What you're actually paying for
The Ultra Deluxe tier, line by line.
- Cabin size (typical)
- 20–28 m²
- Decks
- 4–5 (cabins on 3)
- Balcony
- All cabins · private balcony
- Dining
- Full board · two à la carte restaurants
- Crew-to-guest ratio
- ≈ 1 : 1.3
- Pool
- Yes · sun-deck pool + bar + shaded lounge
- Best for
- Couples · returning visitors · 50+ travellers
- From (per person)
- from £839 per person · high season, October–April
“The cabin difference vs. Luxury is often a butler and a bigger bathroom. The river is the same width.”
Standard sailing rotation
How the schedule works on the Luxor–Aswan loop.
- Durations
- Every vessel on this page sails 4-night, 5-night, and 7-night variants of the same Luxor↔Aswan loop. The 4-night covers Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples; the 7-night adds a return cruise with more leisure time and (on most ships) a Dendera + Abydos extension.
- Embarkation days
- The most common rotation is Monday from Luxor and Friday from Aswan, but each vessel sets its own schedule – exact departure days are shown per ship below where confirmed. Cat-A and Ultra-Deluxe vessels often add a Saturday Luxor sailing in peak season (Oct–Apr); dahabiyas typically embark on Mondays from Esna.
- What's included
- Full board on every vessel, all temple admissions, Egyptologist guiding, transfers from/to Luxor or Aswan airport, and port fees. Tipping is not included – a printed guide is issued at embarkation.
In the fleet
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruisers (19).
Each vessel below sails the 4 / 5 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night cabin; longer variants and balcony cabins are quoted on request.
Acamar Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Acamar Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with Nile-view windows or private balconies depending on category. On board, you can use the sun deck, pool, lounge bar and dining room. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and a scheduled shore-excursion programme visits major sites along the route. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a coach-led circuit, this cruise links river sailing with visits to temples and archaeological sites. We arrange the cruise as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line.
from£1,128per person · high season, October–April
Alexander The Great Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Six-night Prestige Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan aboard a 5-star vessel. Typical calls include Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange transfers, Egyptologists and shore excursions. We don't run group bus tours, we favour paced days so you see Edfu and Kom Ombo properly, not in 40 minutes. Unlike many four-night packages, this six-night voyage gives longer calls and more cruising time.
On request
Amwaj Living Stone
Luxor → Aswan
Amwaj Living Stone is a five-star river vessel sailing weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Its cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with Nile-view options varying by cabin. On board, a sun deck, lounge bar and dining room provide space to relax between shore excursions. The excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with sailing days between visits. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are excluded unless the vessel states otherwise. We arrange the cruise, while the vessel and its crew are operated by the cruise provider. Premium site extras and gratuities are not bundled.
from£883per person · high season, October–April
Concerto II Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Concerto II is a river cruise vessel on the Nile, with sailing and shore excursions forming part of the cruise programme. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Excursions may include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Concerto II is a vessel rather than a single fixed sailing; the exact sailing and programme depend on your booking.
On request
Le Fayan Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Le Fayan is a five-star ship sailing between Luxor and Aswan every week, in both directions, on a full-board basis. On board you will find a sun deck with pool, a lounge bar and air-conditioned cabins ranging from Standard to Suite, some with Nile-view balconies and others with panoramic windows. Days alternate between time on the river and organised visits ashore, typically Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. We handle the booking and the excursions; please note that drinks other than still water with meals, and entry to premium tombs, are normally charged separately.
from£1,041per person · high season, October–April
Medea Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Board at Luxor’s Nile pier, where you’ll meet your Egyptologist on the gangway. We head straight to Karnak’s Hypostyle Hall for a carefully paced visit before the midday heat, then call at Luxor Temple as the lights appear after dusk. MS Medea follows a four-day route south from Luxor to Aswan, with the classic scale of a river vessel: cabins are about 12 m², with river-view windows and limited storage – comfortable, but not spacious like an ocean liner. We pass through the Esna lock in the late afternoon; as the gates close, engine noise can be expected for 10–20 minutes. The itinerary intentionally allows two hours at Edfu’s Temple of Horus – many cruises give this site little time, so we moor overnight for a more peaceful visit. In Aswan, we take a motorboat to Philae, view the High Dam from the causeway, then leave the vessel at Aswan pier after breakfast. Your Egyptologist takes care of the commentary, schedule and short walks over uneven stone; sensible shoes and a small daypack are advisable. Meals are full board on board, with breakfast, lunch and dinner offering a blend of local and continental dishes. Bar bills, gratuities and optional extras are not part of the itinerary. If you would like a hot-air balloon flight over the West Bank, let me know beforehand – it requires an earlier start and an additional fee. This cruise is ideal for travellers looking for leisurely temple visits, an easy pace on the river and a clear plan for each day.
