Royal Lily Nile Cruise
Travel in style on the Royal Lily Cruise, a five-star luxury Nile voyage with enduring comfort, captivating scenery and an authentic experience on the Nile.
The short answer
Royal Lily is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe 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 £1,214 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
The Royal Lily Cruise is a 5-star Luxury Nile Cruise sailing between Aswan and Luxor with flexible itinerary lengths. Onboard you have full-board dining, English-speaking commentary, guided shore excursions to the headline temples – Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak and Luxor – plus Egyptian folkloric entertainment in the evenings. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges and supports this cruise as a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Entrance fees, optional excursions and gratuities are not included.
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 |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,214double cabinsingle cabin £1,743 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,544double cabinsingle cabin £2,251 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,494double cabinsingle cabin £3,731 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £2,509double cabinsingle cabin £3,746 |
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.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 2
What lingers
- 01Air-conditioned cabins with Nile-view picture windows
- 02Rooftop sun deck overlooking the Nile
- 03Panoramic lounge bar and onboard restaurant
- 04Full-board breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 05Egyptian folkloric entertainment on board
- 06Guided shore excursions may include Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae, according to the itinerary
On property
What's here
- Air-conditioned cabins with Nile-view picture windows
- Rooftop sun deck
- Onboard restaurant (full-board dining)
- Panoramic lounge bar
- Onboard entertainment (Egyptian folkloric show)
- Guided shore excursions to headline temples
- Roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits where offered
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- Hotel pickup
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise
- Breakfast, lunch and dinner each day
- Commentary on board in English
- Guided shore excursions to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae, as set out in the itinerary
- Return transfers between hotels and the vessel within city limits, where available
- Port fees and service charges
Not included
- Admission to archaeological sites and museums, unless stated otherwise
- Optional excursions on land and additional guided tours
- International and domestic flights
- Accommodation before or after the cruise
- Personal purchases and costs, including souvenirs, drinks and laundry
- Tips for Egyptologists, drivers and crew on board
- Fees for visas and travel insurance
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Confirm whether the booking includes site entrance fees before budgeting for the shore excursions.
- 02
Ask which cabin class and Nile-facing view are allocated before confirming, as cabin details vary by booking.
- 03
Carry sun protection for open-air temple visits, where shade can be limited around midday.
- 04
Keep small notes available for personal gratuities, which are excluded from the inclusions.
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
Optional land excursions are available at extra cost, and pre- or post-cruise accommodation can be arranged separately.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older teenagers interested in ancient Egyptian sites who prefer travelling between Luxor and Aswan by river. Couples, solo travellers and families comfortable with shared cabin arrangements may value having meals and a shore-excursion programme organised together.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based trip if you need step-free access or want to set your own pace at every site. It may also disappoint travellers seeking an all-inclusive drinks package, since drinks (including water) are typically extra.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sails between Luxor and Aswan, linking major Nile Valley sites
- Full-board meals are provided during the cruise
- English-language onboard commentary accompanies the cruise programme
Things to Consider
- Archaeological-site entrance fees are excluded
- Gratuities for guides, drivers and crew are extra
- Ancient sites involve uneven stone and substantial walking
- Drinks (including water) are typically extra
Where it fits
The Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise can form the river section of a wider Egypt holiday, between time in Luxor and Aswan. Add Cairo before or after the sailing for the Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most cruise listings lead with the route and board basis. This entry also names the principal shore-excursion sites and notes that archaeological-site entrance fees are excluded unless specified.
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.
- Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,214 pp
- Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,243 pp
- Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £1,243 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
- Cruise cabin accommodation · Full-board meals · Commentary on board in English · Guided excursions to selected sites, per itinerary · Roundtrip hotel transfers within city limits, where offered · Port fees and service charges
- Best for
- Couples · Families · First-time visitors to Egypt · Travellers combining Luxor and Aswan
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Sun hat and high-SPF sunscreen
- Grippy, comfortable footwear for walking
- Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- A compact daypack for trips ashore
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and motion-sickness remedies
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothes for daytime
- Covered shoulders and modest clothing for temples and mosques
- Long trousers or a long skirt for religious sites
- A light jacket for cool early mornings and evenings
- Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
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 over 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 aboard but are difficult at sites with steps, sand or uneven ground. High chairs may be available on request, subject to confirmation by the cruise host.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise requires moderate mobility. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway, whose slope and step count can change with the river level. Public areas may be reached by stairs, and access to cabins can involve steps; step-free cabin availability is limited and must be confirmed before booking. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, sand and loose gravel, particularly at the Valley of the Kings and Kom Ombo. Tomb passages can be narrow, while temples such as Philae and Karnak have steps and limited ramp access. Transfers between the vessel and shore may not be wheelchair accessible. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check cabin access and discuss which visits are practical. Full access at every site cannot be guaranteed.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruiser uses diesel engines for river sailing. Local companies provide the air-conditioned coaches used for excursions and transfers where these are arranged. We work with suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, including local guides and vessel crew, so spending supports businesses in the places visited. Fresh produce is sourced from markets in Luxor and Aswan where available; exact sourcing varies. Onboard measures may include glass in place of some single-use plastics and linen changes on request, depending on the vessel assigned. Excursion timing can be adjusted where feasible to reduce time in peak visitor periods. Entrance fees contribute to the management of Egyptian archaeological sites. Ask us before booking if you need details about the specific vessel or its current practices.
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
01What is included in the full-board meals on the Royal Lily Nile Cruise?
Your full-board arrangement includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically an additional charge.02What shore excursions are part of the Royal Lily Nile Cruise programme?
The cruise programme includes guided excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, and Philae Temple. These are led by our professional Egyptologist guides.03Are transfers to and from the Royal Lily Nile Cruise included?
Yes, roundtrip hotel transfers within the city limits of Luxor or Aswan are included where offered. These transfers ensure a smooth journey to and from your embarkation or disembarkation point.04What is the accessibility like on the Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise?
While the vessel itself has lifts between decks, shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, and stairs at archaeological sites. Travellers with mobility concerns should consider these aspects when planning.05Is the Royal Lily Nile Cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Royal Lily Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin.06What should I wear and bring for a Nile Cruise holiday?
We recommend light, breathable clothing for daytime excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-factor sun cream. Modest dress is advised for temple visits, covering shoulders and knees.07What is the photography policy at the archaeological sites visited?
Photography is generally permitted at most outdoor archaeological sites. However, some tombs and museum interiors may prohibit photography or require a separate photography ticket. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules.08When is the best time of year to take a Royal Lily Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are ideal for a Nile Cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for exploring the sites. The summer months (June-August) are very hot, with early morning excursions typically arranged.09Are entrance fees to the archaeological sites included in the cruise price?
No, entrance fees to archaeological sites and museums are not included in the standard cruise package unless explicitly specified for a particular itinerary. These are typically paid locally.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-762309
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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