What are the most luxurious cruises on the Nile?
These are some of the most frequent questions and doubts of travelers who decide to take a trip through the country of the pharaohs, since it is essential what to do in Egypt. To solve them all, including how to book and with whom, read on because you have come to the right place. Here you will find all the details you need to decide.
Although, first of all, booking a Nile cruise can take you back because you are not used to doing this type of tourism or it seems like an option that you will not enjoy as much, we assure you that it is a great way to visit Egypt for free. We were also a little reluctant to the idea, but after finishing the journey, we ended up delighted.
Cruising the Nile River in Egypt is a perfect way to see some of the temples of Egypt best known, contemplate the landscapes and day-to-day scenes that make up an ancient river and, why not, relax for a few days on a journey that can be too intense. In addition, in recent years the possibility of reserving it on your own in a simple way and online, at more than affordable prices, has been opened, so without a doubt, It is one of the best experiences you can live in this fascinating country.
Based on our experiences, thanks to which we write this Egypt guide, here you will find all the information about how to book a Nile cruise, what types there are, how much it costs and tips to enjoy it to the fullest, among many other things. ¡We set sail!
What is a Nile cruise consisting of
Although there is various types of Nile cruise, we are going to focus on the journey that is made from Lúxor to Aswan or vice versa crossing this ancient river. Along the journey, in addition to enjoying the landscapes from the comfort of the boat ( whether in your cabin, on deck or soaking in the pool in the hottest hours ), you will visit different temples and other places of interest.
In addition, in this type of cruise ship a group very interesting with other travelers. The most normal thing is that lasting friendships are established, since we all share the same thing: the love of traveling. The fact that the cruise includes a Spanish-speaking guide makes us all understand 100% what we are seeing and can communicate perfectly.
The duration, quality and services of the ( motor ship, which is what the vessels are called ) and the visits made within the cruise vary considerably depending on what you hire. Therefore, it is quite important to have all the information before booking a Nile cruise in Egypt. In this way, you will see which one best fits your trip and your budget.
What types of Nile cruises exist
The Nile cruise types they can be divided into 4, depending on the category of the boat and its duration. That is, there are standard and superior category cruises, but also 3 nights or 4 nights.
In this guide to the best all-inclusive Nile cruise we will focus on those that travel the navigable part from Aswan to Lúxor, that we consider to be the most beautiful for its landscapes and the places that are visited during the tour.
4-night Nile Cruise from Lúxor to Aswan: it is the longest and most relaxed route. Reserve it now in this link.
3-night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Lúxor: the same places are visited, but in a more concentrated way. It takes less because it is in the direction of the river bed. You can reserve it at this link.
As for the type of boat, you can opt for the standard category or higher category. Both will offer you comforts, but, as you have surely imagined, those in the top category tend to be more beautiful and modern. Service and food are also usually better.
When booking your all-inclusive Nile cruise, you can choose the duration and category, but it is not normally possible to book a particular motor ship or boat, but you will be assigned according to availability. Our advice is that, where possible, you choose the top category.
Other Nile cruises
Although these that we told you about previously are the most popular, since the main temples of the country are visited and navigation is very pleasant, There are also other types of Nile cruises. Specifically, the following:
4-day cruise on Lake Nasser
5-day cruise on Lake Nasser
How much does a Nile cruise in Egypt cost
As you have surely already imagined, the price of a cruise on the Nile depends on the type of boat, the number of days and what it includes.
Still, so you can get an idea, it’s possible book a standard category Nile cruise from 319 € and of superior category by 441 €. Considering that food, accommodation and excursions are included, it is certainly an affordable price.
On the other hand, it is also possible to hire it including the impressive excuse for Abu Simbel. Being one of the most fascinating places in Egypt and with simple logistics, since you will not have to worry about anything, it is totally advisable to book the excursion next to the cruise.
Of course, there are super luxury cruises that can exceed 3,000 € but in this post we will focus on the cheapest ones, that we believe are of great value for money and with which you will not miss anything.
