What you're actually paying for
The Deluxe tier, line by line.
- Cabin size (typical)
- 17–22 m²
- Decks
- 4 (cabins on 2–3)
- Balcony
- Most cabins · private balcony or French balcony
- Dining
- Full board · buffet + 1 à la carte
- Crew-to-guest ratio
- ≈ 1 : 1.5
- Pool
- Yes · sun-deck plunge pool, bar
- Best for
- Repeat travellers · couples · honeymooners on a budget
- From (per person)
- from £739 per person · high season, October–April
“If you have to pick one tier without seeing the cabins in person, this is the one most of our team picks.”
Standard sailing rotation
How the schedule works on the Luxor–Aswan loop.
- Durations
- Every vessel on this page sails 4-night, 5-night, and 7-night variants of the same Luxor↔Aswan loop. The 4-night covers Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples; the 7-night adds a return cruise with more leisure time and (on most ships) a Dendera + Abydos extension.
- Embarkation days
- The most common rotation is Monday from Luxor and Friday from Aswan, but each vessel sets its own schedule – exact departure days are shown per ship below where confirmed. Cat-A and Ultra-Deluxe vessels often add a Saturday Luxor sailing in peak season (Oct–Apr); dahabiyas typically embark on Mondays from Esna.
- What's included
- Full board on every vessel, all temple admissions, Egyptologist guiding, transfers from/to Luxor or Aswan airport, and port fees. Tipping is not included – a printed guide is issued at embarkation.
In the fleet
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruisers (28).
Each vessel below sails the 4 / 5 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night cabin; longer variants and balcony cabins are quoted on request.
Alma Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Alma Nile Cruise is a 5-star river vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Air-conditioned cabins, a restaurant, lounge bar, Wi-Fi and a pool on the sun deck are listed among its facilities. The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Unlike a Nile visit based in one city, this cruise links sites along the river between Luxor and Aswan. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities and laundry are not included; check the final arrangements for any other charges.
from£796per person · high season, October–April
Alyssa Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
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 programmes. 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£796per person · high season, October–April
Amada Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Amada Nile Cruise is a 5-star river cruise between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are available in either city. Full-board meals run from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks beyond water served with meals are extra. Unlike a land-based Nile itinerary, a cruise lets you travel between the main sites without changing accommodation each night. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its cruise provider.
from£796per person · high season, October–April
Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel is a classic, five-star cruise with a sun deck, pool and evening entertainment on board. Days combine guided visits to named sites, including a chariot ride to Edfu’s Temple of Horus, with relaxed afternoons watching the river. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we coordinate transfers, meet-and-assist and English-speaking Egyptologist guides for the excursions. We do not run group bus tours, excursions are private and led by an Egyptologist. Unlike many short packaged cruises that rush temple visits, this programme schedules fuller time at Edfu and Kom Ombo. Optional Abu Simbel excursions are available from Aswan on selected departures.
from£796per person · high season, October–April
Concerto Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
The Concerto Nile Cruise runs between Luxor and Aswan, offered as 3-night or 4-night full-board itineraries. Itineraries visit Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, the Colossi of Memnon, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae. Edfu is reached by horse-drawn chariot, and Kom Ombo receives an extended stop for photography and study of the reliefs. Full-board accommodation onboard, private air-conditioned transfers, entrance fees and an English-speaking Egyptologist are included, with guide groups limited to eight guests. We keep Egyptologist groups to a maximum of eight to reduce walking-group size at busy sites and allow more time with the guide. Optional Abu Simbel excursions can be added from Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange all transfers and local guides.
On request
Concerto Plus Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Concerto Plus Nile Cruise is a 5-star river cruise between Luxor and Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions. Sailing days alternate with shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are available in either city, according to the selected sailing. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are offered subject to availability, with prices based on two people sharing. Unlike a land-based sightseeing programme, the cruise combines accommodation on the Nile with travel between Upper Egypt’s archaeological sites.
from£767per person · high season, October–April
Farida Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Farida Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Its programme alternates sailing with shared shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, with Nile-view windows or balconies available in some cabins. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. On board, the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room provide places to spend time between visits. Unlike coach-based tours, this cruise links the sites through sailing on the river.
from£767per person · high season, October–April
Golden Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Golden Nile Cruise is a Nile river cruise package, with the vessel assigned when you book. The sailing programme links Luxor and Aswan, with days alternating between sailing and shore excursions. Visits may include 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. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise with the vessel’s operator; the cruise ship is not operated by us. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.
