Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, Nile-view cabins, a sun deck pool, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Sonesta Nile Goddess is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
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.
Background
The facts
Sonesta Nile Goddess is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel that sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile River. The cruise program is built around classic Upper Egypt sightseeing, with shore excursions to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the Luxor side, plus Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.
Luxor is the embarkation or disembarkation point for access to the East Bank temples of Karnak and Luxor, while Aswan connects to Philae and the southern river route. The vessel’s excursion plan is structured around sailing days and guided visits, with local Egyptologist guides arranged for the named sites. Unlike shorter packaged sailings that may omit one of the mid-river temples, this program includes both Edfu and Kom Ombo.
The vessel offers deluxe cabins with Nile views and panoramic windows, along with a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, and a small pool. Full board applies from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; port taxes and standard onboard service charges are included. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, history-focused travelers, and couples or small groups who want a guided Nile itinerary with comfortable onboard facilities. It is also suitable for adults and older children who can manage temple visits, stairs, and periodic coach transfers during shore excursions.
What lingers
- 01MS Nile Goddess – four-day Nile cruise departing from Luxor, operating on the Nile through Upper Egypt.
- 02We operate MS Nile Goddess as the on-the-ground operator, not an aggregator or reseller.
- 03Operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we arrange local transfers to Luxor port and pre-cruise briefings.
- 04Cruise timing allows visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple; check the itinerary for exact visit windows.
- 05Cabin categories confirmed at booking; ask about on-board dining, deck layouts and wheelchair access options.
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
- 5
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $3,092 | $3,092 | $3,092 |
| Double Cabin | $1,241 | $1,241 | $1,241 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,936 | $1,936 | $1,936 |
| Double Cabin | $878 | $878 | $878 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,550 | $1,550 | $1,550 |
| Double Cabin | $757 | $757 | $757 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $3,106 | $3,106 | $3,106 |
| Double Cabin | $1,254 | $1,254 | $1,254 |
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.
On property
What's here
- wifi
- parking
- non-smoking
- air-conditioning
- gym
- pool
- restaurant
- room-service
- business-center
- laundry
- bar
- concierge
- spa
- rooftop-terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in a deluxe cabin (grading by class available on request)
- Guided shore excursions with a local Egyptologist to the named sites
- Use of onboard facilities: sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room
- Port taxes and standard onboard service charges
Not included
- Beverages beyond water with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Gratuities for crew and guides
- Flights, airport taxes and visas
- Entrance to premium tombs and pyramid interiors (Tutankhamun, Seti I, Khufu interior) unless requested
- Optional extras such as hot-air balloon or private transfers
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions require moderate physical ability. Expect uneven stone surfaces, cobbles, and stepped entrances at Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and Philae; some tombs involve narrow doorways and low ceilings. Embarkation and disembarkation include gangplanks with steps and handrails, not vehicle-level ramps. Onboard public areas have stairs between decks; some cabins require one or two steps to enter. Wheelchair users with limited mobility may be able to travel if they can manage transfers and steps with assistance; motorized wheelchairs and scooters are difficult to accommodate on the gangway and in some cabins. We arrange assistance on arrival and at ports when informed in advance, and our Egyptologists can adapt shore visits to reduce walking, but full step-free access cannot be guaranteed at archaeological sites. Please contact us with details of mobility needs before booking so we can discuss practical options.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any necessary visas
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: wide-brim hat, sunglasses, high SPF sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle (water refills onboard are usually available)
- Lightweight layers for cool mornings and evenings
- A small daypack for shore excursions
- Personal medications plus a basic first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot daytime temperatures
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Swimwear for the sun deck pool (use poolside towels provided onboard)
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 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 a separate cabin. Strollers are practical on flat, paved areas of ports and some promenades but are not practical on uneven archaeological sites or on gangways. Ships usually provide child-friendly meal options; high chairs and baby cots vary by vessel and must be requested in advance.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we select cruise partners and local suppliers with proven local ties. The vessel sails on the Nile using standard river propulsion; we encourage suppliers to follow local waste segregation, sewage treatment and responsible fuel practices but we do not operate the ships. Shore excursions are led by local, licensed Egyptologists and we pay entrance and guide fees directly to the local suppliers, which supports local livelihoods. Catering staff, cleaners and crew are employed locally on most Nile cruisers; where possible we favour suppliers who source food from Egyptian farms and markets. If you would like specifics about fuel type, waste-management procedures, or local procurement for a particular sailing, we will request those details from the cruise company and share them before booking.
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
01What is included in the MS Nile Goddess 4-day cruise price?
Standard cruise prices usually include cabin accommodation, full-board meals, daily excursions, and harbour taxes. Standard archaeological site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise; premium tombs and pyramid interiors remain excluded. Drinks, personal expenses and gratuities are normally excluded; we list exact inclusions on your booking confirmation.02What is a typical itinerary for a 4-day Nile cruise from Luxor?
A four-day cruise from Luxor typically visits Luxor West Bank and then sails to Edfu and Kom Ombo. On-shore timings vary by schedule; some itineraries include an Aswan overnight while others return to Luxor. Unlike 3‑night packages, a four-day cruise normally allows longer site visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo.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.06What should I pack for a four-day Nile cruise?
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.
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-LUX-717354
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