The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck, small pool, lounge bar and full-board dining, weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
02Overview
A first look
MS The Oberoi Zahra operates on the Nile on four-day itineraries between Upper Egypt sites. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the cruise, private transfers and Egyptologist-guided excursions.
Background
The facts
The Oberoi Zahra is a luxury Nile cruise vessel that sails between Luxor and Aswan on Egypt’s inland river route. The program typically alternates sailing days with shore excursions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor and Aswan. Scheduled visits commonly include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.
The vessel is sold on a full board basis, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. On board facilities include a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, and library, and cabin categories are typically Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. Higher categories may feature a Nile-view balcony or panoramic window, depending on the cabin type.
Luxor is the main starting point for access to the East Bank monuments, including Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, while Aswan provides access to Philae Temple and the southern Nile landscape. The cruise route between Luxor and Aswan covers one of Egypt’s most commonly traveled river sections, with guided shore excursions arranged as part of the vessel’s published program.
Discovery Tours Egypt hand-picks and arranges this cruise for travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with accommodation, meals, and sightseeing included in one booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want an organized Nile itinerary with fixed sightseeing, onboard dining, and hotel-style accommodation on the river. It is especially suitable for adults, couples, and families who prefer a comfortable, moderately paced journey with guided visits to major Upper Egypt monuments.
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
- 02Meals are served onboard; shore excursions embark and disembark at the Luxor and Aswan port piers.
- 03Our Egyptologist-led visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank tombs; pyramid interiors and premium tombs excluded.
- 04Most shore excursions require an early start (usually before 07:00); expect walking on uneven ancient stone and stairs.
- 05We operate private guided excursions from the ship rather than coach-based mass tours; bookings limited per departure.
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
5 Days / 4 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $5,482 | $7,782 | $10,132 |
| Double Cabin | $2,107 | $2,732 | $3,319 |
6 Days / 5 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $6,815 | $9,690 | $12,628 |
| Double Cabin | $2,596 | $3,378 | $4,112 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $9,309 | $13,334 | $17,446 |
| Double Cabin | $3,402 | $4,496 | $5,524 |
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.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions as per the vessel's program, with English-speaking guide where provided by the cruise line
- Use of public facilities on board, including sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Embarkation and disembarkation assistance and on-board luggage handling
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks unless stated otherwise
- Site entrance fees charged at specific monuments, premium tombs or pyramid interiors unless explicitly included
- Mandatory port taxes or cruise supplement fees when applicable
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, typically paid locally
- Single supplement for sole occupancy of a cabin, typically applies
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.
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.
Location
On the map
– 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, centralised water dispensers to reduce single-use plastic bottles 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 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 on the 4-day MS The Oberoi Zahra Nile cruise?
The cruise fare normally includes full-board accommodation, scheduled shore excursions, and on-board service for the four-day MS The Oberoi Zahra. Standard monument entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise; pyramid interiors, premium tombs, visas and crew gratuities are normally excluded. 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?
Embarkation and disembarkation take place in either Luxor or Aswan depending on the specific four-day itinerary; we confirm the port at booking. 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.05Is the 4-day Nile cruise suitable for someone with limited mobility?
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.06What should I pack for a four-day Nile cruise?
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.
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 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-580069
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