On request
Grand Sun Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
This 5-star Nile cruise programme links Luxor and Aswan, with weekly sailings in both directions. Days alternate between sailing on the Nile and shore excursions at major sites, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes are offered, subject to availability, with prices based on two people sharing and a single supplement typically applying. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is assigned at booking. Drinks beyond water served with meals are not included unless stated otherwise.
from£796per person · high season, October–April
Hambra Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
The Hambra Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, offered as 4-day/3-night and 5-day/4-night itineraries. Each itinerary visits the High Dam, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's temple, Karnak and Luxor Temple. Mornings are guided by an English-speaking Egyptologist, afternoons are for sailing and on-deck time. We limit guided groups to eight travellers, rather than running large coach tours. On disembarkation in Aswan, an optional Abu Simbel excursion can be arranged. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and local logistics.
On request
Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Iberotel Crown Empress is a 5-star river cruise vessel on the Nile. Its cruise programme links Luxor and Aswan, with sailing between shore visits to major sites along the river. Excursions may include 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. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line; we arrange the cruise as part of your Egypt holiday. Specific cabin dimensions and onboard facilities have not been provided, so please confirm them before booking.
On request
Jaz Crown Emperor Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Jaz Crown Emperor is a Nile cruise vessel, with a shore-excursion programme connecting major ancient sites along the river. Excursions may include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae in Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s West Bank. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.
from£739per person · high season, October–April
Jaz Crown Jewel Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Jaz Crown Jewel is a Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. It sails weekly in both directions, with days alternating between river sailing and shore excursions. The programme can include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals are typically extra. Cabin specifications, onboard amenities and the assigned sailing details are not supplied here, so check the confirmed booking information for these details. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
On request
Jaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Jaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins. Some higher-grade cabins have Nile-view balconies, while some Deluxe cabins have panoramic windows. On board, guests have access to a restaurant, pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar and indoor lounge. Full board includes breakfast, lunch and dinner served on board; drinks beyond water with meals are extra. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. We arrange the cruise with the vessel’s operator; we do not own or operate the ship.
from£767per person · high season, October–April
Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes; many have panoramic windows or a Nile-view balcony. On board, guests can use the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room, with complimentary WiFi in public areas. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Weekly sailings run in both directions. We arrange the cruise and shore visits; unlike shorter cruise packages, this programme includes several major archaeological sites along the river.
from£767per person · high season, October–April
Mirage Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The itineraries run in both directions, giving you a choice of embarkation port and a different sequence of visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists lead small groups of no more than eight guests per guide. Compared with larger overnight cruise operators, this itinerary keeps a steadier pace so you spend more time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushing between sights. Expect riverside approaches, a late-afternoon felucca sail at Aswan, and guided visits timed to reduce crowding where possible.
On request
Monica Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, offering the Monica Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan. The itinerary pairs visits to Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Deir el-Bahari, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae with relaxed sailing time on the sun deck. Our Egyptologists place each monument in its historical context and answer specialist questions. We limit guided groups to eight guests to reduce queues and allow fuller time at each site. Unlike larger Nile boats that rush multiple stops, Monica provides longer onshore time at Edfu and Kom Ombo and an afternoon in Aswan for the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk.
from£739per person · high season, October–April
Nile Capital Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Nile Capital Nile Cruise is a river-cruise package on the Nile, with the vessel assigned at booking. Sailing is scheduled weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The shore-excursion programme covers sites including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with sailing between stops. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
On request
Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Nile Dolphin is a 5-star river cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Its facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and onboard Wi-Fi. The shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, then Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailings run weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are excluded. Unlike a land-based tour, this cruise links major Nile sites while travelling between the two cities. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise.
from£739per person · high season, October–April
Nile Style Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Nile Style is a five-star river cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins. The weekly sailings run in both directions, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions at sites including Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings. On board, guests can use the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. Full board covers lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks beyond still water with meals are excluded unless stated otherwise. Unlike a continuous river transit, the programme includes scheduled visits ashore at major sites along the Nile. Cabin pricing is per person sharing, and a single supplement typically applies.
from£796per person · high season, October–April
Nile Treasure Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Nile Treasure is a 5-star Nile river cruise with air-conditioned cabins, a restaurant, lounge bar, pool and sun deck. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions. The programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Wi-Fi is available subject to onboard availability; drinks beyond water with meals are extra. Unlike a land-based sightseeing programme, this cruise gives travellers time on the river between visits.
from£739per person · high season, October–April
Radamis I Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Sail the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor Temples. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead guided visits with a maximum of eight guests, so commentary is focused and questions are welcomed. Unlike many short cruises that rush sites, this itinerary schedules full guided visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief photo stops. We arrange transfers, guided excursions and local logistics on the ground, while evening onboard programmes offer a folkloric show and time to relax between visits.