Prices for an all-inclusive Nile cruise
Today, the Nile cruise prices in Egypt are as follows:
4-day / 3-night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Lúxor:
5 standard stars: 319 euros / adults or 160 euros / children from 6 to 11 years old
5 stars higher: 356 euros / adults or 178 euros / children from 6 to 11 years old
5 standard stars + Abu Simbel: 404 euros / adults or 202 euros / children from 6 to 11 years old
5 top stars + Abu Simbel: 441 euros / adults or 221 euros / children from 6 to 11 years old
5-day / 4-night Nile Cruise from Lúxor to Aswan:
5 standard stars: 369 euros / adults or 185 euros / children from 6 to 11 years old
5 stars higher: 438 euros / adults or 219 euros / children from 6 to 11 years old
5 standard stars + Abu Simbel: 454 euros / adults or 227 euros / children from 6 to 11 years old
5 top stars + Abu Simbel: 523 euros / adults or 262 euros / children from 6 to 11 years old
Please note that if you are thinking of cruising in Egypt alone, a supplement will be applied to you, as you will have to occupy the cabin by yourself. Children under 6 years travel free.
What includes a cruise through Egypt
You already know the prices of a Nile cruise, but it is important that you make sure what services are included:
Pick up at the airport or hotel in Aswan or at the airport, train station or hotel in Lúxor and return transfer.
3 or 4 nights cruise with full board.
All visits indicated in the itinerary.
All entrances to places visited.
Official Spanish-speaking guide.
Transfer to the airport or hotel in Aswan / Lúxor.
They are not included in the price:
Tips: the amount of tips is 20 or 25 euros per person, depending on the type of cruise on the Nile.
Drinks ( coffee / tea / juices during breakfast are included ). Every time you order a drink ( by the way, they serve alcohol ), you will have to sign a paper and at the end of the trip you will pay the full bill.
Entrance to Tutankhamun’s grave, which is 12 euros per person.
Wifi on board that ranges from 5 to 10 euros / day, depending on the boat.
Any other visit or excursion you want to do extra.
Tips, are they mandatory on the cruise?
Yes, as on almost all cruises, you will have to pay a tip. A fixed amount of 20 or 25 euros is established for all passengers over 4 years of age. It can be perfectly paid in euros. The usual thing is that you give it to the guide as soon as you arrive and he will be in charge of sending it to the crew.
How to book a Nile cruise
Now comes one of the keys: when, what type and how to book a Nile cruise. Here we will tell you all the aspects that we think are relevant that you should think about in order for your trip to be incredible.
The first thing is to decide the anticipation, that is, if you are going to make the reservation in advance or not. From our experience, there is no doubt here. If you want to do it on certain dates and with a Spanish-speaking guide, it is best to do it as soon as possible, especially on high demand dates such as Easter, Christmas or summer. Egypt has been one of the most visited countries in the world for decades and more and more travelers are encouraged to do it freely by hiring a cruise.
In addition, in most cases ( except in periods of high demand such as Easter or Christmas ), it is possible to cancel up to 48 hours before the departure date, in case you get any unforeseen.
Something that we do not recommend in any way is to reserve it directly in Aswan or Lúxor to anyone who approaches you or in agencies of which you have no references. It may be that you fall into a scam or that what you have hired ends up differing a lot from reality.
As for the company with which to reserve it online, for the reliability and ease of contracting in a country where, unfortunately, scams or “ half truths ” are given, our recommendation is that you do it with Civitatis. This is the company that we always recommend on the blog and that we choose for most excursions on our trips.
They have these two options and, by clicking, you will see very clearly what it includes, the itinerary and a lot of more details:
4-day / 3-night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Lúxor
5-day / 4-night Nile Cruise from Lúxor to Aswan
If you look, the itinerary of the Nile cruise in Egypt is the same, although the duration and starting point are different. It is a purely logistical matter, since the navigation from Aswan to Lúxor is against the current.
Enjoy the rest of the travel preparations and let yourself be carried away during the cruise, it is a unique experience!
In case you want to totally disregard the organization of this trip, we recommend that you value the option of hiring one of these circuits that also includes the cruise on the Nile.
Egypt in full, 8 days with all inclusive
Egypt in full + Red Sea, 11 days with all inclusive
Egypt in full + Lake Nasser and Red Sea, 15 days all inclusive
How we tell you in ¿Free or organized trip to Egypt?, although you are used to moving at your leisure when you travel, the country of the pharaohs is a little more complex and it is worthwhile to make an organized trip. Evaluate the options and decide what goes most with you.
Remember that in order not to pay commissions and always have the current change we recommend using the Revolut card and the N26 card. They are the ones we use, they are free and will save you great.
You can find more information in this article about best cards to travel without commissions.
What are Nile cruises like, motor ships
The first thing you need to know is that the boats on an all-inclusive Nile cruise are smaller than those on a Mediterranean cruise ship or the like. Motor ships usually have a maximum of 4 floors and a cover. They are all quite similar on the outside, although, as you have surely already imagined, what really varies is the interior, with more or less modern facilities and cabins.
