Nile River Cruises

Egypt cruises on the Nile River and Lake Nasser are once-in-a-lifetime experiences that should not be missed. The Nile River has been Egypt's lifeline since ancient times, and the best way to explore the country's history is by following the course of the river.

Nile cruise itineraries typically run between the ports of Luxor and Aswan. River cruising offers a comfortable, luxury hotel-style experience to visit Upper Egypt's archaeological sites. Most voyages on the river depart from Cairo and last between 3 and 7 days (round-trip), rarely exceeding a week. Longer itineraries include additional hotel stays in both embarkation/disembarkation ports, as well as stays in the companies' privately owned hotel and resort properties on Egypt's Red Sea coast, in or near the resort towns and port cities of Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada, El Gouna, El Quseir, Makadi Bay, and Sokhna (55 km / 35 mi south of Suez).

Nile-based cruise ships are generally larger compared to typical river cruise ships, such as those sailing European waterways. Each vessel accommodates up to 200 passengers. Similar-sized (or larger) riverboats are typically only deployed on wider inland waterways, such as the Yangtze River (China) or the Mississippi River (USA).

Lake Nasser and Nile River Cruises in Egypt

The Nile is a major river in northeastern Africa and is generally regarded as the longest river in the world, measuring 4,258 miles (6,853 km). The resources of the Nile are shared by eleven countries, and the river serves as the primary water source for both Sudan and Egypt.

The Greek historian Herodotus once wrote, "Egypt was the gift of the Nile." As a precious source of sustenance, the Nile played a crucial role in the development of Egyptian civilization. The ancient Egyptian calendar was even based on the three cycles of the Nile.

Sailing on these life-giving waters, surrounded by millennia-old sites, is an unforgettable experience that immerses you in Egypt's heritage. Step back in time to explore the ancient wonders of the Great Hypostyle Hall of Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Luxor, as well as temples dedicated to Egypt's pantheon of gods and goddesses.

Colorful bazaars, ancient temples, and pyramids—already ancient in Cleopatra's time—are just some of the highlights of the unique cruising vacation on the Nile River. Itineraries commonly include tours of landmarks in Aswan, Cairo, and Luxor, as well as visits to more isolated temples, such as Abu Simbel. The Nile River cruise offers plenty of tours, but also provides ample time to relax and enjoy the view as this ancient world floats by.

List of Lake Nasser Cruise Ships

Here are some of the large hotel ships and new riverboats deployed at Lake Nasser in Egypt:

• Movenpick Prince Abbas – departs on Mondays (from Aswan) and Fridays (from Abu Simbel).
• Movenpick Darakum (Nile River) – departs on Mondays (from Luxor) and Fridays (from Aswan).
• SS Sphinx (2020, Nile River) is Uniworld's ship in Egypt, operating on the Aswan-Luxor route (transfer flights Cairo-Luxor-Cairo).
• AmaDahlia (2021, Nile River) is AmaWaterways' new vessel with scheduled roundtrips from Luxor (transfer flights Cairo-Luxor-Cairo).
• Kasr Ibrim – departs on Saturdays (from Aswan) and Wednesdays (from Abu Simbel).
• Steigenberger Omar El Khayam – departs on Mondays (from Aswan) and Fridays (from Abu Simbel).
• Movenpick MS Hamees – departs on Mondays (from Luxor) and Fridays (from Aswan). The vessel is also chartered by Emerald Waterways and Riviera Travel UK.
• MS Farah (2011-built, Nile River) operates between Aswan and Luxor. It is exclusively chartered by Avalon Waterways.
• MS Nubian Sea – departs on Mondays (from Aswan) and Fridays (from Abu Simbel).
• MS Eugenie – departs on Fridays (from Aswan) and Mondays (from Abu Simbel).

Nile River Cruise Package Prices

Below are some examples of Nile cruise travel packages. Please note that these prices are indicative and per person in USD. Group booking rates vary depending on the number of passengers.

