Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck pool, lounge bar, panoramic windows, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions; sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Couples ·
- Solo traveller ·
- Groups ·
- Seniors
02 Overview
A first look
At sunrise the pool on the sun deck catches the first light, and the Nile beyond the rail looks like a moving city map; cabin doors open onto panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, and the lounge bar fills with low conversation. The vessel's public spaces are deliberately spacious, which changes how a sailing day feels compared with bus-packed shore outings.
We hand-pick this ship for travellers who want roomy lounges, a formal dining room and a clear programme of guided shore excursions visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Our Egyptologists meet you on embarkation day, and we arrange embarkation, disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan, and the on-board practicalities.
Background
The facts
Steigenberger Minerva is a five-star Nile cruise vessel based in Luxor and scheduled on the Luxor–Aswan river corridor. The cruise uses the Nile as its transport route, with embarkation and disembarkation at either Luxor or Aswan depending on the sailing direction. It is designed for travellers who want accommodation, dining, and guided shore excursions combined in one itinerary rather than separate hotel stays and day trips.
The vessel’s public areas typically include a sun deck with a pool, shaded seating, a lounge bar, panoramic-window seating, and a dining room serving full board meals. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, and many cabins have Nile views or Nile-view balconies. On a Nile cruise, the experience is centred on sailing between destinations and visiting monuments during scheduled shore excursions.
The shore-excursion programme commonly includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These sites represent some of Upper Egypt’s best-known Pharaonic and Greco-Roman monuments, reached by road from the vessel’s overnight moorings or docking points. The cruise is usually arranged as a weekly sailing in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adult travellers and older children who are interested in ancient Egyptian history, river scenery, and a more relaxed pace than a land-only itinerary. It is a good fit for couples, small private groups, and first-time visitors who want guided monument visits with accommodation already organized.
What lingers
- 01 Sun deck with pool and rooftop-terrace, open for lounging while sailing on the Nile
- 02 Lounge bar and indoor seating areas with panoramic windows for river views
- 03 Cabins in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, many with Nile-view balconies
- 04 Shore-excursion programme visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05 Full board dining from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast, with buffet and plated options
- 06 Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing flexible booking
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | May to August | Jan to April |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $940 | on request |
| Double Cabin | $960 | $1,475 |
| Single Cabin | $1,295 | $2,175 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | May to August | Jan to April |
|---|---|---|
| Triple Cabin | $1,090 | on request |
| Double Cabin | $1,110 | $1,810 |
| Single Cabin | $1,570 | $2,740 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
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
- pool
- restaurant
- wifi
- garden
- rooftop-terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- ✓ 3/4/ or 7 nights’ deluxe accommodation on full board basis
- ✓ All sightseeing tours with an English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- ✓ Meet & assist service upon arrival & departure
- ✓ All airport and port transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- ✓ Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- ✓ Complimentary bottle of water per person per day
- ✓ All service charges & taxes
- ✓ Small group tours (maximum 8 participants)
Not included
- ✘ Any additional meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary.
- ✘ Personal expenses, including laundry, minibar, and spa treatments.
- ✘ Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff (optional but recommended).
- ✘ Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- ✘ Visa fees and international airfare.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin). Two or more children require their own cabin.
Location
On the map
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
Last updated 18 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-238574
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