The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
The short answer
The Oberoi Zahra is a Signature Collection Nile cruise ship. Board in Aswan on a Monday or Saturday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Friday or Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Fares start from £2,883 per person, two sharing a double cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers included.
02Overview
A first look
As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the cruise, private transfers and Egyptologist-guided excursions.
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 and Saturdays | October – April: from £2,883double cabinsingle cabin £4,864 | May – September: from £1,778double cabinsingle cabin £2,653 | Peak dates: from £3,795double cabinsingle cabin £6,687 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Fridays and Saturdays | October – April: from £3,830double cabinsingle cabin £6,472 | May – September: from £2,357double cabinsingle cabin £3,524 | Peak dates: from £5,046double cabinsingle cabin £8,902 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Fridays and Saturdays | October – April: from £6,665double cabinsingle cabin £11,287 | May – September: from £4,086double cabinsingle cabin £6,129 | Peak dates: from £8,792double cabinsingle cabin £15,541 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays and Saturdays | October – April: from £6,680double cabinsingle cabin £11,302 | May – September: from £4,101double cabinsingle cabin £6,144 | Peak dates: from £8,807double cabinsingle cabin £15,556 |
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.
The ship
- Class
- Signature Collection Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 5
What lingers
- 01Meals are served onboard; shore excursions embark and disembark at the Luxor and Aswan port piers.
- 02Most shore excursions require an early start (usually before 07:00); expect walking on uneven ancient stone and stairs.
- 03We operate private guided excursions from the ship rather than coach-based mass tours; bookings limited per departure.
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions on the vessel’s programme, with an English-speaking guide where provided by the cruise line
- Use of on-board public facilities, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Assistance with embarkation and disembarkation, plus on-board luggage handling
Not included
- Flights within Egypt and internationally
- Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, unless stated otherwise
- Mandatory port taxes or cruise supplement fees, when applicable
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, typically paid locally
- The single supplement for sole occupancy of a cabin, which typically applies
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Compare cabin descriptions before booking: Nile-view balconies and panoramic windows are listed only for some higher-grade cabins.
- 02
Allow room in your budget for drinks (including water), site fees, port charges where applicable and crew gratuities.
- 03
Premium tombs, including special-access tombs, may require separate fees; check which sites and charges are included before departure.
- 04
Ask for the current excursion schedule before choosing travel dates, since sailing and excursion days alternate.
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
Cabin grade can be selected from Standard, Deluxe and Suite, subject to availability. Ask us about adding visits beyond the vessel’s scheduled programme or extending your time in Luxor or Aswan; these arrangements depend on dates and availability.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- The Oberoi Zahra suits adults, couples and families with school-age children who want a planned Nile journey with guided visits and full-board dining. It works well for travellers who prefer hotel-style cabin accommodation and a steady mix of sailing and sightseeing over arranging each stop independently.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based itinerary instead if you need step-free access or want to set your own daily sightseeing schedule. Summer heat, uneven ground at archaeological sites and the vessel’s fixed excursion programme are worth considering.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- The sun deck, lounge bar and library offer space between excursions
Things to Consider
- Excursion days involve uneven ancient stone and periods on foot
- Cabin single occupancy usually carries a supplement
- Premium drinks, gratuities and some site charges are extra
- The vessel’s excursion programme leaves limited room for spontaneous changes
Where it fits
The Oberoi Zahra fits between a Cairo visit and time in Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor and Aswan respectively. Its shore-excursion programme links the main Nile sites between the two cities.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many cruise listings present cabin-only or bed-and-breakfast options. We arrange The Oberoi Zahra on a full-board basis, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
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.
