Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck, lounge bar and full-board dining; weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan, shore excursions included.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise is a four-day Nile cruise vessel visiting Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan, arranged through Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Steigenberger Royale sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with shore excursions at major Nile-side sites. Its cabins come in Standard, Deluxe and Suite categories, and selected cabins have Nile-view balconies.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- Five-Star Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Full board from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast · Shore-excursion programme as offered by the vessel · Use of the sun deck · Use of the onboard lounge · Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories · Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- Best for
- Couples · Families · Nile cruise travellers · Travellers combining a cruise with a Nile-side stay
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
What lingers
- 01Five-star vessel with a pool, sun deck, lounge bar, restaurant, gym and spa
- 02Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabin categories, with Nile-view windows or balconies in some cabins
- 03Shore-excursion programme may include Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Weekly sailings in both directions between Luxor and Aswan
- 05Full-board meals from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
Steigenberger Royale is a Nile cruise vessel sailing the river corridor between Luxor and Aswan. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges bookings; the cruise line owns and operates the vessel. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with Nile-view windows or balconies in selected cabins. Cabin dimensions and views vary by category and deck.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions, with embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan. Its shore-excursion programme visits Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple near Aswan and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. These are stops along the Nile corridor; exact excursion timing depends on the vessel’s programme.
The sites span ancient Egyptian and later periods. Karnak, Luxor Temple and the Valley of the Kings form part of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis, a UNESCO World Heritage property. Philae is included within the UNESCO-listed Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae. Edfu and Kom Ombo preserve major temple complexes from Egypt’s Ptolemaic period.
Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are extra. Shore excursions are provided as offered by the vessel. Site opening times and excursion order can vary, so check the current sailing programme before travel. Standard site fees are included unless stated otherwise; premium tomb access is extra.
Named in this entry
Steigenberger Royale·Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu·Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis·Nubian Monuments from Abu Simbel to Philae
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors, history-focused adults and families with school-age children who want to see Upper Egypt’s major temples without changing hotels each night. It also works for multi-generational travellers who prefer an organised shore-excursion programme and full-board dining.
Maybe not, if
- It may not suit travellers who need step-free access or prefer independent sightseeing over a set excursion programme. Anyone seeking a quiet, uncrowded visit should expect busier sites during the winter high season.
Honest assessment
The honest pluses and minuses, as our own team sees them after running this trip.
Highlights
- Sailing links Luxor and Aswan without changing accommodation each night
- Sun deck, lounge bar and panoramic dining room provide space between excursions
Things to Consider
- Drinks (including water) are extra
- Crew and Egyptologist gratuities are not included
- Temple visits involve uneven stone and substantial walking
- Deck access and stairs may be difficult for limited mobility
Worth knowing
How this compares
Many Nile cruise listings describe a fixed sailing itinerary; this page concerns the Steigenberger Royale vessel and its shore-excursion programme, which can vary by sailing. Unlike a land-based sightseeing stay, the vessel links Luxor and Aswan by river, with visits scheduled around sailing.
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
- Gym
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Laundry
- Bar
- Business centre
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what is left out
Included
- Full board meals, from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, including breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Use of the vessel’s public areas, including the sun deck and lounge
- The shore excursion programme offered by the vessel
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists
- Premium site extras, such as pyramid interior tickets or access to premium tombs
- International or domestic flights to the embarkation or disembarkation points
- Single supplement, where applicable
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Ask which deck and cabin position are available; Nile-view windows and balconies depend on the selected cabin.
- 02
Confirm the excursion order for your sailing, as timing can change with the vessel's programme.
- 03
Allow extra time at the Valley of the Kings if considering a premium tomb, which is not included.
- 04
Budget separately for drinks (including water) and for crew and Egyptologist gratuities.
Tailor it
Make it yours
Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins provide different accommodation categories, and some cabins have Nile-view balconies where available. The vessel’s shore-excursion programme is set by its operator; ask us whether additional site visits or an extended stay in Luxor or Aswan can be arranged around your sailing.
Your own specialist deals with each request before you book.
