Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
At a glance
- Length
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya is a superior Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
Background
The facts
Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel with eight cabins in total: two suites and six double cabins. Dahabiyas are smaller, wind-powered river craft that typically provide a quieter onboard environment than larger motorised ships. This vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation handled at those two river ports.
The shore-excursion programme typically includes major Upper Egypt monuments such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These sites represent a route along the Nile corridor between Luxor and Aswan, with travel time between the two cities usually covered by river sailing rather than road transport. Standard entrance fees are generally included in organised Egypt cruise arrangements unless otherwise stated; access to premium tombs or pyramid interiors is not relevant to this route.
On board, the vessel provides a rooftop terrace, lounge bar, dining room, and public WiFi subject to local signal. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with water provided at meals. The vessel can be booked as a regular sailing with a minimum of two cabins or as a full private charter.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who prefer a slower-paced Nile experience, especially adults, couples, and small groups who value fewer cabins and a more intimate atmosphere. It also appeals to history-focused visitors who want guided access to Upper Egypt’s key temples and tomb sites without the scale of a large ship.
What lingers
- 01Seven-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Royal Cleopatra dahabiya, daytime sails and overnight moorings at riverbanks.
- 02Includes guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor East Bank, Luxor West Bank, and the Valley of the Kings.
- 03Stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo with two-hour temple visits; avoids hurried 40-minute cruise-ship layovers.
- 04Aswan itinerary includes Philae Temple and felucca evening sail; optional Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan not included.
- 05We operate this as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; your Cairo or Aswan transfers and local Egyptologist-guides are arranged.
The route
Esna and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
5 Days / 4 Nights · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $919 | $974 | $1,029 |
| Suite | $1,482 | $1,607 | $1,732 |
| Single Cabin | $1,982 | $2,169 | $2,357 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $784 | $825 | $866 |
| Suite | $1,206 | $1,299 | $1,393 |
| Single Cabin | $1,581 | $1,721 | $1,862 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On property
What's here
- restaurant
- wifi
- concierge
- rooftop-terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day (water with meals)
- Use of public areas: rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room
- WiFi in public areas (subject to local signal)
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals
- Crew and guide gratuities
- National park or temple entrance fees where applicable, unless stated at booking
- International or domestic flights to Egypt
- Transfers, visas and personal expenses
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents (maximum one child per cabin). Two or more children require their own cabin.
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is a dahabiya and how does it differ from a Nile cruise?
A dahabiya is a shallow-draft, traditionally rigged Nile sailing houseboat that offers a slower, smaller-boat experience than large cruise ships. These boats typically moor closer to villages and make shorter, more frequent stops ashore; they have fewer public spaces and fewer passengers than standard river cruise ships. Because the pace is slower, you often spend more time at each site and walk more to reach temples and villages.02What is included in the price for the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya?
Price usually includes cabin accommodation, meals as listed, onboard crew services, and standard archaeological site entrance fees unless we state otherwise. International flights, visa fees, premium tombs and pyramid interiors (e.g., Tutankhamun, Seti I, or Khufu interior), and crew gratuities are normally excluded. We are the operator on the ground, not an aggregator; confirm the exact inclusions on your booking voucher so there are no surprises.03Does a seven-day route typically visit Luxor and Aswan?
A seven-day dahabiya route commonly links Luxor and Aswan, but exact ports of call vary by departure. Confirm the day-by-day itinerary with us before you travel – some departures stop more frequently at village landings, others prioritize longer temple visits. Unlike short 3–4 night cruises, a seven-day dahabiya allows more time ashore and slower transit between sites.04How big are the cabins and what bedding is provided?
Cabins are compact and private, normally offering double or twin beds plus an en-suite bathroom. Storage is limited compared with hotel rooms; soft-sided luggage that fits under a bed or in a small closet works best. Charging points are usually available onboard but may not be 24/7; tell us any specific bedding or cabin-location preferences and we will confirm availability.05Is the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Dahabiyas have steps, narrow gangways, and uneven surfaces, so they are not suitable for travelers needing full wheelchair access. Crew can provide assistance with boarding and short transfers, but shore landings often require stepping from a small tender or up low riverbanks. If you have reduced mobility, notify us at booking – we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and will advise realistic options and any additional assistance we can arrange.06What should I pack for a seven-day Nile dahabiya trip?
Pack sun protection, lightweight layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a modest-dress option for temples, and a small daypack. Bring sunscreen, a broad-brim hat, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, insect repellent, prescription medications with copies of prescriptions, and a universal travel adapter; carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips and purchases ashore. Use soft-sided luggage where possible and check with us about recommended luggage size for tender transfers.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 18 May 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-952725
You Might Also Like
Luxor6 Nights
Abundance Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Abundance Dahabiya is a traditional sail-powered dahabiya offering an intimate, slower-paced way to travel the Nile. The vessel uses lateen sails and carries a professional captain and crew; chef-prepared meals are served on board and Full Board is provided from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The dahabiya typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and reaches secluded moorings such as Hagar Silsala and Gebel Silsila. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has carefully selected and arranges this cruise as part of your trip.
From $1,487
Luxor6 Nights
Iris Luxury Dahabiya Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile for seven days aboard the Iris Luxury Dahabiya with Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We operate the Iris as a private charter, avoiding large river-ship schedules and crowded day-stop itineraries. The dahabiya cruises at a traditional, slow pace, which gives longer shore time at Kom Ombo and Edfu and relaxed mornings in Luxor and Aswan. Our Egyptologists can join guided visits ashore; we arrange transfers, permits, and local guides. Trade-offs: cabins are more compact than contemporary river ships and onboard amenities are fewer, but the pace and privacy are materially different from standard Nile cruises.
From $931
Nile5 Nights
Adelaide Dahabiya Nile Cruise
This is a 7-day dahabiya cruise on the Nile operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We sail at a reduced-engine pace and moor at village landings rather than large cruise piers. Unlike larger motorized riverliners, the dahabiya prioritizes quiet transit and closer village access, which changes timing and walk-off logistics compared with standard Nile cruises. We arrange Egyptologist-guided shore visits and all ground transfers; standard site entrance fees are included unless we state otherwise. Trade-offs: smaller cabins, fewer public spaces, and occasional schedule variation when wind conditions affect progress – we plan itineraries to manage those variables.
From $1,557