from£926per person · high season, October–April
Miriam Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Board MS Miriam at the Luxor Corniche pier in mid-afternoon and settle into a compact cabin on the river before your first walk to Karnak. I’ll meet you on the quay as the Egyptologist guiding this journey, then take you directly to the temple avenues, where sandals on sandstone and the scent of date-syrup stalls still shape the day’s pace. We set off early for the West Bank and the Valley of the Kings, when the light is soft and visitor numbers are low, to see the panels explaining the painted ceilings at close quarters. Back aboard, watch the Nile change colour as the ship passes through the Esna lock. We moor near Edfu for the night, allowing two hours for the temple visit instead of a hurried stop. On day three, explore Kom Ombo’s twin shrines and see the Nile at dusk. Once in Aswan, I’ll take you to Philae’s hypostyle hall and show you how the High Dam’s concrete scale meets the river. Cabins are compact (around 12 m²)—traditional river-boat proportions rather than an ocean liner. Full board covers three meals each day, with early breakfasts timed to suit excursions. A few practical tips: take a hat for the tombs, wear closed shoes on uneven rock, and be prepared for short walks and steps at most sites. I’ll accompany you throughout, highlight masons’ marks and later graffiti, and keep to the schedule so there’s time for photographs in the right light.
from£926per person · high season, October–April
Mövenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
The Mövenpick Royal Lily is a five-star Nile cruise vessel with air-conditioned cabins, Nile-view picture windows and a rooftop sun deck. On board, full-board meals are served in the restaurant, and the panoramic lounge bar offers a place to sit while the river scenery changes. An Egyptian folkloric show is listed among the onboard entertainment. The shore-excursion programme may include Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu and Philae, depending on the itinerary. We arrange the cruise with the vessel’s operator; the vessel is not operated by Discovery Tours Egypt. Site entrance fees, gratuities and drinks beyond those specified by the cruise arrangements are not included.
from£1,084per person · high season, October–April
Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Movenpick Royal Lotus is a 5-star Nile river cruise vessel with a pool, sun deck, restaurant, lounge and Wi-Fi. It sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. The shore-excursion programme may include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, according to the booked package. Unlike a stay based in one city, a Nile cruise combines time on the river with visits to sites along its banks. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are offered, subject to availability; an upper-deck cabin carries a 15% supplement.
from£1,084per person · high season, October–April
Nile Excellence Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Sail the Nile on MS Nile Excellence on a four-day cruise with guided visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; our Egyptologists lead shore visits and we arrange private transfers. Unlike coach-led packaged shore programmes, we prioritise longer on-site time so you see each monument properly rather than in a rushed stop. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise. Expect early starts, strong sun on open decks and compact cabins typical of Nile vessels; we recommend sunscreen, a hat and light layers.
from£912per person · high season, October–April
Nile Premium Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
MS Nile Premiums is a four-day cruise linking Luxor and Aswan with guided temple visits and onboard accommodation. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and operate this as a Nile-only itinerary–Cairo or Giza visits are not bundled into the cruise. Unlike many three-night packages, the fourth day allows scheduled calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than rushed drive-bys. Expect organised shore visits with our Egyptologists, compact cabin layouts on most Nile vessels, and short organised walks on uneven ancient stone at shore sites. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; pyramid interiors, premium tombs and gratuities are excluded.
from£854per person · high season, October–April
Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
MS Nile Serenity is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits and included transfers. We operate as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and manage all local logistics on the ground rather than selling a cruise-only package. Typical shore visits include Karnak Temple and Luxor West Bank, though exact sites depend on direction and scheduling. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors, premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) and gratuities are excluded unless requested. Note the trade-offs: shortened cruising means some shore stops have limited time ashore and early starts are common.
from£912per person · high season, October–April
Salacia Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Salacia is a deluxe five-star river ship running weekly between Luxor and Aswan, in either direction. Guests choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins and share a sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining room. Meals are full board, starting with lunch on the day you board and ending with breakfast on the morning you leave. Visits ashore can take in Karnak Temple, the West Bank at Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, fitted around the days spent sailing; the final programme is confirmed by the ship.
