Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
The vessel pairs 65 cabins in Andalos-style interiors with full-board dining, a pool, sun terrace, gym and evening entertainment.
The short answer
Al Nabilatan is a 5-Star Standard 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 £595 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, palms and cultivated fields slide past the sun deck as Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise leaves Luxor or Aswan. The river gives sailing days an unhurried rhythm: coffee by the pool, a shaded corner in the reading room, then the changing light on the banks through a panoramic window.
Ashore, our Egyptologists bring context to Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and the Valley of the Kings, while the lounge and evening events add a livelier note after dinner. Unlike a hotel-based sightseeing holiday, your cabin stays with you between ports.
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 £595double cabinsingle cabin £767 | May – September: from £493double cabinsingle cabin £595 | Peak dates: from £725double cabinsingle cabin £1,001 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £724double cabinsingle cabin £954 | May – September: from £589double cabinsingle cabin £724 | Peak dates: from £898double cabinsingle cabin £1,265 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,106double cabinsingle cabin £1,509 | May – September: from £870double cabinsingle cabin £1,106 | Peak dates: from £1,411double cabinsingle cabin £2,053 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,121double cabinsingle cabin £1,523 | May – September: from £884double cabinsingle cabin £1,121 | Peak dates: from £1,425double cabinsingle cabin £2,068 |
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 Standard Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 65
What lingers
- 01Cabins include junior suites with Andalos Islamic-style decor
- 02Swimming pool, pool bar and sun terrace aboard
- 03Restaurant serving international and national cuisine
- 04A private Egyptologist guide for the shore excursions listed
- 05Visits include Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Philae Temple
- 06Evening entertainment may include a folkloric show, a galabeyah party and a discotheque
On property
What's here
- Swimming pool
- Pool bar
- Elevators
- Electronic safety deposit box
- Grand lounge
- Sun terrace
- Restaurant (international & national cuisine)
- Main lounge with music system and dance floor
- Themed events (galabeyah party, belly dancer, folkloric show)
- Nightly discotheque
- Reading room
- Billiard room
- Tennis table
- Gym
- Massage services
- Laundry
- 24-hour room service
- Minibar in cabins
- Satellite TV in cabins
- Internet access
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Cabin accommodation for the sailing you select
- Full board, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- A private Egyptologist for the shore excursions listed
- Explore Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple with an Egyptologist
- Enjoy access to the swimming pool, gym, sun terrace and shared facilities on board
Not included
- The optional Abu Simbel excursion
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Personal spending, massage treatments, laundry and room service charges where applicable
- The single supplement
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Visit Luxor’s West Bank early to limit exposure to heat at the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple.
- 02
Carry cash for small purchases at riverside stops; prices and payment options can vary between vendors.
- 03
Choose light, breathable clothing and secure footwear for uneven stone paths at archaeological sites.
- 04
Ask before photographing people at local markets, and agree any purchase price before accepting a service.
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
Private guiding, transfers before embarkation or after disembarkation, additional hotel nights and other Egypt itinerary arrangements can be discussed; single travellers should allow for a single supplement.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want a structured Nile journey with guided visits to major ancient Egyptian sites. Travellers should be comfortable with boarding procedures, uneven temple surfaces, steps and moderate walking during shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout or want a quiet sailing without evening entertainment. Summer heat and repeated site visits may also be difficult for travellers with limited stamina.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Private Egyptologist guidance at seven named archaeological sites
- Optional Abu Simbel visit available after the southbound sailing
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve heat, steps and uneven historic surfaces
- Drinks (including water) cost extra
- Evening shows and a discotheque may not suit light sleepers
- A single supplement applies to solo cabin occupancy
Where it fits
Add Abu Simbel after the Luxor-to-Aswan sailing if you want to extend the southern end of the trip.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines cabin accommodation and river travel with a planned programme of guided temple and tomb visits. Unlike an independently booked cruise, Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the vessel, private Egyptologist guide and associated tour services, while the cruise line operates the ship.
