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19 of the best Nile cruises for 2024

Discover egypt’s past on a voyage along the world’s longest river with one of these unforgettable nile cruises.

S ailing the River Nile is a bucket-list experience. Since the first tourists travelled down the river in 1869, it has attracted visitors enthralled by Egypt’s pharaohs, prophets and pyramids. The world’s longest river flows through 11 African countries for 4,100 miles before spilling out into the Mediterranean, but it’s the Upper Nile, which snakes through southern Egypt, that offers the most cruise itineraries. These visit some of the country’s famous ruins and archaeological discoveries, including the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Aswan and the Temple of Horus. Cruises operate year-round but sailings between October and May will avoid scorching summer temperatures. Whether you choose to sail on a modern cruise ship, a restored paddle steamer or even a traditional two-masted dahabiya, these are some of the best Nile cruises and itineraries for this journey of a lifetime.

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1. G Adventures: Pyramids, Temples & the Nile

Best for a dahabiya experience Leave the crowded ports to the oversized ships and opt for a more serene sailing with G Adventures. Its ten-day Egypt: Pyramids, Temples & the Nile itinerary includes four nights in Cairo and five on board a traditional dahabiya, which has no engine so you can sit back and listen to the sounds of the waves. With just ten cabins, it can dock at small sites close to villages for a more authentic experience. These include a visit to a nonprofit charity working with young people in the West Bank, a barbeque on a remote island in the middle of the Nile and a trip to Nubian village for mint tea with a local family.

Passengers 16 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price £££

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2. ms farah: taste of egypt.

Best for on-board experience The real attraction of a Nile cruise lies on dry land, but guests on an Avalon Waterways cruise will be in no hurry to disembark. This ship has 56 deluxe cabins and two suites, and all have oversized balconies to watch the world sail by. Treats on board include free use of a sauna and steam room, complimentary wi-fi, barbecue lunches and dinners on the sun deck, a library and welcome amenities including a fruit basket and canapés. Guests can join an Egyptian cooking class, use a telescope to stargaze or attend a lecture by an Egyptologist. Ten-day Taste of Egypt itineraries feature five nights in Cairo, including lunches in local restaurants, trips to the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Aswan High Dam, and an optional dinner cruise with live music and belly dancing.

Passengers 124 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over eight) Price ££

3. MS Nile Plaza: Cairo, Alexandria and a Nile Cruise

Best for visiting Alexandria While most cruises include time in Cairo before sailing from Luxor, Titan Travel’s Cairo, Alexandria and a Nile Cruise itinerary also squeezes in a full-day excursion to the port city of Alexandria, the former capital of ancient Egypt. The 12-day tour includes seven nights on the MS Nile Plaza with its restaurant, bar and sundeck, two and a half days of free time and even a VIP transfer from your home for your flight to Cairo. Highlights of the sailing include the Valley of the Queens, the beautiful Temple of Philae and an excursion on a traditional wooden felucca.

Passengers 110 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites No Children welcome Y (aged over 16) Price ££

4. Mövenpick MS Darakum: Wonders of the Nile, Cairo to Luxor

Best for watching the world go by Those who like to take the long route and stay on a boat for the duration of their Egyptian adventure in Egypt will enjoy a cruise on the 52-cabin MS Darakum. Thanks to its very low draft, it is one of the few vessels that can sail from Cairo to Luxor. After an intoxicating few days in the capital, exploring its markets, mosques and ancient wonders, it’s time to travel south. The beauty of covering a much longer distance than a traditional Nile cruise is the extra time it allows to simply sit and watch the world go by. Riviera Travel’s Wonders of the Nile: Cairo to Luxor itinerary is sprinkled with long and leisurely sailing days where there’s little to do except relax on the sun deck and gaze out at the small farms and date plantations, before retreating inside to attend the fascinating onboard lectures.

Passengers 104 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

5. Mövenpick MS Royal Lily or Royal Lotus: Premium Nile Cruise

Best for ticking off the sights All of Egypt’s most significant sites are given adequate attention on Exodus’ nine-day Premium Nile Cruise. After time in Cairo and a short flight to Luxor, it’s time to board for a voyage through 7,000 years of history. The traditional-style ships include large Royal suites and very high levels of service and comfort throughout. As well as all the usual big hitters, there are plenty of offbeat options that make this an eye-opening choice for the curious traveller. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the impressive seventh-century St Simeon Monastery, the nearby traditional Nubian village and the chance to see Cleopatra’s unfinished obelisk.

Passengers 126 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price ££

6. Oberoi Zahra: Luxury Nile Cruise

Best for maxed-out luxury Devotees of the namesake hotel chain can enjoy the brand’s luxury on the water aboard the plushest boat on the Nile. The modern and minimalist Oberoi Zahra enjoys prime position at its private mooring spot on the banks of the corniche in Aswan. Its elevated approach doesn’t end there. As well as offering trips to the temples of Edfu and the island of El Nabatat on itineraries that include a four-day trip from Luxor, the boat has plenty to keep guests entertained, from a library and games room to a gym and open-air pool. At night, astrology lectures reveal how the night sky influenced life in Egypt in the past. The 27 cabins are tasteful and decorated in a natural colour palette; both of the suites have a private terrace and a hot tub.

Passengers 54 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N (minimum age is 12) Price £££

7. Tui Al Horeya: Legends of the Nile

Best for home comforts Tui River Cruises launched its first Nile ship in November 2024. The sailings are aimed squarely at the British market and include charter flights from Gatwick and Manchester. The five-deck ship was fully refurbished for Tui and seven-night round-trip Legends of the Nile sailings from Luxor include two excursions to the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Temple of Kom Ombo. Other optional shore tours available to purchase include the atmospheric sound and light show at Karna, a hot air balloon ride over Luxor and a visit to the Valley of the Kings. Tui Al Horeya also has a top-deck pool, an area for alfresco dining on warm Egyptian nights and an on-board Egyptologist.

Passengers 145 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price £

8. SS Sphinx: Splendors of Egypt & the Nile

Best for first-timers The SS Sphinx showcases the very best of Egypt, both old and new, in the utmost comfort. Uniworld’s 11-night Splendours of Egypt & the Nile itinerary provides the perfect introduction to Egypt. The Cairo-to-Cairo trip begins with highlights that include the Pyramids of Giza, as well as tea with a Nubian family and even a spot of fishing and birdwatching. The onboard experience is no less delightful, with 42 suites decked out with Egyptian art, hand-carved furniture, a massage room, swimming pool and two gourmet dining rooms. Trips include guided tours of the Egyptian Museum and sailing on a felucca.

Passengers 84 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

9. Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau: private charter

Best for families and groups of friends This 164ft-long traditional dahabiya sailing boat may be small but it is perfectly packaged. The first of its kind on the Nile, it is available through Sanctuary Retreats for private charter with personalised week-long itineraries to suit specific interests. This cruise is a great option for families or groups of friends looking for privacy and flexibility. On board there is a heated plunge pool and six individually designed cabins influenced by the country’s culture, geography and heritage, including the Farouk Suite on the upper deck, where the decor is inspired by Egyptian royalty. Guides can be arranged according to guests’ interests — from food to history.

Passengers 12 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

sanctuaryretreats.com

10. SS Sudan: On the River Nile

Best for Agatha Christie lovers One of the most historic and atmospheric vessels to ply the Nile’s waters, this celebrated 19th-century steamer once welcomed Agatha Christie aboard. It is widely believed that it was that trip in 1933, accompanying her husband on an archaeological mission, which paved the way for one of her most accomplished murder mysteries. Following Kenneth Branagh’s 2022 adaptation of Death on the Nile , the SS Sudan is the perfect ship for fans of the Queen of Crime; there are cabins named after Christie and her character Hercule Poirot. The boat exudes opulent period charm, from the teak decks and parquet flooring to the brass bed frames in many of the rooms. Guests also have exclusive access to a network of expert archaeologists who will help bring the historical ruins to life.

Passengers 46 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y Price £££

originaltravel.co.uk

11. SS Misr: Timeless Nile

Best for traditionalists Misr, which means “Egypt” in Arabic, is a propeller steamer that has long enjoyed a romance with this country. Built in Preston in 1918 by the Royal Navy, in 1938 it was converted into a luxury yacht that played host to King Farouk, the country’s penultimate monarch. The vessel has now been fully restored to its former glory, and its 12 and 14-night trips are known for celebrating local food — there’s a rather regal feeling inside the main Marasem restaurant, with framed photos of past royalty dotted about and waiters smartly dressed in attire inspired by the glory days of Farouk. The food is largely international but local flavours are celebrated in dishes such as bessara, a local dip made from fava beans.

Passengers 45 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y Price ££

noble-caledonia.co.uk

12. MS Esplanade: Nile cruises

Best for R&R A sophisticated option, focusing on the Upper Nile, the MS Esplanade offers cruises of up to seven nights (minimum three nights) that take in both the east and west banks of Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu and even the mummified crocodiles of Kom Ombo. When it comes to relaxation, guests can spend time on their three, four and seven-day sailings in the hushed spa on the lower deck or relax on one of the shady poolside cabanas on the breezy top deck.

Passengers 150 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price ££

mayfaircruises.com

13. La Flaneuse du Nil: traditional-style sailing

Best for return visitors For those who have already sailed the Nile and may be looking for something different, La Flaneuse du Nil is a tempting option. While most boats travel north from Aswan towards Luxor, this intimate five-day cruise heads south into Lake Nasser bound for the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Powered by sails and tugs, just like the original dahabiyas that were once a regular sight on the waterway, this cosy vessel showcases the subtle beauty of the vast man-made reservoir that straddles Egypt’s border with Sudan. The boat sails at a leisurely pace, with stops for lake swims, sunset hikes and solitary mornings on quiet beaches, as well as guided trips to some of the most impressive ancient wonders Egypt has to explore.

