Nile Premium Nile Cruise
A five-star river cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a sun deck, small pool, lounge bar and full-board dining.
The short answer
Nile Premium 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 £981 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
Exact embarkation port and daily timings are confirmed at booking.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £981double cabinsingle cabin £1,301 | May – September: from £981double cabinsingle cabin £1,301 | Peak dates: from £1,214double cabinsingle cabin £1,679 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,234double cabinsingle cabin £1,661 | May – September: from £1,234double cabinsingle cabin £1,661 | Peak dates: from £1,544double cabinsingle cabin £2,165 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,951double cabinsingle cabin £2,698 | May – September: from £1,951double cabinsingle cabin £2,698 | Peak dates: from £2,494double cabinsingle cabin £3,581 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,966double cabinsingle cabin £2,713 | May – September: from £1,966double cabinsingle cabin £2,713 | Peak dates: from £2,509double cabinsingle cabin £3,596 |
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
- 01Two guided mornings ashore: West Bank Luxor – Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple.
- 02Visit Edfu and Kom Ombo; we allow 90 minutes at Edfu Temple after the morning boats leave.
- 03Aswan programme includes Philae Island and a Nilometer option; Philae visits scheduled to avoid midday boat crowding.
- 04Our Egyptologist accompanies all shore visits; they brief on tomb conservation and practical photography rules.
- 05Unlike cruise-ship shore schedules, we keep Karnak visits until late afternoon light for longer, less-rushed exploration.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Stay on board the Nile Premium vessel
- Scheduled shore excursions in line with the vessel’s programme
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional single supplement, where applicable
- Tips for the crew and local guides
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites and premium tombs, unless stated otherwise
- Flights to and from Egypt, visas and travel insurance
- Personal expenses and optional excursions not included in the vessel’s programme
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin categories have a Nile-view window or balcony before confirming your cabin preference.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water), on-board staff gratuities and local guide gratuities.
- 03
Check whether afternoon tea is included for your specific sailing, as it is usually included on five-star vessels.
- 04
Confirm current opening hours and any premium tomb ticket costs before visiting the Valley of the Kings.
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
Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, with many offering Nile views or a balcony; single travellers should check the supplement. Optional excursions not listed in the vessel’s programme may be available, subject to confirmation. The scheduled shore programme is less flexible than arranging each visit independently.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Nile Premium suits couples, friends and first-time visitors roughly aged 25–70 who want to see Upper Egypt’s major temples while staying aboard a Nile vessel. It suits travellers comfortable with a set shore-excursion programme, repeated visits to ancient sites and shared cabin pricing.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a more flexible holiday if you need step-free sightseeing, frequent unscheduled breaks or a programme built around very young children. Summer heat and uneven ancient surfaces can also make the excursions demanding.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Shore excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings
- The programme visits Edfu and Kom Ombo during the Nile sailing
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin grades offer a choice of comfort
- Sun deck, small pool and lounge bar provide space between excursions
Things to Consider
- Excursions follow the vessel’s schedule, limiting independent sightseeing time
- Ancient sites have uneven surfaces, steps and little shade
- Drinks (including water) are extra
- Single travellers may pay a cabin supplement
Where it fits
Add Cairo before or after the Nile section if you want to include the Giza Plateau and the Egyptian Museum.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most short packaged Nile cruises allow limited time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo. This vessel’s excursion programme is described as allowing proper time at both 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.
- Salima Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £966 pp
- Amwaj Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £1,010 pp
- Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,039 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
- Stay on board the Nile Premium vessel · Full-board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Scheduled shore excursions · Visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Visit to Edfu Temple of Horus · Visit to Kom Ombo · Visit to Philae · Visit to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Cultural travellers · First-time visitors to Egypt
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and any required visa
- SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat
- Walking shoes with grip for uneven temple surfaces
- Refillable water bottle and small day bag
- Light torch for dimly lit areas
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
- Cruise booking and flight details, printed or saved offline
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes with grip
- A light jumper or jacket for cooler evenings on deck
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with two adults; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare, and those aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. Children must share their parents' cabin, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children need a separate cabin. Strollers can be used on board but are awkward on uneven temple paths and at raised thresholds. High chairs are not guaranteed; request one when booking so we can check availability.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and its shore excursions involve physical access limits. On board, steps connect decks and some cabins are reached only by stairs; lifts and ramps are not guaranteed. At Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, expect uneven ancient stone, raised thresholds, short stair climbs and sections of packed sand. Transfers between a launch and the riverbank may also involve steps. Wheelchair access at these sites is limited, so a fully step-free visit cannot be guaranteed. We can ask about a cabin location and simpler excursion arrangements, subject to availability. Please tell us about mobility needs, oxygen or specialist equipment before booking so we can check what the cruise operator can accommodate.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruise uses a conventional diesel-powered river vessel, and local tender launches may be used for some landings. Transfers between Luxor and Aswan use air-conditioned minibuses or coaches sized to the group, according to the arrangements supplied for this cruise. We work with local providers for guiding, catering and housekeeping where these services are available, supporting jobs in Luxor and Aswan. Some shore visits include craft markets where travellers can buy directly from local sellers. The information supplied for this product does not verify fuel-efficiency figures, emissions reductions, plastic-reduction measures or charitable donations, so we do not make claims about those. Ask us before booking if you have a specific transport or supplier preference.
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 MS Nile Premiums cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation times vary by sailing; your confirmation shows the exact times and the embarkation port. Expect daily guided excursions ashore as scheduled in your itinerary.02What does the price include for MS Nile Premiums?
Standard site entrance fees are included unless your booking states otherwise. Our quotes typically include the cabin, the guided excursions listed on your itinerary, meals on board and port handling–check your confirmation for specifics. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate the ground arrangements for the cruise.03
Routes vary; check your booking for the exact itinerary. The order of calls depends on river conditions and the vessel's programme.04Are airport transfers included with MS Nile Premiums?
We can arrange airport and station transfers; whether transfers are included depends on your quote. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we coordinate meet-and-greet services, private cars and launch/tender transfers when port size requires them–please supply flight numbers. If transfers are not included we can add them to your booking at cost.05Is the cruise suitable for children or less mobile travellers?
Most vessels have stairs between decks and gangways ashore; archaeological sites involve uneven stone, steep steps and sand. Tell us about mobility needs in advance so we can recommend cabin placement, private transfers or alternative shore plans; full wheelchair access may be limited.06
Bring sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for temple visits and any personal medication. Also pack a broad‑brimmed hat, high‑SPF sunscreen, light layers for evenings, a universal plug adapter and small notes of Egyptian pounds for tips and purchases. Soft‑sided luggage makes embarkation easier where space is limited; carry photocopies of passports and travel insurance.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-606211
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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