Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with spacious suites and Nile-view balconies, sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, panoramic windows, full-board dining and guided shore excursions.
The short answer
Sonesta Star Goddess is a 5-Star Luxury Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £1,461 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
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 |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,461double cabinsingle cabin £2,174 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,874double cabinsingle cabin £2,825 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £3,072double cabinsingle cabin £4,736 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £3,087double cabinsingle cabin £4,751 |
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
- 01Suites with private Nile-view balconies and panoramic windows
- 02Sun deck with loungers and a pool
- 03Lounge bar and indoor seating
- 04Full Board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
- 05Shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in your selected cabin class
- Full Board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Daily cabin housekeeping and onboard service
- Shore excursions included in the vessel’s programme
Not included
- Flights from abroad and airport charges
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and local guides, unless stated otherwise
- Optional premium site entry and private excursions not included in the vessel’s programme
- Visa to enter Egypt and personal expenditure
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Carry small Egyptian-pound notes for personal purchases and gratuities, which are not included unless stated.
- 02
Bring sun protection for time on the open sun deck, particularly during midday sailing.
- 03
Pack modest clothing for visits to religious sites such as Philae and Karnak Temple.
- 04
Ask which optional premium site entries apply to your chosen excursions before embarkation.
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
We arrange the cruise and can help you ask about private excursions or optional premium site entries, which are not included unless specified. The vessel’s shore programme is set, so travellers wanting more time in Upper Egypt can enquire about adding nights in Luxor or Aswan before or after sailing.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits couples, solo travellers and families with school-age children or teenagers who want guided visits to Upper Egypt’s major monuments without changing hotels each night. Choose it if private cabin space, a Nile-view balcony and onboard dining matter more than setting your own daily schedule.
Maybe not, if
- It is less suited to travellers who need step-free access or dislike walking on uneven ancient stone at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Travellers wanting complete control over excursion times should consider a privately arranged itinerary instead.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Alternating sailing and shore visits avoid a coach-tour-only pace
Things to Consider
- Uneven ancient stone at several archaeological sites
- Limited shade during midday visits in warmer months
- Fixed shore-excursion programme offers less control over timing
- Drinks (including water) and crew gratuities are extra
Where it fits
The Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise fits between a Luxor stay and time in Aswan, linking the temples along the river with visits to the Valley of the Kings. We arrange the booking and shore excursions; the cruise vessel is operated by its cruise line.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most Nile cruise programmes combine sailing with scheduled shore excursions; this vessel’s programme includes six named sites between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike an overland sightseeing circuit, visits are arranged around the vessel’s sailing programme and embarkation ports.
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.
- Jaz Elite Regent Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,417 pp
- Jaz Elite Viceroy Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,417 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
- Five-star Nile cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cabin in the chosen class · Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Daily housekeeping · Onboard service · Shore excursions in the vessel programme · Visits to Karnak and Luxor Temple · Visits to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae · Visit to the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · Couples · Solo travellers · Families with children
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport, with at least six months' validity
- Comfortable walking shoes with a good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat
- A lightweight pack for day trips ashore
- Refillable water bottle
- Copies of travel documents and emergency contacts
- Basic hydration salts
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
- A light layer for cooler evenings on deck
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable, closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
- A compact windproof or waterproof jacket
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children aged 12 years and over 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 are awkward on uneven temple approaches. A high chair can be requested, but availability varies by vessel and should be checked before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Embarking and disembarking usually involve a gangway, and the level can change with the river and quay. Steps may also connect the quayside to the vessel. On board, corridors and stairs link cabins and public areas; a lift is not guaranteed. Shore excursions at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings can include uneven ancient stone, steps and soft sand. Wheelchair access cannot be guaranteed on the vessel or at every site. Tell us about mobility needs before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and discuss which visits may be manageable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Nile cruiser is owned and operated by its cruise line, and the vessel and shore-excursion arrangements are selected and booked by us. River cruisers typically use diesel engines; we cannot verify this vessel's fuel use or emissions data. Shore excursions may use air-conditioned coaches arranged through local transport suppliers. We ask suppliers about vehicle maintenance and newer vehicles where available, but cannot promise a particular vehicle. Local guides, cruise staff and suppliers provide services in Luxor, Aswan and along the route. On board, reducing single-use plastics and sorting recycling depends on the operator and port facilities. Bring a refillable bottle and use it only where safe refill water is available.
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
01What does the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise package include?
The cruise includes accommodation in your chosen cabin, full board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast, daily housekeeping, and all listed shore excursions with an Egyptologist guide. Entrance fees to all scheduled sites are also covered.02Are any extra charges excluded from the cruise fare?
Yes, some costs are not included. These typically cover international flights, Egypt entry visas, drinks (including water), gratuities for the crew and guides, and any optional premium site entries or private excursions not part of the vessel's programme.03What types of cabins are available on the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta Star Goddess offers spacious suites, each featuring a private Nile-view balcony and panoramic windows. All cabins provide comfortable accommodation with modern amenities for your journey along the Nile.04Is the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise a good choice for children and families?
Yes, the cruise is family-friendly. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, and those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin.05What are the operating dates for the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise operates weekly throughout the year. It sails in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, offering regular departures for travellers to experience the Nile.06What kind of shore excursions are included with the cruise?
The cruise includes a comprehensive shore-excursion programme. You will visit key ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, all with an Egyptologist guide.07What should I wear on the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise and during excursions?
For onboard comfort, casual clothing is suitable. For shore excursions, light, breathable clothing is recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes. When visiting religious sites, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees.08What is the typical embarkation and disembarkation process?
Embarkation usually takes place in Luxor or Aswan, depending on your chosen sailing direction. You will board the vessel and have lunch, with disembarkation occurring after breakfast on the final day. Our team will assist with transfers.09What is the dining experience like on board the Sonesta Star Goddess?
The vessel offers full board dining, with meals served in the onboard dining room from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. The cuisine typically features a mix of local and international dishes.10What facilities are available on the Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta Star Goddess features a sun deck with loungers and a pool for relaxation. There is also a lounge bar for evening socialising and an indoor seating area, providing various spaces to enjoy your time on the Nile.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-884217
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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