Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile vessel with panoramic cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining, sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
The short answer
Iberotel Crown Empress is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Monday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Thursday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares are quoted on request for your dates.
02Overview
A first look
Crown Empress is the sister ship of the Crown Emperor, an Iberotel-managed five-star cruiser sailing between Luxor and Aswan with full-board dining and a guided temple programme along the river. Cabin rates and departures for this vessel are confirmed on request — let us know your dates and we will check availability and pricing directly with the operator.
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.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
There are no published rates for this ship at the moment. Tell us your dates and we'll reply with a current price for the cabin 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.
What lingers
- 01Cruise between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile.
- 02Shore excursions may include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 03Visit Edfu’s Temple of Horus and Kom Ombo as part of the excursion programme.
- 04Excursion options include Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- 05The 5-star category identifies the cruise standard.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Standard entrance fees to scheduled sites
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of the Khufu and Khafre pyramids
- Entry to premium tombs, including Tutankhamun’s and Seti I’s
- Gratuities
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Carry small Egyptian-pound notes for toilets and site attendants; gratuities are not included unless your booking states otherwise.
- 02
Take a light layer for breezy evenings on the sun deck, even after warm afternoons on shore.
- 03
Keep sun protection and water with you during site visits, where shade can be limited.
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
Ask us whether private shore excursions, extra sites or additional nights in Luxor or Aswan can be arranged around the vessel's schedule. Cabin choice is by Standard, Deluxe or Suite class; confirm the available views and any meal or drinks upgrades before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- A good fit for couples, solo travellers and families with older children who want to see key Nile sites without changing hotels each night. Choose it if you value time on the river, full-board dining and organised shore excursions over an independent, flexible pace.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary instead if you need step-free access or want to spend longer at each site than a scheduled shore excursion allows. The trip also involves stairs and walking over uneven stone.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Things to Consider
- Shore visits involve uneven ancient stone and some stairs.
- Excursion timing is scheduled, so time at each site is limited.
- Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately.
- Cabin prices are per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.
Where it fits
The Iberotel Crown Empress links Luxor and Aswan, fitting between a Cairo stay and time in either city.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only itinerary, this vessel combines sailing stretches with shore excursions at named archaeological sites.
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.
- Nile Treasure Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £757 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
- Nile cruise cabin
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin aboard Iberotel Crown Empress · Full Board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Shore excursions at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Shore excursion to the Temple of Horus at Edfu · Shore excursion at Kom Ombo · Shore excursion to Philae Temple
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families · Egypt first-time visitors
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and visa documents that are valid
- Comfortable, grippy walking shoes
- Suncream and a wide-brimmed hat
- Reusable water bottle, if refill facilities are available
- Light day bag for shore excursions
- A small amount of Egyptian pounds for personal purchases and gratuities
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting daytime clothes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Sturdy closed shoes for uneven archaeological sites
- A light layer for cooler evenings on deck
- Sun hat and sunglasses for exposed shore visits
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; travellers aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers may work on some piers and larger sites but are awkward on gangways and impractical inside many tombs. High chairs depend on the assigned vessel; ask us to request one before travel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding involves a gangway, which can be steep, and pier surfaces may be uneven. Inside the vessel, cabins and public areas have narrow corridors, and stairs connect decks; a lift may not serve every deck. Wheelchair users may need to transfer to the gangway, vessel or shore transport, so access cannot be assumed. Shore excursions can involve uneven ancient stone, steps and exposed ground at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Tell us about mobility needs before booking. We can check the vessel assigned, request a lower-deck cabin where available and discuss which excursions may be manageable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
This cruise uses a diesel-powered river vessel. Transfers between the airport and embarkation pier may be by private car or coach, depending on the arrangements confirmed for your booking. We select and arrange local cruise and transport suppliers; the vessel and its crew are owned and managed by the cruise line. Shore excursions are arranged with local Egyptologists, supporting employment in the places visited, including Luxor and Aswan. We do not have verified information about the assigned vessel’s fuel use, waste practices, water refilling facilities or the proportion of supplies bought locally, so we cannot make specific environmental claims about them. You can ask us to pass a practical sustainability request to the supplier before travel.
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 Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise?
Sailing alternates with shore excursions, so the pace includes time on the river as well as visits ashore. Your exact embarkation and disembarkation dates depend on the sailing you select.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Iberotel Crown Empress?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails in both directions, so the order depends on your selected sailing. We arrange the cabin category and shore-excursion schedule for you. Please check your booking details for the confirmed port and timing, as these are specific to your departure.03What is included in the Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise?
Full Board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. The vessel’s excursion programme includes visits at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Confirm the page’s Inclusions list for precisely what is covered in your booking, including any applicable entrance fees.04What is not included on the Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately. Check the Inclusions list and cancellation terms on the page before booking, as your specific arrangement determines what is covered.05Are there mobility or fitness requirements for the Iberotel Crown Empress shore excursions?
The excursion programme includes historic sites with uneven stone surfaces and steps, which can be challenging for some visitors. Access conditions vary between temples and tombs. If you have mobility needs, we'll confirm the relevant site visits and cabin arrangements before booking.06What is the children’s policy on the Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise?
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin); two or more children require their own cabin. Prices are per person sharing, and the applicable child rate should be confirmed against your booking.07What should I pack for the Iberotel Crown Empress Nile Cruise?
Pack sun protection, a hat, comfortable shoes with grip and light clothing for warm days. A light layer can be useful indoors or on the sun deck when the breeze picks up. Wear modest clothing when visiting temples and mosques, with shoulders and knees covered. Bring water for shore excursions and follow your Egyptologist’s guidance.08Can I take photographs during the Iberotel Crown Empress shore excursions?
Photography rules vary by site and by the area being visited. Some tombs restrict photography or require a separate camera ticket, and flash may be prohibited to protect painted surfaces. Ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs inside a tomb or temple, and follow posted signs. Drone use should not be assumed to be permitted.09When is the best time to sail on the Iberotel Crown Empress?
November to March is generally the more comfortable season for visiting Luxor, Aswan and their archaeological sites. Summer brings much higher daytime temperatures, especially during visits at exposed locations such as Karnak Temple.10Which sites does the Iberotel Crown Empress visit between Luxor and Aswan?
The shore-excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Days alternate between sailing and visits ashore, rather than following one continuous sightseeing schedule. The sequence varies with the vessel’s direction and sailing arrangements, so check your confirmed programme for visit order.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-619082
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Thu in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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