Passengers 14 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over six) Price ££

authentichotels.com

14. Sanctuary Sun Boat III: luxury cruise

Best for fun on the river An extremely attractive boat, and one of the few vessels to (occasionally) cruise from Cairo to Aswan, the Sanctuary Sun Boat III takes its inspiration from the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Think ecru tones, four-poster beds draped in the finest Egyptian linen and entertainment in the form of belly dancers and whirling dervishes. There are modern touches, too, with air conditioning and a swimming pool on the Cleopatra Oasis sundeck: the perfect spot on which to sip a hibiscus juice and watch the world go by.

Passengers 32 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over ten) Price £££

15. RV Da Vinci: Land of the Pharaohs

Best for value With its understated style, the RV Da Vinci is a good choice for passengers who want to travel in more contemporary surroundings. Built in 1993 and fully refurbished since, it offers a comfortable base to travel on the classic route from Luxor or add on a few days in Cairo. CroisiEurope’s eight-day Land of the Pharaohs cruise includes excursions to all the headline sights, such as the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Kom Ombo, and options to book others, such as a breathtaking balloon ride over the Nile Valley or the evocative sound and light show at Karnak. At the end of the day, enjoy a final cocktail as the sun goes down — all drinks are included in the fare.

Passengers 108 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £

croisieurope.travel/en

16. River Tosca: Splendours of Egypt and the Nile

Best for those with children Luxury line Uniworld has expanded its family-friendly Generations programme with an all-new multigenerational itinerary in Egypt. The adapted version of its 11-night Splendours of Egypt and the Nile holiday is aboard the River Tosca and includes child-friendly menus and two dedicated family hosts to oversee activities for junior cruisers aged four to 12 and teen cruisers. Alongside famous sights such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak, activities include a football match with local children and some of the ship’s crew, sand dune boarding, swimming in the Nile, exploring the river by bike and traditional felucca, and a behind-the-scenes visit to the captain’s wheelhouse. While youngsters are having fun with the onboard hosts, adults can relax on the sun deck with its shaded cabanas and swimming pool.

Passengers 82 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

uniworld.com

17. MS Radamis II: Nile River Cruise including Cairo and Hurghada

Best for solo travellers If you’re fed up with being stung by single supplements, don’t want to set sail with loved-up couples, or simply just enjoy travelling alone, then check out the Travel Department’s dedicated sailings for singles. The company charters this comfortable ship, which has 75 cabins, and for solo travellers it makes for an exclusive and intimate holiday. The sun-deck bar is a top spot to mingle over cocktails with newfound friends and enjoy barbecues. The supplement-free solo itineraries take in a 12-night Nile cruise, with included shore trips to the Temple of Horus, Valley of the Kings, High Dam and temples of Karnak and Luxor. At the end of the cruise you’ll fly and flop with a couple of days of relaxation in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. The tour operator also uses the vessel for its escorted group tours on the Nile.

traveldepartment.co.uk

18. Sonesta Dahabeya Amirat: Nile cruise

Best for groups You can sail the Nile in style on this twin-masted dahabiya, which harks back to the graceful travel of bygone times. Inspired by the 19th-century vessels used by royalty and aristocrats, this intimate and sophisticated 14-passenger ship is the smallest in the fleet owned by the international Sonesta hotel group. It’s a wonderful choice for extended families or groups of friends who want to book an entire ship for an exclusive holiday. Sumptuous cabins are decked out in blue, gold and cream, and guests can wallow in baths after a busy day sightseeing. The ship goes back and forth on week-long trips between Luxor and Aswan and wherever possible sails under wind power.

Passengers 14 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

sonesta.com/sonesta-dahabeya-amirat

19. AmaLilia: Secrets of Egypt and the Nile

Best for being pampered AmaLilia, which sailed on the Nile for the first time in March 2024, would impress even the most discerning pharaoh with its marble bathrooms, heated pool, massage treatments — and even a nail bar. Its suites are stylish and contemporary, and the decor throughout the ship has an understated elegance, showcasing Egyptian ornaments and artwork. The thoughtful Secrets of Egypt and the Nile itinerary includes extras such as the Abdeen presidential palace for lunch and a lesson in papyrus making in Luxor. AmaLilia is an almost identical ship to AmaWaterways’ first Nile ship AmaDahlia, with the addition of more plush suites.

Passengers 72 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y (aged over four) Price £££

amawaterways.co.uk

Additional reporting by Jeannine Williamson and Siobhan Grogan

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The 15 Best Nile Cruises in Egypt: Luxury Sailing from Luxor to Aswan

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If you’re planning a trip to visit Egypt , of course, you’ll have to visit the Nile River! It’s the longest river in the world, spanning 11 different countries, and is incredibly important to Egyptians for both sustenance and transportation. And the best way to see the Nile is from aboard a luxury cruise sailing between the ancient cities of Luxor and Aswan.

But finding the best cruise to fit your travel plans can be difficult. They travel on specific weekly schedules and have a set itinerary – usually 3, 4, or 7 nights. Information and reviews on Booking.com are limited and since most cruises are fairly pricey, it’s important to understand what you’ll be getting for your money.

So we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 Nile River cruises to make planning your vacation in Egypt a breeze. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Best Luxury Nile Cruises in Egypt

1. alexander the great nile cruise.

The Alexander the Great Cruise is a gorgeous cruise ship offering a 4-night Nile River cruise that departs every Monday from Luxor, and a 3-night Nile cruise that departs every Friday from Aswan. This Nile cruise even offers a free airport shuttle service!

Everyone on staff is incredibly helpful and attentive. If you’d like to pamper yourself during your Nile cruise you can take advantage of the spa services, including a hot spring bath and various massage treatments. And meals are fabulous, with both traditional and international cuisine options. And you’ll love the various evening entertainment that is fun for the whole family!

This luxury Nile cruise ship has an outdoor pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs for spending warm days relaxing in the sun. Rooms are spacious, clean, and well-appointed with a tv, premium bedding, a private bathroom, and a mini-bar. It’s definitely worth upgrading to a room with a balcony so you can enjoy the views from the privacy of your own room.

Guests especially love the guided tours along the banks of the Nile River. They will take you to the sites and explain the history in a way that is interesting and easy to digest.

Check Prices on Hotels.com

2. Sonesta Star Goddess Cruises

The Sonesta Star Goddess Cruise is an ultra-luxurious cruise sailing the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan for 4 or 7 nights leaving each Monday. The ship features plenty of activities for guests onboard, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and a spa with a hot tub and sauna. And with 24-hour room service, you’ll have every amenity available during your cruise.

Bedroom suites are large and comfortable with nice bedding, satellite televisions, bathtubs, and large windows to keep them bright and airy. You can enjoy a glass of wine at sunset on your private balcony overlooking the banks of the Nile.

You’ll love to indulge in a massage, body wrap, or a pedicure during your cruise. There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a spa while gazing out over the Nile!

Take advantage of the onboard shopping to pick up a few Egyptian gifts for your friends back home. The ship has a main dining area, a sun deck, and a lounge with a dance floor for the evening entertainment. They can also arrange your daily tours of the various sites along the Nile.

3. M/S Esplanade Cruise

The M/S Esplanade Cruise is a chic, lavish ship offering 4 or 7-night Nile River cruises each Monday from Luxor, and 3 or 7-night Nile cruises from Aswan each Friday.

The most impressive feature of this Nile River cruise in Egypt is the beautiful outdoor pool which is surrounded by comfortable loungers and day beds. It looks so pristine and inviting and is the perfect place to cool off after a long, hot morning exploring the Egyptian ruins.

The spacious rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen television set, coffee and tea-making facilities, a desk, a hairdryer, and many amenities you may need during your cruise. Your stay on this luxurious cruise ship also includes 2 bars, a sauna, and a rooftop terrace.

All of the public seating areas are decorated with a creative flair and are a great place to hang out and meet new friends from all over the world!

4. Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise

The Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise offers either a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, or you can choose to make the trip a 7-day round trip affair! Of course the more nights you can spend on this luxury Nile River cruise line, the better!

The deluxe cabins are about 22 square meters and have two twin beds, large windows and bright, cheery decor. Of course, your room will also be appointed with air conditioning, a flat-screen television set, a minibar, and other amenities you’ll need during your stay. A telephone enabled with international calling is also available in your room.

You’ll appreciate the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the spacious sun deck, the fitness center, and the sauna and spa facilities. The food is divine and you’ll be treated like royalty by the lovely staff at the Mövenpick. They’ll make your Nile cruise unforgettable!

Check Prices on Booking.com

5. Sonesta Moon Goddess

The Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise sets sail each Saturday for 3 or 7 nights from Luxor to Aswan. This modern, luxury cruise ship will be your home away from home as you sail down the Nile River, enjoying the sites and sounds from the comfort of your private room.

The cruise ship is outfitted with a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a large sun terrace, a fitness center, a relaxing spa, and a bar serving up refreshing cocktails. Enjoy a massage, a facial, or a body scrub while you sip champagne and cruise down the Nile.

The food is delicious and super fresh. The helpful staff can help you in arranging a transfer to and from the airport, as well as any local excursions.

Rooms are simple and classic with comfortable beds, large private bathrooms, plenty of amenities, and private patios. Free toiletries, a tv, a minibar, a private bathroom, and turndown service are just a few of the amenities that you can enjoy. You’ll want to wake up early to catch the sunrise from the comfort of your own room!

6. Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise

The 5-star Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise offers 4-night and 6-night cruises down the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. The friendly staff at the ship tour desk can assist in booking your airport transfer, any daily excursions, and anything else you may need during your stay onboard.

During your Nile cruise, you can take advantage of the fitness center, the terrace with beautiful views of the banks of the Nile, and the lovely spa services which include Thai massage, facials, and body scrubs.

The large rooms have modern decor and come outfitted with a television set, a minibar (stocked with some free items!), coffee-making facilities, a bidet, bathrobes, and a desk. The beds are so comfortable that you won’t want to get up in the morning!

Be sure to book your stay on the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise well in advance because this one books up fast!