We leave you the distribution of most Nile cruises so you can get an idea of where the cabins, restaurant and common areas are.
Upper floor: this is the deck of the boat and is where the pool, hammock area and tables are located. Here you have the possibility to have a drink whenever you want and enjoy the sunsets, which are impressive. It is quite common for a tea with pasta to be served if you are sailing in the afternoon.
Floor 0 or main: hall/reception. In addition, on this floor there is usually a bar and leisure area. Depending on the motor ship, the bar moves to another floor.
Lower floor: restaurant.
Rest of plants: cabins.
From our perspective, whenever it enters your budget, it is best to opt for the motor ships of top category, since everything is much more modern and they even pay attention more special to food and service in general.
In addition, you will appreciate enjoying common areas of swimming pool and terrace that are more comfortable and comfortable during the free hours of navigation.
The cabins on a cruise on the Nile
As for the cabins on a Nile cruise in Egypt, You should consider that they are usually more basic than those of a larger cruise. Still, they tend to be quite spacious and they have everything you need to be comfortable and sleep peacefully during the 4 or 5 days that the tour lasts.
Although each boat has characteristics, all rooms have a large window or balcony ( quite large ), double or two single beds, a sofa bed, a private bathroom ( with hot water and a hairdryer ), in addition to television, minibar, wardrobe, rest area with chairs and work table and air conditioning.
Although sometimes you cannot choose a cabin, if you get the first to the boat, We recommend that you order one of those located on the highest floors and away from the engines in order to avoid noise.
Cleaning on Nile cruises is often outstanding. Every day they make your room and, as a curiosity, they usually put towels or blankets in incredible ways, taking a smile when you return from the excursions.
The restaurant and food on the Nile cruises
Another of the characteristics to be valued of Nile cruises are its restaurants. On each boat you will find a spacious lounge where breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily, they are included in the cruise price.
As you already know, the only thing that is not included are the drinks for lunch and dinner, which you must pay at the end before landing. Although of course they are more expensive than if you bought them in a store, consider that the price of these is not excessive, much less, so you should not save an important extra in this regard.
For you to have a reference more or less the price of water / soft drinks is 1.50 euros, coffee / tea is 1 euro, beer 5 euros and the glass of wine 4-5 euros. If you want to save a little, when you go on excursions, you can buy a bottle of water quietly.
Meals are always buffet style ( that is, you can repeat as many times as you want ) and they are divided as follows:
Breakfast: includes cereals, bread, cheese, fruit, sweets, eggs and different hot and cold options of typical and western dishes. You can also have juice, coffee or tea without paying extra. In case you go on an excursion very soon, they will leave you a picnic prepared.
Food: buffet that includes many options, among which there are almost always salads, legumes, vegetables, meat, fish and pasta, as well as different desserts.
Snack: sweets with coffee and tea are served in the pool area.
Dinner: being such a varied buffet, dinner dishes usually have the same ingredients as in food, although prepared in other ways.
If you are intolerant or allergic or follow a special diet, you have nothing to worry about. On the Nile cruises they are fully prepared. It is important that you emphasize this when making the reservation and when you arrive at the boat. In fact, you can also tell the chefs at the restaurant and they will do their best to please you.
In addition, in almost all types of Nile cruises in Egypt a traditional dinner is usually made in which traditional dishes such as the koshary or the mahshi and the crew also dresses in chilabas.
The terrace and pool on the Nile cruise
On the upper or covered floor is the pool ( in almost all boats there is one, but it is better to make sure ), hammock area and a space reserved for tables where a snack is served or you can sit all day for a drink. Especially recommended to see the sunsets over the Nile, which are a real show. We advise you to spend a good part of your time here, since you can enjoy the landscapes and see how life develops along the river.
Having a pool on your Nile cruise is a great thing, as it will help you relax after coming heated from visits and, in addition, you can contemplate the views while you are soaking. If you are thinking of cruising with children, do not hesitate, it is a perfect activity for them, among other reasons, by the pool.
Although it may seem to you that the pool is small ( something understandable on a boat of this size ) and that there are many people on the cruise, we can tell you that we never found it full. We imagine that everyone ends up dividing between cabins and common areas and at no time feels a sense of burden or overcrowding.
