What is a Nile cruise?

A Nile cruise is a multi-night voyage aboard a purpose-built vessel sailing the 220 km stretch of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan in southern Egypt. Ships moor overnight at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with guided excursions to the temples at each stop. Vessels range from intimate 6-cabin dahabiyas under canvas to 5-star motor cruisers carrying up to 200 guests.

How long is a Nile cruise holiday?

The most popular length is 4 nights – enough to take in every major temple from Luxor to Aswan without rushing. Three-night cruises are quicker-paced and suit travellers adding a Red Sea extension. Seven-night cruises are usually on dahabiyas and include smaller temples the shorter sailings bypass. Ten-night voyages continue into Lake Nasser to reach Abu Simbel by boat.

What is included in a Nile cruise holiday?

All Discovery Tours Nile cruises include: a private Egyptologist guide on every shore excursion, all temple and site admissions (Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae), full board on the ship (breakfast, lunch, dinner), air-conditioned transfers at every port, port fees, and round-the-clock in-country support from our Luxor and Aswan offices. Flights, gratuities, drinks outside mealtimes, and Abu Simbel day trips are separate unless specified.

How much does a Nile cruise cost?

Every Nile cruise ship is rated 5-star by the Egyptian Tourism Authority – pricing varies by tier within 5-star, not by star rating. Standard 5-star ships: from £500–£900 per person for 4 nights. Deluxe 5-star ships: from £780–£1,150. Ultra-deluxe 5-star: from £1,180–£2,000. Luxury flagships (Oberoi Zahra, Sanctuary Sun Boat): from £2,200+. Traditional dahabiyas (a separate vessel class, not star-rated): from £3,500–£6,000 per person for 7 nights. These are cruise-only fares (cabin and full board) – guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers add roughly £450 per person, or ask us for the fully inclusive price.

Dahabiya or cruise ship – which is better?

A dahabiya (6–12 guests, a traditional wooden sailing vessel) is the better choice for couples, returning visitors, and anyone who values atmosphere over amenities – no pool, but a private sundeck, intimate dinners, moorings at temples the larger ships skip, and a pace set by the wind and your preferences. A 5-star motor cruiser (100–200 guests) suits first-time visitors who want a pool, a gym, and evening lectures alongside the temple circuit.

What is the best route direction – Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?

Luxor → Aswan is the most popular direction: you begin at the world's largest temple complex (Karnak) and finish near Abu Simbel and Aswan airport. Aswan → Luxor reverses the sequence, with Karnak as your finale. Both directions visit identical temples, so choose around your flight connections rather than any temple preference.

When is the best time for a Nile cruise?

October to April is the comfortable season – 20–30°C on the river, low humidity. November and February are the sweet spots: ahead of the Christmas peak, with ideal weather. May to September is hot (35–40°C) but 30–40% cheaper, and the temples are quieter before 9 am. Book six months ahead for November, February, and the Christmas/New Year window.

Can I combine a Nile cruise with Cairo?

Yes – and most first-time visitors do. The usual combination is 2 nights in Cairo (the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Grand Egyptian Museum) followed by a 4-night Nile cruise, then a flight home from Aswan. We arrange all internal flights, transfers, and guide continuity across the Cairo and Nile legs.

Is a Nile cruise suitable for families?

Yes. Most 5-star cruise ships have family cabins, pools, and evening entertainment. Our Egyptologist guides pitch their temple commentary to the ages in your party – hieroglyph workshops, treasure-hunt sheets, and story-led introductions are standard for families with children aged 6 and over. Dahabiyas suit older teenagers and adults better than young children (smaller spaces, no pool).

Is there a single supplement on Nile cruises?

Most ships charge a 50–75% single supplement for sole occupancy of a double cabin. Some Standard 5-star ships offer no-supplement single cabins in the low season (May–September). We always check current availability – do ask when you enquire.

What is a round-trip Nile cruise?

A round-trip Nile cruise departs from Luxor, sails south to Aswan (or the reverse), then returns to the starting port. This format is common on 7-night dahabiya charters and some 7-night motor-cruiser itineraries. It suits travellers flying in and out of the same city (Luxor or Aswan), or anyone who wants to experience the Nile in both directions.

How do I book a Nile cruise?

Send us your preferred travel dates, party size, and whether you lean towards a dahabiya or a motor cruiser. We reply within 24 hours with a curated shortlist – not a catalogue. To confirm, a 25% deposit holds your cabin; the balance is due 30 days before embarkation. Full documentation (boarding passes, emergency contacts, tipping guidance) is issued at that point.

What is a Lake Nasser cruise?

