Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a pool, sun deck, restaurant and lounge, plus Wi-Fi for time on board.
The short answer
Movenpick Royal Lotus 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 £1,102 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile slips past the sun deck as Movenpick Royal Lotus leaves Luxor or Aswan, with palms, fields and village roofs appearing beyond the rail. The pace is unhurried, but the shore excursions have substance: stand among the columns of Karnak Temple, enter the Valley of the Kings and watch the riverbank change as the vessel sails towards Edfu, Kom Ombo or Philae.
Between visits, read beside the pool, take a cool drink in the lounge bar or watch the water through a panoramic window. Sailing runs weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange your cabin, embarkation and disembarkation with the cruise line, while our Egyptologists guide the excursions. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour 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. 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 | May – September |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,102double cabinsingle cabin £1,630 | May – September: from £957double cabinsingle cabin £1,450 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,400double cabinsingle cabin £2,104 | May – September: from £1,207double cabinsingle cabin £1,864 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,290double cabinsingle cabin £3,521 | May – September: from £1,952double cabinsingle cabin £3,102 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £2,304double cabinsingle cabin £3,535 | May – September: from £1,966double cabinsingle cabin £3,116 |
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
- 01Pool and sun deck on board
- 02Restaurant and lounge for time between excursions
- 03Wireless internet is available aboard
- 04Excursions ashore can take in Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- 05The excursion programme may visit Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 06Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories, subject to availability
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Lounge
- Wi-Fi
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard Movenpick Royal Lotus in your chosen cabin category
- Full board, beginning with lunch on embarkation and ending with breakfast on disembarkation
- Use of the pool and sun deck while on board
- Use of the restaurant and lounge
- Wi-Fi access on the vessel
- Shore-excursion programme detailed in your booked package
Not included
- 15% charge for an upper-deck cabin
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Optional services and personal spending
- Entrance fees or excursions omitted from the booked package
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check whether your selected cabin faces the Nile when confirming its category and position.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and for gratuities.
- 03
The 15% upper-deck supplement is charged above the standard cabin rate.
- 04
Ask which listed excursions and site entrance fees are covered by your booked package.
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
Travellers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins, subject to availability, and may request an upper-deck cabin for a 15% supplement above the standard rate. Private transfers, additional sightseeing, alternative cabin arrangements and extended pre- or post-cruise stays may be added where available; any entrance fees or excursions outside the booked package are extra.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want to combine accommodation, river sailing and guided visits to ancient sites. It is appropriate for travellers comfortable with boarding procedures, uneven temple surfaces and moderate walking during shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary instead if you need step-free access or want to avoid stairs, uneven archaeological paths and heat. It may also be a poor fit if you need a private cabin without paying a single supplement.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are available, subject to booking terms.
Things to Consider
- Shore excursions involve uneven surfaces, steps and limited stroller access.
- Luxor and Aswan can exceed 35°C from May to September.
- Drinks (including water) and gratuities cost extra.
- Upper-deck cabins carry a 15% supplement; solo travellers may pay more.
Where it fits
The Movenpick Royal Lotus fits between a Cairo stay and onward travel from Aswan or Luxor.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines accommodation, river sailing and shore excursions 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.
- Royal Lily Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,102 pp
- Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,131 pp
- Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £1,131 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 ship
- Destinations
- Nile River · Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Temple of Horus at Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Chosen cabin type · Full-board meals, beginning with lunch on boarding and ending with breakfast on leaving the ship · Use of the pool and sun deck · Access to restaurants and lounges · Internet access aboard · The shore trips listed in your booked package
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travellers seeking a combined sailing and sightseeing experience
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- A current passport and your booking paperwork
- Walking footwear that feels comfortable and offers good traction
- SPF 50+ sunscreen and lip balm
- A refillable bottle for water
- A sun hat together with sunglasses
- A compact bag for day trips ashore
- A card or cash to cover drinks, tips and personal spending
What to wear
- Breathable, relaxed-fit outfits for hot conditions
- Sturdy, comfortable footwear for navigating uneven temple ground
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A bathing costume and poolside cover-up for the pool and sun deck
- Light jacket or jumper for air-conditioned indoor areas
- A sun hat together with sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, and those aged 12 or older 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 awkward on gangways, stairs and uneven shore visits. Request a cot or high chair before booking; availability depends on the vessel and sailing date.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access to the vessel with shore excursions over uneven ground. The cruiser may have stairs between decks, narrow corridors, raised thresholds and limited lift capacity, so independent wheelchair movement cannot be guaranteed. Embarkation may involve a gangway and a short walk with luggage. Excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings can include uneven paving, steps, sand and sloping paths. A folding wheelchair is usually more practical than a large mobility scooter, subject to cabin and transport space. Please request an accessibility assessment before booking.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Your cruise is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, through a locally based Nile cruise supplier. The vessel uses Egyptian crew and local Egyptologists for its shore-excursion programme. River travel combines accommodation, dining and transport in one vessel, reducing some separate road journeys between Luxor and Aswan. Shore visits support local guides, drivers, site staff and visitor services in places such as Edfu and Kom Ombo. The vessel uses fuel, air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and other energy-intensive facilities. We do not claim renewable power or a certified environmental management system for the cruiser.
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 Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise?
Check the confirmed sailing details before arranging flights or other travel.02Where do I embark on the Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, according to the sailing booked. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise and can confirm the port details for your dates. The cruise information provided does not specify a transfer or pick-up service, so please ask us about any transport you need before travelling.03What is included in the Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise?
The booked package includes a cabin in the selected category, full board and use of the pool, sun deck, restaurant and lounge. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. Wi-Fi and the shore-excursion programme specified in your booking are also included; check your package for its exact excursions.04What is not included on the Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise?
Drinks (including water), gratuities and personal expenses are not included. The 15% upper-deck cabin supplement is also extra, and entrance fees or excursions not listed in your booked package are excluded. Review your confirmation to see which site visits and entrance fees apply to your particular sailing.05What cabin types are available on the Movenpick Royal Lotus, and is there a single supplement?
Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are available, subject to the booking terms and availability. Cabin rates are based on two people sharing; a single supplement typically applies if you occupy a cabin alone. An upper-deck cabin carries a 15% supplement above the standard rate.06Is the Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise accessible for guests with limited mobility?
The available information does not confirm step-free access or cabin adaptations on the Movenpick Royal Lotus. Shore excursions at ancient sites can involve uneven stone, sand, steps and distances on foot. Tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the vessel and the specific excursions in your package.07What is the child policy on the Movenpick Royal Lotus 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, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Confirm cabin availability and the applicable booking terms before making family travel arrangements.08What should I wear and bring for the Movenpick Royal Lotus shore excursions?
Wear comfortable, supportive shoes and bring a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen for visits to Karnak Temple, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Choose light clothing for the heat, with shoulders and knees covered at temples and other religious sites. A light layer can be useful on the sun deck in cooler winter evenings.09Can I take photographs during the Movenpick Royal Lotus shore excursions?
Photography rules vary between sites and may differ for particular monuments, interiors or tombs. Ask your Egyptologist before taking photographs, especially inside the Valley of the Kings, and follow signs and staff instructions. The cruise information provided does not set out a vessel-wide photography policy or confirm whether photography permissions are included.10Which sites can the Movenpick Royal Lotus visit between Luxor and Aswan?
The shore-excursion programme can include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Excursions vary by booked package, so use your confirmation to check which visits are included.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-556291
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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