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.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
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.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. 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.
Background
The facts
The Sonesta Sun Goddess is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. Embarkation and disembarkation are typically in Luxor and Aswan, with docking in Luxor in front of Luxor Temple, before Luxor Bridge. The cruise is arranged as a river itinerary, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions rather than a fixed land-based tour.
The excursion program commonly includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings on the west bank of Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan. These sites represent major periods of ancient Egyptian history, from the New Kingdom temples of Karnak and Luxor to Greco-Roman Philae. Visitor timing is coordinated around the vessel’s sailing schedule, so departure times from the ship depend on the day's river movement and port calls.
On board, the vessel offers spacious suites and Nile-view cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, along with a sun deck, pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, restaurant, and indoor seating areas. Full board usually runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with standard onboard service fees and port charges included. Drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra, and room service is available on selected sailings.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a comfortable Nile experience with more space than a basic cabin and a structured sightseeing program. It is a good fit for couples, older travelers, and first-time visitors who prefer a guided river itinerary with full-board dining and onboard facilities.
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.
- 06The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
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 Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
7 nights / 8 days · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £6,117 |
| Double cabin | £3,763 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £3,618 |
| Double cabin | £2,273 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £2,785 |
| Double cabin | £1,776 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|
| Single cabin | £6,133 |
| Double cabin | £3,779 |
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.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On property
What's here
- non-smoking
- air-conditioning
- restaurant
- room-service
- family-rooms
- spa
- wifi
- pool
- garden
- rooftop-terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
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 listed in the product details: pool, spa, rooftop terrace, lounges and restaurant
- Port charges and standard onboard service fees
Not included
- Drinks other than bottled water with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Optional shore-excursion entrance fees and private guided excursions, unless specified
- Tickets for pyramid interiors and premium tombs, including Tutankhamun and Seti I, unless explicitly requested
- Gratuities for crew and local guides, unless included in your booking confirmation
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.
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.
Location
On the map
– 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. Refillable water dispensers are usually available on board; where a cabin bottle is provided, reusing it 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 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 the typical duration of a Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of three or four nights, travelling between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, allowing for flexible holiday planning.02What 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 beyond bottled water with meals are typically an additional cost.03What 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.04What 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.05Is 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.06What 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.07What 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.08What 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.09What 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.10Are drinks included with meals on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
Bottled water is typically included with meals. 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.
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-NIL-480819
You Might Also Like
Nile3 Nights
Esplanade Nile Cruise
This cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan aboard MS Esplanade, with guided visits to Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Accommodation is full board on MS Esplanade, and we provide an English-speaking Egyptologist for groups of no more than eight guests. All sightseeing between Luxor and Aswan is included, with private air-conditioned transfers at embarkation and disembarkation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate arrival and departure meet-and-assist, onboard meals and excursions. Unlike shorter itineraries that compress temple visits, this schedule spaces morning and late-afternoon visits to avoid the midday heat. An optional Abu Simbel excursion is available from Aswan on disembarkation day.
Luxor3 Nights
Farah Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile for four days aboard MS Farah, operating the standard Luxor–Aswan route with guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange cabins, transfers and Egyptologist-led excursions rather than running large coach tours. Unlike many packaged cruises, we prioritise private or small-group shore time so visits are less rushed. Expect honest trade-offs: early starts, walking on uneven temple stone, and limited shade on open decks at midday. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless explicitly requested.
From £1,142
Luxor3 Nights
Jaz Regent Nile Cruise
Jaz Regent is a five-star river cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with Nile views in higher grades. On board, guests can use the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with sailing periods alternating with shore excursions at major Nile sites. These can include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike coach-based touring, the cruise combines river travel with visits arranged through the vessel’s excursion programme. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges bookings; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
From £969