Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise
A five-star river cruiser with spacious suites, Nile-view cabins, a pool on the sun deck, indoor lounges and full-board dining.
The short answer
Sonesta Sun Goddess is a 5-Star Luxury 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 £1,912 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
At dusk in Luxor, the last light catches the river beside the temple, while the Sonesta Sun Goddess settles into its berth. From the sun deck, feluccas move quietly across the water; indoors, the lounge bar offers a calmer place to watch the banks slip from view. Sailing days give the Nile its own unhurried rhythm, between visits to places such as Karnak and the Temple of Horus at Edfu.
We arrange your booking and share the embarkation details in advance, so you know where to go and what to expect. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our team is available to help with the practical arrangements before you board.
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 Fridays | October – April: from £1,912double cabinsingle cabin £2,931 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,476double cabinsingle cabin £3,834 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £4,125double cabinsingle cabin £6,502 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £4,140double cabinsingle cabin £6,517 |
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
- 01Cabin choices are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite.
- 02Relax on the sun deck beside the pool or use the rooftop terrace.
- 03On-board amenities include a lounge, restaurant, spa and room service.
- 04The excursion programme features Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 05Shore visits include the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.
On property
What's here
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Spa
- Wi-Fi
- Swimming pool
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise
- Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day
- Use of the public onboard facilities: pool, spa, rooftop terrace, lounges and restaurant
- Port charges and standard onboard service fees
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional shore-excursion entrance fees and private guided excursions, unless specified
- Gratuities for crew and local guides, unless included in your booking confirmation
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which cabin category and Nile-facing view are confirmed in your booking, as cabin classes differ.
- 02
Keep a light layer handy for breezier periods on the sun deck while the vessel is sailing.
- 03
Carry small notes for optional gratuities, which are not included unless your booking confirmation says otherwise.
- 04
Check the day’s shore-excursion departure time with the vessel’s crew, as it follows the sailing schedule.
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
Private guided shore excursions and premium tomb visits, including Tutankhamun’s tomb and Seti I’s tomb, may be arranged at extra cost; ask us to confirm availability. Entries to standard sites and any other changes should be checked against your booking details.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits couples, older travellers and first-time visitors who want spacious cabins, full-board meals and a structured Nile shore-excursion programme. It also suits families with school-age children or teenagers who can manage steps, gangways and uneven temple paths.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a different option if you need step-free access or prefer to set your own pace without scheduled shore excursions. Summer sailing may also be uncomfortable if you struggle with high heat.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes offer a choice of space.
- A sun deck pool and rooftop terrace provide time outdoors.
Things to Consider
- Gangways, steps and uneven temple paths limit mobility.
- Excursion timings may mean early starts on some days.
- Summer heat can make shore visits tiring, especially at midday.
- Drinks (including water) cost extra.
Where it fits
Add Cairo before or after the Nile journey for the Egyptian Museum and Giza Plateau.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Most land-based Egypt itineraries travel between sites by road; this cruise links Luxor and Aswan by river, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions. Unlike a fixed land itinerary, excursion departure times depend on the vessel’s sailing schedule.
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.
- Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,738 pp
- Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,621 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 aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess · Full-board meals from embarkation-day lunch to disembarkation-day breakfast · Use of the pool, spa, rooftop terrace, lounges and restaurant · Port charges · Standard onboard service fees
- Best for
- Travellers seeking spacious cabins · Guests who prefer full-board dining · Couples · Families sharing a cabin
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- A valid passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- High-SPF sun cream and lip protection
- A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- A reusable water bottle
- A small day bag for shore excursions
- Personal medication and basic first-aid supplies
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable layers for warm days
- A light jumper or jacket for cooler evenings on deck
- Clothing that covers shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Closed, comfortable shoes for archaeological sites
- Swimwear and a pool cover-up
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, and 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 can be used on board but may be difficult at shore landings and sites with stairs or uneven stone. Give us the children’s ages and sleeping arrangements when enquiring so we can check cabin options.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding involves a gangway, and quay surfaces can be uneven. Moving between decks may require stairs; lift access is not confirmed for the assigned vessel, so guests who cannot use stairs should ask us to check before booking. Shore excursions can involve long walks, uneven stone, steps and narrow passages. At Karnak Temple, expect long paved avenues and some cobbled sections. The Valley of the Kings and Kom Ombo have uneven surfaces and stairs, and landing from the vessel may also involve steps. We can request a wheelchair-accessible vehicle for road transfers, subject to local availability. Tell us about mobility requirements before booking so we can check vessel access and discuss practical alternatives.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is diesel-powered, and shore transfers are generally by air-conditioned coach. We arrange services with locally based suppliers, including crew, Egyptologists and catering providers, which directs some trip spending to businesses in the places visited. Reusing a bottle where possible can reduce single-use plastic. At archaeological sites, follow marked paths and avoid touching ancient reliefs, including those at Kom Ombo. Optional visits to local craft sellers may be available, depending on the excursion arrangements. We cannot verify the vessel’s fuel efficiency or the precise local share of spending, so we do not make broader environmental claims.
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 is included in the full-board meal plan on the Sonesta Sun Goddess?
Your full-board plan includes all meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers main restaurant service; drinks (including water) are typically an additional cost.02What shore excursions are part of the Sonesta Sun Goddess programme?
The cruise programme includes shore excursions to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. Days alternate between sailing on the Nile and visiting these ancient sites.03What are the cabin options on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta Sun Goddess offers spacious cabins graded as Standard, Deluxe, and Suite classes. All cabins provide Nile views, with some featuring panoramic windows or balconies, ensuring comfortable accommodation for your journey.04Is the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children are welcome. Those aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while children 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 should I wear on a Nile cruise and for shore excursions?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes are essential, along with light, breathable clothing. When visiting religious sites like temples, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees. Swimwear is suitable for the sun deck and pool.06What is the best time of year to take a Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for shore excursions. This period is ideal for winter sun holidays, avoiding the hotter summer months.07What is the policy on gratuities for the crew and guides?
Gratuities for the cruise crew and local guides are not included in the standard booking, unless explicitly stated otherwise in your confirmation. It is customary to tip at the end of the cruise for good service.08What facilities are available on board the Sonesta Sun Goddess?
The Sonesta Sun Goddess features a sun deck with a swimming pool, a rooftop terrace offering views and shade, and multiple indoor public lounges. There is also a lounge bar and a main restaurant for dining.09Are drinks included with meals on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
However, other drinks, such as soft drinks, juices, and alcoholic beverages, are usually an additional cost and can be purchased from the onboard bar or restaurant.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-480819
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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