Where to take the Nile cruise
It is quite normal that in order to book the Nile cruise in Egypt you ask yourself where they come from and where you have to go to catch them. You know that set sail from Lúxor and Aswan uniting both cities and that there are cruises of 4 nights and 3 nights.
They both make the same visits, only the one who goes from Lúxor to Aswan it does it in the opposite direction of river navigation, making it a little slower and takes 5 days and 4 nights. Instead, the from Aswan to Lúxor it is 4 days and 3 nights and the visits are concentrated a little more.
As for the particular site where the Nile cruise is taken, it depends on the company that owns the motor ship. Still, you don’t have to worry, since so much pick up as return transfer from / to the airport, hotel or train station are included in the price.
Cruise departure days
Something to highlight is that Nile cruises with Spanish-speaking guides they don’t go out every day. For this reason, it is important that when planning your tour of the country you match the departure dates from Lúxor or Asuán, as you choose the 3 or 4 night cruise.
Right now, the days of departure for Nile cruises are these:
4-day / 3-night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Lúxor – Monday and Saturday.
5-day / 4-night Nile Cruise from Lúxor to Aswan – Tuesday and Friday.
What to visit during the Nile cruise – Itinerary
The Nile cruise itineraries are quite similar and almost all visit the same places. Below, we will tell you about the services and stops included when booking a 5-day and 4-night Nile cruise from Lúxor to Aswan.
The one with 4 days and 3 nights includes the same visits, but in reverse. In addition, one night less is spent on the boat and visits are more concentrated.
Day 1:
Pick up at the airport and transfer to the cruise. Full board begins.
Day 2:
Lúxor: visit to the Temple of Lúxor and the Temple of Karnak.
Valley of the Kings.
Hatsepsut Temple.
Colossi of Memnon.
Esna lock crossing.
Navigation to Edfu.
Day 3:
Edfu Temple.
Kom Ombo Temple.
Navigation to Aswan.
Day 4:
Filae Temple.
Abu Simbel in case you have chosen the option of the cruise that includes this excursion that we highly advise you since it is one of the most impressive places in the country.
Walk in the faluca along the Nile River.
Day 5:
Free day and transfer to the Aswan airport, the train station or the place of the city you want if you are going to continue your trip through Egypt. In case the flight leaves in the afternoon, you can eat on the boat.
On the cruise, once you board, they will offer you some extra excursions such as the Valley of the Queens, Deir el-Medina or the unfinished obelisk. We did not do any of these, but the one of the balloon ride through Lúxor at dawn which is, of course, an essential.
On the other hand, it may be that at some point the order of visits varies, but rest assured that you will not be left without seeing everything that appears in the program.
Map of the usual cruise stops in Egypt
To make you see it a little clearer, here we show you the usual itineraries of a cruise on the Nile:
As we previously mentioned, it is important that you check or request information from the agency yourself to see what you are going to visit, since not all cruises are the same.
Excursions included in the cruise
Everything we have quoted in the previous sections ( “ What includes a cruise through Egypt ” and “ What is visited during a cruise on the Nile ” ) is what you will see during your journey. All entries and the support and narrations of the Spanish-speaking guide are included.
With the cruise you will see the Temple of Lúxor, Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatsepsut Temple, Memnon Colossi, Edfu Temple, Filae Temple and Kom Ombo Temple plus a faluca walk on the Nile.
Although you will see the main icons of both cities, we recommend you read in depth our posts about what to see in Lúxor and what to see in Aswan so as not to miss anything.
1s it worth including Abu Simbel on the Nile River cruise?
Let’s start with the most important thing: one route through Egypt it would not be complete without visiting this monumental temple. So include your visit to Abu Simbel is essential.
These two temples carved out of the rock and commanded to be built by Ramses III in B.C. They were moved stone by stone from their location on the shore of Lake Nasser after the construction of the dam. In addition to hallucinating with the beauty of the temples, it is hard to imagine how complicated this archeology operation was in 1968.
When hiking during the cruise, you make sure that the logistics match. You will have to get up early ( it usually comes out around 3 or 4 in the morning ), but you will make good use of your days in Egypt and, in addition, You will be accompanied by a Spanish-speaking guide who will give you all the details. In short, it is worth 100% and then you can rest during the return trip and dream of the wonders you have seen.
Just in case you have more days to tour Egypt, you can also value the alternative of doing Abu Simbel for free. It will be more uncomfortable and take longer, but you have all the information in this post about How to visit Abu Simbel.
