Best Luxury Nile Cruises

Each vessel in our carefully curated collection offers its own distinctive character while upholding the highest standards of luxury, service, and safety. From intimate sailing dahabiyas with just a handful of suites to elegant larger ships with expanded facilities, we present the perfect vessel to match your ideal Nile experience.

Tosca cruise ship sailing on calm waters under a clear blue sky.

MS Tosca Nile Cruise

From$750Start From

Experience timeless elegance on the MS Tosca Nile Cruise, where luxury meets the heart of Egypt’s history.

3 Nights Every Friday from Aswan
4 Nights Every Monday from Luxor
Private or Share Group Tours

Viceroy cruise ship sailing on tranquil waters with blue skies in the background.

Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise

From$850Start From

Embark on an unforgettable journey through Egypt’s history aboard the luxurious Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise.

3 Nights Every Wednesday from Aswan
4 Nights Every Saturday from Luxor
Private or Share Group Tours

Jaz Senator Cruise ship sailing on water with clear skies.

Steigenberger Senator Nile Cruise

From$870Start From

Enjoy unparalleled luxury on the Steigenberger Senator Nile Cruise, where elegance and Egypt’s historic beauty converge.

3 Nights Every Monday from Aswan
4 Nights Every Thursday from Luxor
Private or Share Group Tours

Movenpick Darakum hotel exterior showcasing modern architecture and lush surroundings.

Movenpick Darakum

From$940Start From

Embark on the Movenpick Darakum Nile Cruise for a sophisticated journey, blending luxury with Egypt’s majestic river views.

3 Nights Every Friday from Aswan
4 Nights Every Monday from Luxor
Private or Share Group Tours

Nile cruise in Egypt showcasing scenic views and historical landmarks along the river.

Historia Nile Cruise

From$1,240Start From

Sail through history on the Historia Nile Cruise, where opulence and Egypt’s ancient landmarks come alive.

3 Nights Every Friday from Aswan
4 Nights Every Monday from Luxor
Private or Share Group Tours

Nebu Cruise sailing on the Nile River in Egypt, showcasing the scenic landscape and historic landmarks.

Nebu Nile Cruise

From$1,250Start From

Discover Egypt’s ancient treasures in elegance and comfort on the luxurious Nebu Nile Cruise.

3 Nights Every Friday from Aswan
4 Nights Every Monday from Luxor
Private or Share Group Tours

Oberoi Philae cruise boat gliding on serene waters, showcasing luxury and elegance in a picturesque setting.

Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise

From$1,530Start From

Sail through Egypt’s timeless landscapes in unmatched luxury aboard the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise.

Selected Departures
Private or Share Group Tours

Oberoi Zahra luxury cruise on the Nile River, showcasing elegant design and scenic views.

Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

From$1,530Start From

Experience the epitome of luxury on the Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise, offering exquisite comfort and breathtaking views of Egypt’s timeless wonders.

Selected Departures
Private or Share Group Tours

The Quintessential Luxury Nile Experience

Our Luxury Nile Cruises elevate river voyaging to an art form, offering an intimate exploration of Egypt’s cultural treasures in sublime comfort. With a select fleet of sumptuously appointed 5-star vessels, we create the perfect harmony between opulent amenities and authentic Egyptian experiences. Each ship features elegantly designed cabins with panoramic Nile views, exceptional restaurants serving refined international and local cuisine, expansive sun decks with refreshing pools, and stylish lounges for evening entertainment.

Sumptuous Accommodations

Our luxurious cabins and suites embody the ultimate in comfort on Nile cruises, featuring plush beds, sophisticated décor with refined Egyptian touches, marble bathrooms stocked with premium toiletries, individually controlled air conditioning, and large windows overlooking the ever-changing panorama of life along the river. Some ships also offer private balconies where you can enjoy quiet moments with your favorite drink amidst the stunning scenery.