Where it fits
The Steigenberger Royale fits between a Luxor stay and time in Aswan, linking the Nile-side temples with the Valley of the Kings.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Accessibility varies between the vessel and the archaeological sites on its shore-excursion programme. Cabin corridors may be level, but boarding gangways and ramps can be steep and may change with the river level. Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings have uneven ancient stone, steps and, in places, sandy paths. These conditions can make independent wheelchair use difficult. Ask us before booking to discuss mobility needs, cabin access and which excursions may be manageable. We can check arrangements with the cruise line, but cannot promise step-free access at every site.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is owned and operated by its cruise line; we select and arrange the sailing with local suppliers. The ship’s fuel use and onboard waste arrangements are managed by its operator, and we do not have verified figures for emissions, water use or waste reduction to quote. Shore excursions involve visits to active archaeological sites, so follow site rules, avoid touching carved surfaces and take litter away with you. Local Egyptologists, drivers and cruise staff provide services across the route, though we cannot verify a specific training or community-benefit programme for the assigned vessel. Ask us if you would like details of the sailing being offered.
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 and travel documents
- High-factor sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven stone and sandy paths
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication
- Small day bag and local currency
- Keep copies of important documents in a separate place
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime heat
- Clothing covering shoulders and knees at temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces
- Smart-casual clothing for evening dining
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price, and those aged 12 or over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with a parent, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers may be awkward on gangways and at sites with steps, sand or uneven stone. Ask us to confirm cabin arrangements and any child facilities for the sailing offered.
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 £1,658 | May – September: from £695single cabin £984 | Peak dates: from £1,286single cabin £2,065 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £1,389single cabin £2,116 | May – September: from £832single cabin £1,216 | Peak dates: from £1,620single cabin £2,658 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from £2,216single cabin £3,487 | May – September: from £1,241single cabin £1,913 | Peak dates: from £2,620single cabin £4,436 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from £2,232single cabin £3,503 | May – September: from £1,256single cabin £1,929 | Peak dates: from £2,635single cabin £4,451 |
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 Temple7 min walk
- Karnak Temple4 km
- Valley of the Kings6 km
- Temple of Hatshepsut8 km
- Temple of Horus at Edfu90 km
- Philae Temple215 km
Why book this with us
Three reasons, stated plainly
01
Arrange a sailing in either direction between Luxor and Aswan
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is included in the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes full board meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. You also have access to all public areas on board, including the sun deck and lounge, plus the full shore excursion programme with an Egyptologist.02What is not included in the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise fare?
The fare does not cover drinks (including water), gratuities for the crew and Egyptologists, or premium site extras like pyramid interior tickets. International or domestic flights and any applicable single supplement are also excluded.03What shore excursions are part of the Steigenberger Royale programme?
The vessel's shore excursion programme visits key ancient sites including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. All excursions are guided by an Egyptologist.04What are the cabin options on the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Royale offers various cabin grades, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. Many cabins feature Nile-view windows, and some higher-grade options include private balconies, providing different levels of comfort and views.05Is the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise suitable for children?
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, while those 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and over pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What is the typical duration and route of the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
The Steigenberger Royale typically offers 3, 4, or 7-night sailings between Luxor and Aswan, operating weekly in both directions. This flexibility allows you to choose a duration that best fits your holiday plans.07What should I wear on a Nile cruise and during shore excursions?
Comfortable, lightweight clothing is recommended for both on board and shore excursions. For temple visits, modest dress is advised, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered. A hat, sunglasses, and comfortable walking shoes are essential.08What is the best time of year to take a Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally considered the best time for a Nile cruise, offering pleasant temperatures for sightseeing. The summer months, May to September, are hotter but can offer fewer crowds.09Are alcoholic beverages included on the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included in the full board fare. Other drinks, including alcoholic beverages, are available for purchase from the lounge bar and dining room.10What is the accessibility like on the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise?
The vessel has stairs between decks, which may present challenges for guests with limited mobility. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and sand. We recommend discussing specific accessibility needs with us before booking.
Last updated 8 March 2025Product ID: CRU-LUX-211352
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