Royal Amira Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with river-view cabins, panoramic sun deck, pool, gym, lounge bar and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise is an eight-day river cruise covering Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
The Valley of the Kings lies about 7 km west of the Nile at Luxor, and Philae is on Agilkia Island near Aswan. Royal Princess Amira’s scheduled shore excursions connect these sites with Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- Archaeology & history
- Cultural
- Solo travel
- Family
- Adventure
- Photography
- Seniors·
- Groups·
- Couples·
- Solo traveller
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruise ship
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae
- Includes
- Your chosen Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin · Full-board dining, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Planned shore visits to named archaeological sites · Sun deck and pool access · Lounge bar and dining room access · English-speaking cruise manager · Onboard crew service
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with older children · Travellers seeking a combined Luxor and Aswan experience
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association, ETAA #718.
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing and on-the-ground travel support can be arranged through the operator.
What lingers
- 01A four-day voyage from Aswan to Luxor, stopping at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak and Luxor West Bank.
- 02We moor overnight at Edfu so guests have two hours to explore Horus Temple after the boats depart.
- 03Included: Nile-side cabins, daily breakfasts and lunches, guided shore excursions, and standard site entrance fees.
- 04Early-morning optional balloon flights over Luxor available; we can pre-book transfers and tickets on your behalf.
- 05Unlike cruise-only packages, we include private airport transfers in Aswan and Luxor for smooth embarkation and disembarkation.
02Overview
A first look
Before breakfast, the Nile slips past Royal Princess Amira’s sun deck, with palms, cultivated fields and desert appearing in turn beyond the rail. Inside, the mood is unhurried: choose a cabin with a panoramic window or Nile-view balcony, settle into the lounge bar, or watch the river from the pool deck between shore excursions.
The vessel’s programme brings ancient Egypt into focus, from Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple to the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Royal Princess Amira sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange your cabin and cruise booking as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, while our Egyptologists provide context ashore and our Cairo-based team remains available throughout.
Background
The facts
This 5-star Nile cruise vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either port. Its scheduled shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple and Philae. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, while the exact sailing sequence depends on the selected departure and cruise schedule.
Luxor Temple stands on the east bank of the Nile, close to Karnak Temple, while the Valley of the Kings is on the west bank, approximately 7 km from central Luxor. Edfu lies between Luxor and Aswan and is known for its well-preserved Ptolemaic Temple of Horus. Kom Ombo is approximately 45 km north of Aswan and contains a distinctive double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder.
Philae Temple is situated on Agilkia Island near Aswan and is reached by boat from the mainland. The excursion programme combines visits to major ancient Egyptian monuments with sailing sections along the Nile. Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins are available; many cabins have panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies.
Full board covers meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day. Facilities include a sun deck, pool, gym, lounge bar, dining room, boutique and Wi-Fi, subject to onboard operating conditions. Drinks (including water), personal purchases, gratuities, visas and travel insurance are excluded unless specifically added at booking.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·River Nile·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Agilkia Island·Sobek·Horus the Elder
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples and history enthusiasts who want to combine Luxor and Aswan without changing hotels between the two cities. Travellers should be comfortable with hot weather, uneven surfaces at archaeological sites and moderate walking during shore excursions.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based holiday instead if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own sightseeing pace. Archaeological sites involve uneven ground, steps and exposed areas.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Choose between Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes.
- A pool, gym and sun deck provide onboard leisure options.
Things to Consider
- Excursions involve uneven ancient surfaces, steps and exposed ground.
- Sightseeing in summer can mean intense heat and limited shade.
- Drinks (including water) are usually extra.
- A single supplement typically applies to solo travellers.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation, sailing and scheduled visits to major Upper Egyptian monuments between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike a fixed private tour, shore excursions follow the vessel’s published programme, while cabin choice, transfers and pre- or post-cruise arrangements can be selected through Discovery Tours Egypt.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
On property
What's here
- Pool
- Sun Deck
- Gym
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Lounge
- Boutique
- Wi-Fi
Bundled in
- Full board
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Accommodation in the cabin class selected for your booking
- Full-board meals, beginning with lunch on embarkation day and ending with breakfast on disembarkation day
- Enjoy access to the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- The vessel’s scheduled shore excursions to the named archaeological sites
- Service from the English-speaking cruise manager and onboard crew
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew, guides and drivers
- Personal spending and optional extras, such as spa treatments and boutique purchases
- Travel insurance and visa fees
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Choose a cabin class only after checking whether your specific cabin has a private balcony or a panoramic window.
- 02
Bring a light layer for the sun deck, where river breezes can feel cooler after sunset.
- 03
Keep small notes available for optional purchases and gratuities, which are not included.