• 1-Day Fishing Trip in Luxor (prices start from USD 100) – Nile river fishing trips allow you to cruise on a traditional Egyptian sailboat (like a Felucca) in the Luxor region. The package includes one oriental meal. No cabin or entertainment are provided.
• 1-Day Cruise from Luxor to Dendera Temple (prices start from USD 100) – the small boat cruise visits the Temple of Hathor.
• 3-Night / 4-Day Cruise from Aswan to Luxor, or the reverse Luxor to Aswan (prices start from USD 350).
• 4-Night / 5-Day Cruise Tour Luxor-Aswan, or the reverse Luxor-Aswan (prices start from USD 420).
• 7-Night / 8-Day Cruise Tour Luxor to Aswan, or the reverse Aswan to Luxor (prices start from USD 740).
• 7-Night / 8-Day Red Sea and Nile Cruise (prices start from USD 730) – This itinerary includes a 3-night "Red Sea Cruise" round-trip from Hurghada, followed by a 4-night "Nile Cruise" from Luxor or Aswan. The same pricing applies to the package that includes a 3-night "Nile Cruise", followed by a 4-night "Red Sea Cruise" round-trip from Hurghada.
• 7-Night / 8-Day Cruise Tour from Cairo (prices start from USD 900) – The itinerary includes a 3-night Cairo hotel package, day tours to The Great Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, the Sakkara necropolis (Zhoser’s step pyramid), Cairo airport transfers, a domestic flight (Cairo-Luxor-Cairo), transfer from Luxor airport to the ship, and embarkation before lunch. On day 7, there is onboard breakfast and disembarkation from the ship, followed by a transfer to Aswan airport, a domestic flight back to Cairo, and transfer to a Cairo hotel for the second overnight stay. On day 8, there is breakfast, hotel checkout, and transfer to Cairo airport. International flights are not included in the fare.
• 7-Night / 8-Day "Nile and Red Sea Cruise Tour from Cairo" (round-trip, prices start from USD 1200) – This itinerary starts and ends in Cairo (Sunday to Sunday, Tuesday to Tuesday, or Thursday to Thursday) and includes visits to the Giza Pyramids and the Sphinx, transfer to a Cairo hotel, domestic flight from Cairo to Aswan, visits to the Temple of Philae, transfer to the ship, and embarkation before lunch. On day 5, disembarkation occurs after visits to the Valley of the Kings, followed by bus travel from Luxor to Hurghada (approx. 280 km / 175 mi), with a 2-night stay at a Hurghada hotel. On day 7, there is bus travel from Hurghada to Cairo (approx. 450 km / 280 mi), with an overnight stay at a Cairo hotel. On day 8, there is hotel checkout and transfer to Cairo airport.
• 11-Night / 12-Day "Nile and Red Sea Cruise" (prices start from USD 1150) – The itinerary includes a 7-night "Nile Cruise" from Luxor or Aswan, followed by a 4-night "Red Sea Cruise" round-trip from Hurghada. This includes arrival in Luxor (private arrangement), transfer to the ship, and embarkation before lunch. On day 8, disembarkation occurs in Luxor, followed by bus travel to Hurghada, and a 4-day Hurghada hotel package (including meals - Breakfast and Dinner).

Egypt River Cruise Ship Companies

Among the largest cruise companies operating on the Egypt river cruising market (the Nile and Lake Nasser) are the "hotels, resorts, and cruise" brands Travcotels, Steigenberger, Jaz, Sonesta, Iberotel, Sanctuary, Oberoi, and Movenpick.

• Travco Group (founded 1979) is a large corporation that owns around 160 luxury hotels, resorts, and river cruise ships. The "Travco Travel" company handles over 1.3 million tourists annually. Renowned brands under Travco include the luxury resort and hotel chains Jaz, Travcotels, Iberotel, Steigenberger, and Sol Y Mar. Since 2010, Travco and Air Arabia have had a joint venture domestic airline called "Air Arabia Egypt" (50% Travco, 40% Air Arabia, 10% private investors). Travco also has its own network of local tour operators.
• Oberoi (founded 1934) is an award-winning chain of 30+ luxury hotels and resorts in premium destinations across Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, Indonesia, and Mauritius. Its head office is located in Delhi, India.
• Sonesta International Hotels Corporation owns hotels and resorts in Egypt, the USA, Brazil, Peru, Italy, and Bermuda. The company also privately owns 4 luxury Nile cruise ships.
• Movenpick Group (founded 1973, headquartered in Baar, Switzerland) is a joint venture hotel company owned by Movenpick Holding (66.7%) and Kingdom Holding Company (Saudi Arabia, 33.3%). Movenpick operates around 110 hotels, resorts, and Nile ships.
• Sanctuary Retreats is a chain of 17 luxury African safari camps and lodges, plus 6 luxury cruise ships operating on rivers in Egypt (Nile), Burma/Myanmar (Ayeyarwady, Chindwin), and China (Yangtze).

