What you're actually paying for
The Standard tier, line by line.
- Cabin size (typical)
- 14–17 m²
- Decks
- 4 (cabins on 2)
- Balcony
- Standard cabins · French balcony
- Dining
- Buffet · open seating
- Crew-to-guest ratio
- ≈ 1 : 1.8
- Pool
- Yes · sun-deck plunge pool
- Best for
- First Egypt holiday · families · groups
- From (per person)
- £540 · 4 nights / 5 days
“The temples don't get fancier when you pay more. The cabin does.”
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 Standard Nile cruisers (17).
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.
A Sara Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
A Sara sails the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, the Valley of the Kings and Luxor's East Bank. Choose the Aswan-to-Luxor, four-day option that departs every Wednesday, or the five-day Luxor-to-Aswan option that departs every Saturday with an optional Abu Simbel extension. Days combine temple visits with short daytime sailings, so you spend more time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo than on many tightly timed itineraries. Evenings are spent on deck with river views and relaxed dining. We arrange the Abu Simbel excursion by coach or scheduled flight if you add it when you book.
Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise is a 5-star river vessel offering full-board sailings between Luxor and Aswan. Its 65 cabins, including junior suites, feature Andalos Islamic-style decor, while shared spaces include a sun terrace, swimming pool, pool bar, gym, reading room and grand lounge. The sailing programme combines time on the Nile with guided shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple. Sailings operate weekly in both directions. Evenings may include a folkloric show, galabeyah party, belly dancer and discotheque. An optional Abu Simbel excursion can be arranged at the end of the Luxor to Aswan sailing.
From · 4 nights£480/ pp
King of Thebes Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
King of Thebes Nile Cruise is a deluxe 5-star river cruise programme between Luxor and Aswan, with 3, 4 and 7-night sailing options. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Our private English-speaking Egyptologist guides accompany shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Aswan High Dam. On board, cabins have air conditioning, television, a fridge and Wi-Fi, while shared facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, fitness area, lounge bar and entertainment lounge. An Egyptian folklore show is scheduled on board. Abu Simbel is available as an optional excursion.
From · 4 nights£466/ pp
LA Sarah Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
The LA Sarah Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and the temples on Luxor's East and West Banks. Choose the 4-day northbound sail (Aswan to Luxor, departs Wednesdays) or the 5-day southbound sail (Luxor to Aswan, departs Saturdays). We arrange full-board accommodation and guided excursions with our Egyptologists in small groups, maximum eight per guide, which keeps visits paced and personal. Unlike many four-night package cruises, this itinerary gives proper time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than a rushed stop. Expect active days with walking on uneven temple stone and early starts at key sites. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Nile Dolphin Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Nile Dolphin is a deluxe 5-star river cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Its onboard facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck, restaurant, bar, lounge and Wi-Fi, giving you space to relax between shore excursions. The programme combines sailing days with visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Sailings operate weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks beyond water with meals are normally charged separately.
From · 4 nights£466/ pp
Nile Quest Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Nile Quest Nile Cruise is a 5-star river vessel, arranged for you by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. The ship combines graded cabins, a sun deck, a lounge bar, pool access and a dining room serving full board. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with an excursion programme calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. We select and book the cruise; the cruise line operates the vessel and runs on-board services.
From · 4 nights£653/ pp
Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
Princess Sarah II is a Comfort-tier Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, offered on 3, 4 or 7-night full-board programmes. Routes call at Kom Ombo and Edfu and include guided visits to Luxor East Bank and the West Bank. All excursions are led by an English-speaking Egyptologist, small groups maximum eight guests. Unlike larger Nile cruise ships, Princess Sarah II has panoramic windows in every cabin and on-deck social spaces for uninterrupted river views. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange meet-and-assist, private air-conditioned transfers, and onboard assistance. Onboard facilities include a pool, sun deck, gym, daily housekeeping and a main dining room. Optional excursions such as Abu Simbel can be arranged for an additional fee.