On request
Renaissance Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Renaissance Nile Cruise is a river cruise package on the Nile, with the vessel assigned when you book. It sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The shore-excursion programme includes stops at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with sailing between visits. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra. Unlike a single fixed sailing, this package can be arranged in either direction; ask which vessel and cabin class are available for your dates before confirming.
On request
Royal Liberty Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
MS Liberty is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We operate MS Liberty as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can include our Egyptologist on selected departures. We don't run tight bus timetables; the vessel spends proper time ashore at key sites rather than the rapid 40-minute turnarounds common on some itineraries. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade on the sun deck at midday. Cabins vary in size; please tell us your cabin preference when you enquire so we can reserve the best available.
from£767per person · high season, October–April
Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
MS Nile Goddess is a 4-day Nile cruise operating between Luxor and Aswan with guided visits to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo. We organise private guided visits rather than scheduled coach excursions, so you have longer ashore and smaller groups. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange private transfers, cruising permits and licensed Egyptologists for each visit. Expect early starts for West Bank tombs and some walking on uneven ancient stone; shade on deck is limited at midday. We recommend sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a light sunhat.
from£753per person · high season, October–April
Stephanie Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruise combines river sailing with shore excursions at major sites between Luxor and Aswan. The programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailings operate weekly in both directions. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, subject to availability. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water served with meals are generally extra. Unlike a fixed sightseeing tour, this format pairs time on the river with visits to archaeological sites. We arrange the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
from£739per person · high season, October–April
Sun Times Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
MS Sun Times is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Philae. We provide cabin accommodation, daytime navigation and shore excursions led by our Egyptologists. We don't run crowded coach transfers; excursions are escorted by our Egyptologists and scheduled to avoid the largest coach arrivals when possible. Unlike three-night sailings, the four-day timetable includes Edfu and Kom Ombo at sensible daylight hours. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at temple sites. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless requested. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can tailor cabin grade, private guide or added Cairo nights.
from£739per person · high season, October–April
Tiyi Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sail from Luxor to Aswan aboard the Tiyi Nile Cruise, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Guided tours with a licensed Egyptologist and entrance fees to the mentioned sites are included. Full-board meals are served on board, and evenings on deck give uninterrupted views of the river and its villages. We provide a licensed Egyptologist on every shore visit rather than hiring guides only for single sites. Unlike some short 3-night cruises, this route pauses at Edfu and Kom Ombo for proper visits rather than hurried calls. Optional extensions to Abu Simbel, Cairo or Hurghada can be arranged if you wish to extend your trip.
from£739per person · high season, October–April
Sail-powered alternative
5-Star Deluxe dahabiyas (7).
Dahabiyas run a different schedule from motor cruisers – typically Monday from Esna with 5 or 7-night sailings only. No 4-night option. River-bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila are the standing draw.
Hadeel Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Hadeel Dahabiya is a sail-powered boat for a slower Nile journey, with lateen sails and fewer than a dozen cabins. Its shore programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, with visits to Gebel Silsila and El Kab when conditions permit. Compared with larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya can reach quieter stretches of the river and smaller landing places. Full Board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and locally guided shore excursions. Sailings operate between Luxor and Aswan in both directions.
On request
Iris Luxury Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail seven days along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard Iris, a privately operated luxury dahabiya. We operate Iris as a private dahabiya rather than a large motor ship; that means slower transit and more time ashore. Unlike 4‑night motor cruise patterns, a dahabiya allows ad hoc moorings and quieter nights on the river. Our Egyptologists give daily briefings and accompany guided walks ashore. Trade‑offs: cabins are more compact than on larger ships, shade on deck is limited at midday, and some temple visits require early starts. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private embarkations and ground transfers.
from£1,229per person · high season, October–April
Nour El Din Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nour El Din Dahabiya is a 45-metre sailing vessel on the Nile, designed for up to 20 guests and served by an 11-person crew. Its three-deck layout includes two cabin decks. As a dahabiya, it offers a slower style of river travel than larger Nile cruisers and may reach quieter stretches and smaller archaeological sites. The cruise is full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Water served with meals is included; other drinks are extra. We arrange the booking as part of your Egypt plans. The cruise supplier owns and operates the vessel.
