Egypt Discovery
Nile Cruise5-Star DeluxeAswan → Luxor

Alma Nile Cruise

Alma pairs air-conditioned cabins with a sun-deck pool, restaurant and lounge bar, with Wi-Fi available on board.

The short answer

Alma is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £812 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.

02Overview

A first look

At first light, the Nile slips past palm groves, fishing boats and low river villages as Alma leaves Luxor or Aswan. From the sun deck, the view changes slowly; ashore, our Egyptologists bring context to Karnak Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the Valley of the Kings, then you return to the lounge bar or pool while sailing continues.

We arrange your air-conditioned cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation and the shore-excursion programme. Drinks (including water) are usually charged separately, so we confirm the final arrangements before sailing.

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.

3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks WednesdaysOctober – April: from £812double cabinsingle cabin £1,137May – September: from £537double cabinsingle cabin £653Peak dates: from £1,073double cabinsingle cabin £1,508
4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks SaturdaysOctober – April: from £1,014double cabinsingle cabin £1,447May – September: from £647double cabinsingle cabin £801Peak dates: from £1,362double cabinsingle cabin £1,942
7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks SaturdaysOctober – April: from £1,614double cabinsingle cabin £2,371May – September: from £971double cabinsingle cabin £1,242Peak dates: from £2,222double cabinsingle cabin £3,237
7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks WednesdaysOctober – April: from £1,628double cabinsingle cabin £2,385May – September: from £985double cabinsingle cabin £1,256Peak dates: from £2,237double cabinsingle cabin £3,251

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. 1

  2. 2

  3. 3

  4. 4

What lingers

  • 01Shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple
  • 02Visits the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo
  • 03Includes Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings in its excursion programme
  • 04On-board facilities include air-conditioned cabins, a pool, restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi

On property

What's here

  • Wi-Fi
  • Non-smoking rooms
  • Air conditioning
  • Swimming pool
  • Restaurant
  • Room service
  • Family rooms
  • Laundry
  • Bar
  • Airport shuttle
  • Rooftop terrace

The fine print

What's included – and what is left out

Included

  • Air-conditioned cabin accommodation on the Nile cruise
  • Full board, starting with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
  • Shore-excursion programme featuring Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings
  • Use of the pool and sun deck onboard
  • Access to the restaurant, lounge bar and Wi-Fi onboard

Not included

  • Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
  • Personal spending and laundry charges
  • Gratuities
  • Cabin upgrades and the single supplement
  • Travel insurance and visa costs

Field notes

From our Egyptologists

  1. 01

    Carry water for temple visits; drinks (including water) are typically charged separately on board.

  2. 02

    Ask about cabin class and view before confirming, as Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins may differ.

  3. 03

    Budget separately for gratuities, laundry and personal spending; these are not included.

  4. 04

    Check current site hours shortly before travel, as opening schedules can vary by season.

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.

How an extension is arranged

Tailor it

Make it yours

Travellers may request cabin upgrades, a single cabin, additional Cairo or Luxor nights, and pre- or post-cruise transfers; supplements and availability should be confirmed before booking.

Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.

Suited to

Is this for you?

Yes, if

  • This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, history enthusiasts and travellers who want to combine accommodation, river transport and guided sightseeing. It is appropriate for adults and families comfortable with regular shore excursions, uneven temple surfaces, steps and walking in warm conditions.

Maybe not, if

  • Choose another option if you need step-free access or cannot manage stairs and uneven ground. Summer shore excursions can also be uncomfortable for travellers who struggle in high heat.

Honest assessment

The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.

Highlights

  • Visits include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
  • Unlike a land-based sightseeing circuit, the vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan.

Things to Consider

  • Temple visits involve uneven stone, steps and limited stroller access.
  • Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately.
  • A single cabin usually requires a supplement.
  • Summer heat can make shore excursions tiring, especially around midday.

Where it fits

The Alma Nile Cruise fits between a Cairo stay and time in Luxor or Aswan, linking the Nile’s principal temple sites with visits along the river.

Worth knowing

How this compares

Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines river accommodation with transport between Luxor and Aswan and scheduled shore excursions.

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.