From · 4 nights£509/ pp
Princess Sarah Nile Cruise
LUXOR → LUXOR
From · 4 nights£509/ pp
Queen of Sheeba Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Queen of Sheeba Nile Cruise is a river vessel offering full-board sailings on the Nile, with 72 suite-cabins featuring private bathrooms and large windows. Cabins are located on the main or upper deck. Packages typically cover 3 or 4 nights, with shore excursions included at sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. On board, guests have access to a recently refurbished lounge bar with Egyptian and Moorish interior details and a multi-cuisine restaurant. Arrival transfers from the airport, train station or hotel are included.
From · 4 nights£480/ pp
Radamis II Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
Radamis II is a Comfort Nile cruise operating 3- and 4-night sailings between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo and Edfu. All guided excursions are led by an English-speaking Egyptologist in small groups, maximum eight travellers. Cabins have panoramic windows, individual air-conditioning and bathrooms with full-size bathtubs; public areas include a sun deck, swimming pool and a barbecue area. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist, private air-conditioned transfers and on-board coordination. We do not run large coach-group excursions, so visits are paced for photography and short walks rather than rushed coach drop-offs. Choose the shorter Friday Aswan to Luxor option or the Monday Luxor to Aswan sailing, both timed to include the West Bank and East Bank highlights of Luxor.
Royal Elite Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Four-day cruise on MS Royal Elite between Luxor and Aswan, visiting Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu and Kom Ombo. We operate shore visits with our Egyptologists and private transfers; we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We don't run coach-load group excursions – we limit shore groups and schedule visits to avoid the mid-afternoon heat where possible. Unlike many three-night packaged cruises, this itinerary includes full calls at both Edfu and Kom Ombo. Expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone, and open decks that get hot at midday. Standard site entrance fees are included; optional extras such as Abu Simbel flights, pyramid interiors and gratuities are not included.
From · 4 nights£524/ pp
Royal Esadora Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
Sail between Aswan and Luxor on board Royal Esadora, visiting Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank. The vessel provides a shaded sun deck with a small pool, an air-conditioned lounge, an on-board massage room and a boutique. We provide English-speaking Egyptologists who lead excursions for groups capped at eight guests. Unlike many large coach sightseeing packages, excursions are run in small guided groups. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate transfers and onshore logistics while you travel in Egypt. Guided visits include the temple complexes at Kom Ombo and Edfu; optional visits to Abu Simbel can be arranged by road or by flight for an extra fee. Expect walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at some open-air sites, so bring sun protection and comfortable shoes.
Royal Princess Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
The Royal Princess Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank. The route focuses on temple visits and short shore excursions, with mornings allocated for landings before the midday heat. We limit groups to a maximum of eight participants, so you will not travel on a large coach-style tour. Unlike many short cruises that rush Edfu and Kom Ombo, this itinerary allows unhurried visits to both sites. Onboard the vessel you will find a sun deck with pool, social lounges and cabins with panoramic Nile views, making river travel an uninterrupted way to move between Upper Egypt’s principal temples. We arrange local transfers, Egyptologists for guided visits and meet-and-assist at embarkation and disembarkation.
Royal Ruby Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
Sail between Aswan and Luxor aboard the Royal Ruby, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and Luxor's West Bank and East Bank temples. The itinerary alternates short, site-centred mornings with relaxed sailing periods, so you have time on deck and time at the monuments. Our Egyptologists lead the guided visits, explaining pharaonic inscriptions and architectural phases at Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings, as well as the temple complexes at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We limit cabin numbers to keep groups small, maximum eight passengers, which avoids the coach-party model common on larger river cruises. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we coordinate all local arrangements on your behalf.
Semiramis II Nile Cruise
Aswan → LUXOR
Sail the Nile between Aswan and Luxor aboard the Semiramis II, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu and the temples on the Luxor banks. Departures run from Aswan and from Luxor on fixed days, with guided shore visits led by an English-speaking Egyptologist. Full board accommodation, airport and port transfers, entrance fees to listed sites, and service charges are included. We limit guided shore groups to a maximum of eight participants, which keeps visits calmer and reduces time spent queuing. Unlike larger motor-cruise schedules, this programme allows more relaxed calls at Edfu and Kom Ombo. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange your meet and assist service, transfers and Egyptologist briefing on the ground.
