Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser featuring a pool on the sun deck, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa, gym, panoramic windows and full-board meals; operates weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
The short answer
Royal La Terrasse is a 5-Star Standard 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 start from £733 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
At first light the sun deck pool mirrors Luxor's minarets and rows of palms while the vessel slips slowly from the quayside, and the scent of coffee from the dining room mixes with the Nile breeze. Many cabins have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, and full board dining is timed around embarkation and disembarkation formalities so meals fit the sailing rhythm.
Unlike mass coach cruises, this vessel spaces visits across several sailing days, and our Egyptologists brief guests each evening about the next day's shore excursions and practical details.
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 Mondays | October – April: from £733double cabinsingle cabin £952 | May – September: from £675double cabinsingle cabin £864 | Peak dates: from £864double cabinsingle cabin £1,155 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £904double cabinsingle cabin £1,195 | May – September: from £826double cabinsingle cabin £1,078 | Peak dates: from £1,078double cabinsingle cabin £1,467 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,374double cabinsingle cabin £1,883 | May – September: from £1,238double cabinsingle cabin £1,679 | Peak dates: from £1,679double cabinsingle cabin £2,359 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,389double cabinsingle cabin £1,898 | May – September: from £1,253double cabinsingle cabin £1,694 | Peak dates: from £1,694double cabinsingle cabin £2,374 |
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
- 01Sun deck with outdoor pool and rooftop terrace for Nile views while sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Lounge bar and indoor lounge for evening drinks and briefings about forthcoming shore excursions
- 03On-board spa and gym, plus afternoon tea included on 5-star services
- 04Scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Cabin classes ranged Standard, Deluxe and Suite, many with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies
- 06Full board dining, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Spa
- Concierge
- Business centre
- Bar
- Parking
- Rooftop terrace
- Gym
- Swimming pool
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
- Full board
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation in the selected cabin class on board the vessel.
- Full board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Scheduled shore excursions included in the vessel's programme between Luxor and Aswan.
- Use of the onboard facilities, including the swimming pool, roof terrace, lounge bar, spa and gym.
- On-board WiFi, subject to local signal strength and capacity.
- Port and harbour taxes, where applied by the cruise line.
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt.
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance.
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional or premium excursions, and private guides not included in the vessel's scheduled programme.
- Personal expenses, including on-board specialist treatments and services.
- Gratuities for on-board staff and local guides, unless pre-purchased.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin categories have Nile-view balconies before choosing; balcony availability varies by cabin.
- 02
Carry small cash for personal purchases at shore stops, as spending arrangements can differ between sites.
- 03
Bring sun protection for time on the open deck and during exposed archaeological-site visits.
- 04
Keep modest clothing available for religious sites, including Philae Temple.
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
Travellers can usually choose between Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories, subject to availability. The cruise can also be paired with extra nights in Luxor or Aswan, or with private sightseeing before or after the sailing. Meal upgrades, optional excursions and private guiding may be arranged separately if requested.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a structured way to see Upper Egypt’s key monuments without changing hotels every day. It is especially appropriate for adults, couples and older families who are comfortable with stairs, short coach transfers to sites, and several days aboard a river vessel.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different holiday if you need step-free access at archaeological sites or prefer to explore without a set excursion programme. Summer departures also require tolerance for strong sun and high temperatures.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A sun deck, outdoor pool and rooftop terrace provide space between visits.
Things to Consider
- Uneven stone and steep terrain make some site visits demanding.
- Summer heat can make walking and sun-deck time uncomfortable.
- Scheduled excursions offer less flexibility than privately guided visits.
- Drinks (including water) are usually extra.
Where it fits
Pair the cruise with time in Cairo before flying to Luxor, or add a stay in Aswan after disembarkation to visit Abu Simbel.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel stay with separate day tours, this Nile cruise combines accommodation, transport between Luxor and Aswan, and a scheduled excursion programme in one booking. Compared with overland coach touring, it reduces repeated packing and unpacking while keeping the travel route on the Nile. It is also more structured than private tailor-made sightseeing, with set embarkation, disembarkation and sailing days.
