well as not so good ones.

The GOOD: Monty communicated with us on WhatsApp quickly, he met us up, showed us our convo in his phone so we verified it was indeed him, and then gave us a “menu” to pick from. He was professional enough and gave us a receipt. We ended up picking a 2 day cruise for $35 per night per person from Aswan to Luxor on a boat called Princess Sarah. We gave a 10% deposit and the rest on the boat.

The NOT-SO-GOOD: You need to be vigilant about people trying to switch what you paid for, Monty tried to switch the boat we were taking for at the very last minute for what I imagine was a cheaper one (probably more margin for him), we had to forcefully insist on what we had picked. We also had to fight for the 2nd floor cabin on the boat which is what we had agreed to from the beginning . We bought some tours for when we arrived in Luxor ahead with Monty because they were quite cheap, however the guys that gave us the tours were HORRIBLE to deal with, bad communication, unprofessional, saved money on every step of the way and the driver they hired was the most unpleasant person ever fighting with everyone on our tour.

FINAL TIPS: I wouldnt book anything else with Monty but the boat as that is what he seems to be in control of. Ask him what the options for the boats he has are, then check the reviews for those boats before letting him know your choice. The 2nd floor has better views from our opinion.

Forgot to mention two other things. We recommended Monty to another friend of ours, and apparently they did not have such a pleasant experience, they also had their boats changed last minute, not as great of a deal, and they did not enjoy how everything went for them with the cruise. The other is that the cruise itself was GREAT, we totally recommend it, the boat was good, the food was good, and it was a very pleasant experience on-board. 🙂

Thanks so much for these incredibly detailed and helpful tips Ed. It’s really great to get honest feedback about experiences on the ground and I thoroughly appreciate you taking the time to leave your advice here to help other travellers. Glad the cruise was good and brilliant that you stuck to your guns about the boat and cabin you had agreed on! Keep up the good work, Steph 🙂

What? When? How? : With Mohammed Montasser, just pick the two first, and he takes care of the third (to visit Southern Egypt). Awesome experiences, with a great value for money ratio and high flexibility on the choices.

We went to Abu Simbel (25$/pers, maybe a bit pricey here as it was unguided), visited Aswan (guided), made a 3 days 2 nights cruise on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor for 40$ a night, had planned a hot air balloon sunrise above the Valley of the Kings for 40$/pers (but no balloon could fly on that day due to lack of wind), visited Luxor and took a night bus to Hurghada – all taken care of by Montasser.

Just a few remarks : – Abu Simbel expedition is a must do – Be aware that the nubian village in Aswan is basically a tourist shop – High dam ‘visit’ in Aswan seems not worth it (we asked not to do it) – Going in Felucca (a typical sailboat) to the Botanic Garden island in Aswan was very nice – The cruise arrived in Luxor in the afternoon of the second day, so maybe there is time to visit Karnak that same day for instance (tour of Luxor proposed by Montasser with a guide on Day 3 is highly recommended though. The guide spoke a clear English, was quite thorough but let us breathe and visit some stuff on our own) – If you arrive one day before the departure of the cruise, choose an hotel on your own on the East bank of the Nile in Aswan (we paid 40$ for 3 people instead of paying three times that amount for a useless night on the boat, but we booked it on the West bank, whereas the boat – and all the city for that matter – are located on the East one. So it added a difficulty to take the early departure of the expedition to Abu Simbel (no public ferries at 4am!), but obviously Montasser had us covered and arranged us a private boat)

Enjoy your time!

Hi Lucas, thank you so much for adding your honest and valuable information to the discussion here, it’s really appreciated and I’m sure other travellers will find it really useful too. I’m so glad that you had a great time in Egypt and were well looked after. Best wishes and happy travels, Steph 🙂

This numbers are lies. I contacted the cruise guy from provided number. firstly he agreed for forty dollars, and just before cruise he wanted 65dolars. So I had to resign in the last moment.

Thanks for letting us know about your experience Vanessa, much appreciated and sorry you didn’t get the price agreed. Best wishes, Steph

This is a big lie! We were lied and cheated like never before. Please dont promote liars that agree on a price and when you come there, he change the price !! (From 40 to 65!!))