Culinary Excellence

Embark on a gastronomic journey that rivals the cultural discoveries awaiting onshore. Our accomplished chefs craft exquisite menus blending Mediterranean finesse with authentic Egyptian flavors, all prepared with the freshest local ingredients. Enjoy sumptuous breakfast buffets, refined à la carte lunches and dinners, delightful afternoon teas, and special culinary events including Captain’s galas and traditional Egyptian feasts under the stars on the upper deck.

Magnificent Destinations on Your Luxury Nile Cruise

Your voyage along the Nile unveils Egypt’s most spectacular monuments and hidden gems, all explored with passionate Egyptologist guides who transform ancient stones into vivid stories of pharaohs, gods, and daily life thousands of years ago. Each excursion is thoughtfully scheduled for optimal lighting conditions and minimal crowds, ensuring an exceptional visitor experience.

Valley of the Kings

Descend into the extraordinary royal necropolis, the Valley of the Kings, where generations of pharaohs prepared for their journey to the afterlife in elaborately decorated subterranean tombs. An Egyptologist will guide you through selected burial chambers, including private access to the tomb of Tutankhamun with its famous golden treasures. Our luxury cruise packages include access to iconic tombs not included in regular tours, providing a more comprehensive understanding of ancient Egyptian funerary practices.

Karnak Temple Complex

Be amazed by the massive Karnak Temple Complex, constructed over more than 1,500 years and dedicated to the Theban Triad: Amun, Mut, and Khonsu. The captivating Great Hypostyle Hall, with its 134 massive columns, forms an incredible forest of stone. Our luxury cruise guests enjoy prime early morning or late afternoon visits, when the play of light and shadows adds a touch of elegance to this sacred space.

Temple of Hatshepsut

Marvel at the innovative mortuary temple of Egypt’s most successful female pharaoh, whose architectural vision created this stunning terraced structure against the dramatic limestone cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. The temple’s clean lines and harmonious proportions were revolutionary for its time and continue to inspire awe today. Our guides share fascinating insights into Hatshepsut’s unprecedented reign and the political intrigue that followed her death.

Abu Simbel Temples

Experience the awe-inspiring temples of Ramses II and his beloved queen Nefertari, rescued from the rising waters of Lake Nasser in one of archaeology’s greatest preservation efforts. Our luxury cruise packages include the option of a comfortable private flight to this remote location, allowing you to marvel at the colossal statues and exquisitely decorated interiors without the long journey by road. The precision engineering that allows the sun to illuminate the inner sanctuary on specific dates reveals the sophisticated astronomical knowledge of ancient Egyptians.

Distinguished Onboard Experiences

Life aboard our Luxury Nile Cruises balances intellectual stimulation with sublime relaxation. Between fascinating shore excursions, you’ll enjoy a carefully curated program of onboard experiences designed to enhance your journey and provide opportunities for both entertainment and deeper cultural understanding of Egypt’s rich heritage.

Intellectual Enrichment

Our resident Egyptologists offer captivating presentations on subjects ranging from hieroglyphic writing to ancient Egyptian astronomy, religion, and daily life. Participate in interactive workshops on traditional crafts, join informal Arabic language sessions, or enjoy illuminating discussions about modern Egypt’s culture and politics. These enrichment activities provide valuable context that transforms your temple visits from mere sightseeing into profound cultural understanding.

Gastronomic Delights

Dining aboard our luxury vessels is a highlight that rivals the archaeological wonders onshore. Begin each day with gourmet breakfast buffets featuring freshly baked pastries, international selections, and made-to-order specialties. Savor multi-course lunches and dinners crafted by accomplished chefs who blend Mediterranean sophistication with authentic Egyptian flavors. Special culinary events include degustation menus with wine pairings and memorable deck barbecues under the stars.

Wellness and Rejuvenation

Indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments inspired by ancient Egyptian beauty rituals, from aromatic oil massages to purifying body treatments incorporating Nile botanicals. Maintain your fitness routine in well-equipped exercise facilities, practice yoga on deck at sunrise, or simply unwind by the pool with premium beverages as the timeless landscapes of the Nile Valley unfold before you. Our vessels are designed as floating sanctuaries where you can refresh body and spirit between cultural explorations.