A Lake Nasser cruise is a 3- to 4-night voyage on the lake created by the Aswan High Dam, sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel. Unlike the classic Luxor–Aswan river cruise, the Lake Nasser route visits the Nubian rescue temples that UNESCO relocated in the 1960s – Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Qasr Ibrim, and finally Abu Simbel at dawn. Three ships work the lake: MS Eugenie, MS Kasr Ibrim, and MS Prince Abbas.

Is a Nile cruise worth it?

Yes – for most first-time visitors to Egypt, a Nile cruise is the most efficient way to see the country's great Pharaonic temples. You unpack once, sleep on the river, and let the boat handle the logistics between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. The alternative – a multi-stop overland tour with daily hotel changes – costs more and reaches fewer temples in the same week.

Are Nile cruises safe in 2026?

Yes. Nile cruise tourism has operated continuously since the 1960s and is among the most security-screened activities in Egypt. Every embarkation point has tourist police, every ship carries licensed Egyptologist guides, and FCDO travel advice for the Nile Valley remains unchanged from prior years. We monitor advisories daily and adjust itineraries if needed.

Discovery Tours Egypt · sailing since 1988 · Reviewed 9 July 2026

Nile cruise holidays – every ship, route, and sailing length, compared for UK travellers.

Dahabiyas under canvas, 5-star Luxor–Aswan motor cruisers, boutique luxury vessels, and the Lake Nasser fleet that sails to Abu Simbel at dawn. Egyptologist-guided, every admission included, arranged direct for UK travellers from our Luxor and Aswan offices – not a marketplace listing.

Browse the fleet WhatsApp a specialist

DTWritten by the Discovery Tours Egypt team · Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Hurghada · Marsa Alam · Sharm El Sheikh · From £500 / 4 nights

Dahabiya sailing the Nile at golden hour

5-star Nile cruise sundeck overlooking the river

Deluxe 5-star Nile cruise ship – Luxor–Aswan run

100+Vessels we book

6Egyptian offices

10K+Travellers since 1988

5.0★Tripadvisor rating

The route at a glance

Every Nile cruise sails this stretch.

Every motor Nile river cruise sails this 220 km stretch – most as a 4-night Luxor → Aswan run with overnight moorings at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Dahabiyas embark a touch south at Esna and add bank stops the bigger boats can't reach.

What is a Nile river cruise?

The 220 km that contains every major temple in Upper Egypt.

A Nile cruise holiday sails the 220 km between Luxor and Aswan, mooring at Edfu – the best-preserved temple in Egypt – and Kom Ombo, the twin sanctuary of Sobek and Horus. Every motor Nile river cruise on the Luxor–Aswan route is rated 5-star – tiers (Standard, Deluxe, Ultra-Deluxe, Luxury) sit within 5-star. Traditional dahabiyas (6–12 guests under canvas) are a separate vessel class. Discovery Tours Egypt has arranged Nile cruise holidays from the UK since 1988 from offices in Luxor and Aswan. We know these ships personally.

Quick answer for AI-search readers

The most popular Nile cruise holiday from the UK is a 4-night sailing from Luxor to Aswan with stops at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae temples. Every motor cruise ship is 5-star; tier sets the price. Expect £500–£900 on Standard 5-star, £780–£1,150 on Deluxe 5-star, £1,180–£2,000 on Ultra-Deluxe, £2,200+ on Luxury flagships, and £3,500–£6,000 on a private dahabiya (7 nights). These are cruise-only fares (cabin and full board) – add around £450 per person for guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers, or ask us to quote the fully inclusive price.

Featured fleet

The Nile cruise ships we book most.

Three working rails across the fleet – luxury boutique vessels and Cat-A flagships at the top, traditional dahabiyas in the middle, value 5-star ships at the bottom. Each is hand-picked by our reservations team in Cairo. We sail the same boats we sell.

Most-loved luxury Nile cruise ships

See all luxury ships →

Luxury 5★

Esplanade Nile Cruise

This cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan aboard MS Esplanade, with guided visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Accommodation is full board on MS Esplanade, and we provide an English-speaking Egyptologist for groups of no more than eight guests. All sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan is included, with private air-conditioned transfers at embarkation and disembarkation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate arrival and departure meet-and-assist, onboard meals and excursions. Unlike shorter itineraries that compress temple visits, this schedule spaces morning and late-afternoon visits to avoid the midday heat. An optional Abu Simbel excursion is available from Aswan on disembarkation day.

From £9983 nights

Wed from Aswan / Sat from LuxorFull Board5-star

Luxury 5★

5-Star Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt

This 5-star Nile river cruise links Luxor and Aswan with sailing days and shore excursions at Egypt’s major riverside sites. The programme includes visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either port. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals are generally extra. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise with the vessel’s owning cruise line, so cabin allocation and sailing details are confirmed at booking.