Hi Robert, thanks you your feedback. As you’ll know from reading the article, I clearly state I’m not personally connected with any of the contacts I mention and only that I want to share the experience I had to help others out. From the comments of many others, it’s clear that a lot of people enjoyed great value trips on the Nile from reading this article, and I’m only sorry you didn’t. I do have to say, however, that if being subject to a price rise of $25 is the worst you’ve ever experienced, you’re doing well! Congrats! Best wishes, Steph

Super helpful post, thanks for the tips & contact info. I had a question as I’m planning a trip for November of this year — is there any day that cruises do NOT leave? I’ve seen a lot leaving Monday & Fridays. Ideally, with the way I have it set up now I’d like to take a cruise from Aswan to Luxor leaving on Sunday but haven’t been able to find anything.

Hi Nancy, so glad to hear this post was helpful. In my experience there are cruises leaving every day, so the best thing is to make contact directly and go from there. Best of luck and happy travels, Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, thank you so much for your blog. Without it I probably wouldn’t have done the Nile cruise due to the price. Nevertheless after reading your blog I was able to do it for an affordable price.

So I arrived early morning in Aswan and contacted Montasser on Whatsapp and we scheduled a meeting for the same day.

As I travelled by myself the price was 65$ per. He told me if you are two people you get it for 45$/person per day.

Also I had the option for doin a 2 day or a 3 day cruise. I went with the 2 day cruise as the last day is only on dock in Luxor.

The ship was called Royal La Terrasse. I was really surprised how good it was. For 65$ a day it was definitely worth it.

In total Montasser was great and I would recommend him to anyone who wants to do a Nile cruise.

Regards Viktor

Hi Viktor, so wonderful to get your feedback and learn you had a good Nile cruise for a great price! Really appreciate you stopping to leave your comments here and happy you found the post useful. Best wishes and safe travels, Steph 🙂

Hi Victor, I seem to have communication issues with Montasser. I’ll ask where to meet him and what day and how much per person it will be? And, silence. I don’t quite understand this. I told him exactly what day I will need to leave from this one. This is a little nerve-racking because well, two way communication for easy questions in English and Arabic are well, easy to type back. Did you have this problem? Any suggestions? I see other people have had good experiences with him. So I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks for your feedback Michelle. Hope you get a response. Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Hey Steph! This is Willy, I have being doing a trip around Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE and now Egypt and let me tell you that unfortunately my experience with this guy Montasser was probably the worst experience in all my trip (even I hitchhiked, camp and did lot of different tours) He was extremely unreliable, non trustable, all the time changing the information and even offering as compensation for his mistakes things that were already included in the tours. Even the Guides from some companies told me how much problems they have get because of him. He didn’t gave us Filae, even it was included. The compensation was a free guide that we already paid in advance. Then for the next days he told us “I will meet you and explain you everything”, twice, we didn’t even meet him. Then for the balloon trip we woke up at 4 am and just after several calls and whatsapp messages he told us at 5.30 “there was a problem and I will not be able to take you there”. The guy that gave us the refund told as that he get the information about us that day at 5 am… that was the problem! He didn’t even told him about us before. so please I understand that is a good deal for some travelers but is impossible to recommend someone that lacks responsibility, professionalism and compromise. I hope you have wonderful routes and sorry if I’m a bit negative about the post, but I really think that must be said.

Hi Willy, many thanks for your long and detailed comment – appreciate you taking the time to inform us of your experience and sorry to hear it wasn’t the best. Such a shame. That said, your comments are very helpful for other travellers. Enjoy the rest of your travels and, once again, thanks for taking the time to leave your review. Wishing you all the best, Steph 🙂

This guy Monty is a flake. Totally fake. Changes his prices even after already quoting in writing. Frickin jackass. Why don’t you delete the thread. The “good comments” are most likely FAKE

Thanks for your eloquent comments, so charming! I’m sorry you had a bad experience with Monty, however as you can see from the article, I’m not associated or affiliated with him in any way. I simply relayed my experience in the hope it may help others. It’s for this reason that the good comments on this blog post are not fake – I publish all comments to try and help travellers make the best choices. I have nothing to gain from promoting Monty – the aim of writing this post was to enable others to avoid expensive Nile cruises like I did. As you can see, some did have luck, others not so much. Wishing you safe travels in Egypt, Steph 🙂

Thank you for posting this. I just went on a 3-day/2-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor in April and wanted to leave some feedback.