from£1,056per person · high season, October–April
Nour El Nil Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Nour El Nil Dahabiya is a 5-star dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with shore visits scheduled along the Nile. It offers Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins with en-suite bathrooms, plus a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served from embarkation to disembarkation, and the on-board programme includes visits to sites such as Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya is a smaller sailing vessel, with a quieter pace on the river. We arrange the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
from£2,270per person · high season, October–April
Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
The Princess Cleopatra dahabiya is a seven-day traditional-sailing cruise along the Nile. Unlike motorised mini-cruises, dahabiyas use sails traditionally and give quieter overnight crossings. We operate this itinerary as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can adjust embarkation points where feasible. Expect compact cabins and generous deck space for daytime sailing; plan for early starts at temples, walking on uneven ancient stone, and occasional itinerary changes when wind is light. Standard site entrance fees apply unless we state otherwise; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are extra. We recommend seven days to see key riverside sites without repeated hotel changes.
from£1,094per person · high season, October–April
Queen Isis Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Queen Isis Dahabiya is a Nile cruise aboard a dahabiya, a smaller style of river vessel associated with a quieter pace than larger cruise ships. The route connects Aswan and Luxor, with the direction determined by your selected departure. You can spend time on deck as the river landscape changes between the two cities, then use the on-board jacuzzi between stops. Full board is served from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities and optional services or excursions not listed in your booking are extra. Transfers are arranged according to the booking details.
On request
Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
This seven-day Nile cruise aboard the Royal Cleopatra dahabiya visits Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. We operate private, sail-powered dahabiyas rather than large motor cruise ships; sailing slows transit and reduces engine noise. One of our Egyptologists provides a pre-embarkation briefing in Luxor, and we arrange guided visits and local transfers throughout. Unlike standard four-night motor-cruise itineraries, the seven-day dahabiya gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed stopovers. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on larger Nile cruisers, sailing relies on wind, and some excursions require early starts to avoid midday heat. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle all practical arrangements.
from£1,094per person · high season, October–April
Five things to know
Before you book Deluxe.
01What actually changes between Standard and Deluxe?
Cabin square-meterage (≈+3–5 m²), bathroom finish (often a separate shower stall vs. a wet-room shower), balcony allocation (most Deluxe cabins have private balconies, not French balconies), and one à la carte specialty restaurant on top of the buffet. The temples and the Nile are the same.
02Are Deluxe ships newer than Standard?
Usually yes – most Deluxe vessels in the 2026 fleet were refurbished within the last 5 years (carpets, soft furnishings, public spaces). A handful of Standard vessels are also recently refurbished and read like Deluxe; our reservations team will flag those when they apply to your dates.
03Is it worth paying for Deluxe over Standard for a 3- or 4-night cruise?
If it's your only cruise of the holiday and you're spending two nights on board, yes – the cabin matters. If you're combining a short cruise with a long Cairo stay or a Red Sea extension, Standard is rarely a regret. Our reservations team will give you an honest read for your specific itinerary; we don't earn more selling Deluxe vs. Standard.
04How does the dining compare to a Luxury vessel?
Deluxe dining is full board with a buffet and typically one specialty à la carte restaurant. Luxury vessels often run two à la carte restaurants, no buffet, butler service on suites, and a sommelier. The Deluxe buffet is genuinely good in 2026 – the Luxury step is about presentation and seating, not better ingredients.
05Can I combine a Deluxe Nile cruise with a Lake Nasser cruise?
Yes. Lake Nasser cruises run between Aswan and Abu Simbel on a separate (smaller) fleet – our reservations team builds Nile + Lake Nasser combinations regularly. The hand-off is usually a fly-down from Aswan to Abu Simbel or a flight from Cairo to Aswan via Abu Simbel.
Different budget?
The other tiers.
5-Star Standard
Same temples, smaller cabin, lower price. Honest entry tier.
5-Star Ultra Deluxe
Newer fleet, more balconies, better crew ratio. One step up from Deluxe.
5-Star Luxury
Category-A vessels and dahabiyas. Different in kind, not degree.
Then pick a route
Which way to sail.
Talk to the Cairo desk
Send your travel window. We'll send back three boats and a hold.
– Suhaila · Egypt Discovery