Nile Cruises in Egypt
Sleep on the river and wake up at a new temple each day. Choose a cruise ship in standard, deluxe or luxury class, or sail slowly on a traditional dahabiya.
Pick your Nile cruise
A Nile cruise is the classic way to see Upper Egypt. Every cruise below includes guided visits to the temples on the way, with Cairo add-ons for first-time visitors.
Standard, deluxe or luxury
All our cruise ships are 5-star river boats with air-conditioned cabins, full board and a sun deck with a pool. The class decides the cabin size, the food and the level of service.
Standard
- Comfortable cabins with a window
- Buffet meals and a pool deck
- The best value on the Nile
Deluxe
- More space in cabins and lounges
- Better food and more polished service
- A good balance of comfort and price
Luxury
- The largest cabins on the river
- The best dining and service
- A spa on most ships
Prices are per person sharing a double cabin, October to April. Summer departures cost less. Ships sail on set days, so we confirm the exact boat when you book.
What you see on the way
Cruises from Luxor last four nights and give you a full day for the Luxor sites. Cruises from Aswan last three nights. The 7-night round trip sails both ways, with a free day for Abu Simbel.
Cruise ship or dahabiya?
Both sail between Luxor and Aswan and visit the same great temples. The difference is the size of the boat and the pace of the trip.
Cruise ship
Larger 5-star boats with a pool, lounges and more facilities. The best value, and a good choice for families. Choose from 3, 4 or 7 nights.
Dahabiya
A traditional sailing boat with only 6 to 12 cabins. Quiet and personal, it stops at small sites and islands the big ships pass by.
Photo: Marc Ryckaert, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
Nile cruise packages
Most first-time visitors combine a cruise with Cairo and the Pyramids. These packages include the cruise, flights inside Egypt and guided visits.
Nile cruise FAQ
When is the best time for a Nile cruise?
October to April, when days are warm and sunny. From May to September prices drop, but afternoon temperatures in Luxor and Aswan often pass 40°C. Opening hours for the sites are on the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities website.
Are the visits included?
Yes. Every cruise includes guided visits to the sites in the itinerary, entrance fees and full board. Abu Simbel and the Luxor hot air balloon are optional extras.
How do I get to Luxor or Aswan?
Take a one-hour domestic flight from Cairo or the overnight sleeper train. We can book either for you.
Can I choose a specific ship?
Yes. Tell us the ship you would like and we will check its departure days. Otherwise we book the best available ship in your class.
Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?
Sailing from Luxor takes four nights and gives you an extra day for the Luxor sites. Sailing from Aswan takes three nights and suits shorter trips. Both visit the same temples.
Not sure which cruise to choose?
Tell us your dates and budget and we’ll match you with the right ship.