First of all it was a great experience. The price I paid solo was USD 60 pr. night. Couples paid USD 45 per person.

The boat – Magic 1 – was really nice, way over expectation. Ask for this boat if possible.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/tea at 11 and 16 is included. A lot of food. The boat stops at 3 temples where we had a guided tour. Drinks are not included but all inclusive drinks (also alcohol) can be purchased for 25 Euro a day. Otherwise coke was 40 EGP and beers were 80 EGP – not too expensive.

Surprisingly the boat leaving Aswan at 13 arrives in Luxor at 17 the next day, so in theory you could do just one night, since the second night is spent at the dock in Luxor.

To book I contacted Montesser Whatsapp on +20 102 511 1063 one day prior to arriving in Aswan. He did not really want to discuss prices via WhatsApp, so it did require meeting in person. He is not super easy to communicate with, but it is clear that he knows his way around the cruises.

I would recommend booking the cruise with him, but don’t book any other tours. Two other couples booked guided tours and one guide did not show up and the other was very unorganized. Just book the boat with him.

But overall a very good experience.

Thanks for your very helpful feedback here Sebastian and glad you had a good experience. Best, Steph 🙂

Hi, i contacted Nasser, really hard to find him by the way and he told me 410 euros per person for a cruise from Aswan… I found it too expensive and i asked him for a better price but he said the prices went up… We are a couple and we want to do the cruise on February. Your blog is ver helpful, thank you.

Sorry to hear about your dealings with Monty Myrto, that sounds disappointing, but glad you found my blog helpful. Wishing you a fab trip to Egypt. Best, Steph 🙂

Just in case you read my comment: with whom did you finally do the cruise? I’m planning to do it from Luxor to Aswan in a few weeks and, seeing that the quality of the one offered by Monty and Nasser has gone down (despite the price increase), I’d like to see other options. On internet, I found another one with Civitatis, but it costs €624 (including Abu Simbel) and I think it’s too much.

I just returned from a cruise from Aswan to Luxor arranged by Monty. I have to say, while we enjoyed the cruise, it was not the greatest experience working with him. In fact my travel agent said she had heard to stay away from him altogether, but she was unable to get my a 2-night only cruise so it was my only option. He was incredibly unresponsive, to the point we weren’t sure if it was going to happen at all. In the end we got on a cruise (the Al-Hambra) which was $100/person/night – seems like more than others have quoted but it was in high season. The cruise was nice but pretty basic – and with very few passengers (it seemed like there were 20 people on board). Pool was a joke, the “spa” was empty, I booked a massage which was horrible. Food though was excellent. The tours were all arranged by Monty – which was not what I expected or asked for. The tour guides were pretty bad for the most part – just read facts for 10 minutes and then gave time to take pictures, but couldn’t really answer any questions. The other thing that REALLY bothered me was that even though Monty had told me I could pay by credit card, he insisted on cash, and in dollars – which depleted me of my cash for the rest of the trip. When I asked to pay in pounds, he actually had the audacity to charge me the black market instead of the official rate! That is totally illegal and it really upset me.

I would love to find another cruise scout that might be easier to work with than Monty. He just didn’t seem straight to me.

Still, my family enjoyed the cruise and the experience. I would recommend it for sure.

Hi Hoda, thanks so much for your feedback, it’s really useful to hear about people’s experiences on the ground, so thank you for taking the time to comment. Sorry to hear you had a challenging time with Monty – sounds like the guides especially were disappointing. I’d certainly be open to recommending other cruise scouts if anyone is happy to send me the details! Hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Egypt and glad that you at least got to experience and enjoy a Nile cruise. Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Hi! New input for mr Monty. JUST AVOID HIM AT ANY COST. We have booked a cruise with him at 65 a day each. He is quite unresponsive, but calling him, he responds. We agreed on the 3 day cruise from Luxor to Aswan. We took the train to Aswan and met him at the train station. He took us to the boat and he told us the new program. That was with the boat staying in Aswan the entire first day, sail the second all the way to Luxor and sleep there. The original program involved sailing both the first and the second day. So we finally got one night Aswan, one night Luxor and a trip between the 2. To make us happy, he offered a felucca ride at the botanical garden and a nubian village totally uninteresting. Just avoid him. Untrusty.

