Movenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise
Panoramic windows, a sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining distinguish this 5-star vessel on the Nile.
The short answer
Movenpick MS Sun Ray is a 5-Star Luxury 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
Sun Ray sails under the Mövenpick flag, a premium five-star cruiser on the classic Luxor–Aswan route known for its dining, with a pool deck and guided temple calls between the two cities. 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
- 01Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 02Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- 03The excursion programme includes Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Standard entrance fees for scheduled sites
Not included
- Entry to the interiors of the Khufu and Khafre pyramids
- Entry to premium tombs, including those of Tutankhamun and Seti I
- Gratuities
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check whether afternoon tea is included in the booking details; this varies by vessel and is not confirmed for this cruise.
- 02
Allow time to confirm each excursion's entry arrangements, as premium tomb tickets can be separate from standard site admission.
- 03
Carry modest clothing for visits to religious sites and sun protection for exposed areas during shore excursions.
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 Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, about private guiding, additional site visits or extending your stay in Luxor or Aswan; availability depends on your dates and arrangements. Cabin class choices are Standard, Deluxe and Suite, and solo travellers should budget for the typical single supplement.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits couples, friends and families with older children who want to see major Nile sites without changing hotels each night. Choose it if you value a river-based journey between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions to places including Karnak Temple, Edfu and Philae rather than a fixed stay in one city.
Maybe not, if
- It is not a good fit for travellers who need step-free access or prefer to avoid stairs, uneven stone and heat during site visits. Choose a land-based stay if you want complete control over daily timings or do not enjoy shared dining and public spaces.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes offer a choice of budget and space.
Things to Consider
- Ancient sites involve uneven stone, steps and exposed areas.
- Excursion timings can mean early starts, especially in warmer months.
- Drinks (including water) are typically charged separately.
- Cabin pricing is per person sharing, with a single supplement typically applied.
Where it fits
Movenpick Sun Ray fits between stays in Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions to major sites along the Nile. It can sit within a wider Egypt itinerary that also includes time in Cairo.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most Nile cruise products are described around a particular sailing direction; Movenpick Sun Ray is presented as a vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a city-based hotel stay, its shore-excursion programme links sites along the river, with sailing between visits.
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.
- Jaz Elite Regent Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,398 pp
- Jaz Elite Viceroy Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,398 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 Movenpick Sun Ray · Full Board from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Sailing between Luxor and Aswan · Shore-excursion programme · Visits to Karnak and Luxor Temple · Visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo temples · Visits to Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Couples · Families · First-time visitors to Egypt · Travellers seeking a Nile cruise
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required entry documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- Sun hat, sunglasses and SPF 30+ sunscreen
- A refillable water bottle and a small day bag
- Light waterproof or windproof layer for early excursions
- Phone charger and Type C or E power adaptor
- Any medication you need during sailing and shore visits
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting clothes for hot days
- Covered shoulders and knees for mosques and religious sites
- A light scarf or long sleeves for sun protection
- Closed-toe shoes for uneven temple paths and tomb visits
- Smart-casual clothing for the dining room
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; guests 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 used aboard, but steps, uneven paths and narrow passages make them impractical at many sites. High chairs are not guaranteed; request one when booking and we will pass the request to the cruise line.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise and its shore excursions require moderate mobility. Boarding may involve two to four steps, and some quays have uneven stone surfaces. There are stairs between decks, and some cabins have a step between the corridor and bathroom. Shore visits can include cobbled temple paths, sandy riverbank approaches, steep ramps and narrow tomb passages, including at the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access is limited, and some sites are not accessible to wheelchairs. We can ask the cruise line about assistance at embarkation and disembarkation, but access cannot be guaranteed for every mobility aid or excursion. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can discuss the specific vessel and excursion arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Shore transfers use air-conditioned coaches and small launch boats arranged through local suppliers. The cruise vessel is assigned by the cruise line, which owns and operates it. Onboard produce and bread are sourced from bakeries in Luxor and Aswan, and Egyptologist guides live in the region. These arrangements direct some visitor spending to local businesses and professionals. The cruise line may limit single-use plastics where its suppliers allow and use a water-conscious linen-laundry schedule. Practices can vary by assigned vessel. Carrying a reusable water bottle and using the waste bins provided are practical ways to reduce disposable packaging and litter during shore visits.
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 MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise?
This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Nile's key sites between Luxor and Aswan.02What is included in the Movenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes full board, covering lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. It also includes the organised shore excursions to sites such as Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings, accompanied by our Egyptologists.03What is not included in the Movenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise fare?
Drinks (including water) are typically not included and are an additional charge. Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists are also excluded, as are any personal expenses or optional activities not listed in the standard excursion programme.04What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the cruise?
The Movenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise typically embarks and disembarks in either Luxor or Aswan.05What are the cabin options on the Movenpick MS Sun Ray?
The Movenpick MS Sun Ray offers various cabin classes, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. Cabins feature panoramic windows, and some may offer Nile-view balconies, providing comfortable accommodation during your journey.06Is the Movenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear on a Nile Cruise and for shore excursions?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes are essential as you will be exploring ancient sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended, and modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appropriate for temple visits. On board, casual attire is suitable.08What is the best time of year to take a Movenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are generally considered the best time for a Nile Cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. This period aligns with the UK's winter sun season. Summer months can be very hot, especially for shore excursions.09What kind of activities are available on board the Movenpick MS Sun Ray?
On board, you can relax on the sun deck, often featuring a pool, and enjoy the passing scenery. There is also a lounge bar and a dining room. Evenings may include entertainment or simply offer a chance to unwind after a day of exploration.10How are shore excursions organised and led?
Shore excursions are arranged for you and led by our qualified Egyptologists. They provide historical context and insights at each site, ensuring you gain a deeper understanding of Egypt's ancient civilisation. You will travel in comfortable, air-conditioned transport for these visits.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-805239
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Thu in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Esmeralda Nile Cruise
The Esmeralda sails between Luxor and Aswan, operating a classic Nile itinerary that visits riverside temples and island sites. On this cruise you will step ashore for named monuments commonly visited on this route, including the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, while daylight hours are spent cruising between moorings. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and sightseeing for every sailing rather than supplying only audio guides. Compared with faster overnight crossings, this classic cruise gives more time at riverside temples and a calmer pace on deck. Expect afternoon cruising along the riverbank, morning shore visits, and the practicalities of walking on uneven ancient stone at many sites.
From £1,484
Nile7 Nights
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a five-star Nile cruise vessel with cabin accommodation, a dining room, a lounge and a sun deck. Unlike a fixed land itinerary, the sailing programme links these visits along the Nile, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan. Full board runs from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges bookings for the vessel.
Nile7 Nights
Tosca Nile Cruise
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange full-board accommodation, meet-and-assist on arrival and departure, transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, and private Egyptologist-led excursions. Excursions are capped at eight guests per guide for a small-group experience. The itinerary includes the High Dam, Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Luxor's Karnak and West Bank monuments. The standard fare does not include the Abu Simbel excursion, which we offer as an optional add-on. The MS Tosca's design was created by the Red Carnation Hotel Collection, and onboard dining and leisure time are scheduled to let you step ashore for guided visits and return for relaxed afternoons on deck.