Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck pool, lounge bar, panoramic windows, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions; sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise is a Nile cruise vessel sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Steigenberger Minerva sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions to six named sites, including Karnak Temple and Philae Temple. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are extra.
- Couples·
- Solo traveller·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-star Nile cruise vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board meals, embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast · Cabin in the booked class · Use of sun deck, pool and lounge areas · Scheduled shore excursions on the vessel's programme · WiFi on board, where available
- Best for
- Travellers seeking a full-board Nile cruise · Guests who value spacious shared areas · Travellers interested in guided visits to ancient sites
- Drinks (including water), premium excursions and gratuities are identified as exclusions.
What lingers
- 01Relax on the sun deck or use the on-board pool while sailing on the Nile.
- 02Choose from Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes.
- 03Shore excursions include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
- 04The programme also includes Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings.
- 05Weekly sailings run in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
Steigenberger Minerva is a five-star Nile cruise vessel serving the river corridor between Luxor and Aswan. It combines cabin accommodation, full-board dining and scheduled shore excursions, with embarkation and disembarkation at either city according to sailing direction.
The excursion programme includes 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. The vessel sails weekly in both directions. No sailing distance or port-to-site timings are specified for this product.
These sites span ancient Egyptian periods and later Greco-Roman history. The Karnak and Luxor temple complexes developed over centuries, while the Valley of the Kings served as a royal burial ground during the New Kingdom. The ancient city of Thebes and its necropolis, including the Valley of the Kings, are part of the UNESCO-listed Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis.
Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes; many have Nile views or balconies. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water), premium excursions and site-specific tickets are excluded unless separately specified. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise through a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
Named in this entry
Steigenberger Minerva·Luxor·Aswan·Nile·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus at Edfu·At Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·At the Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·New Kingdom
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits couples, solo travellers and small groups, especially first-time visitors who want guided visits to ancient sites alongside time on the Nile. It works well for adults and older children interested in Egyptian history, with a more settled pace than a land-only holiday.
Maybe not, if
- Choose a land-based trip if you need step-free access throughout or want to set your own sightseeing pace. The cruise includes stairs on board and uneven ground at archaeological sites, while summer heat can make excursions tiring.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- A sun deck, pool and shaded seating offer breaks between visits.
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins provide a choice of accommodation class.
Things to Consider
- Uneven ancient stone and steps can make site visits demanding.
- Strollers have limited use at temples and tombs.
- Summer excursions can be uncomfortable in high heat.
- Drinks (including water) cost extra.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise alternatives are sold as a single fixed-direction sailing; Steigenberger Minerva has weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike land-based hotel stays with separate sightseeing, this vessel combines cabins, dining and scheduled shore excursions; premium excursions and some site-specific tickets remain extra.
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 Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
On property
What's here
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in the cabin class booked
- Use of on-board facilities, including the sun deck, pool and lounge areas
- Scheduled shore excursions included in the vessel’s programme
- On-board Wi-Fi where available
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional premium excursions and site-specific entrance tickets, such as access to premium tombs and pyramid interiors
- Gratuities for the crew and guide
- Where applicable, the supplement for sole occupancy of a cabin
- International or domestic flights to the embarkation or disembarkation points
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Take photographs from the sun deck during sailing, and keep a camera strap secure in the river breeze.
- 02
Carry a light layer for shaded deck seating, where moving air can feel cooler than in the sun.
- 03
Ask which cabin has a Nile-view balcony when confirming your cabin class; balcony views are available in many, not all, cabins.
