Acamar Nile Cruise
The short answer
Acamar is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £1,237 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
You step aboard to the Nile’s dry, citrus-scented air and the soft creak of a felucca’s sail against wood; late-afternoon light pools across the sun deck and the river’s breeze carries dust and river-plant scents. Expect gentle, short walks to shaded quays, quiet cups of tea on deck as we pass small islands, and evenings when the riverbank lights slide by as the cruiser navigates between ports.
We do not run large coach groups; our sailings keep numbers small so you can move freely between deck and shore. Our Egyptologists brief the day each morning, your vehicle meets you at the quay, and as a licensed Egyptian tour operator we handle the local arrangements on board.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and fares
Fares are per person in GBP, based on two sharing a double cabin. Each fare includes the full cruise, the guided sightseeing programme on the way, and transfers between the boat and the local airport or railway station at both ends.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,237double cabinsingle cabin £1,793 | May – September: from £920double cabinsingle cabin £1,255 | Peak dates: from £1,641double cabinsingle cabin £2,481 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,578double cabinsingle cabin £2,319 | May – September: from £1,155double cabinsingle cabin £1,601 | Peak dates: from £2,117double cabinsingle cabin £3,236 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,559double cabinsingle cabin £3,855 | May – September: from £1,819double cabinsingle cabin £2,600 | Peak dates: from £3,502double cabinsingle cabin £5,461 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £2,574double cabinsingle cabin £3,870 | May – September: from £1,834double cabinsingle cabin £2,614 | Peak dates: from £3,516double cabinsingle cabin £5,475 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Pick your cruise and date in the booking panel to see the exact fare.
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
These fares are a guide, as prices and cabins move through the year. Do ask us and we will confirm the fare for the days you have in mind.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Join the vessel in Luxor and have lunch on board, then explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Discover the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut’s Temple and the Colossi of Memnon, then set sail south in the direction of Edfu.
- 3
See the Temple of Horus in Edfu and Kom Ombo’s double temple before continuing by boat to Aswan.
- 4
Explore the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. An optional trip to Abu Simbel by air or road can be organised.
- 5
Enjoy a restful day in Aswan: take a felucca around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island, or visit a Nubian village, before the vessel heads north.
- 6
- 7
Return to Luxor with time to see any West Bank sites still on your list, or unwind on the sun deck while the vessel moors for its last night.
- 8
Disembark in Luxor after breakfast and continue with your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard your Nile cruiser in Luxor and settle into your cabin over lunch. In the afternoon, explore Karnak Temple, ancient Egypt’s largest religious complex, followed by Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Head across to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. The vessel then sets sail south towards Edfu.
- 3
Explore the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Egypt’s best-preserved temple, before sailing onwards to Kom Ombo to see its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Sail on to Aswan, where the vessel is moored overnight.
- 4
The vessel remains moored in Aswan. Those heading to Abu Simbel set off before dawn, travelling by road or air to the pair of rock-cut temples that Ramesses II had carved into the cliff, and return on board at around midday. Spend the afternoon at leisure on board.
- 5
Following breakfast, leave the ship in Aswan. Spend the morning exploring the city: see the High Dam, reach the Temple of Isis at Philae by motor launch, and visit the granite Unfinished Obelisk, before continuing with your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard your Nile cruiser in Aswan and have lunch on board. Explore the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Head north by boat to Kom Ombo to see its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris, then carry on to Edfu and visit the Temple of Horus. Continue sailing towards Luxor.
- 3
Arrive in Luxor and travel across to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 4
After breakfast, explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank before disembarking for your onward transfer.
- 1
Come aboard in Aswan and have lunch on board before visiting the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Spend a leisurely day in Aswan, sailing by felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands, or visiting a Nubian village. An optional trip to Abu Simbel can be arranged.
- 3
Sail north to Kom Ombo to see the twin temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to Edfu and the Temple of Horus.
- 4
In Luxor, cross to the West Bank to visit the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 5
Explore Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank before the vessel turns south on its return voyage.