- Historia Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From £2,345 pp
- Jaz Elite Senator Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From £2,345 pp
- The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Tue from Luxor/Aswan / Wed from Luxor / Sat from Luxor/Aswan
From £3,819 pp
The route
Aswan and Luxor
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
Choose your direction
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Aswan or Luxor
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions in the vessel's programme · English-speaking guide where provided by the cruise line · Use of the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room · Embarkation and disembarkation assistance · On-board luggage handling
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Nile cruise travellers · Travellers seeking full-board accommodation
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and emergency contact details
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temple sites
- Sun protection: wide-brim hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
- Small daypack for camera, water and personal items during excursions
- Any prescribed medication plus a basic personal first-aid kit
- Reusable water bottle for refills on board
- Lightweight waterproof or windproof jacket for early-morning hours on deck
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long trousers or a long skirt and covered shoulders for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes or sturdy sandals with good grip
- Light jumper or thin jacket for evenings on the Nile
- Modest swimwear for the pool, with a cover-up when in public areas
Children & families
Cabins are normally available to children, however the cruise line applies age limits and different transfer or excursion conditions depending on the sailing. Pricing is per person sharing and a single supplement typically applies to solo travellers. Some shore excursions are unsuitable for very young children because of uneven ground and long walks; strollers are practical on board but difficult on quays and at archaeological sites. High chairs are subject to availability and should be requested at the time of booking. Please tell us the ages of children when you enquire so we can confirm whether the scheduled shore excursions on your chosen sailing are appropriate.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel has several short flights of fixed stairs between the gangway, main deck and upper sun deck; there is not guaranteed step-free access to all public spaces or to all cabin grades. Boarding requires stepping up from the quay onto a gangway and crossing a narrow bridge, so guests should expect uneven stone quays and a moving surface while boarding. Wheelchair users can usually be assisted on board with portable ramps and crew help, but cabins with full wheelchair turning circles are not guaranteed. Shore excursions typically involve walking on uneven ancient stone, loose sand and steps at temple entrances, including at Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings. If you use a mobility aid, require step-free accommodation, or need a specific cabin grade, contact us before booking so we can confirm assistance, suitable cabins and whether the cruise line can meet your needs on specific sailing dates.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is powered by marine diesel engines; where available the cruise line uses low-sulphur fuel in Egyptian waters. Fresh produce, meat and fish are commonly sourced from local markets in Luxor and Aswan, providing regular business to small traders and market vendors. Crew and hospitality staff are typically recruited from the Nile region, creating seasonal employment on embarkation and disembarkation days. On board, common measures include a linen-reuse option and segregated waste bins in crew and service areas. We ask guests to use refillable bottles, return towels for reuse and follow crew guidance on waste separation. If a specific sustainability practice is critical to your booking, ask us for the vessel's current environmental protocol and recent supplier details before you confirm.
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
We operate private or small-group shore excursions rather than large coach parties and can arrange private guides, transfers or upgrades at additional cost.02Where do I embark and disembark the Oberoi Zahra – Luxor or Aswan?
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private transfers from hotels, the train station or airports and meet you at the jetty. Cruise start times vary and early-morning meeting times are common, so plan onward travel accordingly.03Are shore excursions on the cruise guided by Egyptologists?
Scheduled shore excursions are led by experienced Egyptologists or specialist guides provided for the cruise. Our Egyptologists give contextual briefings and lead most visits; we can provide private or multilingual guides on request. Expect walking on uneven ancient stone, steps and early starts at some sites – please tell us language and mobility needs when you book.04Does the ship have Wi‑Fi, power sockets and laundry?
The Oberoi Zahra provides power sockets in cabins and an on-board Wi‑Fi service; laundry is available for a charge. Internet speed can be slow while underway or when multiple guests are online, so download maps and documents in advance. Bring a universal plug adapter and small-denomination local cash for laundry and incidental purchases.05
The cruise has moderate accessibility but involves gangways, cabin steps and site cobbles that limit independent wheelchair access. We can provide porters, assist with embarkation and request a lower-deck cabin where available, but the ship is not fully wheelchair-adapted. Many temples and tombs have uneven stone, steps and no ramps – please send full mobility details before booking so we can advise practicably.06
Pack sun protection, comfortable closed shoes for temple walks, lightweight layers for warm days and cooler evenings, and modest clothing for temples. Also bring a sun hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, a small daypack, a universal adapter and any prescription medication. Temples and mosques require shoulders and knees covered; early starts mean a light jacket is useful for dawn excursions.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-580069
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Fri or Sat in Luxor · Mon or Sat in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- Signature Collection
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