Sun Times Nile Cruise
A five-star river vessel with class-graded cabins, a pool on the sun deck, a lounge bar and dining room, sailing weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Sun Times Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English
02Overview
A first look
MS Sun Times runs scheduled four-day sailings between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Deir el‑Bahari, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange all guided excursions and transfers.
Background
The facts
Sun Times Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation arranged at those two ports. On the Nile route, the vessel typically includes a shore-excursion program to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are among the best-known archaeological sites in Upper Egypt and are commonly combined with river travel because they sit within practical reach of the Luxor–Aswan corridor.
Karnak Temple on Luxor’s east bank is one of the largest temple complexes in Egypt and was developed over many centuries, beginning in the Middle Kingdom and expanding through the New Kingdom. Luxor Temple, also on the east bank, is a major ceremonial temple linked to the ancient city of Thebes and is especially significant for its axial relationship with Karnak. On the west bank, the Valley of the Kings contains royal tombs from the New Kingdom period, including the tomb of Tutankhamun.
Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, is one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and lies roughly midway between Luxor and Aswan. Kom Ombo is a double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder, while Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan was relocated after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to preserve it from rising waters. These sites are usually reached as part of planned shore excursions rather than independent city visits.
Cabins on this vessel are sold by grade, commonly from Standard to Suite, with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies depending on category. Onboard facilities typically include air conditioning, a lounge bar, dining room, spa facilities, rooftop terrace, WiFi in public areas, and a sun deck with a pool, which is a common place to spend late afternoons while sailing on the Nile.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a structured Upper Egypt river itinerary with archaeological site visits and comfortable onboard accommodation. It is a good fit for first-time visitors, history-focused travelers, and couples who prefer a private cabin and full board dining over day-by-day hotel changes.
What lingers
- 01Four-day Nile cruise on MS Sun Times calling at Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.
- 02Guided visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings) with our Egyptologist.
- 03All meals on board are included; shore-excursion entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated.
- 04Operated by us, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we provide private transfers rather than large coach group transfers.
- 05Early starts and walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites mean sensible footwear and a 06:00 wake-up are common.
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 Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 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 | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,308 | £2,001 | £2,687 |
| Double cabin | £938 | £1,342 | £1,745 |
| Triple cabin | £925 | £1,342 | £1,732 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £870 | £1,266 | £1,658 |
| Double cabin | £659 | £890 | £1,120 |
| Triple cabin | £651 | £890 | £1,113 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £724 | £1,021 | £1,315 |
| Double cabin | £566 | £739 | £912 |
| Triple cabin | £560 | £739 | £906 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April | Peak season18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,324 | £2,016 | £2,702 |
| Double cabin | £954 | £1,357 | £1,761 |
| Triple cabin | £940 | £1,357 | £1,747 |
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
- pool
- restaurant
- room-service
- laundry
- spa
- bar
- wifi
- garden
- rooftop-terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Use of on-board facilities, including the sun deck and pool where available
- Shore-excursion programme arranged by the vessel to named archaeological sites
Not included
- Drinks other than still water served with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists
- Optional premium visits, such as pyramid interiors or private guided tomb entries
- Overseas flights and airport taxes
- Transfers between airports and the embarkation or disembarkation ports, unless added explicitly
Accessibility
Who can join this
Boarding your Nile cruiser may involve an uneven riverbank or dock, a ramp and a narrow gangway. Ask us to check the assigned vessel before booking, as cabin access and facilities vary. On board, stairs connect decks and an elevator, if fitted, may not serve every level. Shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings include uneven ancient stone, sand and steps. Some areas may be manageable with advance planning, but many visits require walking and independent mobility. Please tell us about any mobility needs before booking so we can check the vessel and excursion arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Booking confirmation, printed or digital
- Grippy, comfortable walking shoes
- SPF50+ sunscreen and lip balm
- A water bottle you can refill
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- A compact day bag
- Motion-sickness medicine, if needed
What to wear
- Loose, lightweight clothing
- Airy layers for varying temperatures
- Comfortable, closed-toe walking shoes
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A swimsuit and pool cover-up
- A sun hat and sunglasses
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50%; those aged 12 or 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. Gangways, stairs and archaeological sites can make strollers impractical, so a compact stroller or carrier is easier to manage. Request a high chair before booking and confirm availability with the cruise line.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A Nile cruise travels between Luxor and Aswan by river, reducing the need for repeated road journeys between those cities. The vessel uses standard marine systems for power, air conditioning, water and waste handling. The cruise line has not supplied fuel-efficiency or waste data, so we cannot quantify the vessel’s environmental impact. We arrange shore visits through local Egyptian suppliers, supporting work for Egyptologists, drivers, guides, dock workers and site-based service providers. Where practical, bring a refillable water bottle, avoid single-use plastics and follow marked paths and site rules at Karnak Temple, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
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 included in the 4-day MS Sun Times Nile cruise?
