A luxury Nile Cruise is the easiest way to travel between Luxor and Aswan and to experience the Nile Valley in peace and serenity. The luxury cruise ships are literally floating five-star hotels. They have all the upscale facilities that let you enjoy the scenic landscape as well as explore ancient Egypt in complete comfort. Most Nile cruises start in Luxor and disembark in Aswan, with stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. Some Nile cruises travel in the other direction north, from Aswan to Luxor, showing the same sights.
Why you must experience a luxury Nile Cruise on your Egypt holiday
Traveling along the highways between Luxor and Aswan can be stressful, given the traffic and the chaotic condition of the roads. A 3-hour trip might very well end up taking 5 hours. A luxury cruise allows you to avoid the busy streets and enjoy a world-class sailing experience. Traditionally, a cruise along the Nile was the only way to see some of Egypt’s most famous temples. Even though there are other ways to travel between Luxor and Aswan now, a Nile Cruise is highly preferred by travelers.
You will get the opportunity to see and do much more when you opt for a luxury Nile Cruise. The Nile Valley still maintains its timeless beauty from ancient times. As you glide along the river, you can watch the desert, fertile lands and villages go by slowly. You can spot local fishermen hauling their catch and farmers herding their cattle. People who travel by land mostly focus on Luxor and then head straight to Aswan. When on a Nile Cruise, you can add Edfu and Kom Ombo to your itinerary, getting a chance to see more of ancient Egypt, including the Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and the Crocodile Mummification Museum.
A cruise is also a fantastic way for you to travel with a highly qualified Egyptologist who will never run out of interesting facts to share with you. When you feel like getting some quiet time by yourself, you can rest on the sundeck on board the ship under an open sky, and enjoy the vistas while sipping your tea or cocktails.
Places you can see during the Nile Cruise
A luxury Nile Cruise will usually make stops in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan, and Abu Simbel. Luxor is known as the world’s largest open-air museum where you can visit the ruins of Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Across the River Nile is the ancient necropolis, including the Valleys of the Kings and Valley of the Queens. The Temple of Hatshepsut lies near the Valley of Kings and is one of the most popular attractions of Egypt. Both Edfu and Kom Ombo have some of Egypt’s best-preserved historic temples. Abu Simbel is famous for its two massive rock temples. Aswan is a major tourist attraction with Coptic cathedrals, mosques, museums, and souks that are best explored in the company of an Egyptologist.
How an authentic luxury Nile Cruise differs from a budget luxury Nile cruise
Not every cruise advertised as five-star is authentic. The best way to know the difference between a budget luxury cruise and an authentic luxury cruise along the Nile is by booking through a trusted local travel agency. Onboard a budget luxury ship, you may have to live with limited facilities or face poor quality service and hygiene. For instance, onboard a budget cruise ship, your meals may be prepared with regular water and not bottled water. You may also be charged separately for bottled water, which will add to your overall expenses during the cruise.
An authentic luxury cruise, on the other hand, is onboard a five-star ship that focuses on privacy, exclusivity, and on creating stellar experiences for their guests. Their itineraries may include more sights like Abu Simbel or a tour of a Nubian village. They serve carefully prepared, high-quality cuisines, have onboard night-time entertainment like a Nubian folk show, and a very qualified crew to serve you. Your tour will also include a private Egyptologist who will show you around the ancient sights and temples without you having to wait in queues. They can get you exclusive entries to some of the places - like seeing Valley of the Kings by night and show you sights away from the crowds, providing you with off-beat experiences where you can get a taste of authentic local culture and lifestyle.
How to choose the best luxury Nile cruise
More than 400 ships are licensed to cruise the Nile, each offering varying levels of luxury. These cruise ships offer many different itineraries - with options available for a three-night, four night, and 7-night cruise. Here are some of the most highly rated luxury cruise ships that you can choose from to travel along the Nile.