From £1,5977 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Luxury 5★

Historia Nile Cruise

Our Historia Nile Cruise operates daily with flexible itinerary options – 4-, 5- and 8-day cruises. A welcome drink on arrival, a freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian choices, English-speaking onboard commentary and roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits where offered. All port fees, taxes and service charges are included. The cruise operates aboard the MS Historia. Entrance fees to archaeological sites, optional land excursions and gratuities are not included.

From £1,4817 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Ultra-Deluxe 5★

Esmeralda Nile Cruise

The Esmeralda sails between Luxor and Aswan, operating a classic Nile itinerary that visits riverside temples and island sites. On this cruise you will step ashore for named monuments commonly visited on this route, including the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, while daylight hours are spent cruising between moorings. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and sightseeing for every sailing rather than supplying only audio guides. Compared with faster overnight crossings, this classic cruise gives more time at riverside temples and a calmer pace on deck. Expect afternoon cruising along the riverbank, morning shore visits, and the practicalities of walking on uneven ancient stone at many sites.

From £9057 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Luxury 5★

5-Star Nile Cruise

Movenpick Royal Lotus is a 5-star Nile river cruise with a pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge and Wi-Fi on board. The vessel provides a calm base for shore excursions to ancient sites including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailing schedules operate between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. Full board covers lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation. Cabins are priced per person sharing, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories available subject to booking terms. An upper-deck cabin supplement of 15% applies above the standard rate. Drinks beyond water served with meals are generally extra.

From £9347 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Ultra-Deluxe 5★

Cleopatra Nile Cruise

The Cleopatra Nile Cruise is a five-day sailing from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Accommodation aboard the Cleopatra, all meals, guided Egyptologist-led visits and entrance fees are included in the programme. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers and on-the-ground logistics so your days ashore run to plan. Unlike many rushed excursions, this itinerary allocates full visits at Luxor and Aswan and stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo en route, which gives more time for each temple visit than a single-day run.

From £9767 nights

Wed from Aswan / Sat from LuxorFull Board5-star

Ultra-Deluxe 5★

Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise

Spend a full day aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess from Aswan, with guided visits to Philae Temple (Agilkia Island), the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. We arrange hotel transfers in Aswan, an English-speaking Egyptologist, all on-board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and standard site entrance fees for the included visits. We are licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (ETAA); itineraries and times are subject to seasonal river conditions and port schedules.

From £8767 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Traditional dahabiya Nile cruises

See all dahabiyas →

Dahabiya

5-Star Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt

Queen Isis is a 5-star dahabiya cruise on the Nile, arranged for travellers who prefer a quieter sailing experience than a large river cruiser. The itinerary links Aswan and Luxor over three nights, with departures from Aswan to Luxor on Mondays and from Luxor to Aswan on Thursdays. Full board covers lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation. A jacuzzi is available on board, while included transfers connect the cruise with the agreed arrival and departure points. This intimate style of Nile travel has a slower pace and a lower passenger capacity than larger cruise ships. Drinks beyond water with meals and gratuities are not included.

From £1,3083 nights

Dahabiya

Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt

Nour El Din Dahabiya is a 45-metre sailing vessel on the Nile, designed for up to 20 guests with an 11-person crew. Its 8-metre beam and three-deck layout create a more intimate setting than larger Nile cruisers, with two cabin decks and a slower rhythm between shore visits. As a dahabiya, it uses sail power for much of the journey and can offer access to quieter stretches of the river and smaller archaeological sites. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals are generally extra. We arrange the cruise as part of your Egypt programme; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier.

From £9053 nights

Dahabiya

Three Pyramids Dahabiya

Three Pyramids Dahabiya cruises from Luxor to Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The pace is measured, with mornings ashore for temple visits and afternoons spent sailing past palm groves and Nile islands. You pass through the historic Esna Lock, visit a riverside village and explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the twin temples at Kom Ombo. We favour small-group dahabiya sailings with eight to 12 guests rather than larger motor-ship cruises, so visits are quieter and more flexible. Our Egyptologists lead the sightseeing and we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, available to answer planning questions and arrange your transfers and onward travel.

