Best Nile Cruises in Egypt: Ships, Routes and Prices

A Nile cruise is one of the best ways to see Egypt. You sleep on a floating hotel, wake up next to a different temple each morning, and watch village life slip by from the sun deck. But with dozens of ships on the river, choosing the right one is not easy. This guide explains the types of Nile cruises, the routes, what is included, what they cost and the ships we recommend.

Quick answer: for most travelers, the best choice is a 5-star cruise between Luxor and Aswan: 4 nights sailing south from Luxor, or 3 nights sailing north from Aswan, with full board and guided visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.

Types of Nile cruises

The Nile cruise ships we recommend

These are the 5-star ships we book most often for our travelers. All of them sail between Luxor and Aswan, with comfortable cabins with private bathrooms and river views, a restaurant, a lounge and a sun deck with a swimming pool. The final ship always depends on availability on your dates, and we confirm it in your quote.

Nile Style

A modern 5-star ship with a spacious sun deck, a good choice if you want a contemporary style and plenty of space to relax between visits.

Blue Shadow

A popular 5-star ship known for reliable service and a comfortable, classic atmosphere. A solid all-round choice for couples and families.

A Sara

A comfortable 5-star ship that offers good value for money, with the classic Luxor to Aswan program and a relaxed atmosphere on board.

Amwaj Livingstone

A 5-star deluxe ship with an elegant style. A good option if you want a little more comfort on your cruise.

Want something more private? Our wellness dahabiya cruise from Luxor to Aswan sails on a traditional boat with only a few cabins.

More Nile cruise ships we can book

Besides the ships above, we book cabins on these Nile cruises. Each page shows the itinerary, what is included and the starting price. Availability changes by date, so we confirm your ship and cabin in the quote.

• Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise
• Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise
• Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise
• Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise
• Minerva Nile Cruise
• Farah Nile Cruise
• Concerto Nile Cruise
• Iberotel Crown Emperor Nile Cruise
• Princess Sarah I Nile Cruise
• Jaz Regency Nile Cruise
• Mayfair Nile Cruise
• Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise
• Moon Dance Nile Cruise
• Beau Soleil Nile Cruise
• Amarco Nile Cruise

For Lake Nasser cruises between Aswan and Abu Simbel:

• Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise
• Movenpick Prince Abbas Lake Nasser Cruise

Nile cruise routes

Luxor to Aswan: 4 nights

The classic route. You usually board in Luxor, visit the East and West Banks, then sail south to Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. Most ships on this route start on a Saturday. Our 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor follows this program.

Aswan to Luxor: 3 nights

A shorter trip sailing north with the current. You see the same highlights in less time, which suits a tighter schedule. Most ships on this route start on a Wednesday. See our 3-night Nile cruise from Aswan.

7 nights round trip

Some ships also offer a full week from Luxor to Aswan and back, for travelers who want a slower pace and more time on the river.

For more detail on timing, read how long the cruise from Luxor to Aswan takes.

What you see on a classic 4-night cruise

• Luxor: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank; the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank.
• Edfu: the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt.
• Kom Ombo: the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, right on the riverbank.
• Aswan: Philae Temple, the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk, with an optional felucca sail.
• Optional: a sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor or a day trip to Abu Simbel.

What is usually included

• Your cabin on board for the number of nights booked
• Full board: breakfast, lunch and dinner
• Guided sightseeing with an Egyptologist, as listed in the cruise program
• Entrance tickets to the sites in the program, when specified in your package

Usually not included: drinks, optional excursions such as Abu Simbel or the balloon ride, and tips. Every quote we send lists exactly what is included.

How much does a Nile cruise cost?

Prices depend on the ship, the cabin, the season and the length of the cruise. As a guide, a good 5-star 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan costs roughly $950–1,650 per person sharing a cabin, with guided sightseeing included. Summer departures (May to September) are usually cheaper, and Christmas, New Year and Easter are the most expensive. For a full trip budget, see how much a trip to Egypt costs.

When is the best time for a Nile cruise?

October to April has the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing. Summer is very hot in Luxor and Aswan, but ships have air-conditioned cabins and pools, visits start early in the morning, and prices are lower. If you want to travel during the total solar eclipse in August 2027, book early: see our solar eclipse tour with Nile cruise.

How to choose the right cruise

• First trip to Egypt: a 5-star ship on the 4-night Luxor to Aswan route, combined with a few days in Cairo.
• Short on time: the 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor.
• Honeymoon or special trip: a deluxe ship or a dahabiya with a higher cabin category.
• Traveling with children: a ship with a pool and family-friendly cabins, with a relaxed pace.

Cairo and Nile cruise packages

Most travelers combine the cruise with Cairo and the Pyramids. These packages include the cruise, flights inside Egypt, hotels and guided sightseeing:

• 7 Days Cairo & Nile Cruise by Flight
• 8 Days Cairo & Nile Cruise by Flight
• 8 Days Cairo & Nile Cruise Luxury Package
• 9 Days Cairo, Nile Cruise & Hurghada

See all our Nile cruises.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best Nile cruise?

For most travelers, a 5-star ship on the Luxor to Aswan route offers the best balance of comfort, sightseeing and price. Ships we recommend include Nile Style, Blue Shadow, A Sara and Amwaj Livingstone. For a more private trip, choose a dahabiya.

How many days do you need for a Nile cruise?

3 or 4 nights is enough to see the main temples between Luxor and Aswan. Add 2–3 days in Cairo for the Pyramids and the Grand Egyptian Museum.

Is it better to start in Luxor or Aswan?

Starting in Luxor gives you 4 nights and a more relaxed pace. Starting in Aswan takes 3 nights and suits shorter trips. Both visit the same main sites.

Are Nile cruises all-inclusive?

Most include full board and the guided visits in the program. Drinks, optional excursions and tips are usually extra. Always check the inclusions in your quote.

Can I join a Nile cruise with children?

Yes. Many ships welcome families and offer triple cabins or connecting arrangements. Let us know the ages of your children and we will suggest the best ship.