Royal Elite Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, Nile-view balconies, shaded sun-deck seating, pool area, 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
Royal Elite Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
Royal Elite is a five-star cruiser on the Luxor–Aswan route, with spacious cabins, full-board dining, a pool deck, and Egyptologist-led excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Background
The facts
Royal Elite Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The cruise program typically connects major Upper Egypt sites, with shore excursions to Karnak Temple Complex on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Luxor.
The vessel offers Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabin categories. Some cabins feature panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, which are valued on river cruises because they provide direct views of the river while sailing between ports. Onboard facilities include a sun deck with shaded seating and an outdoor pool area, plus a lounge bar and a dedicated dining room.
Royal Elite Nile Cruise is sold on a full board basis, with lunch served on embarkation day and breakfast on disembarkation day. This means meals are included throughout the nights aboard, while drinks beyond standard meal service are usually additional. Pricing is typically per person sharing, with a single supplement applied for solo travelers.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, using the standard Nile cruise ports in each city. Because the cruise line determines the sailing schedule, embarkation and disembarkation may vary by week, but the excursion set normally remains centerd on the best-known temples and tomb sites along the Luxor-Aswan corridor.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile experience with comfortable cabins, fixed sightseeing, and minimal logistics. It is especially relevant for couples, first-time Egypt visitors, and adults in the 30–70 age range who prefer guided historical travel rather than independent planning.
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise aboard MS Royal Elite between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- 02Guided shore excursions led by our Egyptologists, not audio-only commentary, for consistent historical context ashore.
- 03Overnight mooring in Aswan allows a late-afternoon visit to Philae Temple and an evening felucca option.
- 04Optional Abu Simbel excursion by road or flight requires an early start and separate booking with the ship.
- 05Early starts for Luxor West Bank and Valley of the Kings minimise crowds but mean pre-dawn transfers from the ship.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $778 | $831 | $884 |
| Double Cabin | $877 | $956 | $1,036 |
| Single Cabin | $1,627 | $1,878 | $2,128 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $614 | $644 | $674 |
| Double Cabin | $670 | $715 | $761 |
| Single Cabin | $1,099 | $1,242 | $1,385 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $558 | $581 | $604 |
| Double Cabin | $601 | $635 | $669 |
| Single Cabin | $922 | $1,030 | $1,137 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $792 | $845 | $898 |
| Double Cabin | $890 | $970 | $1,049 |
| Single Cabin | $1,641 | $1,891 | $2,141 |
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 grade on board the vessel
- Use of onboard facilities such as sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Shore excursion program as provided by the cruise line
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals, unless otherwise stated
- Gratuities and tipping for crew and guides
- International flights and airport taxes
- Visas and travel insurance
- Optional extras such as premium cabin upgrades, private transfers or speciality excursions
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions include uneven stone, stepped temple entrances, narrow tomb passages and soft sand in places, so this cruise requires a moderate level of mobility. On board, the vessel has multiple staircases between decks; some cruisers have at least one elevator but availability varies by assigned ship. Shore excursions often require walking on cobblestones, temple stone, and descending into the Valley of the Kings via stairs and ramps; the tombs have low, uneven entrances and limited turning space. Wheelchair users should expect assisted boarding at the port only where local port ramps are available, and tactile or ramp access at archaeological sites is limited. If you use a mobility scooter or powerchair, contact us before booking so we can advise on the specific ship assignment and local transfer feasibility. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will arrange meet-and-assist at the arrival airport and coordinate any reasonable on-the-ground adjustments, but we cannot guarantee full accessibility at all sites due to historic-site constraints.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and copy, plus emergency contact details
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: SPF 30+, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Light layers for cool mornings and air-conditioned interiors
- Reusable water bottle (refillable on many vessels)
- Small daypack for ashore excursions
- Medications, basic first-aid items, and hand sanitizer
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light sweater or jacket for evenings on deck
- Closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites and tomb visits
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and above pay the full adult fare. 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 on board but are impractical at many shore sites because of uneven surfaces and steps; high chairs and baby cots depend on the assigned vessel and must be requested at booking.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses river diesel propulsion and air-conditioned coaches provided by local suppliers for transfers and excursions; vehicle age and emissions standards vary by assigned supplier. We work with Egyptian crew and local Egyptologists for shore programmes, and the vessel’s catering sources many fresh produce items from markets in Luxor and Aswan, supporting local vendors. On excursions we encourage small-group site visits to reduce crowding and we request that passengers follow site regulations about photography, litter, and touching monuments. Single-use plastic reduction practices depend on the assigned cruise line; on many five-star Nile cruisers refillable water stations are provided and afternoon tea is supplied in reusable service. If you have specific sustainability requirements, tell us at booking and we will request supplier practices in writing. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we prioritise suppliers who employ local staff and use local guides, which channels a portion of guest spend into the regional economy.
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
01How many nights is the MS Royal Elite 4-day cruise?
A four-day programme equals three nights aboard the MS Royal Elite. Day 1 is embarkation and day 4 is disembarkation; confirm exact check‑in/check‑out times on your booking. We arrange transfers to and from the ship when included in your booking. Cabin allocation and deck assignment are confirmed at final documentation.02What is included in the MS Royal Elite price?
The cruise price typically includes your cabin, main meals on board, guided shore excursions and standard site entrance fees. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and will confirm which transfers, drinks, gratuities and extras are included on your specific confirmation. Pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun / Seti I) are excluded unless explicitly booked. Please ask us for the line‑by‑line inclusions for your departure.03What cabin types are available on the MS Royal Elite?
Cabin categories vary by deck; we will send the ship’s current deck plan and exact cabin dimensions when you enquire. Deck location affects noise, shade and views, so tell us your preference and we will reserve the best available cabin. Specific cabin numbers are subject to availability and are confirmed at final issue of travel documents. We can also note requests such as twin beds or a lower‑deck cabin.04Is the MS Royal Elite suitable for travellers with reduced mobility?
Accessibility varies by cabin and gangway; we must check the ship’s layout and your requirements for each booking. Many Nile ships have steps between decks and limited lift access, and shore visits involve cobbles, steep temple steps and uneven ancient stone. Tell us the exact mobility aids and walking distances you require and we will confirm suitability and available assistance. Where possible we arrange vehicle transfers, porters and assistance at landings.05What is the typical daily itinerary on a 4-day Nile cruise?
Typical days combine morning and afternoon guided visits with sailing between ports and evenings at leisure aboard. Four‑day cruises commonly include Kom Ombo and Edfu and substantial time in Luxor or Aswan; your exact stops will appear on the itinerary we send. Unlike fixed cruise‑ship windows, we time some shore visits to avoid the busiest periods where possible. Expect at least one early start for temple visits and one free afternoon for optional excursions.06Can I combine the MS Royal Elite cruise with Cairo or Abu Simbel?
Yes – we can combine the four-day cruise with extensions to Cairo or Abu Simbel. Abu Simbel is about 280 km (roughly three hours) by road from Aswan; many travellers prefer the short internal flight to save time. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we arrange internal flights, road transfers and hotel nights–ask us for scheduling and pricing. Note that an Abu Simbel road transfer is a long day and domestic flights have stricter luggage limits.
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-895034
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