Nile cruise holidays – every ship, route, and sailing length, compared for UK travellers.

Frequently asked

Nile cruises – answered.

1. 01What is a Nile cruise?

   A Nile cruise is a voyage of several nights on a vessel built for the river, covering the 220 km of the Nile between Luxor and Aswan in the south of Egypt. Boats moor overnight at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, and at each stop you visit the temples with a guide. The choice runs from small dahabiyas of six cabins, travelling under sail, to 5-star motor cruisers taking as many as 200 guests.

2. 02How long is a Nile cruise holiday?

   Four nights is the most popular length – time enough for all the major temples between Luxor and Aswan at a relaxed pace. Three nights is brisker and works well if you're adding a stay on the Red Sea. Seven-night sailings tend to be on dahabiyas and call at smaller temples the shorter cruises leave out. The ten-night voyages carry on across Lake Nasser, reaching Abu Simbel by water.

3. 03What is included in a Nile cruise holiday?

   Every Discovery Tours Nile cruise comes with a private Egyptologist on each shore excursion; entry to all the temples and sites (Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae); full board on the ship – breakfast, lunch and dinner; air-conditioned transfers at each port; port fees; and help at any hour from our offices in Luxor and Aswan. Flights, tips, drinks away from mealtimes and day trips to Abu Simbel are extra unless stated.

4. 04How much does a Nile cruise cost?

   Every Nile cruise ship is rated 5-star by the Egyptian Tourism Authority, so the price turns on the tier within 5-star rather than the star rating. Per person, sharing a double cabin between October and April, Essential and Comfort ships start from £551, Classic (Deluxe 5-star) from £739, Prestige (Ultra-Deluxe 5-star) from £839, Luxury from £1,200, and our ultra-luxury Signature Collection – Historia, The Oberoi Zahra, The Oberoi Philae – from £2,238. A traditional dahabiya, a class of vessel in its own right, starts from £910. Fares vary with dates and availability; each ship's page sets out what is included, or we can quote the fully inclusive price.

5. 05Dahabiya or cruise ship – which should I choose?

   For couples, returning visitors and anyone who puts atmosphere before facilities, a dahabiya is hard to beat: a traditional wooden sailing boat for 6–12 guests, with no pool but a private sundeck, relaxed dinners, stops at temples the bigger ships can't reach, and a pace governed by the wind and by you. If it's your first visit and you'd like a pool, a gym and talks in the evening as well as the temples, a 5-star motor cruiser (100–200 guests) is the better fit.

6. 06Which direction is best – Luxor to Aswan, or Aswan to Luxor?

   More guests sail Luxor → Aswan, starting at Karnak – the largest temple complex in the world – and finishing close to Abu Simbel and Aswan airport. Sailing Aswan → Luxor simply turns this round, leaving Karnak until last. You see the same temples either way, so it's best to choose by your flights.

7. 07When is the best time for a Nile cruise?

   The pleasant months run from October to April, with 20–30°C on the river and little humidity. November and February are ideal: lovely weather, and before Christmas rates apply. From May to September it's hot (35–40°C), though fares fall by 30–40% and the temples are peaceful before 9 am. For November, February and the Christmas and New Year period, book about six months ahead.

8. 08Can I add Cairo to a Nile cruise holiday?

   Yes, and most people on a first visit do exactly that. A typical plan is two nights in Cairo for the Pyramids, the Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum, then a 4-night Nile cruise, flying home from Aswan. We look after the internal flights and transfers and keep your guiding seamless from Cairo to the river.

9. 09Is a Nile cruise suitable for families?

   Yes. Most 5-star ships offer family cabins, a pool and entertainment in the evenings. Our Egyptologists tailor what they say at each temple to the ages in your group, and hieroglyph sessions, treasure-hunt sheets and story-telling introductions are usual for children of six and older. A dahabiya, with less space and no pool, is better for teenagers and adults than for small children.

10. 10Do Nile cruises carry a single supplement?

    On most ships, having a double cabin to yourself carries a supplement of 50–75%. In low season (May to September) a few Standard 5-star ships offer single cabins with no supplement at all. Availability changes, so do ask us when you get in touch.

11. 11What is a round-trip Nile cruise?

    A round-trip cruise sets off from Luxor, sails up to Aswan (or starts at Aswan instead) and comes back to where it began. You'll find it on 7-night dahabiya charters and on some 7-night motor-cruiser sailings. It's handy if you're flying in and out of the same city, Luxor or Aswan, or would like to see the river in both directions.

12. 12How do I book a Nile cruise?

    Just send us your dates, how many of you are travelling, and whether you prefer a dahabiya or a motor cruiser. Within 24 hours you'll have a short list of ships chosen for you, not a catalogue to wade through. Nothing is payable until we have confirmed your cabin is free; a deposit then secures it – usually 25%, or 50% at peak times – and the balance falls due a month before you travel. Your documents (boarding passes, emergency contacts, tipping guidance) are sent at the same time.

13. 13What is a Lake Nasser cruise?

    Lake Nasser cruises last three or four nights and sail between Aswan and Abu Simbel on the lake the Aswan High Dam created. Rather than the familiar Luxor–Aswan stretch, this route calls at the Nubian temples saved and moved by UNESCO in the 1960s – Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada and Qasr Ibrim – before reaching Abu Simbel at dawn. Only three ships operate here: MS Eugenie, MS Kasr Ibrim and MS Prince Abbas.

14. 14Is a Nile cruise worth it?

    For most people visiting Egypt for the first time, yes – nothing else takes in the great Pharaonic temples so easily. You unpack once, sleep on the water and let the boat carry you between Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Touring by road instead, with a different hotel most nights, tends to cost more and fit fewer temples into a week.

15. 15Are Nile cruises safe in 2026?

    Yes. Cruises have run on the Nile without a break since the 1960s, and they are among the most closely screened tourist activities in Egypt. Tourist police are stationed at every embarkation point, each ship's guides are licensed Egyptologists, and the FCDO's advice for the Nile Valley is the same as in previous years. We check the advisories each day and change plans if we need to.

16. 16How early should I book a Nile cruise?

    For Christmas, New Year and Easter, try to be confirmed about six months beforehand. There is very little left for the August 2027 eclipse. Only a few dahabiyas sell cabins individually, so when one has space on your dates it is sensible to book.

17. 17What deposit is needed for a Nile cruise?

    Between about 25% and 50%, depending on the season and on whether train or flight tickets are booked alongside the cruise.

18. 18What if I have to cancel a Nile cruise?

    You can cancel, and the refund depends on how near to sailing you are. The terms are on our cancellation and refund policy page. Cancellation and refund policy

19. 19Can I buy alcohol on a Nile cruise?

    Yes. Alcohol is sold on board at an extra charge. It is not included in the cruise price.

20. 20Is a Nile cruise possible for wheelchair users?

    That depends on the ship and where it moors. Let us know your requirements before booking. We would point you towards vessels that moor at fixed, organised berths, where boarding is more predictable.