7. MS Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise

The MS Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise departs from Luxor every Monday for four nights and from Aswan each Friday for three nights. The staff is exceptional and provides you with a 24-hour help desk and room service. 

The cruise also offers multiple packages to make your cruise experience exceptional. The cruise offers Sightseeing, Happiness, Felucca Breakfast, and Honeymoon/Anniversary packages.

The Sightseeing Package includes transfers to sights, such as the High Dam, Karnak Temple, Valley of Kings, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, and the Luxor Temple in an air-conditioned bus and includes the entrance fee.  

The cruise provides different spacious room types, including standard twin rooms and deluxe king suites. The rooms are nicely furnished and clean, and each morning, you’ll be able to enjoy the yummy breakfast buffet. The cruise is also outfitted with a fitness center, sauna, swimming pool, bar, and restaurant that you can enjoy during your cruise time.

8. Nile Goddess Cruise

The Nile Goddess Cruise offers 4 or 7-night Nile cruises beginning every Monday between Luxor and Aswan. This beautiful ship has classic decor with dark wooden furniture and traditional touches throughout. You’ll forget that you’re on a ship cruising down the Nile River and not in a 5-star resort!

The Nile Goddess features a rooftop pool with plenty of room for lounging in the sun. Also a fitness center, a peaceful spa with a sauna, and even a nightclub. The lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day, and you’ll love the delicious dishes served for onboard breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The air-conditioned rooms have simple but comfortable decor, a minibar, and a satellite television set. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy a separate seating area and a private balcony.

9. Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

The Oberoi Zahra offers luxury 5 or 7-day Nile cruises departing from either Luxor or Aswan. You’ll want to check the sailing calendar on their website for specific dates of embarkation. The service that you’ll receive onboard is absolutely impeccable from the moment that you’re greeted until the time that you leave. Take advantage of the free airport shuttle!

The daily excursions are both fun and informational. And you’ll appreciate that they try to time your arrival to avoid the crowds.

The ship has a large and refreshing outdoor pool and a spa where you can indulge in a relaxing spa. You’ll love the evening entertainment after enjoying a delectable meal in the onboard restaurant. Rooms are well-appointed with a minibar, an electric kettle, a large bathroom, and bathrobes. If you want to really treat yourself, opt for a suite with a private deck and hot tub!

10. Nile Carnival Cruise

The Nile Carnival Cruise departs from Luxor every Thursday and from Aswan every Monday. The staff is super friendly and accommodating, and the rooms are clean and spacious, with nice views of the river. 

The Nile Carnival Cruise features a restaurant and a bar, packed lunches, snack bar, and it offers both a continental and buffet breakfast. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and air-conditioning, and there are room, laundry, and ironing services available.

You’ll also be able to relax during your time on board as the cruise has a spa and wellness center that offers massages, beauty services, manicures, and hair treatments. Once you’re done getting pampered, you can enjoy the rooftop swimming pool, hot tub, sun terrace, and game room!

11. Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise

The Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise departs from Luxor every Saturday for 4-7 nights and every Wednesday from Aswan for three nights. The cruise has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace so you can relax and admire the river views from the deck.

The rooms include standard twin and single cabins with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-bar. The cruise also offers an optional Sightseeing Package for an additional price that includes a visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, the Botanical Garden, and the Abu Simbel Temple, among other sites.

Each morning you can enjoy the breakfast buffet, and every evening, you’ll love having tea time on the sun deck. After dinner at one of the restaurants, you can attend one of the shows or parties, including a belly dance show, a Nubian show, a cocktail party, or the Galabya party, depending on the itinerary. 

12. M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise

The M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise departs from Luxor each Monday for 4-7 nights, and it departs each Friday from Aswan. The cruise features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, spa, gym, and sun deck. In the evenings, you can attend one of the shows, including belly dancing, Tanoura, and Oriental and Heritage music entertainment.

The rooms on the M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise include twin cabins, king-sized beds, and presidential suites equipped with an LED TV, a mini bar, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a safety box. Plus, you can even enjoy a private jacuzzi in the presidential suites!

The Garnet restaurant offers a great breakfast buffet with a good selection, and in the evenings, you can enjoy some delicious International dishes, including Chinese, Italian, Oriental Egyptian, and more. The restaurant is beautiful, and you’ll be able to enjoy your meals with a view of the Nile. 

The cruise’s itinerary will take you to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank, the Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the unfinished Obelisk.

13. Movenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise

The Movenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise departs on Mondays from Luxor for 4-7 nights and from Aswan on Fridays for three nights. You’ll immediately enjoy the old-time decor throughout the cruise ship as it was built in 1918 by the British Royal Navy. It was turned into a luxury steamer for King Farouk.

The Movenpick SS Misr Steamer offers four cabin options, including the standard, superior, senior suite, and panorama suite. No matter which cabin you choose for your Nile cruise adventure, you’ll enjoy large and panoramic balconies, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom. Other amenities include a TV, a minibar, and a safety deposit box.

You can also savor great quality drinks and cocktails at the Dhabiyyat Bar, and the Marasem Restaurant offers gourmet dishes, so you’ll feel like royalty! After you’re done exploring, you can relax on the large sun deck while sipping your favorite drink next to the swimming pool. 

Check prices on Booking.com

14. Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise

The Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise departs from Luxor each Thursday for 4-7 nights, and it departs from Aswan each Monday for three nights. The cruise features elegant and traditional designs, and it is equipped with a swimming pool, a sundeck with a recreational area, and reading and playroom.

You can choose between the standard, superior, and junior or senior suites with panoramic windows for you to see the Nile. All cabins have air-conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer, a TV, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. 

You can enjoy your international meals and breakfast buffet at the main restaurants, and the lounge bar offers afternoon tea and cocktails. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks on the sun deck while you take in all the monument views as you cruise down the Nile. 

15. Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise

The Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise departs from Luxor on Mondays for 4-7 nights and from Aswan every Friday for three nights. You’ll love the luxurious and modern decor across the cabins and the cruise boat!

The surprisingly stylish rooms are equipped with controllable air-conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a private bathroom, and a balcony with sliding doors that open up to the main and upper decks.

Explore the ship, and you’ll find a restaurant, bar, and lounge, where you can enjoy meals and drinks. The restaurant also offers options for vegetarians, and the staff is very friendly and kind. 

When you’re not taking in the Nile views, you can soak up the sun on the sun deck, splash around in the pool, and sip poolside drinks at the bar. There’s also a souvenir shop, a fitness center, and a beauty salon onboard, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay!

We hope you have a wonderful cruise down the Nile River!

Want more help planning your trip to Egypt? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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2 thoughts on “the 15 best nile cruises in egypt: luxury sailing from luxor to aswan”.

Many thanks for great information!

Based on the review here, we booked on the Sonesta Moon Goddess March, 2023. We were disappointed. The rooms were indeed classic and comfortable. The carpets in the hall were old and stained. The HVAC systems in the room did not work properly despite engineering’s best efforts. Hot water was often hard to come by. The most disappointing element was the food. This was served buffet style, and almost never maintained hot. It was as if I had returned to my high school cafeteria. The staff were attentive and tried to please.

The review above does not reflect on the current state of affairs.

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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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• Egypt Travel Guide
• Nile Cruise Travel Guide

Best Nile Cruise Ships Sailing Between Luxor & Aswan

You may have heard that having a  Nile River Cruise  is a typical experience that you can have in Egypt and many questions may come to your mind when it comes to planning a Nile Cruise tour. The first and the main question is how can you choose a good Nile Cruise and is it really safe to board a Nile Cruise in the middle of  the Nile ? And lots of other questions and through our article, we will introduce the most highlighted issues about the best Nile cruise ships and answer as many questions as we can regarding such a wonderful tour.

First of all, you should know that there are two major classifications for Nile cruises in Egypt based on the type of services and amenities you can find on board, and based on this, here are the  two types of Nile Cruises  that you can choose your Nile Cruise from:

5* High Luxury Nile Cruise Ships

Luxury Nile Cruises are the version of high luxury hotels in Egypt but in a floating shape. If you are looking for the most comfortable accommodation, the greatest notable services, amenities, and facilities, if you are looking for a luxury tour full of passion and excitement, then board one of our 5*high luxury Nile Cruise will definitely fill your satisfaction and make you get back home with a memorable experience and a lifetime adventure. There are some 5* high luxury Nile cruises in Egypt that will allow you to live like a real Pharaoh or a gorgeous queen in the land of miracles as you will receive the most fabulous services ever.

5* Deluxe Nile Cruise Ships

There are many  5* deluxe Nile cruises  in Egypt that you will enjoy the most while getting on the board of any of them and have some wonderful time while making use of their interesting facilities for travelers on their board. It is very important for you to notice that there are many 5* deluxe Nile cruises that aren’t recommended because they have old furniture and the food served there isn’t of high quality as other cruises. That is why you need to make sure that you are booking your Nile cruise tour with a trusted travel agency to get the most incredible adventure you have always wanted.

We always make sure that we choose the best Nile cruises especially those which were recently renovated to offer an amazing experience that can’t be forgotten and we keep update the list of our 5* Nile cruises based on our guests’ reviews and feedback so we keep working with specific ones, add more to our list, and omit some others from our list if they have any negative feedback.

Top Deluxe & High Luxury Nile Cruise Ships

Here is a list of the most recommended 5* deluxe & 5* high luxury Nile cruises based on their classification in Egypt:

The Best 5* High Luxury Nile Cruise Ships

1. mayfair ship, 2. oberoi zahra ship, 3. oberoi philae ship, 4. movenpick royal lily ship, 5. farah ship, 6. acamar ship, 7. sonesta moon goddess ship, 8. tulip ship, 9. sanctuary sun boat iii ship.

The charming  Sanctuary Sun Boat III Nile cruise  has been classified among the top 5* high luxury cruise in Egypt with its fabulous Spa, gym, lounges, outside dining, and other luxury features. There are 36spacious cabins on its board and 3 spacious suites.

