Esplanade Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic-window cabins, a sun deck pool and jacuzzi, full-board dining, and a lounge bar.
The short answer
Esplanade is a 5-Star Luxury Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Rates are on request: send us your dates for a live price.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the sun deck, while the shoreline slips past shaded seating and the lounge bar fills with quiet conversation. Inside, panoramic windows keep the river in view as you settle into your cabin, dine in the onboard dining room, or watch the landscape change between Luxor and Aswan.
Shore excursions bring the riverbank into focus, from the columns of Karnak Temple to the sandstone courts at Edfu and the terraces of Philae. We select and arrange the cruise as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with our Egyptologists coordinating the archaeological visits and local arrangements.
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.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
We don't have current published rates for this ship. Send us your dates and we'll come back with a live price for the cabin you want.
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.
What lingers
- 01Sun deck with pool and jacuzzi, plus shaded seating for Nile views
- 02Shore-excursion program to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 03Panoramic-window cabins and Nile-view balconies in higher-grade categories
- 04Lounge bar and indoor seating areas for evening relaxation
- 05Free onboard Wi-Fi and an on-deck dining room serving full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in your chosen cabin class on the vessel
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Use of onboard facilities: pool, jacuzzi, sun deck, lounge bar and public areas
- Shore excursions as provided in the vessel's program to named archaeological sites
- Free onboard Wi-Fi (subject to local coverage)
- Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal expenses, telephone calls and laundry
- Gratuities for onboard staff and Egyptologists unless requested
- Optional private excursions or premium tomb entrances not specified in the vessel program
- Entrance fees for premium tombs such as Tutankhamun or Seti I, and private museum supplements, unless stated in your booking
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
Travelers can choose private or shared arrangements depending on the booking style, and cabin grades may differ by view and space. Optional upgrades may include higher cabin categories, extra private excursions, or premium tomb entrances if requested and booked separately. The cruise can also be paired with longer Egypt itineraries before or after the sailing.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This is suitable for travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with supervised sightseeing, especially first-time visitors, couples, and history-focused adults aged roughly 25 to 70. It also suits travelers who prefer unpacking once while visiting several major archaeological sites between Luxor and Aswan.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a day excursion, this Nile cruise lets travelers stay aboard while moving between Luxor and Aswan with scheduled shore excursions at major temples and tombs. Compared with a standard river transfer, it combines accommodation, meals, and sightseeing in one booking. Higher-category cabins may also provide panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies.
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.
- Cleopatra Nile Cruise
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From $1,782 per person
- Jaz Elite Regent Nile Cruise
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From $1,899 per person
- Jaz Elite Viceroy Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
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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 Cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Philae
- Includes
- Cabin accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Use of pool, jacuzzi, sun deck, lounge bar and public areas · Shore excursions to named archaeological sites · Free onboard Wi-Fi subject to coverage · Embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor and Aswan
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Travelers who prefer unpacking once · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visas
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brim hat
- Reusable water bottle for refills onboard
- Light daypack for excursions and personal items
- Motion-sickness tablets if you are prone to seasickness
- Photocopy of passport and emergency contact details
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- A light sweater or shawl for cooler evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeology sites with uneven stone
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with parents. Children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare. Children aged 12 and above 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 will require a separate cabin. Strollers can be used on the vessel but may be difficult on some excursion sites because of steps and uneven surfaces; high chairs are not guaranteed on board and should be requested in advance.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and its public areas have physical constraints typical of Nile river cruisers. Expect steps between decks, narrow corridors and cabin doorways that may not accommodate standard wheelchairs. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, temple steps and sandy surfaces, and some embarkation points require a short gangway with steps. Guests who use mobility aids should be able to transfer from a wheelchair to a seat and to walk short distances with assistance. We can arrange additional staff support on arrival, and a shore-excursion pace can be adapted where feasible, but full step-free access ashore is not guaranteed. Please contact us before booking to discuss individual needs and to allow us to confirm whether a particular cabin or berth is suitable.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We work with the cruise line and local suppliers to reduce avoidable environmental impacts on the Nile corridor. The vessel is powered by diesel engines typical of river cruisers; we encourage sensible engine use and route planning to avoid unnecessary fuel consumption. Onboard sourcing prioritises fresh produce purchased from markets in Luxor and Aswan, supporting local growers and vendors. Single-use plastics are limited where operationally possible. Shore excursions use air-conditioned coaches arranged through local partners, and guides are locally employed Egyptologists who keep excursion group sizes modest. Profits from passenger services support local crew employment and routine vessel maintenance carried out in Egyptian shipyards.
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 Esplanade Nile Cruise?
This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the Nile's key archaeological sites.02What is included in the full board on the Esplanade Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Esplanade Nile Cruise covers all meals, starting with lunch on your embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically extra.03What shore excursions are part of the Esplanade Nile Cruise program?
The Esplanade Nile Cruise program includes supervised shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. These visits are spread across sailing days.04What are the cabin options and amenities on the Esplanade Nile Cruise?
The Esplanade Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, each featuring a panoramic window or Nile-view balcony. All cabins are air-conditioned and provide comfortable accommodation for your journey.05Is Wi-Fi available on the Esplanade Nile Cruise?
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available onboard the Esplanade Nile Cruise in public areas and cabins. Connectivity may vary depending on the vessel's position along the Nile.06What is the policy for children on the Esplanade Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult price. One child maximum per cabin, sharing with parents.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise?
We recommend comfortable, lightweight clothing for daytime excursions, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sun cream. Modest dress is advised for temple visits. Evenings onboard are generally smart casual.08Are gratuities included in the Esplanade Nile Cruise price?
Gratuities for onboard staff and Egyptologists are not typically included in the cruise price. We can arrange for these to be pre-paid if you prefer, or you may tip locally.09What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when temperatures are milder and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months can be very hot, especially during excursions.10How does the Esplanade Nile Cruise handle embarkation and disembarkation?
Embarkation and disembarkation for the Esplanade Nile Cruise occur at designated points in Luxor and Aswan. Specific timings depend on your sailing direction and transfer arrangements.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-236118
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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