Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with 65 Andalos-style cabins, full-board dining, a sun terrace, pool bar, lounge, and evening entertainment.
The short answer
Al Nabilatan is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $800 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile is quiet beneath the sun deck, with riverbank palms sliding past as Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise leaves Luxor or Aswan. Inside, Andalos-inspired details, panoramic windows, and the lounge’s soft music create a calm base between shore excursions.
Sailing days give you time to read, swim, or watch villages and fields change along the river, while guided visits bring you to Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and the Valley of the Kings. We arrange your cabin, meals, and excursion schedule in advance, with our private Egyptologists on hand for the historic sites.
Routes
Where this ship sails
Each route this ship sails. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of. Embarkation days and prices are in the table below.
Cruise lengths, embarkation days and prices
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the whole cruise, the guided sightseeing program along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the ship and the local airport or train station.
| Cruise | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $800double cabinsingle cabin $1,033 | May – September: from $664double cabinsingle cabin $800 | Peak dates: from $976double cabinsingle cabin $1,346 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $974double cabinsingle cabin $1,284 | May – September: from $792double cabinsingle cabin $974 | Peak dates: from $1,208double cabinsingle cabin $1,702 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,488double cabinsingle cabin $2,030 | May – September: from $1,170double cabinsingle cabin $1,488 | Peak dates: from $1,898double cabinsingle cabin $2,762 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,508double cabinsingle cabin $2,049 | May – September: from $1,189double cabinsingle cabin $1,508 | Peak dates: from $1,917double cabinsingle cabin $2,782 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your cruise and date in the booking panel for the exact price.
Cabin allocation
- Nile vessels do not have interconnecting cabins.
- Book early and we will ask the vessel to place your party together — usually adjacent, or directly opposite.
- Cabin numbers are confirmed by the vessel at check-in.
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On board
Detailed itinerary
- 1
Board at Luxor and enjoy lunch on board before visiting Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Explore the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon, then begin sailing south towards Edfu.
- 3
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu and the double temple at Kom Ombo, then sail on to Aswan.
- 4
Visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. An optional flight or drive to Abu Simbel can be arranged.
- 5
A relaxed day at Aswan: sail by felucca around Elephantine Island and Kitchener’s Island, or visit a Nubian village, before the vessel turns north.
- 6
- 7
Arrive back at Luxor with time for any West Bank sites not yet seen, or relax on the sun deck as you moor for the final night.
- 8
After breakfast, disembark at Luxor for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board your Nile cruiser at Luxor and settle into your cabin over lunch. In the afternoon visit Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt, and Luxor Temple on the East Bank.
- 2
Cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari and the Colossi of Memnon. The vessel then begins sailing south towards Edfu.
- 3
Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt, then sail on to Kom Ombo and its double temple dedicated to Sobek and Haroeris. Continue sailing to Aswan, where the ship moors for the night.
- 4
The ship lies moored at Aswan. Guests visiting Abu Simbel leave before dawn, by road or by air, for the two rock temples Ramesses II cut into the cliff, returning aboard around midday. The afternoon is at leisure on board.
- 5
After breakfast, disembark at Aswan. The morning then covers Aswan itself: the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae reached by motor launch, and the granite Unfinished Obelisk, before your onward transfer.
- 1
Board your Nile cruiser at Aswan and enjoy lunch on board. Visit the High Dam, the Temple of Isis at Philae and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
Sail north to Kom Ombo for its double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then continue to Edfu to visit the Temple of Horus. Sail on towards Luxor.
- 3
Reach Luxor and cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 4
After breakfast visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then disembark for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board at Aswan and enjoy lunch on board, then visit the High Dam, Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk.
- 2
A relaxed day at Aswan by felucca around Elephantine and Kitchener’s Islands, or a Nubian village visit. An optional Abu Simbel excursion can be arranged.
- 3
Sail north to Kom Ombo for the double temple of Sobek and Haroeris, then Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
- 4
At Luxor, cross to the West Bank for the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.
- 5
Visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank, then the vessel begins its return sailing south.
- 6
- 7
Arrive back at Aswan with time to relax on board or take an optional excursion before your final night.
- 8
After breakfast, disembark at Aswan for your onward transfer.
The ship
- Class
- 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 65
What lingers
- 0165 cabins, including junior suites, decorated in an Andalos Islamic style
- 02Full-board sailings between Luxor and Aswan with a private Egyptologist guide
- 03Guided shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae Temple
- 04Swimming pool, pool bar, sun terrace, gym, reading room and grand lounge
- 05Evening entertainment including a folkloric show, galabeyah party and discotheque
- 06Optional Abu Simbel excursion at the end of the Luxor to Aswan sailing
On property
What's here
- Swimming pool
- Pool bar
- Elevators
- Electronic safety deposit box
- Grand lounge
- Sun terrace
- Restaurant (international & national cuisine)
- Main lounge with music system and dance floor
- Themed events (galabeyah party, belly dancer, folkloric show)
- Nightly discotheque
- Reading room
- Billiard room
- Tennis table
- Gym
- Massage services
- Laundry
- 24-hour room service
- Minibar in cabins
- Satellite TV in cabins
- Internet access
Bundled in
- Full board
- Private Egyptologist
- Private transfer
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in a cabin on the selected sailing
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Private Egyptologist guide for the listed shore excursions
- Guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple
- Use of the swimming pool, gym, sun terrace, and shared onboard facilities
Not included
- Optional Abu Simbel excursion
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses, massage services, laundry, and room service charges where applicable
- Single supplement
Add before or after your cruise
The ship sails between Luxor and Aswan. The Pyramids, and most flights home, are in Cairo. These short add-ons join the two.