The Best 5* Deluxe Nile Cruise Ships

1. crown jewel ship, 2. crown prince nile cruise, 3. nile style ship, 4. moon dance ship, 5. concerto ship, 6. steigenberger regency ship, 7. steigenberger minerva ship, 8. steigenberger legacy ship, 9. nile premium ship, 10. sonesta nile goddess ship, 11. crown jubilee ship.

In order to get on the board of  MS Crown Jubilee Nile cruise , you need to check-in either on Thursday from Luxor for the 4 or 7 nights tour or on Monday from Aswan for the 3 nights tour. On the board of such a deluxe Nile cruise, you will find an amazing restaurant that serves the best oriental & international cuisine in Egypt. There is also an outdoor swimming pool, an amazing bar, truly interesting cabins with a TV screen with satellite channels and of course a private bathroom. There is a sun terrace on the board of Ms. Crown Jubilee to enjoy the terrific beauty of the view all around you.

Best Egypt Nile River Cruises

There are tens of other interesting  Nile River Cruises  through which you will have the chance to enjoy the most magnificent sightseeing in both  Luxor  and  Aswan  and we are always available for you so that you send us your request and it is going to be our responsibility to provide you with the most unforgettable  and the safest tour in your life. Just contact us “ Trips in Egypt ” and let us achieve your dreams.

4 Day Nile Cruise Itinerary From Aswan

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What should i wear while being in egypt.

You should wear whatever you want. It is advised to wear something light from cotton or linen, comfortable and put on sunblock during your time in Egypt in the summer and wear comfortable footwear like a closed-toe shoe to sustain the sandy terrain.

What to Pack for Your Egypt Tour?

You should bring a brimmed hat and sunglasses if you not used to the Egyptian sun &pack everything you could ever need and put in a small bag so you could move easily between your destinations.

Are All Nile Cruises Available at Any Time?

Yes, it is available all years. as the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes three to four days of sailing on Monday, Wednesday and Friday for the total cost of 600$ and the Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan take four to five days in Saturday, Monday and Thursday for the coast of 650$.

Why book Trips in Egypt?

We have experience in vacation planning for more than 10 years & our staff consists of the most professional operators, guides and drivers who dedicate all of their time & effort create the perfect vacation. All of our tours are customized by Travel, Financial & Time advisors to fit your every possible need during your time in egypt. we always keep in mind that your safety & comfort are our main priority until you return home.

Is it safe to travel to Egypt?

Yes, it is absolutely safe to travel to egypt, You will feel secure in Egypt as the current atmosphere of the country is very peaceful after the government took powerful measures like restructuring the entire tourist police to include all the important and tourist attractions in Egypt and construct an entire environment dedicated for ensuring the lives of all tourists.

What are Egypt's Visa Requirements?

They are very simples, If you want to apply for a Visa On Arrival that lasts for 30 days then you should be one of the eligible countries(check the link), have a valid passport with at least 6 months remaining and pay 25$ USD entry fee in cash. As for the E-Visa for 30 days, you should have a valid passport for at least 8 months, complete the online application, pay the e-visa fee then print the e-visa to later be presented to the airport border guard. You could be one of the countries eligible for a free visa for 90 days.

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature of Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c, Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 23 ¡ÆC in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 ¡ÆC in the wintertime to 32 ¡ÆC in the summertime while the temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What is the Best Time of Visit Egypt?

It is known the best time to travel to Egypt is in the winter from September to April as the climate becomes a bit tropical, a warm atmosphere with a winter breeze. You will also be notified a week before your trip if the weather is unsafe or if any changes have been made.

Should I Give Tips in Egypt?

It is totally up to you, but if you choose to you can tip the servers at your restaurant 5-10% by handing it to them directly and 5 Egyptian Pounds as a general tip of anyone.

Can I Enter the Pyramids?

Yes, you can enter the pyramids for the small fee of 20$.

How to Enjoy Egypt During Ramadan?

Ramadan is a special time of year for Muslims that should be celebrated by non-Muslims and feel the essence of the Islamic culture. You can fast with the Muslim or just observe but you are always welcome to join the celebrations and festivals.

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About Trips In Egypt

Trips In Egypt was founded in 2002 when it launched, since then the company specialized in providing trips in Egypt only which includes tour packages, vacations, Nile cruises, day trips, shore excursions, and any kind of trips in Egypt.

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The Best 10 Nile River Cruises in Egypt 2024

The best 10 nile river cruises in egypt 2022, luxor to aswan luxury sailing.

In fact, if you’re considering a vacation to Egypt, you must cross by the wonderful natural gift, the Nile River ! It’s the world’s longest river, stretching through 11 nations, and Egyptians rely on it for both nutrition and transit. The finest way to go through the Nile is on one of the best luxury Nile River Cruises ships that travel between the ancient towns of the most authentic Egyptian countries, Luxor and Aswan .

Discovering the ideal Nile cruise to match your trip goals, however, may be challenging. They fly on regular weekly schedules and follow a pre-determined itinerary — generally 3, 4, or 7 nights. The Online space has little information and reviews, and because most Nile River cruises are pretty expensive, it’s vital to know what you’ll be receiving for your money. So we’ve put up a majority of the best 10 Nile Cruises in Egypt to help you prepare for your trip to Egypt. Enjoy!

4 Days Nile Cruise From Aswan 2024/2025

5 Days Nile Cruise From Luxor 2024/2025

8 Days Nile Cruise From Luxor 2024/2025

Best luxury nile river cruise ships in egypt, 1. oberoi philae nile cruise.

Between Aswan and Luxor, the 5-star Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise provides 4-night and 6-night cruises down the Nile River. The ship’s tour desk can help you book your airport transfer, daily excursions, and anything else you might need while onboard.

Oberoi Philae Nile River Cruise

You may use the fitness center, the terrace with wonderful views of the Nile’s banks , and the excellent spa facilities while on your Nile cruise. The spacious rooms are decorated in a contemporary style and have a television, a minibar, coffee-making facilities, a bidet, bathrobes, and a desk. You won’t want to get out of bed in the morning since the beds are so comfy. Make your reservation for the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise well in advance, as this one fills up quickly.

2. Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

The Oberoi Zahra provides a luxurious Nile River cruise experience for five or seven days, departing from Luxor or Aswan. You’ll like to review their website’s sailing calendar for particular departure dates. From the minute you board until you disembark, the service you’ll get is second to none. Make use of the complimentary airport bus!

Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

The daily trips are entertaining as well as educational. You’ll also like the fact that they strive to avoid the crowds by timing your arrival.

The ship features a spacious and pleasant outdoor pool, as well as a spa where you may rest. After a wonderful lunch in the aboard restaurant, you’ll enjoy the evening entertainment. A minibar, an electric kettle, a spacious bathroom, and bathrobes are included in each room. Choose a suite with a private deck and hot tub if you truly want to spoil yourself!

3. Alexander the Great Nile Cruise

The Alexander the Magnificent Cruise is a beautiful trip ship that sails from Luxor on Mondays for a 4-night Nile River trip and Aswan on Fridays for a 3-night back on another Nile River tour. A complimentary airport transfer is included with this Nile River cruise!

The staff members are really kind and accommodating. You may use the spa facilities, which include a hot spring tub and different massage therapies, to indulge yourself while on your River cruise. And the food is fantastic, offering selections for both classic and foreign cuisine. You’ll also like the many nighttime entertainment options, which are suitable for family members! This luxurious Nile cruise ship includes an outside pool with comfy lounge seats for resting in the sun on hot days. The rooms are spacious, clean, and well-equipped. It’s well worth it to upgrade to a hotel with a terrace so you can take in the sights from the comfort of your own hotel’s room

The guided trips all along the Nile River’s banks are very popular among visitors. They will bring you to the places and narrate the history in an engaging and easy-to-understand manner.

3- Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruises

The Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise is an ultra-luxury cruise that cruises the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan for four or seven nights every Monday. Among the ship’s many facilities for guests are a swimming pool, fitness center, and spa featuring a hot tub and sauna. Thanks to 24-hour room service, you’ll have access to every comfort during your stay.

Sonesta Star Goddess Nile River Cruise

The sleeping suites are spacious and pleasant, with excellent linen, satellite TVs, baths, and wide windows that allow for plenty of natural light. On your private balcony viewing the Nile’s banks, you may drink at sunset. Enjoy the benefits of onboard shopping to get some Egyptian presents for your friends and family back home. For nighttime amusement, the ship features a main dining room, a sun deck, and a lounge with a dance floor. They may also schedule your daily visits to the Nile’s different attractions.

4- M/S Esplanade Cruise

The M/S Esplanade Nile Cruise is a stylish, opulent ship that departs Luxor on Mondays for 4 or 7-night Nile River cruises, and Aswan on Fridays for a 3 or 7-night Nile river cruise.

The magnificent swimming patio, which is encircled by comfy loungers and day beds, is the most remarkable feature of this Nile cruise ship. It appears to be immaculate and welcoming, and it would be the ideal spot to cool down after a hot morning spent visiting ruins. Air conditioning, a plain television, coffee and tea making facilities, a desk, a hairdryer, and many more amenities are available in the large rooms. The public sitting spaces are all designed with a unique flair and are a fantastic spot to hang out.

5- Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise 

The Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise provides a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan or a 7-day round-trip option! Of course, the longer you stay on this luxurious Nile River cruises company, the better! Large windows and bright, cheerful décor characterize the inviting rooms. Your accommodation will, of course, include air conditioning, a flat-screen television, a minibar, and other facilities that you will require throughout your stay. The lovely outdoor pool, the expansive sun deck, the fitness room, and the sauna and spa services will all be appreciated. The cuisine is delicious, and Mövenpick’s wonderful staff will treat you like royalty. They’ll be making your Nile cruise a memorable experience!

6- Sonesta Moon Goddess

The Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise departs Luxor for Aswan every Saturday for three or seven nights. As you travel down the Nile River, enjoying the sights and sounds from the tranquility of your individual suite, this contemporary, luxury cruise ship will be your home away from home.