from£1,142per person · high season, October–April
Salima Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Salima is a five-star Nile cruise vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon. Nile-view windows or private balconies are available in specified cabin classes. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are extra unless stated otherwise. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Unlike a fixed land-based itinerary, the excursion programme follows the vessel’s sailing schedule. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges bookings and embarkation logistics; the cruise vessel is operated by its supplier.
from£839per person · high season, October–April
Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Spend a full day aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess from Aswan, with guided visits to Philae Temple (Agilkia Island), the Aswan High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. We arrange hotel transfers in Aswan, an English-speaking Egyptologist, all on-board meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) and standard site entrance fees for the included visits. We are licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism (ETAA); itineraries and times are subject to seasonal river conditions and port schedules.
from£984per person · high season, October–April
Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Steigenberger Legacy is a five-star Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, with a shore-excursion programme that includes major temples and ancient sites. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades; some have Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows. On board, facilities include a restaurant, lounge bar, gym, WiFi, concierge service, a sun deck pool and rooftop terrace. Full board covers meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Unlike a fixed land itinerary, this cruise combines sailing on the Nile with scheduled shore visits. We arrange the booking; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel.
from£1,113per person · high season, October–April
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes; the shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. On board, guests can use the sun deck, pool, lounge areas and restaurant, with air-conditioning and WiFi available. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Weekly sailings operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. This is a river cruise with visits ashore, not a fixed stay in one city; the programme and sailing direction vary by departure.
from£1,113per person · high season, October–April
Steigenberger Regency Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
The Steigenberger Regency is a five-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a restaurant, lounge bar, pool and rooftop terrace. Many cabins have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. Its shore-excursion programme includes sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are extra unless stated otherwise. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise and embarkation formalities. Shore excursions and their fees should be checked against the booking details.
from£1,113per person · high season, October–April
Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
The Steigenberger Royale is a five-star Nile cruise vessel with cabins in Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories. Some cabins have Nile-view windows or balconies, subject to availability. On board, facilities include a pool, sun deck, lounge bar, restaurant, gym, spa and air-conditioned public areas. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are extra. Its shore-excursion programme may include Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges bookings for the vessel, which is owned and operated by its supplier.
from£1,113per person · high season, October–April
Sail-powered alternative
5-Star Ultra Deluxe dahabiyas (7).
Dahabiyas run a different schedule from motor cruisers – typically Monday from Esna with 5 or 7-night sailings only. No 4-night option. River-bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila are the standing draw.
Abundance Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered boat for travelling the Nile at a slower pace than on a motorised cruiser. Its lateen sails and smaller scale allow it to call at riverside places such as El Kab, Gebel Silsila and Hagar Salsala. Full Board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with bottled water, tea and coffee also provided on board. Scheduled shore visits follow the vessel’s excursion programme. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise provider. Drinks beyond the stated basics, gratuities and optional excursions are extra.
from£1,978per person · high season, October–April
Adelaide Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Sail the Nile aboard the Adelaide Dahabiya for seven days, cruising at a slower, sail-influenced pace that prioritises time ashore. This is a small-boat alternative to four-night motor-ship cruises; the slower schedule lets you visit quieter riverbanks and villages. We arrange private Egyptologists and short road transfers rather than large coach movements. Expect smaller cabins and fewer onboard facilities than a large river cruise ship, and variable sail timings when wind conditions change. We operate Adelaide Dahabiya as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide local crew, fuel-powered backup, and all on-shore logistics.
from£2,177per person · high season, October–April
Azhar Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Board at the Luxor Nile pier, where the crew will bring your luggage aboard and your Egyptologist will meet the group and run through the week’s plans. The Azhar is a six-cabin dahabiya, offering an intimate sailing experience rather than an ocean liner. She sails south when the wind is favourable; otherwise, the engine carries you onwards. The days combine temple visits with leisurely time on the river: morning trips to Luxor and Karnak if you arrive early, passage through the Esna lock, an overnight stop at Edfu to allow two hours ashore, Kom Ombo from the riverbank and a motorboat visit to Philae temple in Aswan. Cabins are 12–16 m², with large windows, private en-suite bathrooms and daily cabin service. Expect a few steps between decks and narrow gangways rather than lifts. Meals are prepared on board using local produce, with breakfast, lunch and dinner included. The crew serves tea on the aft deck as life along the riverbanks drifts past. As your Egyptologist, I’ll draw your attention to details in the temple reliefs, help you time photographs of the inscriptions and explain the choice of moorings, whether on a quiet riverbank near a village or in the shelter of the Esna lock. Please note that Wi-Fi is available in public areas, but the signal can be patchy; cabins are compact and some days begin early. This is slow-paced Nile travel for travellers who value detail, peaceful decks and time at temples without crowds.