From £9053 nights

Best-value 5-star Nile cruise ships

See all deluxe ships →

Deluxe 5★

Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise

From £1,0643 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Deluxe 5★

Star of Luxor Nile Cruise

From £1,0643 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Deluxe 5★

Alyssa Nile Cruise

Alyssa Nile Cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae Temple. We arrange small-group cruises with English-speaking Egyptologists, full-board meals, airport and port transfers, and entrance fees for the listed sites. Groups are capped at eight participants, so visits are quieter and queuing times are typically shorter than on larger cruise programs. The itinerary includes a horse-drawn chariot visit to Edfu and a folkloric evening ashore. Optional excursions, such as Abu Simbel from Aswan, can be added. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Cairo-based team coordinates every detail on the ground, from meet-and-assist to transfers and local guides.

From £5157 nights

Mon from Luxor / Fri from AswanFull Board5-star

Deluxe 5★

Alma Nile Cruise

Alma Nile Cruise is a 5-star river cruise arranged along the Nile, with air-conditioned cabins, a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi and a pool on the sun deck. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Days combine sailing between Egypt’s principal Nile cities with guided visits to ancient sites. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically charged separately, so check the final arrangements before sailing.

From £5157 nights

Wed from Aswan / Sat from LuxorFull Board5-star

Five vessel classes · one river

Browse Nile cruises by ship class.

Every motor Nile river cruise on the Luxor–Aswan run is rated 5-star – the four tiers sit within 5-star and set the cabin size, service ratio, dining format, and pace on board. Dahabiyas are a separate vessel class entirely. The temples are identical from every deck – your class shapes the boat, not the river.

Per-night entry rates across the five Nile cruise classes. The four 5-star tiers sit on the solid spine; dahabiya – a separate vessel class – anchors the far right with its own dashed marker. Rates vary depending on travel dates and availability, cabin sizes can vary depending on ship. Cruise-only fares shown; guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers are extra.

How long to sail

Browse Nile cruises by length.

Most travellers pick a 4-night Luxor–Aswan sailing – the standard Nile river cruise length. The 3-night shape is for tighter trips with a Red Sea extension; the 7-night is dahabiya territory or a Luxor round-trip; 10-night voyages reach Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel by boat.

The route

Luxor to Aswan – what you'll see along 220 km.

Almost every Nile cruise sails the 220 km between Luxor and Aswan. Five major temples lie along the route. Dahabiyas access two additional mooring sites the big ships bypass – El Kab and Gebel el-Silsila.

All Nile cruise routes sail Luxor ↔ Aswan (220 km). Dahabiyas add El Kab and Gebel el-Silsila – bank stops the bigger boats cannot enter.

The other Nile cruise

Lake Nasser – Aswan to Abu Simbel by boat

Most Nile cruises sail the 220 km of river between Luxor and Aswan. Lake Nasser cruises sail the ~290 km Egyptian stretch of the lake the Aswan High Dam created, calling at the Nubian temples UNESCO relocated stone by stone in the 1960s – Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Qasr Ibrim, and finally Abu Simbel at dawn. Only three ships work the lake: MS Eugenie, MS Kasr Ibrim, and MS Prince Abbas. Most returning Egypt travelers regard it as the more atmospheric of the two voyages.

See Lake Nasser cruises Nile + Lake Nasser combo

The five Nubian stops, in sailing order

1
Kalabsha
Temple of Mandulis – relocated from below the High Dam, now perched on an island near Aswan.
2
Wadi El Seboua
Avenue of sphinxes leading to a Ramesses II rock-cut sanctuary.
3
Amada
Oldest standing temple in Nubia (Thutmose III, c. 1450 BCE).
4
Qasr Ibrim
The only Nubian site never moved – viewed from the water, still atop its original cliff.
5
Abu Simbel
Arrival at dawn by boat, not by 6am charter flight – the great temple lit by the first sun on the lake.

Fleet news · 2026

What's new on the Nile.

New builds and additions across the Nile fleet – the developments shaping where you can sail next.

01
Sep–Nov 2026
Viking Ptah and Viking Sekhmet join the Nile
Two new 82-guest ships expand Viking's Egypt fleet to eight vessels, both sailing the 12-day Pharaohs and Pyramids itinerary.
02
Late 2026
Waldorf Astoria's first Nile riverboat
A five-deck, 29-suite all-suite vessel debuts with 4- and 6-night Luxor–Aswan sailings.
03
Late 2026
Abercrombie & Kent unveils Nile Seray
A&K's fifth Egyptian riverboat carries 64 guests, with suites from 355 sq ft and two whirlpool-veranda suites.
04
Late 2026
Oberoi adds two new luxury dahabiyas
Melouk and Malekat, each with just seven suites, bring a 1920s-inspired design to the traditional dahabiya class.

Compare all five classes

Standard to Dahabiya – side by side.

Every ship class sails the same temples on the same route. What changes is on board.