Thanks for the feedback Dargos – will help other travellers out I’m sure. Best wishes and hope you still got to enjoy Egypt 🙂

Thanks for the tip. We used Monty to book a 4 night cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Got a good deal but admittedly low season (beginning Aug). Everything was well organised and Monty was easy to deal with via WhatsApp. Just for the avoidance of doubt, the entrance fees for the temples are not included in the cruise cost and they are fairly costly. You do get several excellent excursions (transport and guides). Highlights were a felucca boat trip and the Aswan Dam. Balloon ride and the Abu Simbel temple excursion (3.5 hrs in a minivan each way!) are extra.

Thanks for adding in your feedback Alastair – it’s so helpful for other travellers. Glad you had a good experience! Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Hello everyone. We have just finished our trip in Egypt and even though we read all the comments regarding Monty, we decides to go with him since I was the best offer we could get. Long story short, everything went perfect for us. And when I say perfect I mean it. We did not have any troubles with him,he always answered my demands and sticked to everything we agreed on. There were some changes on the go, but they were some schedule stuff, like doing both east and west bank in Luxor on the same day (even though that in the programme we were supposed to visit them on 2 different days) for us it was even better cause we had an entire day on the cruise, just chilling and relaxing after several days of non stop travelling and sighseeing… but honestly for us it was just a minor change of plans, which did not mean we lost anything. Because of that we “lost” the lunch included on the first day however, he told us we could have it in the day we checked out, so again, everything turned out just fine. The guides were amazing as well. Everyone was always on time, no delays whatsoever. I can assure you, I have been texting this guy since june and we finally booked the cruise for september. At some point I was kind of embarrased of sending him so many messages and asking him so many questions…but I really wanted to be sure and he always answered. I am sorry for those who had such a bad expérience, maybe he learnt from his mistakes. I hope that from now on everyone has a good experience. Regarding the price, we paid 75 per person including guides and drivers (and a double room, and the food of course) It is true, prices really went up. We also added Abu Simbel. In total we paid 325 usd per person sailing from Luxor to Aswan, 4 nights 5 days. Safe travels!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience Antonella – it’s great to know you had a fab trip and that Monty delivered! All the best, Steph 🙂

Ok, so I booked my cruise via Montasser/Monty and here’s a few considerations for you: – He starts by sending you an itinerary and the movie of a nice boat (e.g. Semimaris II), mind you: these do not belong together; – Next he tells you that if you want this itinerary (i.e. including the option to go to Abu Simbel) he can put you on a similar boat, like the Queen Isis (which is alike a floating hostel). Don’t fall for that; – Next he will try five times to get you to pay him, give your pasport and sign documents before you have seen the room. Don’t fall for this either; he tried to put me in a waterline cabine instead of the 2nd floor. Eventually I even got 3rd floor because 2nd was full, but only because I refused to pay or sign; – Note that he outsources all the tours and does not have a guide on board. This means that – contrary to his earlier claims – there was no guide at Kom Ombo and Edfu. I didn’t mind too much, they are easy to navigate yourself; – I booked a luxor balloon flight via him and I can recommend you NOT to do the same. In the itinerary it said it would be the 4am sunrise flight but instead he put me on the 6am flight, starting after sunrise. You can easily book this separately, just give the balloon company the name of your ship and they’ll pick you up; – The tour guide arranged by Montasser wanted to rush us through (hatshepsut 20min, valley of kings 45min) and as a group we told him we would not comply and managed to slow him down – In the end, I feel I got good value for money on the cruise) paid 300 for three nights solo whereas this would have cost me 1500 through app of booking. Semimaris II is a good ship with good crew; – Monty screwed me out of the option of visiting Abu Simbel with all the smoke screens he pulled up – book it before your cruise or you might not see it; – You have to be a strong-minded person to deal with this guy, willing to be a bit rude if necessary; – Make sure you get a proper itinerary before you close the deal. They differ between ships; – If you want to go through booking I suggest to check out the Fayan ship. This looked really good and actually went for around 1200.