The route

Luxor and Aswan

  1. LuxorKarnak & the Valley of the KingsEmbark
  2. EdfuThe Temple of Horus
  3. Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
  4. AswanPhilae Temple & the High DamDisembark

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
Cabin on a 5-star Nile cruise
Destinations
Luxor · Aswan · Nile River · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
Includes
Cabin accommodation with air conditioning · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Shore-excursion programme · Use of the restaurant and lounge bar · Sun-deck pool · Wi-Fi access
Best for
Visitors to Egypt for the first time · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families travelling with children · Travellers looking for a guided Nile cruise
Guide languages
English

Before you go

What to pack & wear

What to bring

  • Valid passport
  • Walking shoes with a comfortable fit and good grip
  • SPF50+ sunscreen and lip balm
  • A sun hat and sunglasses
  • A refillable water bottle
  • Insect repellent
  • Compact daypack for trips ashore
  • Any prescription medication you need

What to wear

  • Lightweight clothing with a loose fit
  • Breathable layers for chilly mornings aboard
  • Walking shoes that are comfortable and closed-toe
  • At temples and religious sites, keep shoulders and knees covered
  • A sun hat and sunglasses
  • Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool and sun deck

Children & families

Children from 0 to 5.99 years old travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay half the adult price, while children aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. Children need to share a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children must have a cabin of their own. Gangways, steps, sandy tracks and uneven ancient stone can make strollers difficult to manage, so a compact stroller or carrier is more practical. High chairs are not confirmed as available; please check before booking.

Accessibility

Who can join this

This Nile cruise includes uneven ground, sand, steps and ancient stone surfaces at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Some sites have limited shade and long walking distances. Boarding the vessel may involve a sloping gangway, with the slope changing as the river level changes. Stairs may connect cabins, dining areas and the sun deck, and wheelchair access depends on the assigned vessel and cabin location. The Valley of the Kings and temple sites are not fully wheelchair accessible. Guests with reduced mobility may need a companion’s help. Please tell us about access needs before booking so we can check the assigned vessel’s arrangements.

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

River transport links Luxor and Aswan, while local Egyptian drivers provide transfers for the shore-excursion programme. The cruise line that owns and operates the assigned vessel manages dining, housekeeping, cabin services and on-board facilities. Licensed local Egyptologists and local drivers support employment in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Sailing between the main Nile sites reduces repeated long road journeys, although fuel, water and waste use remain part of cruise operations. We can explain the confirmed vessel’s facilities and operating practices once the ship has been 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

  1. 01How long is the Alma Nile Cruise?
    Your confirmed embarkation and disembarkation dates determine the exact time aboard, so check the booking details before making onward travel plans.
  2. 02Where do I embark and disembark on the Alma Nile Cruise?
    The Alma Nile Cruise embarks and disembarks in Luxor and Aswan, according to the direction of your sailing. We arrange the cruise booking, but transfers to and from the vessel are not listed among the inclusions. Check your final arrangements for port details and any separately booked transport.
  3. 03What is included on the Alma Nile Cruise?
    The booking includes an air-conditioned cabin, full board and the vessel’s shore-excursion programme. Meals run from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day; the restaurant, lounge bar, sun deck, pool and Wi-Fi are available on board. The excursion programme features Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
  4. 04What is not included in the Alma Nile Cruise fare?
    Drinks (including water), personal expenses, laundry, gratuities, travel insurance and visa costs are excluded unless your final arrangements state otherwise. A cabin upgrade or single supplement is also extra. The fare is based on sharing a cabin, so ask us to confirm the total if you are travelling alone.
  5. 05Is the Alma Nile Cruise suitable for guests with limited mobility?
    The vessel has stairs between decks, and the shore excursions involve uneven stone, sand and steps at archaeological sites. Some areas may therefore be difficult to reach for guests with limited mobility. Tell us about any access requirements before booking so we can check the arrangements for your sailing and the sites on its programme.
  6. 06Are children welcome on the Alma Nile Cruise?
    Children are welcome, with fares and cabin rules based on age. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; those aged 6–11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 or over pay the adult fare. A child must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need their own cabin.
  7. 07What should I wear and bring for the Alma Nile Cruise?
    Bring comfortable shoes for uneven paths and steps, plus a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen for time ashore and on the sun deck. Choose light clothing for warm days and a layer for cooler evenings. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples, and keep water with you during excursions.
  8. 08Can I take photographs during the Alma Nile Cruise excursions?
    Photography rules depend on the site and the area being visited. Check signs and ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs inside temples or tombs, as restrictions may apply.
  9. 09When is the best time to take the Alma Nile Cruise?
    October to April is generally more comfortable for visiting Nile sites, while May to September can be very hot. Air conditioning is available in the cabins, and the vessel has a pool on the sun deck, but excursions still involve time outdoors. Take sun protection and water whatever the season.
  10. 10Which sites does the Alma Nile Cruise visit between Luxor and Aswan?
    The excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. The sailing connects Luxor and Aswan, with visits ashore between sailing periods. The precise order depends on the direction and arrangements for your departure.

Editorial review

Last reviewed 8 March 2025

Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-828520

At a glance

Length
3, 4 or 7 nights
Embarks
Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
Board
Full Board
Class
5-Star Deluxe
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