List of Hotels and Resorts Owned by Egypt River Cruise Companies

Here is a list of hotels and resorts owned by Nile riverboat cruise lines. These premium properties are included in the "cruise and hotel" package. Another option is to book a "cruise and stay" package that includes additional hotel overnights or even a resort vacation in Egypt, all at discounted prices.

• Iberotel's hotels in Egypt: Iberotel Makadi Beach (Hurghada), Iberotel Luxor, and Iberotel Palace (Sharm El Maya Bay).
• Steigenberger's leisure properties in Egypt: Steigenberger Cecil Hotel (Alexandria), Steigenberger El Tahrir (Cairo), Steigenberger Golf Resort (El Gouna), Steigenberger Al Dau Beach Hotel (Hurghada), Steigenberger Aqua Magic (Hurghada), Steigenberger Nile Palace (Luxor), Steigenberger Makadi (Madinat Makadi, Safaga), Steigenberger Coraya Beach (Marsa Alam), and Steigenberger Alcazar (Sharm El Sheikh).
• Oberoi's leisure properties in Egypt: The Oberoi Philae (hotel ship), Oberoi Zahra (hotel ship), and Sahl Hasheesh (on the Red Sea, across from Sharm El Sheikh, approximately 18 km / 11 mi south of Hurghada Airport).
• Sonesta's leisure properties in Egypt: "Sonesta Cairo Hotel, Tower & Casino", "Sonesta Beach Resort & Casino" (Sharm El Sheikh, Red Sea), and "Sonesta Pharaoh Beach Resort" (Hurghada, Red Sea).
• Travco's Jaz Travel hotels and resorts in Egypt (on the Red Sea, near Sharm El Sheikh): Jaz Belvedere (El Montaza), Jaz Fanara Resort (Ras Om El Seid), Jaz Mirabel Beach (Nabq Bay), Jaz Mirabel Club (Nabq Bay), Jaz Mirabel Park (Nabq Bay), Sol Y Mar Naama Bay, and Sol Y Mar Sharks Bay. Jaz properties near Marsa Alam: Jaz Dar El Madina, Jaz Lamaya, Jaz Samaya, and Jaz Solaya. In Hurghada (Madinat Makadi): Jaz Acquaviva, Jaz Makadi Oasis Club, Jaz Makadi Oasis Resort, Jaz Makadi Saraya Palms, Jaz Makadi Saraya Resort, Jaz Makadi Star & Spa, Jaz Makadina, Sol Y Mar Makadi Sun, and Sensimar Makadi Hotel. In Hurghada (Magawish District): Jaz Aquamarine, Jaz Bluemarine, and Sol Y Mar Ivory Suites.
• Movenpick resorts and hotels in Egypt: Movenpick Hotel Cairo Pyramids, Movenpick Hotel & Casino Cairo, and various resorts at the Red Sea, including in Hurghada (Soma Bay), El Gouna, El Quseir, Ain Sokhna, Sharm El Sheikh, and Taba (Gulf of Aqaba).

Note: You can explore CruiseMapper's complete list of all river cruise ships and riverboats in the "itinerary" section of our River Cruises hub. All companies and their fleets are listed there.

This is a review of the longest (12 days) Red Sea and Nile cruise itinerary, as it includes the typical Nile River itinerary with all its ticket price-inclusive tours, domestic flights (within Egypt, between embarkation/disembarkation ports), and coach transfers to and from the ship. The itinerary map below also shows Lake Nasser.

(Day 1) Arrival in Luxor and Embarkation

• Arrival in Luxor, bus transfer to the ship, embarkation before lunch.
• Tours included on the river's East Bank - Temple of Karnak, Temple of Luxor.
• Bus transfer to the ship.
• Onboard welcome dinner, overnight stay on the ship in Luxor.
• Lunch and dinner are included.