Semiramis III Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
Semiramis III Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruiser offering full-board accommodation, public lounges, and a sun deck for views on the Nile. We arrange this vessel for sailings that run weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel's shore-excursion program normally calls at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are grouped in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, pricing is per person sharing, and drinks beyond water with meals are typically extra.
From · 4 nights£538/ pp
Zeina Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
Zeina Nile Cruise runs 3, 4 or 7 night cruises along the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Departures run every Wednesday from Aswan and every Saturday from Luxor. The itinerary calls at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank and Luxor East Bank, with full board accommodation and guided tours by our Egyptologists. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange airport and port transfers, entrance fees to listed attractions, and meet-and-assist on arrival and departure. Sightseeing is in small groups, maximum eight participants, which gives more time ashore at the temples than larger vessels allow. Onboard facilities include a swimming pool, sun deck bar, restaurant, lounge, library, spa, internet corner, boutique and 24-hour doctor.
Sail-powered alternative
5-Star Standard dahabiyas (2).
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.
Akhnaton Dahabiya
Esna → Aswan
The Akhnaton Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered craft offering seven days on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. We operate it as a small, privately chartered dahabiya; we don't run group-bus tours. Typical calls include Luxor West Bank, Karnak Temple, Esna lock, Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo. Unlike packaged motor cruises, a dahabiya sails more slowly and anchors at quieter riverside moorings overnight. Trade-offs: cabins are generally smaller than on motor cruise ships and sailing days depend on wind; there is limited shade on the sun deck at midday. We can arrange a private Egyptologist and bespoke shore excursions for each group.
From · 5 nights£840/ pp
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 · 5 nights£1,632/ pp
Five things to know
Before you book Standard.
01Is the food on a 5-star standard cruise actually any good?
Yes. Every 5-star Standard vessel we book runs a buffet that includes Egyptian, Mediterranean, and Western mains at every meal, fresh fruit, and freshly baked bread. À la carte restaurants are typically Deluxe and up – but the buffet on Standard ships in 2026 is genuinely good. We avoid the 4-star floating hotels for exactly this reason.
02Will I miss any temples by booking the budget tier?
No. Standard, Deluxe, Ultra-Deluxe, and Luxury vessels all dock at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Esna and visit Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Philae. The shore-excursion itinerary is identical – the cruise tier sets the cabin, food format, and on-board polish, not what you see ashore.
03What's the cabin like – is it cramped?
Standard cabins are 14–17 m² (smaller than a typical UK 5-star hotel room, larger than a cruise ship interior cabin). All have ensuite, climate control, panoramic window (or French balcony on higher decks), in-room safe, and twin or double bed configuration. They're designed for sleeping – you spend the day ashore or up top on the sun deck.
04How many people are on the boat?
Standard 5-star vessels typically carry 60–80 cabins (120–160 guests at full occupancy). That's social but not crowded. If you want fewer people on board, the Dahabiya tier sails with 8–12 cabins maximum – quieter, but a different style of holiday and a different price point.
05Is the operator the same as on the higher tiers?
Yes. Egypt Discovery's specialist team has operated cruise departures across all four tiers since 1988 from our Cairo head office and Luxor + Aswan branches. The shore-excursion crew, Egyptologists, and reservations team are shared. The vessel is what differs.
Different budget?
The other three tiers.
5-Star Deluxe
Step up the cabin square-meterage and the bathroom. Same temples, more finish.
5-Star Ultra Deluxe
Newer fleet, broader balconies, attentive crew ratio – the polish without the Luxury price.
5-Star Luxury
Category-A vessels and sail-powered dahabiyas. Smaller-scale, off-the-beaten-path stops.
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