Sonesta Cruises

A beautiful outdoor swimming pool, a big sun deck, a fitness center, a soothing spa, and a bar offering refreshing cocktails are all available onboard the cruise ship. The meal is delicious and really fresh. The friendly staff can arrange transportation to and from the airport as well as any local excursions. Comfortable mattresses, big private bathrooms, plenty of amenities, and private patios characterize the rooms, which are basic and traditional.

7- M/S Mayfair Cruise

Every Monday, the M/S Mayfair Cruise departs Luxor for 4 or 7 nights and Aswan for 3 or 7 nights. The staff can help you arrange airport transfers as well as guided excursions to the Nile’s temples.

MS/ Mayfair Nile River Cruise

The sun deck area on this luxury Nile River cruise ship is really stunning, featuring hot tubs and plenty of comfortable sun loungers. It’s the ideal spot for a drink of wine as the sunsets. In the evening, you’ll be delighted by traditional music and belly dancers after enjoying the lavish supper buffet.

The staterooms are large, featuring a private bathroom and a full-sized bathtub. The amenities include toiletries, a hairdryer, and coffee-making equipment. Of course, if you want assistance, a kind staff member is merely a phone call away!

8- Nile Goddess Cruise

Every Monday, the Nile Goddess Cruise departs from Luxor for a 4- or 7-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan. This lovely ship is decorated in a traditional style, with dark hardwood furnishings and traditional accents throughout. You’ll forget you’re not in a 5-star resort but on a ship cruising down the Nile River!

The Nile Goddess has a rooftop pool with lots of seating for sunbathing. There’s also a gym, a relaxing spa with a sauna, and even a nightclub. The lounge is a great spot to unwind with a beverage at the end of the day, and the onboard breakfast, lunch, and dinner are all wonderful.

Simple yet pleasant décor, a minibar, and a safe are included in the air-conditioned rooms. You might upgrade your room for more privacy.

9- MS/ Farah Nile Cruise

MS/ Farah Nile Cruise is one of the best Cruise ships that can be affordable for many travelers

10- MS/ Sonesta St. George

This fantastic cruise boat is one of the newest cruises now in 2022.

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The Ultimate MS Mayfair Nile Cruise Review – 4 Days from Aswan to Luxor

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 19, 2023

Categories ASWAN , EGYPT , LUXOR , LUXURY HOTELS

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

It has always been a dream of mine to sail down the Nile on a cruise ship. But, having read so many negative reviews, I was struggling with choosing one as I didn’t want a bad experience! That was until I found the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise.

By all accounts, the MS Mayfair is a 5* luxury cruise ship. You won’t have to sacrifice comfort here.

The freshly decorated cabins are roomy and quality, the staff wait on you hand and foot, there are no hidden charges for the facilities, the food is hygienic and it actually comes at an affordable price unlike some of the other premiere cruise liners in the market.

Whether you’re here to find out more details about the MS Mayfair Nile cruise or to decide on whether to book; this ultimate MS Mayfair Nile Cruise review should clear everything up.

So, all aboard the MS Mayfair, let me show you around!

FYI – this post is NOT sponsored by MS Mayfair in any way, I just loved my experience and wanted to share!

Things you need to prepare before you visit Egypt

• Don’t forget travel insurance for Egypt, it’s quite easy to get ill here! I always choose World Nomad’s  as they have great policies at a competitive price.
• You will need a Visa for Egypt. These can be bought on the border at Immigration for $25USD or beforehand online for the same price. I’ve created a detailed guide of how to get an Egyptian Visa (including a Multiple entry Visa) for UK citizens here. But it applies for most countries. 
• Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country which means it’s conservative and you will need to be mindful of how you dress, even men. I’ve created a detailed packing list for women here.
• Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP) as currency and I found it easier to get some out at the ATM. 1 British pound = approx. 22 Egyptian pound. Cards are accepted in most hotels but I’d use cash for shopping and attractions.

Tips for choosing your perfect Nile Cruise

There are so many types of cruise ships that make their way between Aswan, Luxor and vice versa every week even in off-peak season.

You can go on luxury cruise ships, mid-range, budget and even ride down the Nile on a felucca boat!

But, there are some things you need to know before you book your cruise.

Things to look out for before you book

• No cruises run from Cairo. These only run from Luxor to Aswan and vice versa. Most tourists travel down to Luxor or Aswan from Cairo by flight or overnight train.
• Always look at what is included in the price onboard –  A cruise may seem cheap, but you need to understand what comes with the price. Many cruise ships make their money by charging for drinks, amenities like the pool (!) and WiFi.
• This will be your only provider of food for four to seven days straight – Most cruises are full board, so you want to make sure you book in with a hygienic company. The last thing you want is food poisoning to ruin your holiday!
• Check if excursions are included – If you book in the cruise company directly, you will most likely not have attraction prices included, a guide or transport in getting there. So, that cheap price, quickly rises up by a few hundred dollars! I would personally book it in with a tour company like Memphis Tours as then all your attractions and transport are included making it far better value.
• Cruises don’t run every day – the MS Mayfair goes on a Friday from Aswan and then on a Monday from Luxor. So I would make sure you book your cruise first, then work your other travel plans around it.
• The train is only four hours between Aswan and Luxor  – if you’ve made a blunder with your plans (like I did) and need to get to Aswan or Luxor for your cruise; no biggie. The train took four hours and it’s super cheap. My first class carriage cost £100EGP (£4)

Is it better to start from Aswan or Luxor on a Nile cruise?

I think there is no right or wrong way and this all depends on your travel plans and preference.

Most tourists start from Aswan, the furthest point south, then cruise up north to Luxor, moving onto Hurghada on the coast of the Red Sea.

But, you can always start in Luxor and then end your travels in Aswan. If your primary concern is budget, then the cruise that starts off in Luxor is slightly longer by one day, so it will cost slightly more.

As before, the MS Mayfair Nile cruise runs from Aswan every Friday, then from Luxor every Monday.

They run in the same order, serve the same food and stop at all the same sites. You just may have different nights of entertainment as these change daily.

Another option is a seven-day cruise. Going from Luxor to Aswan and then back to Luxor on the same route stopping at the same sites again.  This way you can relax more instead of those early wake-up calls for temple hopping.

All aboard: the ultimate MS Mayfair Nile Cruise review

As I stepped off my minibus and onto the dock. I was so excited to board and rightly so. As I walked over the plank, I walked through the doors and into the lobby.

I was in Pinterest heaven; the decor was bright, elegant and exquisite. The monochrome floors, huge windows, burgundy red walls…I knew then that this wasn’t any ordinary ship! I just stood there, wowed.

The floor manager then greeted and welcomed me personally. He asked me to take a seat on the ruby velvet brocade sofas and handed me a refreshing hot towel to cool off.

Then before I knew it, I had a welcome drink of hibiscus tea in my hand! I had found my happy place.

I checked in and was pleasantly surprised to find my luggage had already been taken to my room!

We walked up the winding staircase and I noticed that no room or floor aboard this cruise ship was dated or shabby. Everything looked brand new and fresh like it had fallen out of a showroom!

I was so impressed by the whole experience for the four days I was there, I wanted to share a detailed review with you and why the MS Mayfair is one of the best choices for your Nile cruise in Egypt.

MS Mayfair deck plan

The MS Mayfair has 5 floors aboard the ship, each floor is roomy and spacious.

The Premium cabins and suites are on the Upper Deck as they have balconies. Standard rooms are on the Main deck and Middle Deck. This deck plan was sourced from Nile River Cruises.

• Lower Deck (1) – is where you will be eating each day in the restaurant. It’s cool as you can see the Nile while you’re eating.
• Main Deck (2) – lobby and standard cabins and exit
• Middle Deck (3)  – standard cabins
• Upper deck (4)  – Is where the bar, entertainment and premium cabins are located
• Sun Deck (5)  – is for sightseeing, the pool, hot tub, loungers and bar is located

MS Mayfair Cabins

This was really a big deal breaker for me, a lot of the cabins I saw on other Nile Cruises were so old and neglected!

But, the cabins on board the MS Mayfair looked brand new with bright white paint and elegant touches like old photographs of ancient Egyptian sites.

Each room has a huge window overlooking the Nile letting in lots of light which was perfect.

If you have the cash then the balcony suites are a great option. But, I just couldn’t justify the extra couple of hundred dollars.

My room had clean and comfy twin beds that the cabin crew put together for me. The mattresses and pillows were actually comfy and you could almost sink into them!

Then I had a desk with a beauty mirror, two chairs to lounge on, loads of plug points and a flat-screen TV above a chest of drawers.

On top was a kettle with complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. I’d also have two free bottles of water topped per day in my cabin with room service.

The rooms also had a wardrobe with a safe inside to keep valuables and an ironing board (!).

I love the little touches and it was really sweet to receive a free fruit bowl on entering with a little note to welcome me on board! It really does make all the difference with service.

The bathrooms aboard the MS Mayfair

Let’s just say, my worst nightmare would be to have an old and dirty bathroom. Especially for a couple of days on a cruise ship!

On the last backpacker cruise I went on, we had a shared bathroom and were told we could only have a navy shower for 5 minutes each to conserve water.

Well, I was relieved when I saw the absolutely stunning bathroom on the MS Mayfair. It had wooden floors, mirrored walls, a huge beauty mirror and an Art Deco style cabinet. I was in love! There was also really nice smelling toiletries to use with fresh gleaming white towels.

The best part about it was the epic bathtub and shower that I could actually fit in. Having a bubble bath after a long day of sightseeing was an absolute dream.

Dining onboard the MS Mayfair

I couldn’t believe I would actually look forward to eating food on a cruise ship, but the Mayfair really had it all in terms of catering.

There weren’t many people on board which the crew told me is the case for many cruise ships since tourism is suffering. So, that meant we could have our own table. I, of course, picked a booth ;).