(Day 2) Southbound Cruising from Luxor to Esna

• Onboard breakfast.
• Tours included on the river's West Bank - Valley of the Kings, Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut (also known as Djeser-Djeseru, at Deir El-Bahari), Colossi of Memnon.
• Cruising to Esna Lock.
• Onboard lunch.
• Arrival in Esna (dinner and overnight on the ship).
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

(Day 3) Southbound Cruising from Esna to Edfu and Kom-Ombo

• Onboard breakfast.
• Cruising to Edfu.
• Arrival in Edfu (on the river's West Bank) - an included tour to the Temple of Edfu (God Horus).
• Cruising to Kom-Ombo.
• Onboard lunch.
• Arrival in Kom-Ombo (on the river's East Bank) - an included tour to the Temple of Kom-Ombo (God Sobek and God Haroeris).
• Onboard dinner and overnight on the ship in Kom-Ombo.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

(Day 4) Southbound Cruising from Kom-Ombo to Aswan

• Onboard breakfast.
• Arrival in Aswan (also known as Assuan, on the river's East Bank), onboard lunch.
• Included tours to the Temple of Philae (relocated to the nearby Agilkia Island), Aswan High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and a boat tour (by felucca, a traditional Egyptian wooden sailing boat) around Elephantine Island and the Aswan Botanical Gardens.
• Dinner and overnight on the ship in Aswan.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

(Day 5) Optional Tour from Aswan to Abu Simbel

• Overnight stay on the ship in Aswan.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

(Day 6) Northbound Cruising from Aswan to Kom-Ombo, Edfu, and Esna

• Overnight stay on the ship in Esna.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

(Day 7) Northbound Cruising from Esna to Luxor

• Optional excursion - Luxor Museum.
• Overnight stay on the ship in Luxor.
• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included.

(Day 8) Cruise Ending (Disembarkation), Transfer to Hurghada (Red Sea)

• Onboard breakfast, followed by disembarkation and transfer (bus travel) to Hurghada.
• Check-in at a Hurghada hotel, with free exploration time.
• Breakfast and dinner are included.

(Day 9, 10, 11) Hurghada (Red Sea)

• Hotel breakfast, free exploration time.
• Optional tour - Giftun Island snorkeling (lunch included).
• Breakfast and dinner are included.

(Day 12) Hurghada (Cruise Vacation Ending)

• Hotel breakfast, transfer to Hurghada Airport for departure.
• Breakfast is included.

Avalon Waterways' Nile cruise itineraries are roundtrips from Cairo, with all 4x Cairo hotel overnight stays and two domestic flights (Cairo-Aswan and Luxor-Cairo) included. Avalon Waterways currently charters the MS Farah for its Egypt Nile cruisetours.

Viking Cruises' "Nile and Lake Nasser" Itinerary

Next is shown Viking River Cruises' Nile and Lake Nasser cruise itinerary map.

This cruisetour, also roundtrip from Cairo, was operated until 2020 with chartered ships. It included an additional flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel, where the Lake Nasser-based boat was docked for embarkation. From Abu Simbel, the riverboat visited Kasr Ibrim and Amada.

The following tours are all included in the fares:

• (Day 1, 2, 3) Cairo - 3-night stay.
• (Day 2) Tour to Sakkara necropolis, Giza Plateau, Great Pyramids (Khufu, Khafre, Menkaure), camel ride, Great Sphinx.
• (Day 3) Tour to Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, guided city tour (Saladin Citadel, Muhammad Ali Mosque), walking tour (bazaar, Al-Aqmar Mosque), Al-Azhar Park dinner.
• (Day 4) Flight from Cairo to Luxor, in Luxor - tour to the Temples of Luxor and Karnak, embarkation, optional tour (Karnak Temple evening sound and light show).
• (Day 5) Luxor - optional tour (hot air balloon ride over the temples and monuments), including tours to Valley of the Kings and Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, Madīnat Habu, Mortuary Temple of Ramses III. Followed by cruising to Edfu.
• (Day 6) Edfu - horse-drawn carriage ride (tour) to Temple of Horus. Followed by cruising to Kom-Ombo (arrival, tour to the temple of Haroeris and Sobek). Followed by cruising to Aswan (arrival at dinner time), an onboard Nubian party in the evening (traditional music and dancing).
• (Day 7) Aswan - tour to Philae Temple (Isis), tour to Nubian Museum (gardens, terraced waterfalls), tour to Aswan High Dam, a scenic boat tour on a felucca sailboat, overnight in Aswan.
• (Day 8) Abu Simbel (flight from Aswan), arrival, tour to the temples, embarkation on the Lake Nasser cruise ship. Optional evening tour - Abu Simbel temples (sound and light show).
• (Day 9) Lake Nasser cruising to Kasr Ibrim and Amada (sun deck/onboard lecture on Kasr Ibrim Fortress, Amada arrival in the afternoon, tour to Temple of Amada, dedicated to Amun, cruising to Wadi el Seboua).
• (Day 10) Disembarkation, excursion to Wadi el Seboua (Valley of the Lions), tour to Temple of Dakka (Thoth) and Temple of Meharakka, afternoon cruising back to Aswan, evening Nubian show (traditional music, dance, costumes).
• (Day 11) Aswan - morning arrival, breakfast, tour to Temple of Kalabsha (God Mandulis), tour to Aswan High Dam, shore lunch, transfer to Aswan Airport (flight to Cairo). 1 overnight in a luxury hotel (Citystars Cairo, or similar first-class hotel, dinner included). Optional tour - Giza Pyramids (sound and light show).
• (Day 12) Cairo - hotel breakfast and transfer to Cairo Airport for the return flight from Egypt.