The cruise fare normally includes your cabin, full-board meals, routine port fees and standard on-board services. Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we confirm exactly what is included at booking. Optional items commonly excluded are private shore excursions, premium alcoholic drinks, Pyramid interior tickets and international flights; we can pre-arrange any of these. If you need a precise inclusions list for your booking, ask us and we will send the ship’s passenger information sheet.02How do I reach the MS Sun Times and what are embarkation times?
We confirm the embarkation pier and boarding time at least 48 hours before departure. We can arrange hotel transfers in Egypt if booked in advance; otherwise you should plan to arrive at the designated harbour at the stated check-in time. Expect passport checks, luggage handling and a short safety briefing; embarkation formalities typically take 30–60 minutes depending on passenger numbers. Unlike single-day shore excursions, a cruise night means you remain on board between ports rather than returning to a land hotel each evening.03Are the cabins on MS Sun Times air-conditioned and what cabin types are available?
Cabins on Nile cruise ships are air-conditioned and include en-suite facilities and daily housekeeping. Cabin categories commonly offered are twin, double and single layouts across lower, middle and sun decks; exact deck placement and cabin dimensions vary by vessel. If you have a cabin preference (deck level, bed type or interconnecting cabins), tell us at booking and we will request it with the ship – allocation is subject to availability. We recommend confirming cabin specs on your booking confirmation before travel.04Is Wi‑Fi available on board the MS Sun Times?
Wi‑Fi is usually available onboard Nile cruise ships but signal strength can be intermittent and slower than hotel connections. Satellite or shore-based connections can drop when the ship is between ports; many guests buy a local SIM for reliable data ashore. The ship may charge for higher-speed or guaranteed data packages; we can confirm the operator’s current Wi‑Fi policy for your sailing. For work-critical needs, request specifics before you travel so we can advise alternatives.05Are gratuities, soft drinks and alcoholic beverages included in the fare?
Gratuities and premium alcoholic drinks are commonly excluded from basic Nile cruise fares. Some cruises include tea, coffee and basic soft drinks with meals but policies vary by operator and ticket; bottled water provision also differs. Tipping the crew and guides is customary in Egypt; we can add a pre-paid gratuity option to your reservation if you prefer. Ask us to supply the ship’s bar and gratuity policy for your departure so there are no surprises.06Is the MS Sun Times suitable for travellers with limited mobility?
Many Nile cruise ships have limited wheelchair access and involve steps and narrow gangways. Shore landings often require climbing steps from small boats or stepping onto uneven river banks; historical sites ashore can have cobbles, stairs and rough terrain. The ship’s crew can assist where practical, but full wheelchair-accessible cabins and lifts are rare on traditional Nile vessels; please tell us your exact mobility needs at enquiry. If mobility is a primary concern, we will advise whether MS Sun Times is appropriate or suggest alternative arrangements.
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-129926
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