Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise

The short answer

Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Luxury

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01 Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Princess Cleopatra dahabiya over seven days.
• 02 Full-day guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings are included.
• 03 Longer moorings at Edfu and Kom Ombo provide two-hour temple visits, avoiding midday motorboat crowds.
• 04 We use sail power where winds allow; mornings are kept quiet rather than following large motorboat timetables.
• 05 Optional Abu Simbel transfer by road or flight from Aswan; expect early starts and long drives if chosen.

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Before you go

What to pack & wear

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01 How is a dahabiya different from a regular Nile cruise?

   A dahabiya is a small, traditionally rigged Nile sailing boat offering fewer cabins and a slower pace than motorised cruise ships. We arrange private dahabiya charters rather than selling individual seats on large motor cruise ships. Afternoons are often spent under sail between moorings, and shore visits tend to be shorter and more flexible than on larger vessels.
2. 02 What is included in the 7-day Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya price?

   Standard inclusions typically cover accommodation on board, daily meals, crew service, and scheduled shore visits. Standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise; pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded unless requested. Transfers, domestic flights and optional extras vary by booking – confirm exact inclusions with us before you book; we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle local bookings.
3. 03 Is the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya suitable for guests with limited mobility?

   The dahabiya is not fully wheelchair-accessible; boarding typically involves a gangplank and multiple steps. Cabins and gangways are narrower than modern motor ships, and quayside surfaces can be uneven stone. We can arrange extra assistance and vehicle transfers for shore visits, but please tell us your specific needs at enquiry so we can advise realistically.
4. 04 What should I pack for a 7-day dahabiya cruise on the Nile?

   Pack sun protection, lightweight layers, comfortable walking shoes, and a small soft holdall rather than large rigid suitcases. Include a brimmed hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, and modest clothing for temple and mosque visits. Bring a travel plug adapter, any prescription medicines, a small daypack, and a powerbank – laundry options on board vary by vessel, so plan accordingly.
5. 05 Will I have mobile phone signal and internet on the dahabiya?

   Mobile signal and wi‑fi on the Nile are intermittent; the dahabiya often has spotty coverage between villages. Larger towns such as Luxor and Aswan have reliable 3G/4G, but on the river you should expect gaps. If internet is essential, ask us to confirm the vessel’s on‑board wi‑fi and consider a local SIM and offline maps as a backup.
6. 06 Can I visit Luxor temples and the Valley of the Kings from the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya?

   A seven-day dahabiya can include Luxor West Bank temples and the Valley of the Kings; confirm the itinerary before you travel. Visits to the West Bank commonly require an early start and involve walking on uneven ancient stone. Note that specific tombs may carry extra entrance fees, and dahabiya moorings often allow earlier access than larger cruise-ship shore calls.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days

Full refund less a £50 admin fee

15–30 days

50% refund

Within 14 days

No refund – date changes considered case by case