Oberoi Zahra
This luxury cruise ship has 27 cabins and suites, furnished with king-sized or twin beds, a restaurant that serves international cuisine and relaxation facilities, including a fitness center, a swimming pool, and a spa.
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV
Sanctuary Cruises operates several cruise liners, including the Sanctuary Sun Boat III, that has been voted as one of the top 100 beautiful boats globally by Condé Nast readers. The Sanctuary Sun Boat IV boasts a contemporary chic style with an influence of Art Deco.
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
MS Mayfair Luxury Nile Cruise
This luxury cruise ship offers deluxe cabins, presidential suites, and executive cabins with verandahs. It also has a lounge, a swimming pool and jacuzzi, a sauna with aromatherapy, and a spa. Evening entertainments include belly dancing shows, Nubian folk show, and an Egyptian Galabeya Party (a themed dress party).
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
MS Mayflower
The MS Mayflower has a regal accommodation with elegant interiors with a lounge bar, pool, and jacuzzi. The ship offers free wi-fi to all its guests and has nightly entertainment.
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Lazuli Dahabiya
Driven by two elegant sails, the Lazuli Dahabiya is a different yet stylish way of cruising along the Nile in luxury. It can accommodate a total of 10 to 12 passengers.
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Amenities you can expect onboard a luxury cruise ship
Every cruise liner is different, but you can expect rooms with large panoramic windows to enjoy the views of the Nile. Some rooms come with balconies and even hot tubs. Luxury cruise ships also have a swimming pool, sundeck, or rooftop bars where you can lounge. Many ships have a spa or massage rooms onboard that offer relaxation therapies. There are common spaces where you can hang out with your family or unwind while having your coffee. Meals are served in artfully decorated restaurants. You can expect an open buffet or a set menu containing both international and Egyptian dishes, prepared by an expert chef. The cabins are just like the rooms of five-star hotels - with modern decor, a mini-bar fridge, and fresh bed sheets and towels. Luxury ships also have boutique shops onboard that sell authentic Egyptian handicrafts and souvenirs.
MS Sonesta St George
This ship has 47 deluxe cabins and ten suites and a full-service spa and a fitness center. It also organizes nightly entertainment for its guests.
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
MS Esplanade
The MS Esplanade has a bold, sophisticated interior with contemporary luxuries, including a spa, sauna, and treatment rooms.
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
MS River Tosca
This is an all-suite cruise ship with a full-service bar, a library, a restaurant, a fitness room, a massage room, and an expansive sundeck with cabanas and a swimming pool.
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Mövenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise
This luxury cruiser has 16 cabins and eight suites that recreate the days from the British and Ottoman Empires. All the cabins and suites have a private balcony, and the Marasem Restaurant onboard is decorated with black and white pictures of the royal family.
All images are for the sole purpose of editorial use “© Mövenpick Hotels & Resorts
Make the most of your luxury Nile Cruise
A luxury Nile Cruise adds an old-world charm to your modern-day vacation as you enjoy life around the Nile. The everyday sounds from the banks of the river make you enjoy the authenticity and simplicity of country life of Egypt. To get the most out of your luxury cruise, it is recommended that you choose the right cruise ship. A travel agency, with its extensive partnership, can help you design the right itinerary with the kind of luxury you want onboard. What’s more, their team will only select the most authentic five-star options, focus on hygiene, and make sure you are taken care of at all times. It is the best way to feel pampered as you see a life that has remained almost the same for 4, 000 years.
Here are a few luxury Nile Cruises we offer
- 11 Days Egypt and Jordan Tour to Experience Luxury at its Best
- 8 Days Egypt Tour Package to Experience Luxury at its Best
- 9 Days Egypt Tour Package to Explore the Best Attractions of Egypt
- Explore Cairo, The Nile, and Alexandria on 12 Days Egypt Tour
- Explore the Best of Egypt on a 7 Days Egypt Tour Package
- Signature Tour of Egypt - 10 Days Luxury Egypt Tour Package
- The Diamond Tour of Egypt - Ultimate Luxury Egypt Tour Package