Feature	Standard 5★ (Comfort)	Deluxe 5★ (Classic)	Ultra-Deluxe 5★ (Prestige)	Luxury 5★	Dahabiya
Star rating	5★	5★	5★	5★	Separate class
Per night from	$125	$195	$295	$550+	$500+
Cabin size	16–20 m²	20–28 m²	28–40 m²	35–55 m²	18–28 m²
Guests on board	80–150	60–120	36–60	8–36	6–12
Pool	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Dining	Buffet	Buffet + grill	À-la-carte	Fine dining	Cook on request
Best for	First-timers, value-led	Comfort + reliability	Design-conscious	Couples, VIPs	Intimacy, repeat visitors

Rates vary depending on travel dates and availability, cabin sizes can vary depending on ship. Cruise-only fares shown; guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers are extra.

Is a Nile cruise the right choice?

Two decisions before you book.

For most first-time visitors a Nile cruise is the most efficient way to see Egypt. Two genuine alternatives sit either side – dahabiya (slower, smaller) or land-based tour (more flexible, multi-stop). Both worth weighing.

Vessel choice

Dahabiya vs motor cruise ship.

A dahabiya carries 6–12 guests on a traditional sailing yacht – no engine noise under canvas, bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila, dinner under stars. A 5-star motor cruise ship carries 60–200 guests on a fixed Mon/Fri rotation with a pool, gym, and Egyptologist lectures.

Dahabiya · 6–12 guests · from £3,500 pp (cruise-only)Motor cruise · 60–200 guests · from £500 pp (cruise-only)

Browse dahabiyas →Browse motor cruisers →

Format choice

Nile cruise vs land-based tour.

Pick a Nile cruise if…

You want the temples in chronological order without daily hotel changes
You'd rather unpack once and let the ship handle the logistics
Sunset on the river and golden-hour sail-by views matter to you
It's your first time in Egypt and you want the most efficient temple sweep

Pick a land-based tour if…

You're a returning visitor focused on specific archaeology (workshops, tombs by appointment)
You want more time in Cairo's museums or off-Nile sites (Saqqara, Dahshur, Western Desert)
You travel with younger children who'd prefer a hotel pool to a cabin
You'd like to extend stays in particular towns (Aswan, Luxor west bank villages)

Browse Nile cruises →See multi-day land tours →

Cruise + land packages

Pair your Nile cruise with Egypt's best.

A Nile cruise is the anchor of most Egypt itineraries. These three are our most-booked combinations – each adds something the river alone can't.

Cruise + Cairo

4-night Nile cruise paired with 2 nights in Cairo – Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and the Grand Egyptian Museum before or after the river.

From $1,800 ppView itineraries →

Cruise + Red Sea

4-night Nile cruise followed by 3–4 nights at Hurghada or Marsa Alam – temples, then reef. The complete Egypt trip.

From $2,100 ppView itineraries →

Cruise + Abu Simbel

3 or 4-night cruise with Abu Simbel included – either by early-morning flight from Aswan or, on 10-night voyages, by boat through Lake Nasser.

From $1,400 ppView itineraries →

Choosing and booking

Four decisions, five steps, one cruise.

Four decisions that narrow it down

01
Direction – which way to sail?
Luxor → Aswan is the most-booked direction: you start at the world's largest temple complex and finish near Abu Simbel and the Aswan airport. Aswan → Luxor reverses the sequence – Karnak is your finale instead of your opening act. Both visit identical temples; choose based on your flight connections.
Luxor to Aswan Aswan to Luxor
02
Class – what tier fits your budget?
Budget ships start at $500 per person for 4 nights cruise-only; luxury boutique ships run $2,200+. Add around $450pp for guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers. The temples are the same from any deck. Choose by how much time you plan to spend on board vs. at the monuments – if you're off the ship every morning, a budget cabin is a smart trade.
03
Duration – 3, 4, or 7 nights?
Three nights is the minimum to cover the key temples. Four nights is the sweet spot – every major monument without rushing. Seven nights suits dahabiyas and round-trip itineraries; you visit smaller temples the short cruises skip. Ten nights opens up Lake Nasser and Abu Simbel by boat.
7-night Luxor round trip 7-night Aswan round trip Esna dahabiya route
04
Season – heat, peak, or value?
October–April is the comfortable season (20–30°C, peak fares). November and February are the sweet spots – gentle weather, not yet Christmas prices. May–September is hot (35–40°C) but 30–40% cheaper and the temples are quieter before 9 am. Ramadan timing shifts year to year – ask us.

