Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
The short answer
Steigenberger Minerva is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Monday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Thursday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £1,223 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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,223double cabinsingle cabin £1,768 | May – September: from £790double cabinsingle cabin £1,033 | Peak dates: from £1,281double cabinsingle cabin £1,866 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,559double cabinsingle cabin £2,286 | May – September: from £982double cabinsingle cabin £1,305 | Peak dates: from £1,636double cabinsingle cabin £2,417 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £2,526double cabinsingle cabin £3,798 | May – September: from £1,516double cabinsingle cabin £2,082 | Peak dates: from £2,660double cabinsingle cabin £4,027 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,540double cabinsingle cabin £3,813 | May – September: from £1,531double cabinsingle cabin £2,096 | Peak dates: from £2,675double cabinsingle cabin £4,042 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. 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
- 01Relax on the sun deck or use the on-board pool while sailing on the Nile.
- 02Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes.
- 03Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 04The programme also includes Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
On property
What's here
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in the cabin class booked
- Use of on-board facilities, including the sun deck, pool and lounge areas
- Scheduled shore excursions included in the vessel’s programme
- On-board Wi-Fi where available
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and guide
- Where applicable, the supplement for sole occupancy of a cabin
- International or domestic flights to the embarkation or disembarkation points
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Take photographs from the sun deck during sailing, and keep a camera strap secure in the river breeze.
- 02
Carry a light layer for shaded deck seating, where moving air can feel cooler than in the sun.
- 03
Ask which cabin has a Nile-view balcony when confirming your cabin class; balcony views are available in many, not all, cabins.
- 04
Bring small notes for incidental purchases and gratuities; crew and guide gratuities are not included.
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
Choose between Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, and select a sailing direction between Luxor and Aswan. Optional premium excursions and site-specific tickets can be added; drinks (including water) and gratuities are not included.
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 small groups, especially first-time visitors who want guided visits to ancient sites alongside time on the Nile. It works well for adults and older children interested in Egyptian history, with a more settled pace than a land-only holiday.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based trip if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own sightseeing pace. The cruise includes stairs on board and uneven ground at archaeological sites, while summer heat can make excursions tiring.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A sun deck, pool and shaded seating offer breaks between visits.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins provide a choice of accommodation class.
Things to Consider
- Uneven ancient stone and steps can make site visits demanding.
- Strollers have limited use at temples and tombs.
- Summer excursions can be uncomfortable in high heat.
- Drinks (including water) cost extra.
Where it fits
The Steigenberger Minerva fits between stays in Cairo and a longer Egypt itinerary through Luxor and Aswan.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike land-based hotel stays with separate sightseeing, this vessel combines cabins, dining and scheduled shore excursions; premium excursions and some site-specific tickets remain extra.
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.
- Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £1,223 pp
- Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £1,223 pp
- Steigenberger Regency Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,223 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
- Full board meals, embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Cabin in the booked class · Use of sun deck, pool and lounge areas · Scheduled shore excursions on the vessel's programme · WiFi on board, where available
- Best for
- Travellers seeking a full-board Nile cruise · Guests who value spacious shared areas · Travellers interested in guided visits to ancient sites
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Cruise booking details and emergency contact
- Walking shoes with good grip
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Light layer for cool mornings on deck
- Reusable water bottle and hand sanitiser
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Personal medication and prescription copy
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for steps and uneven ground
- Light jumper or jacket for early mornings
- Swimwear for the pool, with a cover-up for indoor areas
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children aged 12 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. Cots and extra beds depend on the supplier and cabin class. Strollers may be useful on board but can be awkward at landings and on uneven temple paths; a compact model is the practical choice.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves several physical demands. The vessel has multiple decks, and moving between them may require stairs; lifts are not confirmed for every vessel. Gangways at river landings can be narrow and may have a step, while shore visits can include uneven stone, steps and sandy ground at Karnak, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access may therefore be limited on board and during excursions. If you use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility, tell us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel, cabin position, transfers and excursion access with the suppliers. We can confirm what assistance is available, but cannot promise every site will be accessible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier, so fuel use, onboard energy and waste arrangements depend on the assigned operator. Nile cruisers commonly use diesel engines and may run generators while sailing; we cannot verify the exact engine or emissions standard for this booking. We arrange services with local suppliers and guides in Luxor and Aswan, supporting businesses in the places visited, but we do not have verified figures for local purchasing or employment. Archaeological sites such as Karnak and Philae are vulnerable to wear, so please follow the guide’s instructions and stay on marked paths. A reusable water bottle can reduce reliance on single-use bottles where refill facilities are 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 is the typical duration of a Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise?
These voyages travel between Luxor and Aswan, allowing you to choose a duration that fits your holiday plans.02What is included in the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, accommodation in your chosen cabin class, and use of the vessel's facilities. All scheduled shore excursions with an Egyptologist guide are also included.03What is not included in the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise fare?
The fare does not cover drinks (including water), optional premium excursions, or entrance tickets for specific sites like premium tombs. Gratuities for the crew and guide, single supplements, and international or domestic flights are also excluded.04What facilities are available on board the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Minerva features a sun deck with a swimming pool and shaded seating, a lounge bar, and a dining room. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite classes, many offering panoramic Nile views.05What shore excursions are part of the Steigenberger Minerva programme?
The shore excursion programme includes visits to iconic sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are led by an English-speaking Egyptologist.06Is the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, 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. Two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, and modest attire for religious sites. Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream, and comfortable walking shoes. Evenings on board are generally smart casual.08What is the best time of year to take a Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are ideal for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing.09What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the cruise?
This flexibility allows us to integrate the cruise into your wider Egypt holiday plans.10Is Wi-Fi available on the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on board the Steigenberger Minerva, though its availability and speed can vary along the Nile. It is generally suitable for light browsing and communication, rather than heavy streaming.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-238574
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Thu in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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