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.
The short answer
Sun Times is a 5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £864 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange all guided excursions and transfers.
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 Wednesdays | October – April: from £864double cabinsingle cabin £1,150 | May – September: from £690double cabinsingle cabin £850 | Peak dates: from £1,039double cabinsingle cabin £1,446 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,078double cabinsingle cabin £1,459 | May – September: from £845double cabinsingle cabin £1,059 | Peak dates: from £1,311double cabinsingle cabin £1,855 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from £1,679double cabinsingle cabin £2,345 | May – September: from £1,272double cabinsingle cabin £1,645 | Peak dates: from £2,087double cabinsingle cabin £3,038 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from £1,694double cabinsingle cabin £2,360 | May – September: from £1,287double cabinsingle cabin £1,660 | Peak dates: from £2,102double cabinsingle cabin £3,053 |
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
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 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 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.
- 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.
What lingers
- 01Guided visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings) with our Egyptologist.
- 02All meals on board are included; shore-excursion entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated.
- 03Operated by us, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we provide private transfers rather than large coach group transfers.
- 04Early starts and walking on uneven ancient stone at archaeological sites mean sensible footwear and a 06:00 wake-up are common.
On property
What's here
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Laundry
- Spa
- Bar
- Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
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, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists
- Overseas flights and airport taxes
- Transfers between airports and the embarkation or disembarkation ports, unless added explicitly
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Choose a Nile-view balcony cabin grade if private outdoor river views matter to you.
- 02
Ask which cabin grades have panoramic windows, as the view depends on the category booked.
- 03
Keep Egyptian pounds available for small purchases at stops, and confirm current prices before buying.
- 04
Carry sun protection for exposed areas on the sun deck, particularly around midday.
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
Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, with views and features varying by cabin. Discovery Tours Egypt can also arrange airport and port transfers or extend your holiday with additional nights in Luxor or Aswan.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- Sun Times suits couples, solo travellers and families with school-age children who want to visit Upper Egypt’s archaeological sites without changing hotels each day. It is a good match for first-time visitors and history-minded travellers who value full board and a private cabin.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary if you need step-free access throughout or want to spend little time walking at archaeological sites. Summer sailings can also be uncomfortable for travellers who struggle with high heat.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Cabin grades range from Standard to Suite
- Sun deck and pool offer a break between excursions
Things to Consider
- Summer heat can make site visits tiring
- Uneven stone and stairs at temples and tombs
- Drinks (including water) cost extra
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists are not included
Where it fits
The Sun Times Nile Cruise fits between a Cairo stay and time in Luxor or Aswan, with shore excursions linking the two cities.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based sightseeing tour, its programme combines river sailing with shore excursions at sites including Edfu and Kom Ombo.
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.
- Nile Treasure Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From £864 pp
- Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £864 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 meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Use of the sun deck and pool where present · Vessel-arranged shore excursions · Visits to Karnak and Luxor Temple · Visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo · Visits to Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- Best for
- Nile cruise travellers · History and archaeology enthusiasts · Couples · Families
- Guide languages
- English
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.
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.
– 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 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
01
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. 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. Drinks policies vary by operator and ticket. 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.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-129926
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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