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
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 Cabin Accommodation
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Stay in the chosen cabin category · Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Excursions ashore as scheduled · Access to the pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa and gym · On-board Wi-Fi, subject to local signal and capacity · Port and harbour charges, where applicable
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · Families with school-age children · Travellers wanting a structured Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport plus any required visas, photocard and photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temple steps and quays
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brimmed sun hat
- Lightweight layers for cool mornings and evenings on deck
- Use insect repellent for evenings by the river
- Small daypack for shore excursions and water bottle
- Any personal medication plus a copy of prescriptions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing in breathable fabrics
- Covered shoulders and knee-length skirts or trousers for temples and mosques
- Bring a warm layer for breezes on deck in the early morning or evening
- Non-slip shoes suitable for gangways and uneven stone steps
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 above pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers can be practical aboard the vessel but may be cumbersome on cobbled temple approaches and at some quays. High chairs and child equipment depend on the cruise line; we will request them on your behalf and confirm availability prior to travel.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise requires a moderate level of mobility. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway with steps and uneven surfaces at some quays, and some piers have steep or irregular ramps. Shore-excursion transfers typically include short walks over cobbles, sand and temple steps; many temple entrances have staircases without handrails. Cabins commonly have a single step at the doorway and some suite thresholds are narrow; elevators are limited or absent on many Nile cruisers. Full wheelchair access throughout the vessel and at most archaeological sites is not possible. We can request port-side assistance with luggage and coordinate reduced-mobility transfers and seating on excursions where the cruise line and sites permit, but please contact us before booking with exact mobility needs so we can confirm what the vessel and local sites can provide.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise with a cruise line that uses conventional diesel river engines, the standard propulsion for most Nile vessels. Shore excursions are carried out by local suppliers using air-conditioned minibuses driven by Egyptian staff. The vessel sources much of its fresh produce from regional markets in Luxor and Aswan, and the on-board crew is predominantly Egyptian, so wages and local procurement benefit the communities visited. Waste-management practices vary by supplier; we formally request recycling and food-waste separation where facilities exist, and we record and report shortfalls back to the cruise line. If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, ask us about voluntary carbon-offsetting options and shore-excursion alternatives that favour walking or felucca trips powered by sail.
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 does a Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise usually last?
The itinerary gives you the chance to discover the main ancient sites along the Nile River.02How do guests embark and disembark on the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
You board and leave the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise in Luxor and Aswan. We organise transfers to and from the vessel at the beginning and end of your cruise, in line with your flight or hotel timings.03What does the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise fare cover?
Your cruise fare covers a cabin in your selected class, full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, and the scheduled shore excursions. Wi-Fi and access to on-board facilities, including the pool, rooftop terrace and lounge bar, are also covered.04What is excluded from the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise package?
International flights, visas for entry to Egypt, travel insurance and most drinks (including water) are excluded. Optional excursions, private guides outside the scheduled programme, personal spending and gratuities for staff and guides are also not included.05Can guests with mobility concerns access the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
Gangways on Nile cruise vessels, including the Royal La Terrasse, may be steep, depending on river levels. There are stairs between decks on board. Shore excursions require walking across uneven ancient sites, which can be difficult for guests with significant mobility concerns.06What are the arrangements for children on the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 travel at no charge, and those aged 6–11.99 pay half the adult fare. From age 12, children pay the full adult fare. A maximum of one child may share a cabin with their parents; two or more children need a cabin of their own.07What should I pack and wear for a Nile cruise aboard Royal La Terrasse?
For daytime excursions, pack light, comfortable clothes; choose modest dress for religious sites and smart casual outfits for evenings on board. Remember sun protection, comfortable walking shoes and any medicines you need personally.08What are the photography rules at the sites visited during the cruise?
In general, photography is allowed at most ancient sites, but flash may be banned in some areas, and video cameras may need a separate ticket. Your Egyptologist will explain the rules at each stop so you can follow them.09When is the ideal time of year for a Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
October to April is usually the ideal period for a Nile cruise, as sightseeing conditions are cooler and more comfortable. From May to September, summer temperatures can be very high, particularly in Upper Egypt.10Which major ancient sites are visited during the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise programme?
The Royal La Terrasse cruise itinerary features visits to renowned sites including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae Temple, providing an extensive historical journey.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-618457
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Thu in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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