Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
The short answer
Steigenberger Royale 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 £819double cabinsingle cabin £1,082 | Peak dates: from £1,483double cabinsingle cabin £2,210 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,559double cabinsingle cabin £2,286 | May – September: from £1,020double cabinsingle cabin £1,370 | Peak dates: from £1,905double cabinsingle cabin £2,874 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £2,526double cabinsingle cabin £3,798 | May – September: from £1,583double cabinsingle cabin £2,196 | Peak dates: from £3,132double cabinsingle cabin £4,828 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,540double cabinsingle cabin £3,813 | May – September: from £1,598double cabinsingle cabin £2,211 | Peak dates: from £3,146double cabinsingle cabin £4,843 |
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
- 01Five-star vessel with a pool, sun deck, lounge bar, restaurant, gym and spa
- 02Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories, with Nile-view windows or balconies in some cabins
- 03Shore-excursion programme may include Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
On property
What's here
- Gym
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Laundry
- Bar
- Business centre
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Use of the vessel’s public areas, including the sun deck and lounge
- The shore excursion programme offered by the vessel
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists
- International or domestic flights to the embarkation or disembarkation points
- Single supplement, where applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which deck and cabin position are available; Nile-view windows and balconies depend on the selected cabin.
- 02
Confirm the excursion order for your sailing, as timing can change with the vessel's programme.
- 03
Allow extra time at the Valley of the Kings if considering a premium tomb, which is not included.
- 04
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and for crew and Egyptologist gratuities.
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
Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins provide different accommodation categories, and some cabins have Nile-view balconies where available. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme is set by its operator; ask us whether additional site visits or an extended stay in Luxor or Aswan can be arranged around your sailing.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors, history-focused adults and families with school-age children who want to see Upper Egypt’s major temples without changing hotels each night. It also works for multi-generational travellers who prefer an organised shore-excursion programme and full-board dining.
Maybe not, if
- It may not suit travellers who need step-free access or prefer independent sightseeing over a set excursion programme. Anyone seeking a quiet, uncrowded visit should expect busier sites during the winter high season.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sailing links Luxor and Aswan without changing accommodation each night
- Sun deck, lounge bar and panoramic dining room provide space between excursions
Things to Consider
- Drinks (including water) are extra
- Crew and Egyptologist gratuities are not included
- Temple visits involve uneven stone and substantial walking
- Deck access and stairs may be difficult for limited mobility
Where it fits
The Steigenberger Royale fits between a Luxor stay and time in Aswan, linking the Nile-side temples with the Valley of the Kings.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise listings describe a fixed sailing itinerary; this page concerns the Steigenberger Royale vessel and its shore-excursion programme, which can vary by sailing. Unlike a land-based sightseeing stay, the vessel links Luxor and Aswan by river, with visits scheduled around sailing.
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 Regency Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £1,223 pp
- Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu 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
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Shore-excursion programme as offered by the vessel · Use of the sun deck · Use of the onboard lounge · Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Nile cruise travellers · Travellers combining a cruise with a Nile-side stay
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and travel documents
- High-factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven stone and sandy paths
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Small day bag and local currency
- Keep copies of important documents in a separate place
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces
- Smart-casual clothing for evening dining
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 those aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers may be awkward on gangways and at sites with steps, sand or uneven stone. Ask us to confirm cabin arrangements and any child facilities for the sailing offered.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Accessibility varies between the vessel and the archaeological sites on its shore-excursion programme. Cabin corridors may be level, but boarding gangways and ramps can be steep and may change with the river level. Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings have uneven ancient stone, steps and, in places, sandy paths. These conditions can make independent wheelchair use difficult. Ask us before booking to discuss mobility needs, cabin access and which excursions may be manageable. We can check arrangements with the cruise line, but cannot promise step-free access at every site.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line; we select and arrange the sailing with local suppliers. The ship’s fuel use and onboard waste arrangements are managed by its operator, and we do not have verified figures for emissions, water use or waste reduction to quote. Shore excursions involve visits to active archaeological sites, so follow site rules, avoid touching carved surfaces and take litter away with you. Local Egyptologists, drivers and cruise staff provide services across the route, though we cannot verify a specific training or community-benefit programme for the assigned vessel. Ask us if you would like details of the sailing being offered.
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 Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes full board meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. You also have access to all public areas on board, including the sun deck and lounge, plus the full shore excursion programme with an Egyptologist.02What is not included in the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise fare?
International or domestic flights and any applicable single supplement are also excluded.03What shore excursions are part of the Steigenberger Royale programme?
The vessel's shore excursion programme visits key ancient sites including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. All excursions are guided by an Egyptologist.04What are the cabin options on the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Royale offers various cabin grades, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. Many cabins feature Nile-view windows, and some higher-grade options include private balconies, providing different levels of comfort and views.05Is the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What is the typical duration and route of the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
This flexibility allows you to choose a duration that best fits your holiday plans.07What should I wear on a Nile cruise and during shore excursions?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended for both on board and shore excursions. For temple visits, modest dress is advised, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered. A hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.08What is the best time of year to take a Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, are hotter but can offer fewer crowds.09Are alcoholic beverages included on the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included in the full board fare. Other drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are available for purchase from the lounge bar and dining room.10What is the accessibility like on the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
The vessel has stairs between decks, which may present challenges for guests with limited mobility. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and sand. We recommend discussing specific accessibility needs with us before booking.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-LUX-211352
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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