Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise
A five-star vessel with Nile-view cabins, panoramic glazing, a sun-deck pool, shaded seating, full-board meals and guided shore visits.
The short answer
Sonesta Nile Goddess is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £908 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
Nile Goddess is one of the veteran ships of the Sonesta fleet, a five-star cruiser that has sailed the Luxor–Aswan route for decades and keeps a loyal following for its service and food. Days follow the classic pattern: guided mornings at the temples, afternoons on the sun deck as the river slides past.
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 Fridays | October – April: from £908double cabinsingle cabin £1,272 | May – September: from £821double cabinsingle cabin £1,112 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,137double cabinsingle cabin £1,622 | May – September: from £1,020double cabinsingle cabin £1,408 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,781double cabinsingle cabin £2,630 | May – September: from £1,577double cabinsingle cabin £2,257 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,796double cabinsingle cabin £2,645 | May – September: from £1,592double cabinsingle cabin £2,272 |
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
- 01We operate MS Nile Goddess as the on-the-ground operator, not an aggregator or reseller.
- 02Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we arrange local transfers to Luxor port and pre-cruise briefings.
- 03Cruise timing allows visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple; check the itinerary for exact visit windows.
- 04Cabin categories confirmed at booking; ask about on-board dining, deck layouts and wheelchair access options.
On property
What's here
- Wi-Fi
- Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Gym
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Business centre
- Laundry
- Bar
- Concierge
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in a deluxe cabin, with cabin grading available on request
- Guided shore excursions with a local Egyptologist to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Use of the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room
- Port taxes and standard on-board service charges
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists
- Flights, airport taxes and visas
- Optional extras such as a hot-air balloon flight or private transfers
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin class is available: Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades are offered.
- 02
Cabin pricing is per person sharing, so check the single supplement when travelling alone.
- 03
Plan additional funds for drinks (including water) and gratuities for crew and guides.
- 04
If visiting Tutankhamun or Seti I, confirm the extra ticket arrangements before the excursion.
- 05
Entry inside Khufu’s pyramid is separate from standard site admission.
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
Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with grading details available on request. Hot-air balloon flights and private transfers can be arranged as optional extras; ask us whether private shore excursions or a longer itinerary can be organised for your dates.
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, history-focused travellers and couples who want guided visits to major Nile Valley sites alongside comfortable onboard facilities. School-age children and older travellers who can manage steps, uneven ground and exposed temple sites may also enjoy the structured programme.
Maybe not, if
- Choose another option if you need step-free sightseeing or full access for a stroller, as temple visits involve steps and uneven surfaces. Summer heat and the structured shore-excursion schedule may also be a poor fit for travellers who prefer a relaxed, unplanned holiday.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Visits cover Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- A sun deck, small pool and shaded lounge areas are onboard.
Things to Consider
- Temple grounds include uneven ancient surfaces and steps.
- Some sightseeing areas offer limited shade in the midday sun.
- Drinks (including water) are generally extra.
- Summer sightseeing can mean early starts in high temperatures.
Where it fits
The Sonesta Nile Goddess fits between a Luxor stay and time in Aswan, linking the temples and tombs of Luxor with Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Some shorter packaged sailings omit either Edfu or Kom Ombo. This vessel’s excursion programme includes both, alongside visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the booking and local Egyptologist-guided visits; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
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.
- Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £922 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 Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Deluxe cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Egyptologist-guided shore excursions · Excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple · Excursions to Edfu and Kom Ombo · Excursions to Philae and the Valley of the Kings · Use of the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room · Port taxes and standard onboard service charges
- Best for
- Couples · History enthusiasts · First-time Nile cruisers · Travellers seeking guided sightseeing
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and required visa
- Walking shoes with good grip
- Wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Light layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Personal medicines and basic first-aid supplies
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples
- A light jacket or jumper for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven archaeological sites
- Swimwear for the onboard pool
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel at no charge; those aged 6 to 11.99 years pay half the adult price, while children aged 12 and over pay the full adult price. Children need to share a cabin with a parent, with no more than one child in each cabin. Gangways and uneven archaeological paths make strollers impractical. High chairs and baby cots differ between vessels, so please request them in advance.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise and its shore excursions involve steps and uneven surfaces. At Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Philae, expect rough stone paths, cobbles and stepped entrances; some tombs have narrow doorways and low ceilings. Gangways used at embarkation and disembarkation have steps and handrails rather than vehicle-level ramps. Onboard public areas may be reached by stairs, and some cabins have one or two steps at the entrance. Wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed, particularly for motorised chairs on gangways or in cabins. Our Egyptologists can discuss ways to reduce walking, but archaeological sites are not fully step-free. Please tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check practical arrangements with the cruise provider.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We make no claims about the ship's fuel type or waste management. Shore excursions are led by local Egyptologists, and the programme includes visits to sites such as Karnak, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The cruise also employs onboard crew and catering staff through its provider. We do not have confirmed details about local food sourcing or specific community initiatives. If these points matter to your booking, we can ask the cruise provider for current information before you travel.
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
01
Standard cruise prices usually include cabin accommodation, full-board meals, daily excursions, and harbour taxes. Drinks, personal expenses and gratuities are normally excluded; we list exact inclusions on your booking confirmation.02
On-shore timings vary by schedule; some itineraries include an Aswan overnight while others return to Luxor.03How do I get to the MS Nile Goddess in Luxor?
We arrange hotel or airport pickup in Luxor and transfer you to the ship’s mooring; check your voucher for timings. Moorings can be on the Corniche or at a nearby jetty; the exact location appears on your final details. If you arrive independently, call the emergency number shown on your voucher for on‑the‑day directions.04Who operates the MS Nile Goddess and who provides the guides?
The cruise is operated on the ground by a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we organise the vessel’s shore excursions and guides. Guides for scheduled visits are licensed Egyptologists; private-guide upgrades are possible at booking. We prefer smaller guided groups for temple visits where operationally feasible; guide names and languages are confirmed on your final voucher.05Is the MS Nile Goddess suitable for guests with limited mobility?
Access to most Nile cruise vessels requires climbing a gangway and several cabin steps; mobility limitations need prior notice. Landing sites and archaeological areas typically have uneven stone, steps and limited shade; wheelchairs are difficult to use ashore. If you have mobility needs, tell us at booking so we can advise or arrange a tailored plan.06
Bring sun protection, a wide‑brim hat, light layers, comfortable walking shoes and modest clothing for temple visits. Nights can be cool on deck so include a light jumper; carry a small daybag for shore visits and insect repellent. Carry cash in small notes for local purchases and gratuities, as card acceptance can be limited ashore.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-LUX-717354
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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