- 04
Bring small notes for incidental purchases and gratuities; crew and guide gratuities are not included.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Choose between Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin classes, and select a sailing direction between Luxor and Aswan. Optional premium excursions and site-specific tickets can be added; drinks (including water) and gratuities are not included.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Steigenberger Minerva fits between stays in Cairo and a longer Egypt itinerary through Luxor and Aswan. It sails weekly in both directions, so you can plan around either city as your starting point.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves several physical demands. The vessel has multiple decks, and moving between them may require stairs; lifts are not confirmed for every vessel. Gangways at river landings can be narrow and may have a step, while shore visits can include uneven stone, steps and sandy ground at Karnak, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchair access may therefore be limited on board and during excursions. If you use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility, tell us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel, cabin position, transfers and excursion access with the suppliers. We can confirm what assistance is available, but cannot promise every site will be accessible.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise supplier, so fuel use, onboard energy and waste arrangements depend on the assigned operator. Nile cruisers commonly use diesel engines and may run generators while sailing; we cannot verify the exact engine or emissions standard for this booking. We arrange services with local suppliers and guides in Luxor and Aswan, supporting businesses in the places visited, but we do not have verified figures for local purchasing or employment. Archaeological sites such as Karnak and Philae are vulnerable to wear, so please follow the guide’s instructions and stay on marked paths. A reusable water bottle can reduce reliance on single-use bottles where refill facilities are available.
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
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Cruise booking details and emergency contact
- Walking shoes with good grip
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Light layer for cool mornings on deck
- Reusable water bottle and hand sanitiser
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Personal medication and prescription copy
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm days
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for steps and uneven ground
- Light jumper or jacket for early mornings
- Swimwear for the pool, with a cover-up for indoor areas
Children & families
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free; children aged 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children aged 12 and 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. Cots and extra beds depend on the supplier and cabin class. Strollers may be useful on board but can be awkward at landings and on uneven temple paths; a compact model is the practical choice.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from £1,113single cabin £1,658triple cabin £1,113 | May – September: from £839single cabin £1,200triple cabin £825 | Peak dates: from £1,171single cabin £1,776triple cabin £1,142 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,389single cabin £2,116triple cabin £1,389 | May – September: from £1,024single cabin £1,505triple cabin £1,005 | Peak dates: from £1,466single cabin £2,273triple cabin £1,428 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £2,216single cabin £3,487triple cabin £2,216 | May – September: from £1,577single cabin £2,418triple cabin £1,544 | Peak dates: from £2,351single cabin £3,763triple cabin £2,283 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,232single cabin £3,503triple cabin £2,232 | May – September: from £1,593single cabin £2,433triple cabin £1,559 | Peak dates: from £2,366single cabin £3,779triple cabin £2,299 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. 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
- Luxor Temple1 km
- Karnak Temple3 km
- At the Valley of the Kings7 km
- Temple of Horus at Edfu90 km
- At Kom Ombo Temple165 km
- Philae Temple215 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Visit temples and tombs through the vessel's shore programme
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of three or four nights, though seven-night options are also available. These voyages travel between Luxor and Aswan, allowing you to choose a duration that fits your holiday plans.02What is included in the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise fare?
Your cruise fare includes full board meals from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, accommodation in your chosen cabin class, and use of the vessel's facilities. All scheduled shore excursions with an Egyptologist guide are also included.03What is not included in the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise fare?
The fare does not cover drinks (including water), optional premium excursions, or entrance tickets for specific sites like premium tombs. Gratuities for the crew and guide, single supplements, and international or domestic flights are also excluded.04What facilities are available on board the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Minerva features a sun deck with a swimming pool and shaded seating, a lounge bar, and a dining room. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite classes, many offering panoramic Nile views.05What shore excursions are part of the Steigenberger Minerva programme?
The shore excursion programme includes visits to iconic 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 are led by an English-speaking Egyptologist.06Is the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, and those 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 require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, and modest attire for religious sites. Bring a hat, sunglasses, high-factor sun cream, and comfortable walking shoes. Evenings on board are generally smart casual.08What is the best time of year to take a Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from November to March are ideal for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. However, sailings operate year-round, with summer months being hotter but often quieter at sites.09What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the cruise?
The Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise offers weekly sailings in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation points at either Luxor or Aswan. This flexibility allows us to integrate the cruise into your wider Egypt holiday plans.10Is Wi-Fi available on the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise?
Yes, Wi-Fi is available on board the Steigenberger Minerva, though its availability and speed can vary along the Nile. It is generally suitable for light browsing and communication, rather than heavy streaming.
Last updated 11 June 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-238574
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