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Danube river cruises: an ultimate guide to cruising Budapest and beyond

Why, when and how to sail along Europe’s second-longest river, which meanders through the likes of Vienna, Budapest and Bucharest

Its banks are lined with dramatic, unspoiled landscapes, postcard-perfect towns and villages, and grand, opulent cities . Take a river cruise down this majestic river and you’ll encounter some of the world’s most stunning countryside, including the UNESCO-protected Wachau Valley, along with an array of fascinating cultures.

Cruising Europe’s waterways is a great way to see more of the region in a short period of time than you might do by land, and a river cruise can be the ideal introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers.

While ships are smaller than those traversing across oceans, river cruise itineraries often feature big-name guests onboard – as is the case with our seven-night sailing along the Danube , when one of the UK's best-loved historians, Lucy Worsley (pictured below), joins guests on a private visit to Vienna’s Royal Lipizzaner Stables and Spanish Riding School.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Danube River?

The Danube is a year-round destination with the exception of January and February, when few cruise lines operate here. Summer, when the weather is hottest, is peak season and as a result Europe’s cities are particularly crowded. Because of that, we recommend taking a Danube river cruise in April, May, September and October. Good Housekeeping's seven-night itinerary sails in September, when the weather should still be balmy and dry, but the summer hordes have gone home.

Where does a Danube river cruise start and end?

The Danube either flows through or delineates part of the border of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova and Ukraine. Many cruises traverse the stretch between the capital cities of Vienna, Austria and Budapest , Hungary, starting or ending at either location.

Our seven-night Danube river cruise with Lucy Worsley departs from the city of Engelhartszell in Austria before calling at Vienna (pictured below), the pretty town of Esztergom in Hungary and Budapest. You'll then loop back down the river, calling at Slovakia's capital Bratislava and the Wachau Valley in Austria before returning to Engelhartszell.

Is a Danube river cruise worth it?

Absolutely! If you love dazzling landscapes, magnificent architecture and fabulous food, a Danube river cruise is hard to beat. Exploring Europe by water requires no internal flights and train rides and eliminates schlepping around with your luggage in tow.

On a river cruise, you can discover multiple destinations – and even get to the heart of them with a guided tour, should you wish – in just one trip, all the while returning to the same luxurious stateroom and comfy bed each night.

What are the best things to do on a Danube river cruise?

One of the highlights of any Danube cruise is the Austrian capital, Vienna, with its musical heritage, imperial palaces, array of art museums, stunning Lipizzaner stallions, and delectable cuisine (a slice of Sachertorte chocolate cake is a must when in town!).

Secondly, Budapest, the capital of Hungary, boasts breath-taking architecture as well as historic thermal baths (pictured above), while Bratislava shouldn’t be overlooked with its lively 18th-century Old Town and impressive reconstructed hilltop castle from which you can look down over it.

Other hotspots along the Danube include the verdant Wachau Valley in Austria, which tumbles down to the riverbanks; and medieval Esztergom, Hungary’s former capital, which is home to the country’s largest church, Esztergom Basilica.

And that’s all without mentioning the entertainment and facilities onboard your ship. Join us on our seven-night Danube cruise and you’ll sail aboard A-ROSA FLORA, which boasts an onboard spa offering beauty and body treatments, gym, spacious sun deck, heated outdoor pool, outdoor restaurant with canopy top, bar and dancefloor, lounges and plenty of evening fun.

Which cruise lines offer Danube river cruises?

Among the companies offering cruises along the Danube are A-ROSA Cruises , with whom we have partnered to bring you our remarkable river cruise . A-ROSA has 20-plus years of experience in sailing couples, families, groups and solo travellers along some of Europe’s loveliest rivers in laidback style, giving you lots of freedom to explore port stops at your own pace.

How much does it cost to cruise the Danube?

Danube cruises can be great value, with our cruise through Austria, Hungary and Slovakia starting just over £2,000 per person for a week. All meals and drinks, including sparkling wines and cocktails, are included, as are snacks and afternoon tea. Also included is the use of the sauna, gym and top-deck heated swimming pool. You'll also get 15% off treatments in the onboard spa.

