How to choose the best Nile cruise in Egypt: Complete Guide

A Nile River cruise is one of the greatest ways to view and experience the Nile, as Egyptians have been doing for thousands of years. It provides access to some of the best sights and activities offered by this nation. If you want to know how to choose the best Nile cruise in Egypt, this article will guide you through planning a Nile cruise for the first time. 

What Do You See on a Nile Cruise?

The majority of Nile cruises visit the following top ports and sights while traveling between Luxor and Aswan:

Luxor

Many of Egypt's most fascinating sites may be found in Luxor. The Valley of Kings, the home to the tombs of former Pharaohs, is located here. Many of these tombs are still concealed in these hills, even though many have been found. The Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Luxor Temple, and the Karnak Temple are among the most well-known temples in the nation.

The Valley of the Queens, the Colossi of Memnon, and several museums, notably the intriguing mummification museum, are other noteworthy locations. Luxor is one of the world's best locations for a hot air balloon flight. It is an amazing sight to see the Valley of the Kings and the Nile River from above as the sun rises.

• Decide for a 7 Day Egypt Tour Cairo Nile Cruise and Luxor Temples and enjoy these most intriguing sites.

Edfu

Because it is the best-preserved temple in Egypt, the Temple of Edfu, which is devoted to the god Horus, is among the most popular temples to visit. To understand more about the ancient Egyptian temple rites, archeologists and Egyptologists have greatly benefited from the engravings and hieroglyphics found at Edfu Temple, which was spared harm by the Nile floods.

It took more than 200 years to construct the Temple of Edfu, which is Egypt's second-largest temple after Karnak. Some of the most notable attractions within the temple are the Nilometer, which measured the height of the Nile to help forecast future harvests. The passage of victory, which shows the conflict between Horus and Seth, and the hypostyle hall, which features carvings of the components and formulas required to create various perfumes, are some of the temple's most noteworthy features.

• Read about the Architectural achievements of Ancient Egypt .

Kom Ombo

Although Kom Ombo is only a brief trip, the temple is unquestionably worthwhile. It is an intriguing temple because it honors distinct ancient Egyptian deities: Horus, the falcon, and Sobek, the crocodile. Despite being a single temple, it features two halls, courtyards, sanctuaries, and entrances.

The crocodile exhibit in Kom Ombo is another must-see. There are 22 crocodile mummies here, in addition to the human mummies you may have seen in the Egyptian museum. Even crocodile coffins will be on display; this will bet you have never seen one of those before!

Aswan

Depending on which way you decide to go, your Nile cruise will probably begin or end in Aswan, in southern Egypt. Even though Aswan lacks Luxor's colossal temples, there are still many sights and activities to enjoy, including the Nubian village, the spice market, and the stunning botanical gardens. 

• You may be interested in The History of Ancient Nubia .

From Aswan, you may also explore the well-known High Dam, the Horus-focused temple of Philae, and Elephantine Island, the home to many fascinating ancient artifacts.

Aswan is also the gateway to one of Egypt’s most impressive and important ancient attractions: Abu Simbel, one of Egypt's most significant and magnificent ancient sites, is accessible from Aswan. From Aswan, visitors can take a quick flight or a three-hour drive to explore this amazing location.

Remember that the picturesque cruising is a major factor in why a Nile cruise is an excellent way to experience Egypt. Some of the landmarks and attractions in the cities mentioned above will be illuminated at night as you travel through them. During the day, you will pass stunning views of the Nile, where you may observe indigenous Egyptian people and stunning scenery. 

The Luxor-Aswan route is preferred by most people since it can be completed in less than a week, giving you more time to explore other parts of Egypt during your stay. Then 8 Days Cairo, Luxor, Aswan Classic Tours will be an alternative. 

How to choose the best Nile cruise in Egypt

Every journey offers a different perspective on life along the most powerful river. A Nile cruise is an opportunity to see an Egypt that is not on the itinerary, but what are things to consider when choosing a Nile Cruise? Things to Consider When Choosing a Nile Cruise

Deciding how long you want to cruise is one of the first things you should do. Do you only have a few days left? Or is there a week? Cruises follow the same route; however, they differ in length.

How long do you want to cruise for?

It is advised to choose a cruise that lasts at least five days and four nights, while some are as short as four days and three nights. With your personal Egyptologist guide, you will have a far better Nile cruise experience and will not feel rushed.

However, you might want to be careful not to cruise for too long, depending on your vacation style. Although Nile cruises are a wonderful and tranquil way to experience Egypt. You probably will not want to reserve a week-long or longer cruise in this situation. 

• If you want to enjoy the Nile Cruise and the Red Sea, 11 Days of Classic Egypt, Cairo, Nile Cruise & Red Sea will be wonderful.

Where Would You Like Your Nile Cruise to Begin?

Luxor or Aswan are the two places where Nile cruises begin. There are a few things to keep in mind. There are no differences between the cruises based on where you start; you will stop at the same sights and attractions along the way.