Viking's Nile cruise fares are inclusive of:

• 4-night Nile River voyage.
• 3-night Lake Nasser voyage.
• 3-night Cairo hotel package (Sofitel Cairo El Gezirah).
• 1-night luxury Cairo hotel stay (Cairo CityStars).
• 17 fully escorted and professionally guided tours - each led by a certified Egyptologist.
• A total of 11 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners, including Welcome Cocktail Reception and Gala Dinner.
• Complimentary beverages (wine, beer, soft drinks - during onboard dinners and lunches).
• 3 domestic (Egypt) flights.
• Onboard enrichment programming (in-depth narration by Egyptologists, Nubian evening event), also camel riding.
• All transfers and port charges.

Note: Since 2020, Viking's Egypt fleet consists of the Viking-owned, Nile-deployed boats Antares, Ra, Aton, Hathor, Sobek, Amun, Thoth, Sekhmet and Ptah.

Nile River Cruise Fleet

Below is a list of large-sized riverboats operating on the Nile River in Egypt. Most of the vessels are operated as "hotel ships," meaning they are moored dockside, and their staterooms are available as hotel accommodations. In brackets are the shipowners' and hotel brand companies' names.

• (Sunrise Resorts and Cruises Egypt ships) Sunrise Terramar, Sunrise Semiramis 1, Sunrise Semiramis 2, Sunrise Semiramis 3.
• (Travco Group / Travco-Steigenberger Hotels and Resorts ships) Steigenberger Minerva, Steigenberger Legacy.
• (Travco Group / Travcotels ships) Regina, Regent, Nile Monarch, Nile Empress, Lady Sophia, Imperial, Helio, Crown Prince, Crown Jewel.
• (Travco Group / Travco-Jaz Hotels and Resorts ships) Jaz Jubilee, Jaz Regency, Jaz Senator, Jaz Yakouta.
• (Travco Group / Travco-Iberotel Hotels and Resorts ships) Iberotel Crown Empress, Iberotel Crown Emperor.
• (Movenpick Hotels and Resorts ships) Sun Ray, Royal Lotus, Royal Lily, Hamees, Darakum.
• (Oberoi Hotels and Resorts) Oberoi Philae.
• (Presidential Nile Cruises ships) Nile Symphony, Nile Ritz, Nile Plaza, Nile Odyssey, Nile Commodore, Nile Admiral.
• (Grand Circle Cruise Line GmbH) River Anuket.
• (Grand Cruises Egypt ships) Nile Romance, Nile Beauty, Grand Star, Grand Rose, Grand Preziosa, Grand Palm, Grand Glory.
• (Sakkara Tours ships) Monte Carlo, Monaco, Mojito.
• Tamr Henna, Tower Prestige.
• Stephanie, Solaris II, Sentido Mahrousa.
• Royal Viking, Royal Ruby, Royal Esadora.
• Ra I, Ra II.
• Nubian Sea, Nile Supreme, Nile Smart, Nile Rhapsody, Nile Premium, Nile Festival, Nile Crown.
• Moon Dance, Monica, Magic I.
• Lady Mary, Lady Carol.
• Golden Boat.
• Eugenie, Emilio.
• Domina Prestige.
• Amarante Osiris, Amarante Isis, Alexander The Great.

Since 2024, the Nile cruise market also features TUI River Cruises (UK-based travel brand) with two fully refurbished chartered boats - TUI Al Horeya (2024 Nov) and TUI Bahareya (2025 Nov).