- 6
- 7
Return to Aswan, where you can unwind on board or join an optional excursion before your last night.
- 8
Disembark in Aswan after breakfast for your onward transfer.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 54
What lingers
- 01Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes.
- 02Nile-view windows or private balconies are available depending on cabin category.
- 03Use the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room while aboard.
- 04Scheduled shore excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- 05Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae on the Nile route.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard in the cabin class booked
- All meals, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore-excursion programme to the listed sites
- Use of the public areas: sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room
- Embarkation and disembarkation assistance, plus crew services
- Charges for ports and harbours
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists unless requested
- International air travel, visas and travel insurance
- Optional or private excursions not included in the scheduled programme
- Single supplement, where applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check your cabin category before booking: private balconies are available only in some grades.
- 02
Carry small notes for personal purchases at excursion stops; gratuities are not included.
- 03
Bring sun protection for time on the open deck, even when the river breeze feels cool.
- 04
Ask before ordering drinks, as beverages (including water) are extra.
Add Cairo before or after your cruise
The ship stays between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights back to the UK, are in Cairo. These short extensions link the two.
After you disembark
Flight to Cairo and a night's hotel
Cairo for two nights and a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break Holiday: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Holiday
3-Day Luxor Trip from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Trip from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Trip from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Holiday with Alexandria
Tailor it
Make it yours
Optional or private excursions may be requested, subject to availability; the listed shore-excursion programme is scheduled. Cabin choice is available across Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with a single supplement typically applying to solo travellers.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Acamar suits history-focused adults, couples and small groups who prefer cabin accommodation on the Nile and a planned programme of Egyptologist-led visits. Choose it over a coach-led circuit if you want to return to the vessel between sightseeing stops.
Maybe not, if
- It may not suit travellers who need step-free access or prefer to explore sites independently, as the programme includes repeated boarding and scheduled excursions. Travellers seeking a quiet, unstructured river stay should consider a sailing without a set shore-excursion programme.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins offer a choice of comfort levels.
- A sun deck, pool and shaded seating overlook the Nile.
- The excursion programme includes Karnak, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings.
Things to Consider
- Boarding and disembarking recur throughout the shore-excursion programme.
- Uneven stone, steps and sand can make site visits demanding.
- Drinks (including water) and gratuities cost extra.
- Stroller access is limited at some archaeological sites.
Where it fits
Acamar fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions along the Nile route. Add time in either city before or after sailing to visit its temples and museums at a steadier pace.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most coach-led circuits travel between the monuments by road; Acamar’s programme combines sailing on the Nile with scheduled shore excursions. Unlike a private sightseeing itinerary, visits follow the vessel’s scheduled excursion programme.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest fares. Fares are per person, two sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,223 pp
- Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £1,223 pp
- Steigenberger Regency Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,223 pp
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin in the class booked · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions to listed sites · Use of the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room · Embarkation and disembarkation assistance · Crew services · Charges for ports and harbours
- Best for
- Travellers who prefer river cruising · Guests seeking scheduled shore excursions · Couples · Families sharing a cabin
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required visa documents
- Walking shoes that are comfortable and have good grip
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Refillable water bottle
- Light day bag for shore excursions
- Personal motion-sickness remedy, if needed
- Personal medicines and relevant medical information
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
- A warm layer for chilly mornings and evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes for archaeological sites
- Comfortable, modest clothing for the dining room
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers may help on flat quay surfaces but are difficult to use on rough ground and ancient-site paths. High chairs may be available on board; request one when booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The cruise involves a short gangway or boarding ramp at the quay, and some vessels have steps between public areas or at cabin doorways. Shore excursions can include uneven ground, stone steps and cobbled paths at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Narrow passages in some tombs are not suitable for wheelchairs. Access arrangements differ by vessel and port, and wheelchair-accessible cabins cannot be assumed. We can ask the cruise supplier about specific mobility needs and arrange limited help at embarkation and disembarkation. If you need continuous assistance, please travel with a companion or carer and contact us before booking so we can check what is feasible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is operated by its cruise-line supplier, not by Discovery Tours Egypt. Shore excursions generally use air-conditioned coaches for longer journeys and smaller vehicles where road access requires them. Egyptian suppliers provide local crew, guides and drivers, supporting employment in the places visited. Practices vary by supplier and sailing date, so bring a refillable bottle and ask us to check current arrangements. Waste handling is governed by local port rules, and we can confirm whether the assigned vessel separates waste. We do not claim that sailing or excursions are carbon-neutral. Supplier and vessel details are confirmed when the cruise is assigned.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how soon you let us know and on the kind of holiday. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Acamar Nile Cruise and what itineraries are available?