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.
- King of Thebes Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £595 pp
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise Cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut Temple · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Accommodation in a cabin on your chosen sailing · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Private Egyptologist for listed shore excursions · Guided visits to the listed temples and archaeological sites · Use of the swimming pool, gym and sun terrace · Access to shared onboard facilities
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a structured Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and booking documents
- Well-gripping, comfortable footwear for walks
- A sun hat and shades
- SPF 30+ sun cream
- Refillable water bottle, where safe drinking water is available
- Insect repellent
- A compact daypack for trips ashore
- Prescription medicines you need during the sailing
What to wear
- Light, relaxed-fit clothes for hot days
- Sturdy, comfortable footwear for uneven historic ground
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A light layer for air-conditioned spaces and cooler evenings
- Pool swimwear and a cover-up for communal spaces
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%; children aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with no more than one child in each cabin. Two or more children need a cabin of their own. Strollers may be hard to manage on gangways, at river ports and across uneven archaeological ground. Please check high-chair availability before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding and leaving the Nile cruiser involves a gangway, which can be steep, narrow or uneven depending on the port and river level. Shore excursions include walking over uneven stone, sand, steps and sloping paths at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple. Wheelchair access, cabin door widths, lifts and accessible bathrooms are not confirmed for the vessel assigned to your booking. Shared onboard facilities include a sun terrace and swimming pool, but access to them may involve steps. Please contact us before booking if you have reduced mobility so we can check the assigned vessel and discuss practical assistance where available.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River cruising limits the need for repeated road journeys between Luxor and Aswan, although the vessel still uses marine fuel, water, electricity and onboard air-conditioning. The sailing programme supports Egyptian Egyptologists, drivers, port staff, catering teams and local excursion suppliers in the Nile Valley. We arrange these services with Egyptian partners, but we do not describe the cruise as zero impact. Where safe drinking water is available, use a refillable bottle. Please follow the vessel’s guidance on towel and linen changes, avoid single-use plastics and take all litter away from temples, riverbanks and archaeological sites.
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 does the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise usually last?
This allows for a thorough exploration of the ancient sites along the Nile River.02What does the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise's full-board arrangement cover?
Full board on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise covers all your meals, beginning with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the main restaurant. Drinks (including water) are typically an additional cost.03What shore excursions are part of the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise programme?
The Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise programme includes guided shore excursions to significant sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These visits are led by one of our private Egyptologist guides.04Does the cruise fare include the optional Abu Simbel excursion?
No, the optional Abu Simbel excursion is not part of the standard Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise price. This can be arranged as an add-on at the end of the Luxor to Aswan sailing. Your travel advisor can provide further details and assist with booking this extra.05Which cabin types can you choose from on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
The Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise features 65 cabins, including junior suites, all decorated in an Andalos Islamic style. Each cabin provides comfortable accommodation with panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy the changing Nile scenery. Specific cabin layouts and views vary by category.06Which facilities can guests use aboard the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
Facilities aboard include a sun deck, swimming pool, poolside bar, gym, reading room and spacious lounge. The vessel also has a main lounge with music and a dance floor, lifts, and electronic safety deposit boxes in every cabin. Themed evenings are available too.07What arrangements apply to children on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge, and those aged 6–11.99 pay half the adult price. Those aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. Only one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a cabin of their own.08What clothing is suitable for shore trips during the cruise?
For excursions ashore, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and sun cream. When visiting temples and religious sites, modest clothes covering the shoulders and knees are advised. Light, breathable fabrics are ideal for Egypt’s climate.09Are tips covered by the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise package?
No, gratuities aren’t part of the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise package. Tipping the crew and your Egyptologist guide is customary. Your travel adviser can recommend suitable gratuity amounts for your holiday.10When is the ideal time of year to go on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
The best time for an Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. The summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, although the vessel is fully air-conditioned for comfort.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-078826
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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