Evening Diversions

As twilight descends over the Nile, our ships come alive with refined entertainment options. Enjoy cocktail receptions with panoramic river views, engaging performances showcasing traditional Egyptian music and dance, colorful galabeya parties where guests don traditional Egyptian attire, and professional demonstrations of the ancient art of belly dancing. Our vessels’ intimate size ensures these events maintain an exclusive atmosphere rather than the mass-entertainment approach of larger ships.

Privileged Experiences on Our Luxury Nile Cruises

What truly distinguishes our Luxury Nile Cruises are the exclusive experiences available only to our guests. These extraordinary moments create memories that endure long after your return home and offer unique perspectives on Egypt’s cultural and historical treasures that few travelers are privileged to enjoy.

A foreign tourist takes a photo in front of Nefertari Temple at Abu Simbel.

Private Temple Access

Experience the majesty of Egypt’s most renowned temples in splendid exclusivity with our special after-hours access arrangements. Walk through the normally crowded halls of Luxor Temple in peaceful solitude, or enjoy Philae Temple illuminated by custom lighting that reveals architectural details missed by daytime visitors. These privileged moments allow for photography, contemplation, and connection impossible during regular visiting hours.

Dawn Balloon Voyages

Float silently above the Nile Valley as the first light of day transforms the landscape into a golden panorama. This optional excursion provides unparalleled aerial views of Luxor’s monuments, from the Valley of the Kings to the Temple of Hatshepsut, with the sinuous path of the Nile creating a verdant ribbon through the desert. Our exclusive arrangements include private transfers and premium flight positions for optimal photography.

Archaeological Dining

Experience the extraordinary privilege of dining in the shadow of ancient monuments with our exclusive private temple dinners. Enjoy gourmet cuisine served by white-gloved staff amid the columns and statues of temples specially illuminated for your event, accompanied by soft music that respects the sacred atmosphere of these historic sites. These remarkable events require special permissions available only to our most distinguished partners.

Sunset Felucca Sailing

Glide across the waters of the Nile aboard a traditional Egyptian sailing vessel as the setting sun paints the sky in spectacular hues. These intimate excursions include premium refreshments and canapes served by attentive staff as you navigate narrow channels inaccessible to larger vessels, offering unique perspectives on riverside temples, wildlife, and the timeless rhythms of agricultural life along the fertile banks.

Nubian Cultural Immersion

Journey to authentic Nubian villages near Aswan, where you’ll be welcomed as honored guests rather than tourists. Enjoy traditional hospitality in family homes adorned with distinctive, colorful art, learn about this ancient culture that predates the pharaohs, and acquire unique handicrafts directly from master artisans. These respectful cultural exchanges provide meaningful connections and support communities in preserving their heritage against modernization pressures.

Celestial Exploration

The pristine desert skies of Upper Egypt offer exceptional stargazing opportunities far from light pollution. Join our visiting astronomers for guided observations through professional-grade telescopes, discovering how ancient Egyptians mapped the heavens and incorporated celestial movements into their architecture, religion, and daily life. These fascinating sessions connect the monuments you’ve explored by day with the cosmic influences that shaped their creation.

Essential Information for Your Luxury Nile Cruise

Optimal Seasons for Nile Cruising

The prime season for Luxury Nile Cruises extends from October through April when temperatures are most pleasant for sightseeing.December and January represent peak season with perfect weather but correspondingly higher rates and more visitors at major sites.

The shoulder seasons of October-November and February-April offer excellent value with comfortable temperatures and fewer fellow travelers at the monuments.

Entry Requirements and Health

Most visitors to Egypt require a tourist visa, obtainable on arrival or preferably in advance through Egyptian consulates or the convenient e-visa system. We recommend securing your visa before travel for a smoother arrival experience.

While no specific vaccinations are mandatory for Egypt, we advise consulting with your physician or a travel medicine specialist before departure.