Five steps to your Nile cruise

01
Shortlist 2–3 ships
Tell us your travel dates, budget tier, and whether you lean dahabiya or motor cruiser. We send a curated shortlist within 24 hours – not a catalog, a recommendation.
02
Pick direction and cabin
Choose Luxor → Aswan or Aswan → Luxor based on your flight connections. Select cabin category: standard, superior, junior suite, or suite. We advise on which deck is quietest.
03
Confirm dates and group
We check live availability and hold your cabin for 48 hours. Solo, couple, family, or group – we adjust pricing and confirm the exact embarkation logistics.
04
Add flights, hotels, and extras
Many guests combine the cruise with Cairo nights, a Red Sea extension, or Abu Simbel by flight. We build the full itinerary and issue a single, itemized quote.
05
We confirm and document
25% deposit confirms your booking. Full documentation – tickets, emergency contacts, Luxor and Aswan office numbers, tipping guide – is issued 30 days before sailing.

Start planning my cruise WhatsApp our planners

What's included

All admissions. All meals. All guiding.

Headline cabin price is the real price. Everything below is in your quote unless you specifically opt out.

01
Private cabin
Air-conditioned, en-suite, daily housekeeping
02
Full board
Breakfast · lunch · dinner · afternoon tea on board
03
All temple admissions
Karnak · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae + Valley of the Kings
04
Egyptologist guide
Credentialed, in-house – not a freelance coach guide
05
Airport/hotel transfers
Air-conditioned vehicles, Luxor and Aswan
06
Port fees
All embarkation and disembarkation taxes
07
On-board entertainment
Galabeya night · Nubian folkloric show
08
Wi-Fi on board
Satellite Wi-Fi on most 5-star and deluxe ships
09
Shore excursion vehicles
Private AC transport at every temple stop
10
Arrival assistance
Meet-and-greet from our Luxor or Aswan office
11
Bottled water daily
On board and on shore excursions throughout
12
Tipping guide
Printed guide at embarkation – not included in price

Responsible cruising

How we choose the ships we sell.

Not every ship on the Nile is one we'd put a family member on. Our shortlist is built on four criteria.

Local crew. Every ship we sell is staffed by Egyptian crew – captain, chef, guides, housekeeping. We do not work with operators who fly in expatriate management.
Plastic policy. Refillable water bottles on board and on shore excursions on all our 5-star and dahabiya partners. Single-use plastic bottles phased out by 2027.
Modern engines. Our shortlisted fleet uses post-2015 low-sulphur fuel standards. We avoid ships running the older heavy-fuel engines that previous operators tolerated.
Community spend. Shore excursions buy from local markets, craft cooperatives, and Nubian villages – not airport-zone bazaars built for tour-bus volume.

Accessibility

Travelling with reduced mobility.

Tell us at inquiry stage and we'll match you to a ship and cabin that fits.

Step-free embarkation. All deluxe and ultra-deluxe ships have step-free gangways at Luxor and Aswan ports.
Accessible cabins. Mövenpick, Sonesta, and Sanctuary ships offer wheelchair-accessible cabins (book 90 days ahead).
Temple-site mobility. Edfu and Kom Ombo are mostly flat; Karnak and Philae have ramps. Valley of the Kings requires some stair climbing – we advise per tomb.
Lift access on board. All ships in our 5-star and ultra-deluxe shortlist have passenger lifts between all decks except sundeck.

When to sail

Year-round on the Nile.

October–April is peak sailing season – comfortable temperatures, full ships, higher fares. May–September is 30–40% cheaper and the temples are less crowded before 9 am.

Jan

23°C

Peak fares

Feb

26°C

Peak fares

Mar

30°C

Shoulder peak

Apr

33°C

Shoulder peak

May

37°C

Value

Jun

40°C

Best fares

Jul

41°C

Best fares

Aug

40°C

Best fares

Sep

37°C

Value

Oct

33°C

Peak fares

Nov

27°C

Peak fares

Dec

23°C

Holiday surcharge

PeakShoulderLow season · best fares

Oct–Apr: Peak

20–30°C, low humidity. November and February are sweet-spot months: perfect weather without full Christmas pricing.

May–Sep: Value

35–40°C but 30–40% cheaper. Mornings at the temples (before 9 am) are very manageable. Crowds are minimal.

Ramadan

Variable dates – check the year's calendar. Some temple sites adjust hours; the river remains fully operational. A unique atmosphere.

Christmas / New Year

20–35% premium. Book 9–12 months ahead to secure the ship and cabin you want.

What travellers ask first

Six questions before booking.

Who's on board with you

Every Nile cruise carries a private Egyptologist.

