Moondance Nile Cruise
A 5-star vessel with shaded deck seating, an indoor saloon and full-board dining; selected cabins have Nile-view balconies.
The short answer
Moondance 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 £777 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £777double cabinsingle cabin £1,039 | Peak dates: from £1,068double cabinsingle cabin £1,592 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £962double cabinsingle cabin £1,311 | Peak dates: from £1,350double cabinsingle cabin £2,049 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,476double cabinsingle cabin £2,087 | Peak dates: from £2,155double cabinsingle cabin £3,378 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,490double cabinsingle cabin £2,102 | Peak dates: from £2,170double cabinsingle cabin £3,392 |
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.
What lingers
- 01Our Egyptologist leads visits to Karnak and the Valley of the Kings; private transfers from ship to sites arranged.
- 02Early starts for West Bank tombs (practical drawback); expect uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday.
- 03Unlike large scheduled river services, our cruises prioritise flexible shore times and Egyptologist-led visits.
On property
What's here
- Gym
- Spa
- Concierge
- Swimming pool
- Bar
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Accommodation aboard Moondance in the cabin class booked
- Use of the vessel’s shared spaces, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- The vessel’s or local partners’ standard shore trips, organised on your behalf
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, unless pre-booked
- Overseas flights, visa costs and personal travel cover
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin categories have Nile-view balconies before choosing, as balconies are available only in some classes.
- 02
For Luxor’s west-bank visits, ask your Egyptologist about the order of tomb visits and current access conditions.
- 03
At Philae, allow time for the boat transfer between the mainland and Agilkia Island.
- 04
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for local purchases and tips; gratuities are not included unless pre-booked.
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
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Moondance suits couples and first-time visitors, particularly travellers aged 50 and over, who want to see Nile Valley sites without changing hotels repeatedly. It also suits families with school-age children or teenagers who are comfortable with guided visits, stairs and uneven ancient stone.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access throughout, or if you dislike early starts and outdoor sightseeing in the heat. It may also feel restrictive if you prefer independent travel over a cabin-based sailing and organised shore excursions.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A sun deck, shaded seating and indoor lounge offer space between visits
- Private or small-group shore excursions can be arranged
Things to Consider
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra
- Ancient sites involve stairs and uneven stone underfoot
- Summer heat can make outdoor excursions tiring
- The sailing schedule and excursion programme offer less independent flexibility
Where it fits
Moondance fits a Luxor-to-Aswan Nile itinerary, with shore excursions at major sites along the river.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most Nile cruise programmes present shore visits as a fixed coach-led schedule. Moondance’s excursions are arranged through the vessel or local partners, with private or small-group options available rather than coach-only visits. Unlike a land-based Luxor stay, the vessel links Upper Egyptian sites while sailing between Luxor and Aswan.
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.
- Lady Carol Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £777 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
- Five-star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Accommodation in the booked cabin class · Use of the sun deck · Use of the lounge bar and indoor saloon · Use of the dining room · Standard shore excursions arranged through the vessel or local partners
- Best for
- Couples · Families · First-time Nile cruisers · Travellers who want a choice of cabin classes
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and a photocopy
- Walking footwear that’s comfortable and has good grip
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Prescription medication in original packaging
- Plug adapter for type C or F sockets
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for the heat
- Long sleeves and long trousers or skirts for sun protection
- Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Light layer for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Closed shoes with grip for temple paths and landings
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children aged 12 and above pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be used in some onboard areas but are awkward on uneven quaysides and ancient stone. High chairs may be available in the dining room on request; please ask when booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding involves a gangway and steps, and quaysides can be uneven. On board, public areas and many cabins may only be reached by stairs; a lift or wheelchair-adapted cabin is not confirmed. Shore excursions involve paved temple forecourts, uneven ancient stone and, at some river landings, short sandy approaches. Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings can each include steps or surfaces that are difficult for wheelchairs and guests with limited mobility. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking. We can check what assistance is available and advise which visits may be practical, but cannot guarantee step-free access. Service animals require advance notice and relevant documentation.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruiser is diesel-powered; the specific vessel and its engine details are not confirmed before booking. Airport transfers, when arranged, are usually by air-conditioned sedan or minibus. We arrange services with local catering, Egyptologists, port providers and small boat operators, including at Philae, to keep more of the trip's spending with Egyptian suppliers. These arrangements do not remove the environmental impact of diesel sailing or road travel. Some vessels may reduce single-use plastics or offer linen reuse on request, but practices vary by vessel. Ask before travel whether water refill options are available on your assigned cruiser. We can also enquire about a vetted local community visit, but this depends on availability and is not part of the standard programme.
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
01
Standard archaeological site entrance fees, meals on board, cabin accommodation and scheduled shore excursions are included unless we state otherwise. Flights, premium tomb tickets (for example Tutankhamun) and gratuities are normally excluded; we confirm exact inclusions at booking. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange transfers and on-the-ground logistics for MS Moondance. Unlike many packaged coach departures, we aim to reduce handovers by coordinating door-to-boat transfers where possible.02
The actual sequence depends on the sailing direction (Luxor→Aswan or vice versa) and the ship's schedule; we provide the confirmed day-by-day plan before travel. Interior visits such as the Khufu pyramid or access to premium tombs are separate tickets and may not be part of the standard itinerary.03What facilities and cabin types does MS Moondance have?
MS Moondance has en-suite passenger cabins, a dining saloon and a sun deck; we confirm the exact cabin layout and facilities at booking. Cabins on Nile cruise vessels are generally more compact than hotel rooms and have limited storage; expect narrow corridors and stairs between decks. Upper-deck cabins offer better views but more direct sun; lower cabins are slightly cooler but may have smaller windows. We can request specific cabin locations subject to availability.04Is MS Moondance suitable for someone with limited mobility?
MS Moondance and Nile sites have physical constraints: gangways, ship stairs and uneven temple terrain limit full accessibility. Wheelchair users will usually need transfer assistance and may be unable to enter some tombs or temples because of steps, cobbles and narrow passages. We can arrange supplemental porter assistance and select lower-impact shore options where possible, but please tell us exact mobility needs when you enquire so we can advise realistically.05
Bring high-SPF sun protection, lightweight breathable clothing, sturdy walking shoes and a wide-brimmed hat; modest dress is required for temples and mosques. Also carry a small daypack, insect repellent, daily medications and a refillable water bottle. Evenings can be cooler so a light jumper is useful. Electrical sockets vary on Nile boats; bring a universal adapter and a small torch for dawn or dusk walks around uneven archaeological sites.06When is the best time of year to cruise the Nile on MS Moondance?
The temperate months October to April offer milder daytime temperatures and more comfortable sightseeing. Peak season (December–February) is busier and prices are higher; summer months (May–September) commonly exceed 40°C with intense sun exposure at outdoor sites. We schedule outdoor visits for early morning or late afternoon where possible to avoid the hottest hours; tell us your date-range and we will advise on likely conditions.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-493814
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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