Packing Recommendations

For your comfort and cultural sensitivity, we suggest:

  • Elegant, lightweight attire that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits
  • Quality walking shoes for archaeological explorations
  • Comprehensive sun protection (wide-brimmed hat, polarized sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen)
  • Smart-casual to semi-formal evening wear for dinners
  • Designer swimwear for the pool deck
  • Light jacket or pashmina for evening breezes

Gratuities and Currency

The Egyptian Pound (EGP) is the local currency, though US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted aboard luxury vessels. We recommend bringing crisp, new USD notes in smaller denominations for tipping. While gratuities remain at your discretion, we suggest the following as appropriate recognition:

  • Cruise staff: $15-20 per person, per day (distributed among crew)
  • Egyptologist guide: $20-25 per person, per day
  • Drivers and local assistants: $5-10 per service

Things to know about Egypt Nile Cruises

Below you will find the most frequently asked questions asked by travelers

What is the best month for a Nile cruise?

The best month for a Nile cruise is generally between October and April when the weather is pleasantly mild, making it perfect for sightseeing. During these months, you can comfortably explore the treasures of Egypt without the scorching summer heat. This period offers ideal conditions for River Nile Cruises all inclusive, allowing you to enjoy both the onboard amenities and the breathtaking historical sites with Egypt Cruise Planners.

How much does a Nile River cruise cost?

A Nile River cruise can cost anywhere from $500 to $3,000 per person, depending on the duration, type of cruise, and level of luxury you choose. For a premium experience, such as a River Nile Cruises all inclusive package, expect to pay more for added perks like gourmet meals, guided excursions, and luxury accommodations. Egypt Cruise Planners offers a range of packages that cater to different budgets and preferences.

How many days do you need on a Nile cruise?

To truly immerse yourself in the wonders of the Nile, a 4 to 7-day cruise is ideal. This duration allows enough time to visit key sites in Luxor, Aswan, and everything in between, including the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Philae Temple. Opting for a River Nile Cruises all inclusive package ensures that you make the most of your journey, with everything from guided tours to exquisite dining covered by Egypt Cruise Planners.

Is a Nile cruise in Egypt worth it?

A Nile cruise in Egypt is a must for anyone interested in history, culture, and unique travel experiences. It combines the adventure of exploring ancient ruins with the luxury of cruising down one of the world’s most iconic rivers. With River Nile Cruises all inclusive packages, you get the best of both worlds—seamless travel, expert-guided tours, and exceptional amenities.

What are the pros and cons of the Nile River?

  • Pros: The Nile River offers unparalleled access to some of Egypt’s most magnificent historical sites. A cruise allows you to explore them in a relaxed, luxurious way, while also enjoying the beautiful landscapes along the river. A River Nile Cruises all inclusive package from Egypt Cruise Planners provides convenience, comfort, and a unique cultural experience that can’t be replicated by land tours.
  • Cons: The only downside is that some cruises can be costly, especially during peak seasons. However, opting for all inclusive packages often provides better value for money by covering meals, excursions, and onboard activities in one price.

How safe is travel on a luxury Nile cruise?

Luxury Nile Cruises operate exclusively in the well-established and secure tourist corridor of Upper Egypt between Luxor and Aswan. Our premium vessels implement rigorous safety protocols, and the Egyptian government provides enhanced security in all tourist areas. We continuously monitor conditions through our extensive local network and would never operate in areas with security concerns. Most of our guests report feeling completely at ease throughout their journey.

What distinguishes luxury from standard Nile cruises?

Luxury Nile Cruises offer substantial advantages over standard options, including significantly more spacious accommodations, superior furnishings and amenities, exceptional cuisine prepared by gourmet chefs, smaller expert-led tour groups, exclusive access to archaeological sites, and enhanced facilities such as spas, pools, and elegant public spaces. Perhaps most importantly, the staff-to-guest ratio is considerably higher, ensuring truly personalized attention throughout your journey.