Sail the Danube and visit Vienna's famous riding school with Lucy Worsley in September 2024.

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The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking cruise ship

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Fast-growing Viking has one of the most diverse arrays of itineraries of any cruise line.

Not only does the California-based company offer ocean cruises in almost every corner of the world, it also offers river cruises on many of the world’s major rivers.

That’s notably different from most cruise lines. Typically, cruise lines operate either ocean cruises or river cruises but not both. That gives them a smaller range of itineraries.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Viking has a particularly large footprint when it comes to European river itineraries, with a wide range of sailings on nearly every European river of any note, from the Douro in Portugal to (until recently) the Volga in Russia.

The company also operates river trips on the Nile in Egypt and the Mekong in Southeast Asia, and it just began river trips on the Mississippi River .

There are 80 river ships in Viking’s fleet — an astounding number. None of its main competitors among river lines catering to North Americans, which include Avalon Waterways, Uniworld and AmaWaterways , have anywhere near that number of vessels.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Among ocean cruise destinations, Viking has a major presence in Scandinavia and Northern Europe, which it considers its home turf. (The company was founded by a Norwegian family.) However, you’ll find Viking’s nine traditional ocean ships everywhere from North America to Asia and Australia.

Last year, the line began cruising to Antarctica with its first expedition ship — a type of vessel built specifically for travel to remote, hard-to-reach places. Viking now has two such vessels.

Among the line’s voyages, there’s everything from eight-day cruises in the Mediterranean to 138-day around-the-world voyages.

Overwhelmed with choices? Here are the five best Viking cruise destinations where the line can truly offer you a memorable vacation.

Scandinavia and Northern Europe

Some of Viking’s most interesting itineraries are around Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea, with many beginning or ending in Norway — the homeland of the company’s founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen.

As Hagen once told me, Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea are what the company considers “Viking country” — a region where it wants to dominate.

During summers, in particular, Viking devotes an unusually large number of its ships to itineraries around Scandinavia, the Baltic Sea and other Northern Europe destinations such as Iceland. Many, notably, use the relatively small but famously scenic Norwegian city of Bergen (population 286,000) as a gateway, something no other line is doing. That allows for unusual variations on the typical Baltic Sea or Norwegian fjords cruise.

The line’s most popular route in the region, “Viking Homelands,” is a two-week-long, one-way trip between Bergen and Stockholm that combines several days of exploring the fjord region of Norway’s west coast with more-typical Baltic cruise destinations such as St. Petersburg, Russia, and Helsinki.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Note that, in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Viking has pulled the St. Petersburg stop, as well as stops in Finland and Estonia from the Viking Homelands itinerary; the trips instead feature extra stops in Norway and Denmark. It’s unlikely St. Petersburg will return to the itinerary until the war in Ukraine is resolved.

Viking also offers a 14-night itinerary that includes several stops in the northernmost part of the country above the Arctic Circle. Dubbed “Into the Midnight Sun,” the one-way route between Bergen and London is unique because it combines calls in far-north Honningsvag and Tromso, Norway, with visits to Scotland’s remote Shetland Islands and the Orkney Islands. Though part of the United Kingdom, these archipelagos have ties to Norwegian and Viking history.

Itineraries that will take you from Bergen to Iceland or even as far away as France, Portugal and Spain also are available.

Viking’s Scandinavia and Northern Europe trips range widely in length from just seven nights to a whopping 28 nights.

Among the longest sailings that Viking offers that include calls in Northern Europe are one-way, 28-night voyages between Bergen and New York City. The trips include stops in Norway, Iceland, Greenland and Canada.

In Northern Europe, Viking ships mostly sail out of Bergen, Amsterdam, Stockholm, Copenhagen and London as well as Reykjavik.

The Mediterranean

Viking has grown into a major player in Mediterranean sailings, with more than 30 distinct itineraries that include stops in the region.

The trips include voyages focused specifically on the Western Mediterranean or Eastern Mediterranean and some that include stops across both areas.

