Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise

The short answer

Sonesta Nile Goddess is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Luxury

Snapshot

Good to know

Guide languages

English · French · German · Italian · Others

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

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.

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.

• Aswan to Luxor3 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Aswan round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide

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

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.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

The Nile cruiser uses the vessel’s standard river propulsion; the fuel type and onboard waste-management procedures have not been supplied for this sailing. We arrange the cruise with a third-party provider and do not operate the vessel, so we cannot verify its fuel use, sewage treatment or waste systems. 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 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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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