Best time to cruise on the Nile in Egypt
If you have flexibility of dates, you will like to know that the best time to cruise on the Nile is spring or fall. Right now, temperatures are more pleasant and there is less tourism, so you will enjoy it more.
Still, cruises are operational at any time of the year and are enjoyed in the same way.
In case of going in summer, keep in mind that temperatures are high. Despite that, Many of the visits are made first thing in the morning and you almost always have time to take a dip in the pool or relax in your cabin with the air conditioning.
Best Nile Cruise
By way of summary, ¿What is the best cruise on the Nile? Of all those that we have indicated to you, due to its value for money, we recommend the 4-day and 3-night cruise from Aswan to Lúxor with the option of Abu Simbel.
Since the same visits are made as Lúxor’s to Aswan and it is a little cheaper, we think it is worth more. Even so, if you are one of those who like to take things slower or do you do better on dates, the 5-day and 4-night from Lúxor to Aswan is for you. Also, this way you will leave Abu Simbel for the last day. That is, you will leave the “ jewel of Egypt ” for the end of the trip, putting the icing on the cake.
Our views on the Nile cruise
After reading all this guide on the all-inclusive Nile cruise, you may still have a question: do we recommend it or is it worth it? We tell you emphatically yes.
Sailing through this emblematic river is a difficult experience to forget and not caring for a few days about the logistics of part of the trip is a real rest. The motor ships are comfortable, the service is good and, in addition, you will be accompanied at all times by a guide who will help you understand the impressive places before you.
But is the Nile cruise very touristy? Yes and no. We cannot forget that this is one of the most demanded excursions by travelers and we would even dare to say that 95% travelers end up booking a cruise on the Nile.
Despite this, being relatively small cruises and in which you are not long, it is not excessively noticeable that there are many people. It is true that when visiting the temples, more people are usually concentrated, since most of the motor ships stop at the same time. Still, going with a guide receiving explanations is not so annoying. Then you can escape to take the photos you want and it is common for everything to be calmer.
Also, if you don’t like parties very much like us, there is no problem skipping the ones that take place some nights on the cruise. You can stay in the cabin or better, go to the deck and enjoy the night on the Nile.
We assure you that booking a Nile cruise is one of the most recommended experiences in Egypt and that you will not regret doing it. ¡We are even thinking of repeating!
Tips for booking the Nile cruise
After our experiences, here we tell you the tips to book the Nile cruise and enjoy it that we think you should know:
Book your cruise in advance. Egypt is a tremendously touristy country and squares fly, especially if you are considering doing so on high demand dates like Christmas, Easter or summer.
If you’re going a little crazy with the organization, we recommend that you consider booking these circuits, which include the Nile cruise: Egypt in 8 days or Egypt in 11 days.
In case they get into your budget, the motor ships of superior luxury or luxury, Obviously, they are much more modern and offer better service. Take the whim, after all this is something unique.
If you arrive from the first to the cruise, we recommend that you indicate that you prefer a cabin on the highest floors and away from motors. This ensures better views and less noise.
When booking your Nile cruise, indicate if you have any food allergies or intolerance or if you follow a special type of diet. Remind the guide again so that it can be passed on to cooks.
Be a responsible traveler and warn your guide that you will not want a horse-drawn cart in Edfu. They will replace it with another more animal-friendly form of transportation.
As for the type of clothes that taking the Nile cruise, you don’t have to worry, brings the same as for the rest of the trip. Cap, sunscreen and breathable clothing in case you travel in summer and some shelter for winter. There is no dress code.
If you need to be connected, almost throughout the tour you will have a telephone or internet signal. In addition, there is also the wifi ( pay network ) on Nile cruises.
Remember to read these others tips for traveling to Egypt.
Travel insurance for Egypt
To travel to Egypt, there is nothing better than having good travel insurance. We always travel insured with Mondo, with whom we carry insurance totally adequate to the needs that we are going to have on the trip.
Hiring your insurance here with Mondo, just for being a reader of Street Travelers, you have a 5% discount.
Frequently asked questions about the Nile cruise
Here are answers to many of the common questions about Nile cruises:
How much does a cruise on the Nile River cost?
The prices of a Nile cruise start at 319 €.
What is the best boat on the Nile?
All motor ships are similar, but for more comfort and better service, we recommend that you choose the top category.
Where do you take the Nile cruise?
Nile cruises set sail from Lúxor or from Aswan. In the case of Aswan, most do so from the city center itself. In the case of Lúxor, the location of the jetty depends on the company that owns the motor ship.