After you dock
Aswan to Cairo flight and one hotel night
Two nights in Cairo with a day in Alexandria
3-Day Egypt Short Break: Cairo & Luxor
3-Day Cairo & Alexandria Tour
3-Day Luxor Tour from Marsa Alam
3-Day Cairo Tour from Sharm El Sheikh- 3-Day Luxor & Cairo Tour from Hurghada
2-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Stay
3-Day Luxor to Cairo Post-Cruise Tour with Alexandria
Tailor it
Make it yours
Discovery Tours Egypt can arrange the cruise in either sailing direction and can help coordinate private Egyptologist-guided shore excursions, airport or hotel arrangements and an optional Abu Simbel visit. Cabin category, single occupancy and additional attractions can be requested, subject to availability and applicable supplements.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time Egypt visitors, couples, families and history enthusiasts who want guided access to the principal temples and archaeological sites along the Nile. It is appropriate for travelers comfortable with regular shore excursions, uneven historic-site surfaces and boarding a river vessel.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation and river travel with guided visits to major temples and tombs between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike an independently arranged sailing, the package includes a private Egyptologist guide for the listed shore excursions, while optional Abu Simbel, gratuities, drinks (including water) and personal expenses remain separate.
Compare
Similar ships to compare
Ships of the same class with the closest prices. Prices are per person, sharing a double cabin, October to April.
- King of Thebes Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $800 per person
- Kleos Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $800 per person
- Semiramis III Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Fri from Luxor
From $781 per person
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Hatshepsut Temple · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation on the selected sailing · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Private Egyptologist guide · Guided visits to listed temples and archaeological sites · Use of swimming pool, gym, sun terrace and shared facilities
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · History enthusiasts · Couples · Families with children · Travelers seeking guided Nile shore excursions
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and booking documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher
- Refillable water bottle
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Insect repellent
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Any required prescription medicines
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Comfortable shoes for uneven ancient surfaces
- Covered shoulders and knees at temples and religious sites
- A light layer for air-conditioned indoor areas and evening sailing
- Swimwear for the pool, with a cover-up for shared areas
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50%, and children aged 12 or older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers may be difficult to use on gangways, at river ports, and across uneven archaeological ground. High-chair availability should be confirmed before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Nile cruise involves boarding and leaving the vessel by gangway, which may be steep, narrow, or uneven depending on the river port and water level. Shore excursions include walking across uneven ancient stone, sand, cobblestones, steps, and sloping paths at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. The vessel has shared onboard facilities, but wheelchair access, cabin door widths, lifts, and accessible bathrooms are not confirmed for this package. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so we can check the assigned vessel and arrange practical assistance where available.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
River cruising reduces the need for repeated road transfers between Luxor and Aswan, while local Egyptologists, drivers, port staff, and excursion suppliers support employment in the Nile Valley. The vessel uses standard marine fuel, water, electricity, and onboard air-conditioning, so this is not a zero-impact form of travel. We arrange services with Egyptian suppliers and recommend using refillable bottles where safe drinking-water facilities are provided. Please follow the vessel’s instructions for towel and linen changes, avoid single-use plastics, and do not leave litter at temples, riverbanks, or archaeological sites.
Licensed Egyptologist guides
State-licensed, and people we have worked with for years
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities' site rules: marked paths, no touching reliefs
Local teams, real help
Our own offices in Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Hurghada, Marsa Alam and Sharm El Sheikh
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
If you cancel, your refund depends on how early you tell us and on the type of trip. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
This allows for comprehensive visits to key ancient sites along the Nile River.02What is included in the full board arrangement on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise includes all meals, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the main restaurant. Drinks (including water) are typically extra.03What shore excursions are part of the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise program?
The Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise includes guided shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These visits are led by a private Egyptologist guide.04Is the optional Abu Simbel excursion included in the cruise price?
No, the optional Abu Simbel excursion is not included in the standard Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise price. This excursion can be arranged separately at the end of the Luxor to Aswan sailing. Your travel advisor can provide details on booking this addition.05What types of cabins are available on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
The Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise features 65 cabins, including junior suites, all designed with Andalos Islamic-style decor. Each cabin offers comfortable accommodation with panoramic windows, allowing you to enjoy views of the Nile. Specific cabin sizes and views vary by category.06What amenities are available on board the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
Onboard amenities include a sun terrace, swimming pool, pool bar, gym, reading room, and a grand lounge. The vessel also features a main lounge with a music system and dance floor, elevators, and electronic safety deposit boxes in each cabin. Themed events are offered in the evenings.07What is the policy for children on the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.08What should I wear for shore excursions during the cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is advisable for visiting temples and religious sites. Light, breathable fabrics are best for the Egyptian climate.09Are gratuities included in the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise package?
No, gratuities are not included in the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise package. It is customary to tip the crew and your Egyptologist guide. Your travel advisor can provide guidance on appropriate amounts for gratuities.10What is the best time of year to take the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise?
The best time to take the Al Nabilatan Nile Cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, though the vessel is air-conditioned.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-078826
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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