Discovery Tours Egypt retains a network of licensed Egyptologist guides directly – not as freelance contractors who rotate between operators. The guide on your Nile river cruise is the same person behind the five-star reviews on our Tripadvisor profile, the same person who wrote the temple notes on our journal pages, and the same person who'll meet you at Luxor or Aswan port on day one.

Meet the guides

Traveller reviews · 4.6★ across Tripadvisor & Google

What recent travellers say.

Read all reviews →

★★★★★
Every transfer, every guide, every hotel pickup was on time. You feel like you're in the hands of people who actually live and breathe Egypt – because they do.
– Brooke G. · Tripadvisor review · Nov 2025
★★★★★
I worked with Discovery Tours to host a group trip to Egypt and it was seamless from beginning to end. Hassany was a great coordinator and helped tailor the trip perfectly.
– Lena S. · Google review · Sept 2025
★★★★★
Our guide Mohamed went above and beyond to make our time in Egypt special. We said goodbye to a friend at the end. Totally recommend booking with Discovery.
– Corey C. · Tripadvisor review · Aug 2025

Frequently asked

Nile cruises – answered.

01What is a Nile cruise?
A Nile cruise is a multi-night voyage aboard a purpose-built vessel sailing the 220 km stretch of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan in southern Egypt. Ships moor overnight at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan, with guided excursions to the temples at each stop. Vessels range from intimate 6-cabin dahabiyas under canvas to 5-star motor cruisers carrying up to 200 guests.
02How long is a Nile cruise holiday?
The most popular length is 4 nights – enough to take in every major temple from Luxor to Aswan without rushing. Three-night cruises are quicker-paced and suit travellers adding a Red Sea extension. Seven-night cruises are usually on dahabiyas and include smaller temples the shorter sailings bypass. Ten-night voyages continue into Lake Nasser to reach Abu Simbel by boat.
03What is included in a Nile cruise holiday?
All Discovery Tours Nile cruises include: a private Egyptologist guide on every shore excursion, all temple and site admissions (Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae), full board on the ship (breakfast, lunch, dinner), air-conditioned transfers at every port, port fees, and round-the-clock in-country support from our Luxor and Aswan offices. Flights, gratuities, drinks outside mealtimes, and Abu Simbel day trips are separate unless specified.
04How much does a Nile cruise cost?
Every Nile cruise ship is rated 5-star by the Egyptian Tourism Authority – pricing varies by tier within 5-star, not by star rating. Standard 5-star ships: from £500–£900 per person for 4 nights. Deluxe 5-star ships: from £780–£1,150. Ultra-deluxe 5-star: from £1,180–£2,000. Luxury flagships (Oberoi Zahra, Sanctuary Sun Boat): from £2,200+. Traditional dahabiyas (a separate vessel class, not star-rated): from £3,500–£6,000 per person for 7 nights. These are cruise-only fares (cabin and full board) – guided sightseeing, admissions, and transfers add roughly £450 per person, or ask us for the fully inclusive price.
05Dahabiya or cruise ship – which is better?
A dahabiya (6–12 guests, a traditional wooden sailing vessel) is the better choice for couples, returning visitors, and anyone who values atmosphere over amenities – no pool, but a private sundeck, intimate dinners, moorings at temples the larger ships skip, and a pace set by the wind and your preferences. A 5-star motor cruiser (100–200 guests) suits first-time visitors who want a pool, a gym, and evening lectures alongside the temple circuit.
06What is the best route direction – Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?
Luxor → Aswan is the most popular direction: you begin at the world's largest temple complex (Karnak) and finish near Abu Simbel and Aswan airport. Aswan → Luxor reverses the sequence, with Karnak as your finale. Both directions visit identical temples, so choose around your flight connections rather than any temple preference.
07When is the best time for a Nile cruise?
October to April is the comfortable season – 20–30°C on the river, low humidity. November and February are the sweet spots: ahead of the Christmas peak, with ideal weather. May to September is hot (35–40°C) but 30–40% cheaper, and the temples are quieter before 9 am. Book six months ahead for November, February, and the Christmas/New Year window.
08Can I combine a Nile cruise with Cairo?
Yes – and most first-time visitors do. The usual combination is 2 nights in Cairo (the Pyramids, Sphinx, and Grand Egyptian Museum) followed by a 4-night Nile cruise, then a flight home from Aswan. We arrange all internal flights, transfers, and guide continuity across the Cairo and Nile legs.
09Is a Nile cruise suitable for families?
Yes. Most 5-star cruise ships have family cabins, pools, and evening entertainment. Our Egyptologist guides pitch their temple commentary to the ages in your party – hieroglyph workshops, treasure-hunt sheets, and story-led introductions are standard for families with children aged 6 and over. Dahabiyas suit older teenagers and adults better than young children (smaller spaces, no pool).
10Is there a single supplement on Nile cruises?
Most ships charge a 50–75% single supplement for sole occupancy of a double cabin. Some Standard 5-star ships offer no-supplement single cabins in the low season (May–September). We always check current availability – do ask when you enquire.
11What is a round-trip Nile cruise?
A round-trip Nile cruise departs from Luxor, sails south to Aswan (or the reverse), then returns to the starting port. This format is common on 7-night dahabiya charters and some 7-night motor-cruiser itineraries. It suits travellers flying in and out of the same city (Luxor or Aswan), or anyone who wants to experience the Nile in both directions.
12How do I book a Nile cruise?
Send us your preferred travel dates, party size, and whether you lean towards a dahabiya or a motor cruiser. We reply within 24 hours with a curated shortlist – not a catalogue. To confirm, a 25% deposit holds your cabin; the balance is due 30 days before embarkation. Full documentation (boarding passes, emergency contacts, tipping guidance) is issued at that point.
13What is a Lake Nasser cruise?
A Lake Nasser cruise is a 3- to 4-night voyage on the lake created by the Aswan High Dam, sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel. Unlike the classic Luxor–Aswan river cruise, the Lake Nasser route visits the Nubian rescue temples that UNESCO relocated in the 1960s – Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Qasr Ibrim, and finally Abu Simbel at dawn. Three ships work the lake: MS Eugenie, MS Kasr Ibrim, and MS Prince Abbas.
14Is a Nile cruise worth it?
Yes – for most first-time visitors to Egypt, a Nile cruise is the most efficient way to see the country's great Pharaonic temples. You unpack once, sleep on the river, and let the boat handle the logistics between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan. The alternative – a multi-stop overland tour with daily hotel changes – costs more and reaches fewer temples in the same week.
15Are Nile cruises safe in 2026?
Yes. Nile cruise tourism has operated continuously since the 1960s and is among the most security-screened activities in Egypt. Every embarkation point has tourist police, every ship carries licensed Egyptologist guides, and FCDO travel advice for the Nile Valley remains unchanged from prior years. We monitor advisories daily and adjust itineraries if needed.