Typical of the latter is the line’s 14-night “Mediterranean Antiquities” routing, a one-way trip between Athens and Barcelona that stops in Greece, Turkey, Italy, Monaco, France and Spain.

More-focused Mediterranean itineraries include the line’s nine-night “Empires of the Mediterranean” voyages between Venice and Athens, which mostly concentrate on stops along the eastern side of the Adriatic Sea in Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro.

In the Mediterranean, the line’s main hubs are Barcelona; Civitavecchia (the port for Rome) and Venice, Italy; Piraeus (the port for Athens), Greece; and Istanbul.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites  

Europe riverways

Viking is, quite simply, the giant of river cruising in Europe — at least among lines that cater to English speakers. The company operates around 70 river ships on a broad swath of the continent’s rivers — far more than any other river line catering to North Americans.

In all, the line accounts for about half of all river cruises taken by North Americans in the region. The next biggest player in Europe river cruises for North Americans, AmaWaterways, is less than half the size.

Among the rivers in Europe where Viking has a major presence are the Rhine, Main and Danube in Central Europe; the Seine, Rhone, Dordogne, Garonne and Gironde in France; the Douro in Portugal; and the Moselle and Elbe in Germany. Until recently, Viking also offered cruises on the Dnieper River in Ukraine. The voyages have been suspended since Russia invaded the country in early 2022.

On nearly all of the rivers, the line offers multiple itineraries with lengths ranging from seven nights to as many as 22 nights.

Among 10 different itineraries on the Rhine River alone, offerings range from a seven-night “Rhine Getaway” from Amsterdam to Basel, Switzerland, to a 22-night “European Sojourn” from Amsterdam to Bucharest, Romania. The latter adds travel on the Main and Danube rivers to days on the Rhine.

Viking offers some of the most intimate and elegant cruises on the Nile, with three ships including the recently unveiled, 82-passenger Viking Osiris — one of our favorite vessels on the river.

All three of Viking’s Nile ships operate the same seven-night Nile cruise itinerary that Viking pairs with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after) to create an 11-night “Pharaohs and Pyramids” tour of Egypt.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s loyalty program

The cruise portion of the tour includes visits to the historic temples of Luxor, Karnak, Esna, Dendera and Abu Simbel as well as a visit to the iconic Valley of the Kings. The stay in Cairo brings a visit to the pyramids of Giza, the Egyptian Museum and other sites.

Viking Osiris is the first of four sister ships that Viking plans to launch on the Nile by 2025 as it doubles its footprint in Egypt. The vessels offer a clean-lined, Scandinavian-influenced design that mimics the look of Viking’s Europe-based vessels.

Notably, the ship features an entire deck of sprawling suites that rival anything else found on the Nile for luxury and comfort. Each comes with two full-size rooms — a large living room with a residential feel and an adjacent bedroom with a walk-in closet and bathroom. Each suite also has an outdoor balcony with seating for two — something you don’t always see on Nile ships.

Viking is a newcomer to cruises to Antarctica, but the destination is a big growth area for the line. Viking recently added two new, 378-passenger expedition cruise vessels specifically built to travel to the White Continent.

Dubbed Viking Octantis, the first of these vessels began sailings to Antarctica in February 2022. The second ship in the series, Viking Polaris, has just joined its sister in Antarctica this year. Together, the two ships are already making waves in the market for Antarctica cruises, in part because they have several new and unusual features.

Most notable is The Hangar, an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to two of each ship’s exploratory vessels while still in the protected interior of the ship. A first for an expedition ship, it’s something that is significantly improving the experience for passengers heading out on Antarctica exploration.

Related: The 3 types of Viking ships, explained

In another first for polar expedition cruise vessels, every cabin on both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Viking offers several Antarctic itineraries, with the typical trip starting with a night at a hotel in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before a flight to Ushuaia, Argentina, to board one of the two expedition ships for an 11-night cruise to Antarctica and back. A longer version of the trip features 13 nights on board one of the ships and extra days in Antarctica.

Viking also offers Antarctica sailings that combine a visit to the White Continent with stops in the Falkland Islands, Uruguay and Brazil.

Viking Octantis, notably, also operated Viking’s first sailings around the Great Lakes this year. In 2023, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris will spend their summers in the Great Lakes.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.