Ruby 1 Nile Cruise
A choice of graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, plus a sun deck, lounge bar and full-board meals on the Nile.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Ruby 1 Nile Cruise is a Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Ruby 1 has three cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings, with weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Twin or double cabin aboard Ruby 1 · Full board from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Use of the sun deck · Use of the lounge bar and dining room · Vessel shore-excursion programme
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Families · Travellers choosing cabin options
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
What lingers
- 01Four-day Nile cruise aboard MS Ruby 1 between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits included.
- 02Visits include Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings) and Karnak Temple with our licensed Egyptologists.
- 03We schedule Kom Ombo and Edfu visits after dawn, giving two hours at each site away from mass arrivals.
- 04Cabins feature en-suite bathrooms, panoramic windows and daily housekeeping; safety-certified crew and shore power provided.
- 05Operated by our licensed Egyptian tour operator as a small-ship cruise; we don't run group bus tours.
02Overview
A first look
MS Ruby 1 runs a four-day, three-night Nile sailing between principal Nile ports. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange transfers and Egyptologist-guided shore visits.
Background
The facts
Ruby 1 is a Nile cruise vessel arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt for river travel between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel has Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, plus a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room and reception.
The river route links shore excursions at Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan; weekly sailings run in both directions.
Karnak and Luxor Temple formed part of ancient Thebes, whose monuments with the surrounding necropolis are inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List. The Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom. The Temple of Horus at Edfu was built in the Ptolemaic period, from 237 to 57 BCE.
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Many cabins have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies; suites add separate seating and more living space. No opening hours or cabin dimensions were supplied. Drinks beyond water with meals, premium tomb entry and gratuities are extra unless specifically arranged.
Named in this entry
Ruby 1·Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Horus's Temple·Edfu·Kom Ombo·Philae·Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Ruby 1 suits couples, solo travellers and adults who want to visit Upper Egypt’s main monuments without changing hotels each night. It works well for travellers who value a private cabin, full-board meals and an organised shore-excursion programme, with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins to choose from.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free access throughout: boarding and ancient sites can involve steps and uneven ground. It may also be less comfortable for travellers who struggle with heat or long periods on their feet.
Honest assessment
Real trade-offs from our experience managing this tour.
Highlights
- Cabin grades offer a choice of space and comfort.
- Weekly sailings in both directions give flexibility over embarkation port.
Things to Consider
- Drinks beyond water with meals and bar bills cost extra.
- Premium tomb tickets, including Tutankhamun and Seti I, are excluded.
- Temple visits involve uneven stone, steps and limited shade.
- A single supplement typically applies to solo cabin use.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Some Nile cruise arrangements are planned for travel in one direction only. Ruby 1 has weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so the embarkation port can be chosen at either end.
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.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Twin or double cabin accommodation aboard the vessel
- Use of the vessel’s shared areas, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- The shore-excursion programme provided by the vessel
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals, speciality beverages and bar bills
- Entry fees for premium tombs, including Tutankhamun’s tomb or Seti I’s tomb
- Gratuities for Egyptologists, crew and local guides, unless requested
- International and internal flights, visas and travel insurance
- Single supplement, where applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin side and deck are available when booking; cabin views vary and specific assignments are not guaranteed.
- 02
Pack a light layer for the sun deck, where river breezes can feel cooler than the shore.
- 03
Budget separately for bar drinks, premium tomb tickets and gratuities; these are not included unless arranged.
- 04
Check the day’s excursion timings with the vessel’s crew, as the programme alternates shore visits with sailing.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Choose Standard, Deluxe or Suite accommodation; Suites have more living space and separate seating, while many cabins offer a panoramic window or Nile-view balcony. Ruby 1 sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so you can discuss which embarkation and disembarkation ports suit your plans. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise and can advise on fitting it into a longer Egypt holiday.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Where it fits
Ruby 1 fits between a stay in Luxor and onward travel to Aswan, or as the Nile section of a wider Egypt holiday that also includes Cairo.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions involve uneven surfaces, steps, narrow gangways and, at some sites, sand or loose gravel. Boarding usually requires stepping between the dock and the vessel; cabins may be reached by stairs, and lifts are not guaranteed. Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae have uneven ancient stone, steps or steep ramps, so wheelchair access can be limited. Some visits may need to be adapted or missed. If you use a wheelchair or mobility aid, contact us before booking so we can check the vessel assigned and discuss possible ramp or landing arrangements. A companion able to assist with steps and transfers is advisable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Nile cruisers commonly use diesel engines for river navigation. The specific vessel and its fuel use are not confirmed until assignment, so we cannot give a reliable figure for emissions. Transfers arranged for guests use locally run cars or air-conditioned minibuses, depending on group size and availability. Shore excursions are delivered by Egyptian guides and local suppliers in Luxor and Aswan, keeping part of the visitor spend in those communities. Practices vary by vessel; ask us to check whether refillable water dispensers are available on your assigned cruiser. Bringing a reusable bottle can reduce reliance on single-use bottles where refills are offered. We can also pass on questions about crew employment and onboard waste practices to the selected supplier before booking.