from£1,730per person · high season, October–April
Malouka Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Malouka Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya sailing on the Nile, with guided excursions to major sites in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. The programme includes Karnak and Luxor temples, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Full-board meals are provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. We arrange this cruise for our clients; the vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line. Unlike a visit focused on one city, this route links archaeological sites along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.
from£2,763per person · high season, October–April
Merit 1 & 2 Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
The Merit 1 is a seven-day dahabiya sailing between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists tailor each day ashore. Unlike larger cruise boats, the dahabiya pace lets you anchor overnight and spend longer at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We don't run group bus tours; excursions are private or small-group and timed to avoid the busiest hours. Trade-offs: cabins are smaller than on river cruise ships and boarding involves steps and a gangplank, so this is best for travellers comfortable with modest mobility requirements.
from£1,886per person · high season, October–April
Meroe Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Meroe Dahabiya is a five-star dahabiya cruise on the Nile, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor and Aswan. The shore programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae, with visits guided by an Egyptologist. Accommodation is offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, and full-board meals run from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The sun deck and lounge bar provide places to sit between visits. Unlike a brief Nile cruise, this programme includes several major temple sites and the Valley of the Kings. Drinks beyond water with meals, premium tomb entries and gratuities are extra.
from£2,998per person · high season, October–April
Princess Farida Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
Princess Farida Dahabiya is a five-star sailing vessel on the Nile, with graded cabins, a shaded sun deck, a lounge bar and a dining saloon. Its shore-excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Sailings run weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, so the embarkation city depends on the selected itinerary. Full-board meals are served from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Beverages beyond water with meals and gratuities are extra. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise; the vessel is operated by its supplier. Unlike larger motor cruisers, a dahabiya offers a sailing-vessel setting on the river.
from£1,978per person · high season, October–April
Five things to know
Before you book Ultra Deluxe.
01What's the actual difference between Ultra-Deluxe and Luxury?
Cabin square-meterage at the top end (Luxury suites often start where Ultra-Deluxe cabins end), butler service on Luxury, two-restaurant à la carte dining standard on Luxury (one à la carte + buffet on Ultra-Deluxe). The vessels themselves are often the same age – Luxury is the finish layer on top, not a different river.
02Are all cabins balcony cabins?
On every Ultra-Deluxe vessel we book in 2026, yes – private balconies are standard, not an upgrade. That's one of the cleanest distinguishers from the Deluxe tier, where balcony allocation varies cabin-by-cabin.
03Is the on-board crew different at this tier?
The shore-excursion Egyptologists are the same network across all tiers – Egypt Discovery rotates the same accredited guides regardless of cruise tier. The on-board crew (housekeeping, F&B, reception) on Ultra-Deluxe vessels is hired and trained directly by the operator and reads as more attentive than Deluxe – first-name service by day two is typical.
04Can I expect a fitness or spa facility?
Most Ultra-Deluxe vessels carry a small gym (treadmill, bike, free weights) and a 1–2-room spa offering massage. Pool, sauna, and steam are common but not universal – we'll flag which vessels in our 2026 inventory have which when we send options.
05How early should I book Ultra-Deluxe for peak season?
For Christmas, New Year, and the February–March peak we'd book 8–10 months ahead – the Ultra-Deluxe fleet is smaller than Deluxe and fills first. For shoulder months (April–May, October–November) 4–6 months is fine. Hot summer (July–August) availability is wide open and prices drop materially.
06Is Ultra-Deluxe the same as ultra-luxury?
No – they are different grades. Ultra-Deluxe (our Prestige tier) is boutique 5-star, a step below 5-Star Luxury. Ultra-luxury is our Signature Collection, the small group of ships above Luxury – see our ultra-luxury Nile cruises page.
Different budget?
The other tiers.
5-Star Standard
Honest entry tier – same temples, smaller cabin, lower price.
5-Star Deluxe
The most-booked tier. Step down on cabin + finish, step down on price.
5-Star Luxury
Category-A vessels and dahabiyas. Different in kind, not degree.
Signature Collection
Not the same as Ultra-Deluxe: ultra-luxury is our Signature Collection, a class above 5-Star Luxury.
Then pick a route
Which way to sail.
Talk to the Cairo desk
Send your travel window. We'll send back three boats and a hold.
– Suhaila · Egypt Discovery