One of the most popular activities in Luxor is taking a hot air balloon flight over the Valley of Kings and the Nile. If you have this on your to-do list, you will have to schedule your voyage around this event. You will typically have enough time to complete the hot air balloon trip before your cruise begins because the rides begin at sunrise. However, because it starts extremely early in the morning, you might not want to go straight from the balloon trip to sightseeing, which is what will happen if you schedule both on the same day.

As an alternative, a lot of tourists in Aswan decide to travel early in the morning to the Abu Simbel temple in southern Egypt, which is accessible by plane or automobile. Once more, this is an early morning excursion that may usually be scheduled to coincide with the cruise, but you should confirm with your tour provider. 

Other things to think about include the day of the week you are departing and the direction you are heading in. They will discuss this with you and adjust your Nile cruise if you are traveling through Egypt with Egypt tour packages.

What style of Nile Cruise are you looking for?

Egyptian Nile cruises come in a wide range of options. A felucca boat is the most affordable and straightforward choice. Do not expect much from these, even though they might be traditionally lovely. It is crucial to remember that not all feluccas have onboard restrooms and you will sleep on the deck.

There are many cruises with private rooms and adequate plumbing, but it is likely not exactly what you had in mind for a Nile trip. These also differ, of course. Do you want a top-tier, opulent cruise with excellent meals and entertainment every night? Or do you simply want a cozy place with individual rooms and standard amenities? There are numerous choices to suit both of these types of cruising.

What is your budget for a Nile Cruise?

This point is strongly related to the previous section. Of course, the less expensive the cruise, the more rudimentary it is. However, keep in mind that Egyptian cruises are not always comparable to those we are accustomed to in North America. It is not that there is anything wrong with that (some huge brands and companies do), but it is something to be aware of so you do not get caught off guard.

Keep in mind that your inclusions will also be impacted by the price. You should search for air conditioning, food, beverages, and guides. Regarding guides, you can choose between a private guide for you and a large group of people or a group tour for many people. 

Egypt Classic Tours provides a remarkable experience to tour this masterpiece in style for those looking for a blend of elegance and history.

Read about: How Much Does It Cost to Go to Egypt

The Best Nile Cruise Ship Companies

It is easy to become overwhelmed by the variety of alternatives available when considering Nile cruises, particularly when it comes to Nile cruise ship companies.

You can begin comparing businesses once you know what kind of cruise you want and what your target budget is. Although there are thousands of options, we have chosen a few of the best choices for your consideration to make things a bit easier.

Valuable Ships

For individuals interested in luxury trips in Egypt, high-end ships for Nile cruises are truly the best. The staterooms are spacious and frequently have a sleek, contemporary style. Award-winning chefs and extra amenities like an onboard spa, rooftop pool, or fitness center are common on many of these ships. The cost of your luxury Egypt tour also includes expert Egyptologist guides for all of the monuments and attractions along the way. Although the size of these ships varies, they typically feature 30 to 50 staterooms.

The following are a few instances of the best luxury ships available for a Nile River cruise:

• The Sanctuary Sun Boat
• Sonesta Star Goddess
• Terramar Nile Cruise
• Oberoi Zahra
• Oberoi Philae

Read more about: How to Plan a Trip to Cairo, Egypt

Good Quality but More Affordable Ships

Although the ships listed above are gorgeous, they might be out of your price range. That is well, though, because there are still several stunning ships that will provide you with an amazing Nile Cruise experience at a lower cost.

Although they are nonetheless elegantly furnished, these ships might not be as good as those that are regarded as high-end. Onboard meals are often buffet-style rather than a la carte, and although some ships include extra amenities like fitness centers, spas, or pools, they are not as frequent. Professional Egyptologists are on board to lead you through the temples and other monuments you will see along the journey.

The following are a few of these high-quality but more reasonably priced ship options:

• Movenpick Royal Lily
• Movenpick Royal Lotus
• Farah
• Amwaj Living Stone

Regardless of the cruise style you choose, you can be sure that an Egyptian Nile cruise will be the highlight of your Egypt Luxury Tours .

Read about: Cheapest Time to Go to Egypt

Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise

Dahabiya Nile Cruise is the most opulent and exclusive way to enjoy the Nile River. The traditional method of viewing the Nile is the Dahabiya Nile Cruise. Travel the Nile like the first explorers on a traditional Dahabiya by taking a Dahabiya Nile Cruise and stepping back in time. A Dahabiya Nile Cruise combines contemporary comfort and convenience with the romance of the past. It combines excellent sightseeing, sailing, mouthwatering traditional meals, and dedicated personal service in a relaxed manner between Luxor and Aswan.

Day aboard Dahabiya

Everyday life aboard a Dahabiya Nile Cruise is serene and beautiful. Many pleasures can be had during a day aboard Dahabiya. You can relax in a deck chair, read a book, or observe women doing their washing and kids playing. There are opportunities to tour antiquities along the Nile, go to local markets, and stroll through towns every day. Fresh food is made on board and served in the dining room, on the sundeck, or in a lovely location along the banks of the Nile. Nothing compares to dining by a bonfire in the evening while the stars are glittering. The fancy-dress parties of the big cruise ships are far away from you. There are not any flashing discos here, but you might be able to see a local band perform outside. The ideal fusion of elegance and heritage in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. Book a Nile cruise on a luxury small boat right now.