Meals would be a mixture of buffet food and an al la carte menu and you can bet that it was 3 courses if not more if you wanted seconds!

The different types of meal options on the MS Mayfair

• The breakfast buffet  – a selection of fresh bread and toast, cereal bar, fresh omelette, poached egg and pancake station, waffle bar, yoghurts and a massive selection of fruit. There were also Egyptian options. Unlimited free juice, tea and coffee.
• Lunch buffet – a selection of bread, fresh pasta station, fish selection, meats, rice, fries, Egyptian specialities, fresh vegetables, salad options, fresh deserts. Water is free, soft drinks and alcohol at an extra supplement.
• Dinner buffet – my favourite. They would have different ‘themes’ each evening. Eastern theme, Italian, French. I particularly liked the Eastern theme which came with Shwarma grill, kebabs, rice etc. and the deserts were traditional also like Umm Ali.  Water is free, soft drinks and alcohol were an extra supplement.
• Al La Carte – This really sets the other cruises apart. The al la carte menu’s were always nothing but high quality. One night we even had beef wellington! So, how it works is that at lunch the staff will ask you to choose your meals for the evening. One starter (usually a soup or salad), a main course out of 4 choices and a selection of deserts would be available to choose from at a counter.
• Afternoon tea and snacks – on the sun deck each afternoon at sunset, we would be served complimentary tea/coffee with some biscuits and cakes. It was super scrummy.

MS Mayfair swimming pool and hot tub on deck

The sundeck on the MS Mayfair was simply incredible. There were ample sun loungers, a refreshing pool to swim in and even hot tubs. All paired with a bar to keep you loaded up with a drink in hand.

The best part was when we were cruising down the Nile and you could lounge in the shade and watch the world and other ships go by. Or, even better, when we pulled up to shore and we were opposite the ancient sites!

The amazing thing is that, aside from the bar, all the amenities were free to use. Including complimentary pool towels.  

A lot of cruise ships charge for using the pool and towel hire but aboard the MS Mayfair, they were included in your cabin price.

The bar and evening entertainment on board the MS Mayfair

The bar was a great place to stop in the evening after dinner if you wanted some entertainment or a nightcap before retiring for bed!

On the first evening, we had a welcome drink in the form of free cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

I definitely snapped these up when I looked at the bar menu prices. Alcoholic drinks are not cheap, I’m talking £12GBP for a shot of Gin without tonic. So, when you’re offered free alcohol in Egypt, you take the free alcohol in Egypt!

There were a few ‘forced fun’ moments with the Galibeya parties where all the guests should wear Egyptian style clothes. But, there was also some great entertainment like belly dancing and a Sufi dance which was mesmerising!

Where does the MS Mayfair stop on the Nile Cruise?

The Nile Cruise usually stops at around 4 places on the trip. I’ll take you through the itinerary if you were on the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise;

Day 1: Aswan – check-in and spend the day sightseeing in Aswan, Lunch and dinner included. Sail overnight to Kom Ombo.

Day 2: Kom Ombo – wake up in the morning and have breakfast and then explore Kom Ombo temple, have lunch and make your way to Edfu.

Edfu – pull up and take a horse and carriage ride to Edfu temple, then come back to the ship.

Esna – sail onto Esna to travel through Esna Lock, have dinner. Sail overnight to Luxor.

Day 3: Luxor – Wake up to Luxor in the morning have breakfast, explore the West Bank. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 4: Luxor – The next day have breakfast, check out then disembark (last check out at 8.30 am), continue sightseeing on the East Bank. Only breakfast is included on the last day.

The only thing I have to say is it is quite disappointing the amount of time you actually sail down the Nile. I think it was really only one full day. My favourite part was sightseeing along the way so I would have loved an extra day sailing.

MS Mayfair excursions

Day 1: start off sight seeing in aswan.

Usually, if you’re starting in Aswan on the first day, you check in around 11 am on the boat. You’re shown to your cabin, given time to organise, freshen up and then have lunch on board.

Then, you’re given free time to explore Aswan. If you’re like me and have booked with a tour company, you’ll then be taken around the sites in the city.

Our group started off at the Unfinished Obelisk, then we went to the Aswan High Dam, then finished off the day with a boat ride to Philae temple. Then we were taken to Tuthmoses perfume palace to buy some perfumes.

If you would like to know more about things to do in Aswan, then see my full blog post about all the things to do in Aswan here.

Day 2: Sail from Aswan to Kom Ombo Temple

I loved waking up to see that the Nile cruise had pulled up opposite the temple. From here, Kom Ombo temple was only a short walk five minute away from the dock!

After breakfast, we then spent around an hour at the temple taking a tour of Kom Ombo with our guide.

Kom Ombo Temple is located around 50 kilometres from Aswan and was built in the Greco-Roman era. It was built in honour Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus the falcon-headed god.

It was dedicated to Sobek as there used to be a huge amount of crocodiles that used to terrorise people in the Nile around this area. So, they believed if they dedicated the temple to the animal, it wouldn’t attack them.

As a result, many crocodiles were held captive in the temple and were also mummified once they died. There’s a crocodile museum where you can see them that’s included in your Kom Ombo ticket price.

Sail and stop at Edfu Temple

Next up is an afternoon of sightseeing at Edfu temple.

This is one of the most impressive due to the fact it has been preserved so well and many of the rooms are still intact to explore. You can even climb up to certain parts of the temple which, for a history geek, was like a dream come true!

The cruise ship will dock up around a few kilometres away from the temple. Most tour groups will grab horses and carriages to get here. If you prefer, you can pay for a taxi or rickshaw (3 wheeler).

On my cruise, the return ride was included but tips were expected for the drivers.

At first, when you enter the temple you are greeted with this epic facade. The temple is dedicated to Horus the falcon-headed god so you’ll see lots of statues and carvings to honour him here.

This temple was built in 57BC but throughout the time it had been an ancient settlement and graveyard from as early as 3000BC (remember BC goes backwards).

In its prime, it acted as a cult centre for Horus of Bedhet and inside the rooms, you can find hieroglyphics about how to make offerings like honey and perfume.

There are many anti-chambers, offering halls and even a replica boat which would carry Horus’ statue to the Nile on special occasions. The Nile used to flow right up to the temple but over time it now flows further away.

Watch the cruise ship travel through Esna lock

Not a stop in particular, but fans of boats and river locks will love the famous Esna crossing!

To allow the boat to cross through the lock, the boat has to dock into a bay and the water is lowered there in order for the water to clear out. So, while you’re having dinner you can actually feel the ship submerging down.

The whole process takes around 2 hours and it’s quite interesting to see it all in motion.

Watch out for the traders who get on their rowboats to sell their wares to cruise ships passing by! They will quite literally throw scarves and jewellery at you on board to buy.

Day 3: Explore the West Bank of Luxor

Once you’ve landed in Luxor, you will have arrived at the world’s largest open-air museum. From here, you will be first exploring the West Bank;

• The Valley of the Kings – This is a must see in Luxor, the valley of the kings is a famous burial sight which was made famous by Howard Carter with the discovery of Tutankhamun. Here you can see 3 burial chambers with your ticket. You can also buy an extra ticket to see King Tut for yourself. I have a whole post on the best tombs to see in the Valley of the Kings here.
• Temple of Hatshepsut – the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a marvellous piece of ancient Egyptian architecture. It’s famous due to its astronomical alignment and the lasting legacy of ancient Egypt’s longest-serving queen.
• A hot air balloon at sunrise – something you can add onto your trip and an incredible experience floating over the West Bank in a balloon! To read more about this see my article on an air balloon ride here.

Day 4: Disembark and explore the East Bank of Luxor

The East bank is closer to where your Nile cruise is docked up and, on our tour, we explored these after we checked out of the ship;

• Luxor Temple – an incredible temple which is right in the city centre, this was a five minute walk from our cruise dock. This is a must see and you can even visit to see it lit up it in the night time. For more amazing things to do in Luxor at night see here.
• Karnak Temple – a little further afield but far larger and more impressive. This is where the famous 100 meter high pillar apostle hall is located. I have to admit, I saw this alone at sunrise and in a group and much preferred it at alone at sunrise. It’s too busy in the day. There is also a sound and light show here in the evening.

Read my ultimate 3 day Luxor itinerary here !

Is WiFi included on board the MS Mayfair?

If you’re worried about keeping in contact back home, then don’t fret.

The MS Mayfair has free WiFi for passengers on board. But, it only really works in public areas. Luckily, there are super comfy sofas to chill out on while you surf the web!

It’s not the fastest, so, skyping can be a challenge! If you did want 24/7 fast Wifi I would opt for buying a data SIM card at the airport for your phone before you board.

Tipping while on board the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise

Instead of tipping each crew member individually per day, tips are usually paid at the end of your cruise when you check out.

You can pay this in cash in either dollars or Egyptian pounds. Or, add it onto your final bill when you pay for your drinks and extras you bought on board.

Crew ship fees are different from porter fees. So, you can pay a tip to the nice guys who help you with your luggage when you get here or before you leave.

As cruise ships aren’t as full as they used to be, I gave a little more than expected. These guys do an amazing job and probably made a lot more before tourism went down so dig deep!

How much is a MS Mayfair cruise?

Ah, the all mighty question. Well, all in all, my Nile Cruise cost me around £700 for a single cabin with Memphis Tours. This was the cheapest I could find it.

This does sound like a lot but if you break it down by day;

• 3 nights/4 days of 5* accommodation
• 3 buffet, quality meals per day
• Afternoon snacks included
• Free water at all times
• All tourist attraction tickets paid for
• All transport paid for

So, per day that works out at £175 a day  for all that which I think is a steal! Not to mention that all the stress of organising the transport and tickets is covered. The experience was worth every penny!

A day out at the West Bank independently cost me around £60GBP without lunch if you count up the transport, attractions, water and food so it’s good value.

Dates are cheaper in the offseason. To check rates and dates available for the MS Mayfair see here.

