Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard to Suite cabins, panoramic windows, a sun deck, lounge bar, and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
Nile Serenity is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel used for sailings between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile River. Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor and Aswan, and the vessel’s shore-excursion program commonly includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. These sites are among the best-known monuments of Upper Egypt and are typically visited with local Egyptologists.
Karnak Temple is located in modern-day Luxor, on the east bank of the Nile, while Luxor Temple lies about 2 km to the south along the riverfront. The Valley of the Kings is on the west bank of Luxor, where royal tombs were cut into the limestone cliffs during the New Kingdom period, mainly from the 18th to 20th Dynasties. Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, and Kom Ombo is a double temple associated with Sobek and Horus the Elder.
On board, Nile Serenity offers cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with some cabins featuring panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. The vessel includes a sun deck, a lounge bar, and a main dining room with full board meals served from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The cruise typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with time on the river alternating with guided shore excursions.
For travelers, this type of vessel combines hotel-style accommodation with sightseeing access to major ancient Egyptian monuments. The cruise arrangement is suitable for visitors who want structured transport, meals on board, and guided visits without changing hotels between cities.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a comfortable, hotel-standard way to visit Upper Egypt’s major temples and tomb sites. It is especially relevant for first-time visitors, history-focused travelers, and couples or small groups who prefer a guided, low-hassle river journey.
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan, includes guided visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 02Two-hour guided West Bank excursion: Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Mortuary Temple with our Egyptologist.
- 03We schedule Edfu visit after morning tourist boats depart, reducing crowds compared with standard cruise timetables.
- 04Sail Kom Ombo; onshore visit examines crocodile-cult archaeology and Greco-Roman reliefs with our Egyptologist.
- 05All meals on board and daily guided excursions included; premium pyramid interiors and gratuities excluded by default.
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
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
8 Days / 7 Nights · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $3,857 | $4,184 | $4,512 |
| Double Cabin | $1,491 | $1,582 | $1,673 |
| Triple Cabin | $1,188 | $1,248 | $1,309 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $2,373 | $2,560 | $2,747 |
| Double Cabin | $1,021 | $1,073 | $1,125 |
| Triple Cabin | $848 | $882 | $917 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,878 | $2,018 | $2,159 |
| Double Cabin | $864 | $903 | $942 |
| Triple Cabin | $734 | $760 | $786 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $3,870 | $4,198 | $4,526 |
| Double Cabin | $1,504 | $1,595 | $1,686 |
| Triple Cabin | $1,201 | $1,262 | $1,322 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in the chosen cabin class on board the vessel
- Shore excursions as per the vessel's program: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- Services of local Egyptologists for guided visits
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals
- International flights to Egypt and domestic flights
- Gratuities for crew, cruise staff and guides unless otherwise stated
- Visas and personal travel insurance
- Optional extras such as hot-air balloon flights, premium tomb entries or private transfers
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Nile Serenity Nile Cruise involves moderate physical demands and several mobility considerations. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway and may require negotiating 4 to 10 steps depending on the vessel; some cruisers have lifts but many do not, so travellers should expect stairs to cabins and public areas. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, loose sand, and steps at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Wheelchair access is limited on most Nile cruisers and at many archaeological sites; visitors who use wheelchairs or have reduced mobility should contact us in advance so we can confirm accessibility on the specific vessel and plan alternative arrangements. Service dogs are accepted on request, subject to the vessel's policy. We arrange assistance at embarkation and disembarkation when possible, and our Egyptologists brief guests on site terrain and seating availability before each visit.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a printed or digital cruise voucher
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temples and tombs
- Sun protection: sunscreen SPF30+, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle for use with filtered water stations
- Lightweight daypack for cameras, guidebooks and personal items
- Any required medications plus a small first-aid kit
- Plug adapter (Egypt uses European two-pin plugs) and phone charger
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light sweater or shawl for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Comfortable trousers or long skirts for walking on archaeological sites
- Flat, closed or secure sandals for uneven surfaces
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and 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 a separate cabin. Strollers can be used on board but are impractical at many temple and tomb entrances because of steps and narrow passageways. High chairs and baby cots are subject to availability on the vessel; please request these at time of booking so we can confirm with the cruise supplier.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We work with locally based cruise lines and shore-excursion suppliers to keep economic benefits in the Luxor and Aswan communities. Transfers to and from the vessel use modern, air-conditioned coaches where required, typically minibuses or 25 to 35 seat coaches for group movements; many local suppliers operate newer Euro-4 or Euro-5 diesel coaches but exact vehicle models vary by partner. On board, the vessels we select commonly use marine diesel engines typical for Nile river cruisers; we ask partners to maintain efficient engines and regular servicing to reduce fuel use. Where possible we prioritise suppliers who source fresh food from Luxor and Aswan markets, employ local crew and Egyptologists, and offer filtered water stations to reduce single-use plastic bottles. We also request that crew handle waste separation and that shore-excursion partners respect site carrying-capacity limits at temples and archaeological areas. These measures are supplier-dependent; we will confirm specific vessel practices at booking.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is included in the 4-day MS Nile Serenity cruise?
The cruise price covers your cabin, meals on board, scheduled shore excursions, daily housekeeping and port handling. Standard archaeological site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise; pyramid interiors, premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and personal gratuities are excluded. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange transfers to and from the cruise berth in port cities as part of your booking.02Do I need a visa for Egypt?
Most visitors need an Egyptian entry visa; requirements vary by nationality. Many nationalities can obtain an e‑Visa before travel or a visa on arrival; your passport should be valid for at least six months. We can assist with visa letters and guidance when you book with us.03Are shore excursions led by Egyptologists?
Yes – excursions are led by our Egyptologists or experienced local guides, depending on site schedules. Our Egyptologists provide archaeological briefings and accompany key visits where available; at busier ports a qualified local guide may lead the group. Compared with mass coach tours, we prioritise guided time on sites rather than a single rushed stop.04Is Wi‑Fi available onboard MS Nile Serenity?
Wi‑Fi is available in public areas on MS Nile Serenity, but signal strength varies along the river. Expect reliable email and messaging for planning; streaming and video calls are often unreliable. We recommend buying an Egyptian SIM for better data coverage on shore.05How much walking and physical exertion should I expect?
Expect moderate walking, uneven ancient stone at temples, multiple steps in tombs and gangway transfers from ship to shore. Excursions often start early to avoid midday heat and shade is limited at many sites. If you have reduced mobility, tell us in advance – some sites require steep stairs and long uneven paths.06What about tipping and gratuities?
Gratuities for the crew, Egyptologist and local guides are normally not included in the cruise fare. We will advise customary tipping ranges at booking; small cash tips are commonly accepted and card facilities for gratuities may be limited on smaller boats. If you prefer, we can arrange a pooled gratuity to distribute on your behalf.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Product ID: CRU-NIL-973497
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