Choose the duration that suits your schedule. Tell us which nights you prefer and we will confirm the exact port calls and timings.02What time and where is pick-up for embarkation and disembarkation?
We confirm your exact quay and local pick-up time with your final documents. Nuance: Embarkation typically begins after lunch on embarkation day; our vehicle meets you at the designated quay and transfers are timed to the ship’s schedule. If you arrive by flight we advise landing at least two hours before the scheduled transfer; for early or late flights we can arrange private airport transfers.03What does 'full board' on the Acamar include?
Full board on Acamar runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. Nuance: That covers main meals served aboard (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and standard non-bespoke dining. Drinks, speciality restaurant supplements, and any shore-excursion extras or private transfers are usually charged separately unless we state otherwise in your booking confirmation.04Which items or services are not included in the cruise price?
Standard shore-excursion entrance fees on the scheduled programme are usually included; premium extras are not. Nuance: Premium items often excluded are hot-air balloon flights in Luxor, private transfers outside the scheduled times, some premium museum or tomb access (for example Tutankhamun or Seti I), gratuities and international or domestic flights unless your booking says otherwise. We’ll list exclusions clearly on your itinerary.05Is the Acamar suitable for passengers with limited mobility?
The Acamar has steps between decks and uneven quay surfaces, so it is not fully step-free. Nuance: Passengers who use a walking stick and can manage a few steps may be fine with assistance; wheelchair users should contact us before booking. Shore landings sometimes require short gangway or transfer by tender and quays can be dusty or cobbled; we can advise which cabins and sailings minimise walking.06Can I bring young children on the Acamar Nile Cruise?
Children are welcome but the vessel is a relaxed adult-orientated cruise with limited child-specific facilities. Nuance: There is no supervised kids’ club; family cabins vary by ship and availability of interconnecting cabins is limited. Expect short shore walks and early starts on some excursions. We recommend discussing ages and expectations so we can advise whether a family-friendly cabin and itinerary are appropriate.07What should I pack and wear for excursions from the Acamar?
Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and clothing for modest temple dress. Nuance: Lead items: wide-brimmed hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, light long-sleeve shirts, and closed or sturdy sandals for uneven ancient stone. Temples and mosques require shoulders and knees covered. Evenings on deck can be breezy, so a light jumper helps. Pack a small day bag and refillable water bottle for shore visits.08Are photography and tripods allowed on shore excursions?
Photography is generally allowed at the scheduled shore sites but restrictions apply at some museums and tombs. Nuance: Flash photography is often forbidden inside tombs and certain museum galleries; tripods and monopods may be prohibited at archaeological interiors. Your Egyptologist will tell you site-specific rules before each visit and we can arrange permits in advance where required for professional shoots.09What time of year is ideal for sailing the Nile aboard Acamar?
Winter sun (November to March) gives the most comfortable daytime temperatures for shore visits. Nuance: November–March averages are cooler and ideal for morning and afternoon excursions; summers (June–August) are hot, especially inland, so excursions start earlier and finish by midday. Shoulder months can offer quieter quays; tell us your preferred weather and activity level and we will recommend dates.10Can we visit Abu Simbel from the Acamar and how long is the transfer?
Nuance: The cruise docks at Aswan on some itineraries; if you wish to include Abu Simbel we schedule an early start and a private road transfer.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-407962
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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