• Don’t miss reading 5 facts about Nile River .

What facilities are on board?

There are lots of facilities on board our Nile cruisers to make sure you have a fantastic day. The plunge pool is a great way to cool off from the Egyptian sun, and the deck has lots of space for sunbathing. Additionally, some cruise ships have gyms or wellness amenities like saunas and massages, as well as a bar and lounge space where you may have a few cocktails with other passengers.

What’s the food like?

Nile Cruises include all meals served buffet-style in the restaurants on board. You can settle your bill at check-out if you bought any drinks while on board.

Best Nile Cruise Luxor Aswan

From Luxor to Aswan, the Nile Cruise takes five days, and from Aswan to Luxor, it takes four days. The sightseeing trips offered by each of these alternatives are identical.

• The East Bank of Luxor, which contains the Temple of Karnak and the Luxor Temple, will be visited during the tour days on board the Luxor & Aswan Nile cruise. Savor a meal aboard and take in a belly dance performance.
• Another day on the Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise includes a trip to the West Bank to see Hatshepsut, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and Hatshepsut Temple.
• After that, you can dress casually for the Captain's welcoming party and have a great time chatting while sailing to Edfu.
• You may explore the Temple of Kom Ombo and the Temple of Horus in Edfu on a day trip to Edfu and Kom Ombo.
• After that, you can cruise to Aswan to see the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Temple of Philae.

Aswan and Luxor Overview of Nile Cruises

Take a boat from Luxor to Aswan, passing historic temples and communities, and experience the rhythms of everyday life along the Nile River.

Explore some of the greatest wonders of the ancient world with the 10 Days Round Trip Nile Cruise and Pyramids , including the intricate tombs in the Valley of the Kings and the Pyramids at Giza. You will enjoy vibrant souks, visit renowned museums of antiquities, and take in energetic performances of traditional Egyptian music and dance.

Read about: What to do in Aswan Egypt

How much to tip

The Nile Cruise Tipping is advised and frequently encouraged as a way for customers to express gratitude for exceptional service. The crew of the ship worked very hard to make sure that the passengers enjoyed their time on the boat. As a result, many view the tips they receive as a great way to express gratitude for all of their hard work.

You should budget between $3 and $5 for each guest's gratuity. For example, suppose you are in Egypt with a companion on a four-night Nile cruise. $4 x 4 nights x 2 individuals = $32. You give the front desk an envelope with $32 after the Nile cruise through Egypt.

• In light of this, guests are expected to give a daily gift for the staff's hard work. Although most journeys do not require payment in advance, the level of service you receive will probably make you want to tip.
• Tipping is customarily $5 per person every day. Prices for private guides and cruises might differ significantly. Some places charge up to $20 per visitor when the service is truly royal.
• Tipping is ingrained in Egyptian culture. Due to the high rate of unemployment, a large portion of their revenue comes from tourists. Therefore, tips should be paid to those entrusted with these services.
• No one is required to give a tip if they aren’t satisfied with the service they received. They could not be held hostage by anything, not even shackles; one has to be honest enough to explain why.
• The advice you leave behind is distributed equally among all crew members who assisted you during the voyage. At each location, the drivers, guides, felucca captains, and local authorities split the prize.
• Put the cash in an envelope, write the amount on the reverse, and turn it in at the desk of the Nile Cruise. To eliminate any doubt regarding who was tipped and who was excluded from the tip pool, this is done.

Read more: Tips on traveling to Egypt

Summary

Nile cruises will make you fully experience Egypt with a variety of travel package options. According to the latest inquiry trends, the most popular tourist activity for the winter of 2024–2025 is a Nile cruise. After you know how to choose the best Nile cruise in Egypt, you are ready to arrange your trip. We at Egypt Online Tour pay great attention in offering the greatest Egypt trips to suit your requirements and preferences. To make the most of your trip to Egypt,  contact our staff here and allow us to assist you in organizing your Nile cruise.

FAQs

How many days do you need on a Nile cruise?

Nile cruises generally range from three to seven nights, each offering a unique blend of activities and sightseeing opportunities. Shorter cruises, like the three-night Aswan to Luxor itinerary, are ideal for travelers who want a quick glimpse of Egypt's most iconic sites.

Where is the best place to start a cruise on the Nile?

Where to Begin the Cruise The majority of Nile cruises depart from either Luxor or Aswan, and most of them are situated between these two cities. Since Aswan is the southernmost part of Egypt, we would suggest starting there if you are going to be traveling around the country.

What is the best time to cruise the Nile?

The absolute best time to visit would be anytime between October and April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant, with temperatures generally in the mid-20s°C (Approx. 77°F) during the day and slightly chilly at night (we recommend warm clothes for evenings out on the sun deck).

Do you see pyramids on a Nile cruise?

If you only have a week and want to visit the best of Egypt, the Pyramids and Nile cruise vacation package is perfect because it allows you to explore Egypt's historical sites, including the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings, and the Luxor temple, while you are cruising the Nile.