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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visa
- Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip
- High-SPF sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and UV-protection sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle for refills where available
- Light day bag for water and personal items
- Personal medication and prescription copies
- Small torch for dim areas and uneven ground
What to wear
- Light, breathable clothing for warm days and cooler evenings
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable trousers or a long skirt for archaeological sites
- A light scarf or shawl for sun protection and site visits
- Shoes with a firm grip for steps and uneven stone
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children aged 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 their own cabin. Strollers can be used in public areas on board but are generally impractical at ancient sites with steps and uneven ground. High chairs are not guaranteed, so request one when booking and we will check availability with the assigned vessel.
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
7 nights / 8 days · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,880 | £2,485 |
| Double cabin | £1,207 | £1,544 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,197 | £1,543 |
| Double cabin | £813 | £1,005 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £969 | £1,229 |
| Double cabin | £681 | £825 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,895 | £2,501 |
| Double cabin | £1,223 | £1,559 |
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.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- 75% back, or 100% kept as credit towards a future holiday
- 15–30 days
- 50% back, or 75% kept as credit
- 7–14 days
- 25% back, or 50% kept as credit
- 2–6 days
- Nothing back; 25% kept as credit
- Under 48 hours, or if you don't turn up
- No refund and no credit
Notice is counted from the day you arrive in Egypt. A few vessels have their own terms; where that's so, we'll let you know before any payment is taken.Read our full cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- Valley of the KingsRight here
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is included on the MS Ruby 1 4-day Nile cruise?
Standard inclusions normally cover cabin accommodation, meals, daily shore excursions and site entrance fees unless stated otherwise. Pyramid interiors (Khufu/Khafre) and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) are excluded unless your booking specifies them. International flights, travel insurance and gratuities are not included unless shown on your confirmation. We arrange private or small-group shore excursions rather than mass coach tours, and we will confirm exact inclusions on your booking voucher.02Can I visit the Valley of the Kings from the MS Ruby 1 itinerary?
Many four-day Nile cruises include the Valley of the Kings on Luxor West Bank; check your specific MS Ruby 1 itinerary to confirm. The site requires walking on uneven ancient stone and some steps; visits often start early to avoid heat. Entry to the Tutankhamun tomb is a separate premium ticket and is frequently excluded from standard site fees.03Is there an Egyptologist guiding excursions on MS Ruby 1?
An Egyptologist accompanies many Nile cruise shore visits, but you should confirm for your MS Ruby 1 departure. Our Egyptologists work on selected sailings and provide briefings at each site; specialist-tomb commentary or private-guiding requests may carry extra charges. If you require a guide in a particular language, tell us at booking so we can confirm availability.04How are transfers and airport pick-ups organised for MS Ruby 1?
We arrange private transfers between airport, hotels and the ship for MS Ruby 1 arrivals and departures unless your booking states otherwise. Please send your flight numbers and arrival times so we can schedule meet-and-greet and avoid long waits. Embarkation and disembarkation times vary by port; if you arrive significantly earlier or later than listed, contact us so we can adjust transfer timing.05Is MS Ruby 1 suitable for travellers with reduced mobility?
MS Ruby 1 has gangway steps and narrow passageways; it is not fully wheelchair-accessible without advance arrangements. Shore sites typically involve cobblestones, steps and uneven surfaces (for example at Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank), and tendering may be required in some ports. Tell us your mobility needs at booking so we can request a main-deck cabin, pre-arrange assistance, or propose alternative arrangements on shore.06What luggage should I bring for the MS Ruby 1 cruise?
Cabin storage on Nile vessels is limited; we recommend one medium suitcase plus a small daypack per person. Use soft-sided bags where possible – they are easier for our drivers to load into car boots and for limited cabin storage. Carry essential items and medications in your hand luggage; leave high-value items in your hotel safe if available.07Can solo travellers book a single cabin on MS Ruby 1?
Single cabins are available on many Nile cruise vessels but single-supplement charges commonly apply on MS Ruby 1. A limited number of single or sole-occupancy cabins exist, so early booking is advisable to secure one. Alternatively, some clients choose to share a twin cabin to reduce supplement costs; ask us about shared options when you enquire.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-NIL-082156
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