Nile Cruise for a solo traveller

As I was travelling solo, I was a little worried that I would have to share my cabin, tables and that people weren’t going to be friendly. Or worse, I wasn’t going to talk to anyone at all.

But I shouldn’t have worried, doing it with a tour group was great as it meant I got to meet loads of new people. Plus, the tour guide Eid was really friendly.

He was a qualified Egyptologist and great to ask questions. He also checked if I was okay as I was alone and took photos for me!

You will pay more as a solo cabin user. I think they usually charge per person that’s why. But, I got my own spacious cabin, my own dining table and there was enough space on the ship if I wanted alone time.

Sailing onboard the MS Mayfair is a 5* luxury experience at an affordable cost

The MS Mayfair was such a dream to cruise up the Nile with. From the moment I arrived at the moment, I checked out it was a luxury experience.

In the mornings I woke up to a nutritious breakfast and views to die for. After every sightseeing day, we would receive cold towels and a refreshing drink.

In the afternoons we’d enjoy lunch and then tea and cake. In the evenings there was a delectable dinner and things to entertain you.

All the meals were incredible, the staff waited on you hand and foot, the cabins were high quality and I will cherish the memories of seeing the ancient temples from my cabin onboard forever.

If you’re looking for a luxury Nile cruise at an affordable rate, MS Mayfair is at your service! You really won’t regret a holiday on the Nile with them, don’t miss out.

I was not sponsored by MS Mayfair to write this post. I just had a really good experience and wanted to share! All opinions and photos are my own

Read more of my Egypt articles

My perfect 2 week Egypt Itinerary

My top travel tips for Egypt

The perfect Egypt packing list

The most Instagrammable places in Egypt

My guide to the Valley of the Kings

Things to do in Luxor

Things to do in Aswan

Top places to visit in Luxor at night

The perfect guide for Abu Simbel

My survival guide for the pyramids

Top things to do in Cairo

Why you NEED to visit Alexandria

Top tips for riding a hot air balloon in Luxor

Save this MS Mayfair Nile Cruise Review for later!

Tuesday 14th of March 2023

Hi there, I love your articles on Egypt! We're planning a trip there in July. I wanted to as you regarding the MS Mayfair... if I go to their website, the cruise is about $1,620.00. If I go to Viator there are other cruises for about $450 with Imperial Cruises (drinks, water and entrance fees are excluded). Do you think it was worth the extra $1,000 approximately for this? I'm travelling with my two teens so am trying to figure this out :-) Thank you

Sophie Pearce

Friday 7th of April 2023

Hi, Sam sorry for the late reply and thanks for reading. This really depends on your budget and what you'd like to get out of the experience. I splashed out as it was my first cruise and I wanted to make sure the facilities/food were of a good standard. There are much cheaper cruises out there but I would do your research with reviews and see if there are any common themes of food poisoning, sickness and bad rooms before you commit! Thanks, Sophie x

Sunday 26th of February 2023

love your blog and this article is very informative thank you! We are two people also going on MS Mayfair Nile cruise but we are experiencing the tour company asking us for a 50% down payment in advance to pay through their website. Is this normal? Did you also pay a deposit?

Hi Nadine, I’m pretty sure I did put a deposit down but I don’t remember it being 50%. But, it is definitely normal to put a deposit down. Have a lovely time! It’s such a beautiful cruise. Thanks, Sophie x

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

We’ll be going to Egypt and doing a Nile cruise, pretty much along the lines of yours. Just writing to commend you on the practical information - distance of sights from docks, where are the loos at the Pyramids, etc - really what one needs to know.

Thursday 16th of February 2023

@Sophie Pearce, I just booked 2 Suites direct for early Jan 2024 on the 3 nighter from Aswan to Luxor. In their inclusions they are very explicit that all sightseeing entrance fees, transport and an English speaking guide are included.

Hi Michael, no worries at all! It can be daunting when you haven't been to Egypt before and have no idea of the practicalities beyond the pretty pictures/draw of the sites! I hope you have an amazing Nile cruise, I'm sure you'll love Egypt :) Thanks for reading, Sophie x

Saturday 10th of December 2022

Thank you for the very helpful review. I'm wondering if I need to pack my foam pad or if the bed is soft enough for my back problems.

Hi Nancy, I found the mattress quite soft and I use a memory foam mattress at home! But, if you are concerned, I'd always bring it with you. Hope this helps, Sophie x

Tuesday 22nd of November 2022

I'm trying to look into how to book the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise via Memphis Tour but I cannot find Mayfair on their website. Did I find the wrong website? Would you mind commenting the website where you booked your ticket here? Thank you in advance

Wednesday 23rd of November 2022

Hi Ly Tran, Oh that's strange. I found this link on their website https://www.memphistours.co.uk/Egypt/Egypt-Hotels-and-Nile-Cruises/Nile-Cruises-In-Egypt/ms-mayfair-nile-cruise-egypt but I'm not sure. It may be worth asking their help team? Sorry! Sophie x

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Nile Cruises from Cairo

A cruise adventure starting in Cairo is a great way to see Nile. We have 194 tours that range from 1 days up to 24 days. The most popular time for tours from Cairo is May, which has the most cruise departures.

194 Nile river cruises from Cairo with 6,656 reviews

• River Cruise
• Christmas & New Year

Nile Jewel - 5* Cruise

Well recommended.. From the pick up at the airport to the drop off 9 days later everything went as planned. We visited some amazing places. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and friendly. I strongly recommend you buying a few extra days and then you can do some of the optional tours. A once in a live time experience that I will never forget 😁😁🙏😎

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

Best Of Egypt - 5* Cruise

Mina was our guide for part of our trip through Egypt and was by far the best we had. So knowledgeable, thoughtful and would always go the extra mile. He truly made our trip special. Thankyou Mina!

• In-depth Cultural
• Coach / Bus

Felucca Odyssey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

The tour was 10/10 and Mo was unreal, super informative and made so many accomodations for everyone on the tour.

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

Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure - Return Flights Included

We did this tour starting 6th April 2024. Overall it was really well organised and we had a fantastic experience of the ancient Egyptian history which we were after. Mahmoud is an excellent local guide and we felt safe and well looked after throughout the cruise and excursions. He was especially very good with kids. The communication from the tour operator was clear, responses were prompt and the website and apps are well designed. The hotel in Cairo, the cruise cabin and facilities were a bit dated and in need of repairs and upgrades, but that reflects in the price. We knew this from other reviews so there were no unwelcome surprises. We managed to do all the optional excursions and they were all well worth it and highly recommended.

9 Days Nile Jewel (Cairo, Cruise, Hurghada) Superior hotels

Our tour guide, Mansor, was not only knowledgeable but also brought a fun and enjoyable vibe to the journey.Thanks you

10-Day Ancient Egypt Tour (Superior Hotels)

I highly recommend taking a tour in Egypt. The transfers are well-organized, you feel secure with a local guide, and you get to see all the famous sights.

Egypt Nile Jewel

Medhat was great- saw everything and more.

Holiday In Egypt 4 Days – 3 Nights Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight

This was without a doubt an absolutely perfect experience. The guide Anas could not have been more gracious, informative and knowledgeable. All of the stops were stunning and the pleasant shoreline views along the way made the whole experience exciting and charming. The meals were fantastic and everyone aboard was there to help. The day tours were exactly as described and some surprisingly fun activities on the boat only enhanced the experience. I highly recommend taking this cruise package.

Egypt Adventure

The itinerary is great and covers a lot of ground. The restaurant or cafes selected for food were fine and no problems with hygiene. Ahmed is an excellent tour guide. The old concern is the accomodation was ordinary. Even though we were on Original class it wasn’t some hotels are poor. If that will be an issue got the Comfort class.

Best of Egypt

This is an amazing detail tour about the history. The food was really good but was disapointed to eat kfc to cater to one of the guys on the tour because he didn't feel safe eating the traditional food even though no one else got sick. I would love to have the chance to eat more egyptian food. Also would have been great if we had more time to take photos. I felt a little rush to enough everything. Moody was a great tour guide though and every educated about all the sites and he is very funny to. I defineltly recomend this to anyone. I always felt safe and healthy.

Egypt Nile Adventure

Astounding. Breathtaking. A glimpse into the past of the greatest civilization on Earth. George (Tamer) was our guide. I have never taken a tour before, and George's know how, knowledge, and personality had no bounds! He is the BEST tour guide, over flowing with love of his past and a passion that shines. Our 9 days were packed, which I love! You can sleep when you get home, but in the mean time, I tried to do all the extra excursions, because why not?! I love Egypt and it's profound history. This opportunity was a dream come true for me as an archaeologist! I HIGHLY recommend this tour and George!!! George is attentive, always made sure we understood and was clear on the days proceedings. I didn't have to worry about a thing, because George was on the ball 100% of the time. Please go. Please absorb. Thank you George, Egypt, my Phoenix group, Tour Radar, and Expat for an experience and perspective I'm still processing.

Egypt Luxury Guided Tour W/Nile Cruise & Air 5*

Great experience with wonderful impressions....Very good organized and we saw everything we wanted to see from this wonderful country...

• €131 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Cairo and Nile Cruise Tours - Included Internal Flights

Brilliantly organised trip by Getaways Egypt..its fast paced and a good few early morning starts. This is really a 5 day trip with so much great adventures on the schedule. Getaways looked after us with great care thanks to Harry's great organisation. Only downside is..as time is limited I would recommend skipping the Nubian Village tour and definitely the terrible Karnak night light show.

• €110 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Enchanting Egypt Tours - Internal Flights Included

Comprehensive tour, experienced many wonders. Nice small group. Very responsive coordinators.

