Zeina Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck with pool and bar, spa, library, boutique, full-board dining and small-group shore excursions.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
02Overview
A first look
At first light the Nile takes on a copper sheen while village feluccas slip past the sun deck and the smell of fresh coffee rises from the lounge bar; the pool tiles warm underfoot and the panoramic windows frame reed beds and temple silhouettes. Onboard, cabins range from Standard with panoramic windows to Suites with Nile-view balconies, meals are served full board, and evenings are relaxed with informal talks and a small library for reading between visits.
Shore excursions run in small groups, so visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo are longer than many packaged river outings. We arrange embarkation and disembarkation in Luxor or Aswan, and our Egyptologists guide the excursions; Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator handling practicalities.
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
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation on board Zeina Nile Cruise in the cabin category you book
- Full board on the vessel, from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Use of the vessel's public facilities where available, for example the sun deck, lounge bar, dining room and pool
- Scheduled shore-excursion programme while sailing between Luxor and Aswan, as described in the vessel information
- Port and harbour taxes
- Local English-speaking cruise staff and crew services
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Visas for entry into Egypt
- Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and spa treatments
- Optional extras and optional excursions not listed in the vessel information
- Entrance to pyramid interiors (Khufu/Khafre) and premium tombs (Tutankhamun/Seti I) unless explicitly requested and paid for
- Gratuities for cruise staff and Egyptologists unless you choose to add them
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (where applicable)
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise has variable mobility demands and is not fully step-free. Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan include gangways with 3–6 steps and occasional narrow ramps; some vessels use fold-out ramps, others have fixed stairs. On shore excursions you will encounter cobbles, uneven ancient stone, temple steps and sandy surfaces, often without handrails. Cabins are accessed by one to two short staircases on most vessels; a small number of Standard or Deluxe cabins may be reached only by stairs. Wheelchair users should know river taxis and many landing pontoons are not suitable for wheeled mobility aids. We can arrange reduced-walking shore options where possible, and crew will assist with luggage handling at embarkation, but we cannot guarantee full wheelchair access on every vessel. Please contact us before booking so we can assess suitability, note specific mobility needs, and request vessel-level accessibility details from the cruise line.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport with at least six months validity
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: high SPF sunscreen, wide-brim hat, sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle for on-board refills
- Lightweight daypack for excursions
- Copies of travel insurance and emergency contact details
- Small amount of Egyptian pounds for local purchases and tipping
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for hot days
- A lightweight long-sleeve shirt for sun and mosque visits
- Trousers or skirts that cover the knee for temples and mosques
- A light jacket for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for temple steps and uneven ground
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Safety on board varies by vessel; some cabins and public areas have small steps and limited childproofing, so families with young children should advise us at booking so we can confirm appropriate cabin placement and arrange cot or baby equipment requests with the cruise line where available.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses diesel-powered river vessels, typical for Nile sailing, and we select partners that comply with local maritime safety requirements. On-board transfers between landing pontoons and shore are by the cruise line's tenders; we encourage guests to use the vessel's collective shuttle for shore departures rather than private taxis to limit vehicle mileage. We contract Egyptian crews, Egyptologists and local handling teams directly, which keeps service income within the communities visited. Shore excursions include visits to community-run markets and licensed guide fees that support local heritage jobs. Single-use plastics are discouraged on most partnered vessels; we ask guests to bring refillable water bottles for use with the vessel's filtered water stations. Where a local supplier runs an optional activity with a community fee, we list that fee separately so customers can choose to support it.
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
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical length of a Zeina Nile Cruise sailing?
The Zeina Nile Cruise typically offers sailings of three, four, or seven nights, travelling weekly between Luxor and Aswan in both directions. This flexibility allows you to choose a duration that aligns with your holiday plans.02What does 'full board' mean on the Zeina Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Zeina Nile Cruise includes all main meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. These are served in the vessel's main dining room. Drinks, apart from water with meals, are typically an additional cost.03Which shore excursions are included in the Zeina Nile Cruise programme?
The Zeina Nile Cruise programme includes guided shore excursions to key ancient sites. These typically feature Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings, all arranged by the vessel's operator.04What is the cabin policy for children on the Zeina Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.05What should I wear on board and during shore excursions?
On board, casual and comfortable clothing is suitable. For shore excursions, we recommend light, breathable fabrics and comfortable walking shoes. When visiting religious sites, modest dress is advised, meaning shoulders and knees should be covered.06Where are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the Zeina Nile Cruise?
The primary embarkation and disembarkation points for the Zeina Nile Cruise are Luxor and Aswan. The specific direction of travel, either Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor, depends on your chosen sailing date and itinerary.07Is the Zeina Nile Cruise suitable for guests with mobility challenges?
While the Zeina Nile Cruise vessel has lifts between decks, shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, and climbing steps at archaeological sites. Guests with significant mobility concerns should discuss their specific needs with us before booking.08When is the best time of year to take a Zeina Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Zeina Nile Cruise is generally from October to April, which offers cooler and more pleasant weather for sightseeing. The summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.09Are drinks included with the Zeina Nile Cruise package?
The Zeina Nile Cruise includes full board, covering all meals. However, drinks, including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, and bottled water outside of meals, are typically not included and are available for purchase on board.10What kind of atmosphere can I expect on the Zeina Nile Cruise?
The Zeina Nile Cruise offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, balancing leisure time on the sun deck with guided cultural excursions. Evenings often feature entertainment in the lounge bar, providing a pleasant mix of activity and relaxation.
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-803164
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