Royal Elite Nile Cruise
Royal Elite has three cabin grades, selected Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows, a shaded pool deck, lounge bar and dining room.
The short answer
Royal Elite is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £748 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile moves quietly beyond Royal Elite’s cabins, with river traffic and the low hum of the engine replacing the noise of the riverbank. Between shore excursions, the sun deck, outdoor pool area, lounge bar and dining room give you room to slow down while the landscape changes from Luxor’s cultivated banks towards Aswan.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple into focus without turning each visit into a rushed photo stop. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges the vessel, shore excursions and local support, with full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £748double cabinsingle cabin £952 | May – September: from £646double cabinsingle cabin £791 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £923double cabinsingle cabin £1,195 | May – September: from £787double cabinsingle cabin £981 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,408double cabinsingle cabin £1,883 | May – September: from £1,170double cabinsingle cabin £1,509 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,423double cabinsingle cabin £1,898 | May – September: from £1,185double cabinsingle cabin £1,524 |
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
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 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
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 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.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship
- Year built
- 2023
What lingers
- 01Guided shore excursions led by our Egyptologists, not audio-only commentary, for consistent historical context ashore.
- 02Overnight mooring in Aswan allows a late-afternoon visit to Philae Temple and an evening felucca option.
- 03Optional Abu Simbel excursion by road or flight requires an early start and separate booking with the ship.
- 04Early starts for Luxor West Bank and Valley of the Kings minimise crowds but mean pre-dawn transfers from the ship.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in the selected cabin grade
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Use of onboard facilities, such as the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Use of the outdoor pool area
- The cruise line’s shore excursion programme
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists
- International flights and airport taxes
- Visas and travel insurance
- Optional extras, including premium cabin upgrades, private transfers and speciality excursions
- Single supplement for solo travellers
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Check whether your selected cabin has a Nile-view balcony or panoramic window; these features apply only to selected cabins.
- 02
Budget separately for drinks (including water), crew and guide gratuities, and any optional speciality excursions.
- 03
Solo travellers should ask for the applicable single supplement before confirming their cabin.
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
Optional arrangements may include premium cabin upgrades, private transfers and speciality excursions; solo travellers can book with the applicable single supplement.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples and families interested in ancient Egyptian history who prefer combining accommodation, river travel and organised shore excursions. It is also suitable for travellers seeking Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabins and a more structured alternative to arranging separate hotels and transfers.
Maybe not, if
- It is not a good fit for travellers who need step-free access throughout, or who prefer to set their own daily schedule rather than follow a cruise line’s shore-excursion programme. Summer heat in Upper Egypt can also make outdoor sightseeing demanding.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Things to Consider
- Shore visits involve uneven ancient stone, steps and exposed sites.
- Luxor and Aswan can exceed 35°C from May through September.
- Drinks (including water) and gratuities are extra.
- Solo travellers pay a single supplement; cabin prices are per person sharing.
Where it fits
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise fits between time in Cairo and further visits in Luxor or Aswan.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this package combines cabin accommodation, river transport and a scheduled shore-excursion programme. Unlike a fixed private tour, shore excursions are provided by the cruise line, while Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking and can add services such as private transfers or speciality excursions.
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 Beau Rivage Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £748 pp
- Grand Rose Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £748 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
- 5-Star Nile Cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Accommodation in the selected cabin grade · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Shaded sun deck and outdoor pool area · Indoor lounge bar and dedicated dining room · Cruise-line shore excursion programme
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · Families sharing a cabin · Ancient-history enthusiasts · Travellers wanting full-board river travel · Travellers comparing Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking footwear with non-slip soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+, lip balm and sunglasses
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Refillable water bottle, where permitted
- A small bag for day trips ashore
- Medication for motion sickness, if required
What to wear
- Lightweight clothing with a relaxed fit
- Layers that let you stay cool in changing temperatures
- Comfortable footwear for uneven temple ground
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool area
- A light jacket for the cooler evenings
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; those aged 12 or over pay the 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 are generally impractical on gangways, internal stairs, quays and uneven archaeological ground. Ask us to check whether a cot, high chair and suitable cabin arrangement are available on the vessel assigned to your booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access to the vessel with shore visits over uneven historic ground. Embarkation may involve a gangway, steps or a steep ramp, depending on the quay and river level. Cabins, the dining room, lounge bar and sun deck may be connected by internal stairs; lift availability and cabin access depend on the vessel assigned. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings have uneven paving, steps or sand, with limited shade at some sites. Wheelchair access cannot be assumed. If you have reduced mobility, contact us before booking so we can check the vessel, cabin, gangway and practical options for the shore excursion programme.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A river vessel covers the Luxor to Aswan route without requiring separate daily road transfers between each stop, reducing repeated overland travel for the same journey. Shore excursions are delivered through the cruise line's local teams, while Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise with Egyptian suppliers. Navigation, food service, cabin care and shore operations provide work for people along the Nile corridor. Fuel systems, wastewater treatment, recycling and water-saving measures vary by the vessel assigned at booking, so we do not claim standards that have not been verified. Guests can carry a refillable bottle where permitted, avoid single-use plastics and follow conservation rules at temples and tombs.
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
01Which shore excursions are part of the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise includes a full programme of shore excursions. You will visit significant ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These visits are organised by the cruise line.02What meals are provided on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis. This covers all your meals, beginning with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically an additional charge.03What cabin options are available on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise offers various cabin categories, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. Certain cabins feature Nile-view balconies or large panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy the river scenery as you sail.04What facilities can I use on board the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
Royal Elite Nile Cruise guests can enjoy a range of onboard facilities, including a shaded sun deck, an outdoor swimming pool area, a comfortable lounge bar and a dedicated dining room. These features are intended to make your Nile sailing more enjoyable.05Is the Royal Elite Nile Cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, families are welcome on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise. Child rates for ages 0–5.99 and 6–11.99 years are available on request. Children must share a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate no more than one child. Two or more children will need a separate cabin.06What is the policy for solo travellers on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
Solo travellers are welcome aboard the Royal Elite Nile Cruise. However, the pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin, so a single supplement usually applies for those travelling alone. Please enquire for specific details on solo traveller rates.07What clothing and items should I bring for the Royal Elite Nile Cruise and excursions?
Bring light, comfortable clothes for warm weather, along with swimwear for the pool. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for shore trips. When visiting temples and religious sites, modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended.08Does the Royal Elite Nile Cruise fare include gratuities?
No, gratuities for the crew and your Egyptologist guide are not included in the standard Royal Elite Nile Cruise price. It is customary to tip the cruise staff and your guide at the end of your holiday. We can provide recommendations for appropriate gratuity amounts.09What are the embarkation and disembarkation arrangements for the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
You’ll board and leave the Royal Elite Nile Cruise in either Luxor or Aswan, according to the direction of your chosen sailing. We organise transfers to and from the vessel for a seamless start and finish to your cruise.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-895034
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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