King Ramses - 13 days

Egypt is amazing! From the time we landed in Cairo to the time we left, we never once felt unsafe or unwelcome. The local people were all so warm, friendly and welcoming. Our tour was incredible, and that was in large part to our guide MoMo, who was so knowledgeable and passionate about all things Egypt. He was so friendly, funny and made our small group of strangers feel like a family after the first day. The information he shared was very indepth and insightful and I came away from this trip wanting to learn even more about the history of Egypt. Although we covered many miles visiting so many wonderful sites from Cairo to Giza, Kom Ombo, Aswan, Abu Simbel, Agilika Island and Luxor, we still had time to visit a local perfumery, an alabastor workshop, a papyrus factory and a spice store to pick up treasures to take home. There was also free time for us to enjoy taking in the sites of the small villages and farms as we relaxed on the deck of our Nile Cruise, and spending time on the beaches in Hurghada. Besides MoMo, I want to thank the whole On-The-Go team from those guides whom we only spent a day or two with, plus the drivers and to all those people involved in the organizing of this tour for making this a truly amazing experience! If Egypt is not on your bucket list, it should be as you will never regret making the journey.

What people love about Nile Cruises from Cairo

Mina was an incredible tour guide - so friendly and knowledgeable. He is such a kind hearted man who made our trip so special.

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.

It was a wonderful trip with MO, he is very informative and tried his best to accommodate everyone’s needs.

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Nile River Cruise

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NILE RIVER CRUISE (Luxor) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

Cruising the River Nile: Pros, Cons, and Recommendations

Angus McComiskey/Getty Images  

Traditionally, a Nile cruise was considered the centerpiece of an Egyptian vacation, evoking romantic images of idyllic days spent drifting in luxury between the country's ancient sights . In Victorian times, a Nile cruise was the only way to see some of Egypt 's most outstanding ancient temples. Modern visitors have more options available to them; and while Nile cruises are still popular, some find themselves put off by the idea of being confined on a boat for the majority of their vacation. The river is much busier now than it was in the past, and with more than 200 cruise boats plying their trade, there are lines to get through the locks and to dock at each disembarkation point. 

Let's weigh the pros and cons of a Nile cruise so that you can decide whether or not it's a good fit for your visit to Egypt. 

What to Expect

Most Nile cruises start in Luxor and visit the popular sites of Esna, Edfu, and Kom Ombo before disembarking in Aswan. Other itineraries fly directly to Aswan and work their way north down the Nile to the same sights. Most cruises will last at least four nights. There are many different vessels to choose from, ranging from traditional paddle steamers (best suited to those that favor history and authenticity) to luxurious modern cruise ships (geared towards those for whom creature comforts are a priority). Your budget and personal preferences will determine which cruise you choose, although opting for a cabin with air-conditioning is advised during the scorching summer months .

Most cruise companies employ the services of an Egyptologist, who will guide your group around the ancient sights you visit along the way. Days start early to avoid the intense heat of the afternoon; and as such, all cruises tend to operate on a similar schedule (which can lead to overcrowding at the docking sites and at the temples themselves). Modern vessels typically have a swimming pool so that you can cool off after your morning explorations; while some provide nightly entertainment in the form of belly dancing shows or themed dress-up evenings. Food on board is usually excellent, ranging from generous buffets to set dinner menus. Make sure to find out what's included before choosing your operator.

Despite the changes brought about by the progression of time, a Nile river cruise is still one of the most popular ways to see Egypt's ancient sights. Part of that is tradition, and part of it is practicality; after all, many of the most famous sites are located directly on the river, making a cruise the easiest way to travel between them. At night, many of the temples and monuments are illuminated, and the sight of them from the water is simply breathtaking. During the day, the rural scenes you'll see whilst traveling from place to place have remained largely unchanged for thousands of years.

Despite the early morning starts (and depending on which vessel you choose), cruises can also be wonderfully relaxing. While sailing, you'll be able to get a sense of the country without having to deal firsthand with the chaotic roads, busy city streets, and persistent hawkers for which Egypt is famous. Although the sites you'll visit along the way are inevitably crowded, arriving in a large group can make some travelers feel more comfortable. You'll also benefit from the knowledge of an expert guide, both in terms of navigating the touts and in terms of understanding the fascinating history of the temples themselves.

For many visitors, the main drawback of a Nile cruise is not the influx of vessels, nor the crowding at the sites (the latter is unavoidable whether you visit them as part of a cruise or not). The main disadvantage is the inflexibility of a cruise; the fact that you have to operate on a set schedule that dictates when you visit a temple, how long you get to spend there, and what you see whilst you're there. If you want to spend more than a few hours exploring the untold wonders of the temple complexes at Luxor, for example, you may wish to travel there independently or with a land-based guide.

These days, overland tours are equally easy to arrange and allow for more flexibility. You can even hire a car or take public transport if you don't want to be part of an organized tour at all. Many cruise itineraries focus solely on the most popular temples, leaving out worthwhile smaller sights like Abydos and Dendera. Alternatively if your time in Egypt is limited, you may prefer to focus on one or two sights rather than spending much of your vacation in transit on the river. The sheer amount of time spent on board can also be a drawback if you're traveling with young children, or if you find out too late that you don't enjoy the company of your fellow cruise mates.

Recommended Cruises

Best Traditional

Audley Travel's five-night itineraries aboard the Steam Ship Sudan offer the last word in exclusivity and Victorian-era refinement. The steamship, which was constructed in 1885 for King Fouad, was the direct inspiration for Agatha Christie's famous novel Death on the Nile and is still decorated in flawless Belle Epoque style. In each of its 18 cabins and five suites, period antiques range from brass beds to vintage telephones. And although the ship is now operated by a hybrid diesel/steam engine for optimum quietness, you can still view the original pistons and paddle wheels. Dining aboard the Steam Ship Sudan includes generous buffet breakfasts and lunches and stately four-course dinners.

Best Luxury

Despite its traditional exterior, the  Oberoi Philae  offers 22 cabins and suites decorated in the same style you might expect from a contemporary 5-star hotel. Each one includes a pillow-top mattress, high-speed WiFi, a multi-pressure shower, and 24-hour butler service. If you're feeling particularly decadent, splurge on a suite with its own private terrace, complete with a sun lounger and heated whirlpool tub. There are two restaurants to choose from, one for gourmet international cuisine, the other for light meals and beverages at the edge of the ship's temperature-controlled outdoor swimming pool. Other luxuries range from a movie theater and dance floor to a salon and spa treatment rooms.

Best Budget

Budget travelers should consider booking a felucca cruise like the ones offered by On The Go Tours . Feluccas are traditional Egyptian sailboats, the like of which have plied their trade on the Nile for centuries. They are wind-powered and as such have a more fluid itinerary; while their smaller size allows them to dock at places of interest that don't have the infrastructure for larger cruise ships. There is no luxury on a felucca cruise; you will sleep on deck in a sleeping bag that you bring with you; the food is basic and amenities are limited to a toilet and shower on the accompanying support boat. However, the experience is probably one of the most authentic (and certainly the cheapest) on the river.

Best for Families

Being trapped on a boat for an extended period of time can be challenging for families, especially if they include young children. This 10-day itinerary from Abercrombie & Kent gives you the best of both worlds with some land-based adventures in addition to a four-night Nile cruise. Your journey from Luxor to Aswan aboard Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is accompanied by an A&K Child Activity Coordinator whose job it is to keep your little ones entertained en route. The itinerary also includes plenty of interactive, hands-on fun that doubles as cultural education, from felucca sailing trips to camel rides, henna painting, and bread baking. A themed dinner and onboard costume party lets the kids dress up in traditional robes known as galabeyas .

The Last Word

Ultimately, whether or not a Nile cruise is the right choice for you depends on your personal preferences. If you like the idea of a cruise , the sheer variety of available options means that you're likely to find a vessel and/or operator to suit your needs. If the drawbacks listed above sound like deal-breakers for you, you're better off saving your money and organizing an alternative option instead.

Updated and re-written in part by Jessica Macdonald

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Which Nile Cruise Ship Is Best? - Luxor Forum

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Which Nile Cruise Ship Is Best?

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MS Farah Nile

MS Nile Goddess

MS Mayfair Nile

Sonesta Saint George

Movenpick MS Royal Lily

MS Tosca Nile

Movenpick MS Darakham

Many thanks in advance for any insights!

The best is not on your list which would be Oberoi Zahra hands down followed by S,S Sudan.

Did the Oberoi Last year and no other boat comes close that's why it's priced high for pure luxury.

Have you looked through here for reviews of the boats you have listed?

https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-d472084?m=19905

We were on Nile Goddess in November, not really luxurious but adequate enough.

Clean, decent food, though a trifle repetitive, staff were friendly, nowhere near capacity, so the nightlife on the boat was a bit quiet.

Monday, passengers embark and do the Karnak and Luxor temples. Tuesday morning, West bank, start cruising in the afternoon, after lunch.

We used the Princes Farah last month and I thought it was perfect a number of the guides we talked to said it wax their favorite

I believe The Sudan costs around £2000 for a 4 day sailing. Correct me if I'm wrong.

I'm not sure if we were just lucky but the boat also docked on the outside of the other boats, so we always had a beautiful view of the Nile - while the other boats had a view of another ships window.

I'd highly recommend the Royal Lilly. You'll have a fantastic time with them.

docking on the outside of the other boats is just luck

the last boat to arrive is on the outside. Whilst the schedule may try to make them the last to arrive it can't be guaranteed that the others don't run late

All of them are nice ships but Nile Goddess.

It is very old ship and doesn't bear the name of Sonesta any more. It was Sonesta Nile Goddess.

Are you looking for the best experience or best facilities?

I love authentic and responsible tours so I found http://ResponsibleTravel.com/holiday/3949/nile-cruises and http://Tripsavvy.com/cruising-the-nile-in-egypt-1454268 useful sites.

I'm not into alcohol/partying/loud stuff and prefer to absorb the Egyptian atmosphere through tranquility, so felucca-ing is my preference. Would love to experience a meditation ceremony in one of the temples but not to the detriment or integrity of the temple structure.

An Egyptologist told me the resonance within these temples could give you an out of body experience with the chanting, etc. Awesome!

Sorry, not answering your question really but I'm hopefully giving you a different perspective.

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