Talk to the Cairo desk

Send your dates and group size. We'll send back three boats and a hold.

A specialist from our Luxor or Aswan office replies within 24 hours with a tailored cruise quote – dahabiya or motor cruiser, budget to boutique luxury. Hand-picked from over 100 Nile cruise ships, never a marketplace pull.

Plan my Nile cruise WhatsApp now

Cairo · Luxor · Aswan · Hurghada · Marsa Alam · Sharm El Sheikh

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Nile cruise holidays – every ship, route, and sailing length, compared for UK travellers.

Every Nile cruise sails this stretch.

The 220 km that contains every major temple in Upper Egypt.

The Nile cruise ships we book most.

Esplanade Nile Cruise

5-Star Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt

Historia Nile Cruise

Esmeralda Nile Cruise

5-Star Nile Cruise

Cleopatra Nile Cruise

Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise

5-Star Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt

Dahabiya Nile Cruise | Discovery Tours Egypt

Three Pyramids Dahabiya

Grand Mandarin Nile Cruise

Star of Luxor Nile Cruise

Alyssa Nile Cruise

Alma Nile Cruise

Browse Nile cruises by ship class.

Standard 5★ · Comfort

Deluxe 5★ · Classic

Ultra-Deluxe 5★ · Prestige

Luxury 5★

Dahabiya

Browse Nile cruises by length.

3-Night Cruises

4-Night Cruises

7-Night Cruises

Luxor to Aswan – what you'll see along 220 km.

Lake Nasser – Aswan to Abu Simbel by boat

What's new on the Nile.

Standard to Dahabiya – side by side.

Two decisions before you book.

Dahabiya vs motor cruise ship.

Nile cruise vs land-based tour.

Pair your Nile cruise with Egypt's best.

Cruise + Cairo

Cruise + Red Sea

Cruise + Abu Simbel

Four decisions, five steps, one cruise.

Direction – which way to sail?

Class – what tier fits your budget?

Duration – 3, 4, or 7 nights?

Season – heat, peak, or value?

Shortlist 2–3 ships

Pick direction and cabin

Confirm dates and group

Add flights, hotels, and extras

We confirm and document

All admissions. All meals. All guiding.

Year-round on the Nile.

Six questions before booking.

Visa for Egypt

Will I feel seasick?

Is there Wi-Fi on board?

What to wear

Tipping etiquette

Single supplement

Every Nile cruise carries a private Egyptologist.

What recent travellers say.

Nile cruises – answered.

Send your dates and group size. We'll send back three boats and a hold.