- 04
Check the booking terms for drink arrangements, as drinks (including water) are extra unless stated otherwise.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the selected cabin class, private transfers and additional pre- or post-cruise nights in Luxor or Aswan, subject to availability. Travellers may also request private guiding, extra sightseeing or upgraded accommodation; drinks, gratuities and personal extras should be confirmed before booking.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Royal Princess Amira fits between time in Cairo and a stay in Luxor or Aswan, linking the main Nile Valley sites along the river.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Accessibility depends on the Nile cruiser assigned to your booking. Boarding may involve a sloping gangway, and the slope can change with the river level. Cabins, the dining room, lounge bar and sun deck may be reached by stairs or narrow corridors; wheelchair access and lifts are not confirmed. Shore excursions at Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo and Philae involve uneven ancient stone, sand, steps and kerbs, with limited shade. Wheelchair users may need assistance and a collapsible chair, and some areas may not be reachable. Please tell us about mobility needs before confirmation so we can check the assigned vessel and excursion arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A Nile cruise combines accommodation, meals and sightseeing along one river route, reducing the need for separate daily road journeys between Luxor and Aswan. The cruise line supplies the vessel, crew and dining service, while Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the sailing with local partners. Waste, water, fuel and energy practices vary by assigned cruiser, and no specific environmental certification or onboard system is claimed. Guests can support local communities by travelling with licensed Egyptologists, buying directly from authorised artisans and avoiding single-use plastic where practical. We explain the available arrangements before booking.
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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Sturdy walking footwear with supportive soles
- SPF 50+ sun cream and lip balm
- A refillable water bottle
- A sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Personal medication
- A compact bag for trips ashore
What to wear
- Light, loose-fitting attire
- Breathable layers to suit shifting temperatures
- Comfortable walking shoes with closed toes
- A hat and sunglasses to protect you in strong sunshine
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples
- Wear modest attire for visits to mosques
Children & families
Children from 0 to 5.99 years old travel at no cost; those aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50%; children aged 12 and over are charged the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, and each cabin can accommodate a maximum of one child. Two or more children need a separate cabin. Strollers are unsuitable for gangways and uneven archaeological sites. Please check that a high chair is available before booking.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in GBP, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from £695single cabin £948triple cabin £695 | May – September: from £537single cabin £681triple cabin £537 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £832single cabin £1,168triple cabin £832 | May – September: from £621single cabin £813triple cabin £621 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,241single cabin £1,829triple cabin £1,241 | May – September: from £871single cabin £1,207triple cabin £871 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from £1,256single cabin £1,845triple cabin £1,256 | May – September: from £886single cabin £1,223triple cabin £886 |
Choose your sailing and date in the booking panel for the exact price.
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.
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.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you receive back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your holiday you let us know and the kind of holiday you book. See our current cancellation and refund terms
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak TempleRight here
- Luxor TempleRight here
- The Valley of the KingsRight here
- The Temple of Horus at EdfuRight here
- The Temple of Kom OmboRight here
- Philae TempleRight here
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Visit six named sites through the vessel's excursion programme
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise?
The product page lists the Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise as an eight-day trip. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, but the precise sailing and excursion schedule depends on your selected departure. Check the dates and embarkation details shown for your booking before arranging connecting travel.02Where do I embark and disembark on the Royal Princess Amira?
Embarkation and disembarkation are in Luxor or Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, so the ports depend on the departure you choose. We arrange the cruise booking; confirm the port and timings on your final travel documents before planning your arrival or onward journey.03Which features are included in the Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise?
Your booking includes accommodation in the selected cabin class, full-board meals and the vessel's scheduled shore excursions. Full board starts with lunch on embarkation day and ends with breakfast on disembarkation day. Excursions include Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae.04What is not included in the Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise?
International flights, visa fees, travel insurance and gratuities are not included. Drinks (including water) are extra unless your booking states otherwise. Personal spending and optional extras, such as spa treatments and boutique purchases, are also payable separately. Check your booking details for any specific drink arrangements.05Is the Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise accessible for travellers with limited mobility?
Excursions at ancient sites can involve uneven stone, steps and outdoor walking, including at Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. Tell us what support you need and we'll confirm the arrangements.06Can children travel on the Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 travel free, and children aged 6 to 11.99 pay 50% of the adult price; those aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I pack for the Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise?
Pack comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses and light clothing suited to Egypt's sun and heat. Modest clothing covering shoulders and knees is advisable at temples and religious sites. A light layer can be useful in cooler months or air-conditioned indoor spaces. Bring any personal medication you may need during the sailing.08Can I take photographs on the Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise and at the temples?
Photography rules can differ between the vessel and individual archaeological sites. Check posted instructions at Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and other stops, and ask staff before photographing people or restricted areas.09What is the ideal season for a Royal Princess Amira Nile Cruise?
October to April is generally more comfortable for sightseeing in Luxor and Aswan than the hotter summer months. Winter sun brings cooler conditions, though midday can still be bright and warm. In summer, expect significant heat at open-air sites such as Kom Ombo, so plan clothing and sun protection accordingly.10Which sites does the Royal Princess Amira visit between Luxor and Aswan?
The scheduled shore-excursion programme includes Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae. Excursions take place alongside sailing between Luxor and Aswan. The order and timing can vary by departure, so use the final cruise schedule to confirm each stop.
Last updated 14 November 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-520219
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Royal Ruby Nile Cruise
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.
Nile7 Nights
Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise
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 £623
Nile7 Nights
Semiramis II Nile Cruise
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.