Royal Elite Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a shaded sun deck, outdoor pool, lounge bar and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Royal Elite Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise package sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Chosen Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shaded sun deck · Outdoor pool area · Indoor lounge bar · Dedicated dining room · Cruise line shore-excursion programme
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · Families · Ancient history enthusiasts · Travellers seeking a structured Luxor–Aswan sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator that selects, books and arranges the cruise.
- 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).
- Cruise arrangements, transfers and optional services are coordinated by the local operator.
- Travellers should review the page’s current inclusions, exclusions and cancellation terms before booking.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile moves quietly beyond Royal Elite’s cabins, with river traffic and the low hum of the engine replacing the noise of the riverbank. Between shore excursions, the sun deck, outdoor pool area, lounge bar and dining room give you room to slow down while the landscape changes from Luxor’s cultivated banks towards Aswan.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple into focus without turning each visit into a rushed photo stop. Royal Elite sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at either city. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects and arranges the vessel, shore excursions and local support, with full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
Background
The facts
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise package arranged between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. Weekly sailings operate in both directions. The cruise programme combines sailing days with shore excursions to major archaeological sites in Upper Egypt.
The included shore-excursion programme covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Karnak and Luxor temples are located on the east bank of the Nile, while the Valley of the Kings is across the river on the west bank; Philae Temple is situated on Agilkia Island in the reservoir formed by the Aswan High Dam.
Cabin grades are Standard, Deluxe and Suite. Selected cabins provide Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows. Onboard facilities include a shaded sun deck, outdoor pool area, indoor lounge bar and dedicated dining room. Full board covers meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks beyond water with meals are generally excluded unless stated otherwise.
Pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin. Solo travellers normally pay a single supplement, while premium cabin upgrades, private transfers and speciality excursions may be arranged as optional extras. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Aswan High Dam·Agilkia Island·Ancient Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and travellers interested in ancient Egyptian temples without changing hotels between Luxor and Aswan. It is appropriate for travellers with moderate mobility, although shore excursions involve walking on uneven surfaces, steps and exposed archaeological sites.
What lingers
- 01Four-day cruise aboard MS Royal Elite between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
- 02Guided shore excursions led by our Egyptologists, not audio-only commentary, for consistent historical context ashore.
- 03Overnight mooring in Aswan allows a late-afternoon visit to Philae Temple and an evening felucca option.
- 04Optional Abu Simbel excursion by road or flight requires an early start and separate booking with the ship.
- 05Early starts for Luxor West Bank and Valley of the Kings minimise crowds but mean pre-dawn transfers from the ship.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation and river travel between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for repeated hotel changes. Unlike a private charter, the cruise uses the cruise line’s scheduled weekly sailing and shore-excursion programme, while optional private transfers or speciality excursions may be added separately.
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person, per cabin, in GBP. Each rate below 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.
7 nights / 8 days · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,181 | £1,550 |
| Double cabin | £845 | £1,080 |
| Triple cabin | £845 | £1,080 |
4 nights / 5 days · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £795 | £1,006 |
| Double cabin | £603 | £737 |
| Triple cabin | £603 | £737 |
3 nights / 4 days · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £667 | £826 |
| Double cabin | £523 | £624 |
| Triple cabin | £523 | £624 |
7 nights / 8 days · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low seasonMay – September | High seasonOctober – April |
|---|---|---|
| Single cabin | £1,187 | £1,557 |
| Double cabin | £851 | £1,086 |
| Triple cabin | £851 | £1,086 |
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.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in the selected cabin grade
- Full-board meals from lunch on embarkation day until breakfast on disembarkation day
- Access to onboard facilities, including the sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Use of the outdoor pool area
- The cruise line’s shore excursion programme
Not included
- Drinks other than water served with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists
- International flights and airport taxes
- Visas and travel insurance
- Optional extras, including premium cabin upgrades, private transfers and speciality excursions
- Single supplement for solo travellers
Tailor it
Make it yours
- Travellers can request Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin grades, with selected cabins offering Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows. Optional arrangements may include premium cabin upgrades, private transfers and speciality excursions
- private guiding or extended stays in Luxor and Aswan can also be discussed with Discovery Tours Egypt.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access to the vessel with shore excursions over uneven historic ground. Embarkation can involve a gangway, steps or a steep ramp, depending on the quay, water level and vessel assigned at booking. Cabins, dining areas, the lounge bar and sun deck may be connected by internal stairs, and lift availability must be confirmed before payment. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings include uneven paving, steps, sand and limited shade. Wheelchair users and guests with reduced mobility should contact our licensed Egyptian tour operator before booking so we can check cabin access, gangway conditions and practical shore-excursion arrangements.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Printed or digital booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Motion-sickness medication if needed
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable shoes for uneven temple surfaces
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimsuit and cover-up for the pool area
- Light jacket for cooler evenings
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ 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. Strollers are generally impractical on gangways, internal stairs, quays and uneven archaeological sites. Please confirm crib, high-chair and cabin arrangements before booking, as availability depends on the assigned vessel.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
A river vessel covers the Luxor to Aswan route without requiring separate daily road transfers between each stop, reducing repeated overland travel for the same journey. Shore excursions are delivered through the cruise line's local teams, while Discovery Tours Egypt selects and arranges the cruise with Egyptian suppliers. Navigation, food service, cabin care and shore operations provide work for people along the Nile corridor. Fuel systems, wastewater treatment, recycling and water-saving measures vary by the vessel assigned at booking, so we do not claim standards that have not been verified. Guests can carry a refillable bottle where permitted, avoid single-use plastics and follow conservation rules at temples and tombs.
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
·In summary
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise includes accommodation in the selected cabin grade, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, use of the sun deck, lounge bar, dining room and outdoor pool area, and the cruise line’s shore-excursion programme. Excursions cover Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical length of a Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise usually runs for 4 days and 3 nights when sailing from Luxor to Aswan, or 5 days and 4 nights in the reverse direction. We offer weekly departures in both directions, providing flexibility for your holiday schedule.02Which shore excursions are part of the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise includes a full programme of shore excursions. You will visit significant ancient sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These visits are organised by the cruise line.03What meals are provided on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis. This covers all your meals, beginning with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks, other than water served with meals, are typically an additional charge.04What cabin options are available on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise offers various cabin categories, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. Certain cabins feature Nile-view balconies or large panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy the river scenery as you sail.05What facilities can I use on board the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
Guests on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise have access to several onboard facilities. These include a shaded sun deck, an outdoor swimming pool area, a comfortable lounge bar, and a dedicated dining room. These amenities are designed to enhance your sailing experience on the Nile.06Is the Royal Elite Nile Cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, the Royal Elite Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, and those aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children will require their own cabin.07What is the policy for solo travellers on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
Solo travellers are welcome aboard the Royal Elite Nile Cruise. However, the pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin, so a single supplement usually applies for those travelling alone. Please enquire for specific details on solo traveller rates.08What clothing and items should I bring for the Royal Elite Nile Cruise and excursions?
For the cruise, pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather and swimwear for the pool. For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended when visiting temples and religious sites.09Are gratuities included in the Royal Elite Nile Cruise price?
No, gratuities for the crew and your Egyptologist guide are not included in the standard Royal Elite Nile Cruise price. It is customary to tip the cruise staff and your guide at the end of your holiday. We can provide recommendations for appropriate gratuity amounts.10How do embarkation and disembarkation work for the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation for the Royal Elite Nile Cruise take place at either Luxor or Aswan, depending on your chosen sailing direction. We arrange your transfers to and from the vessel, ensuring a smooth start and end to your cruise experience.
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-895034
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