Grand Rose Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic views, shaded sun-deck seating, full-board dining, a lounge bar, and a rooftop pool.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with full board accommodation from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. The cruise includes a scheduled shore-excursion program to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite grades, with some offering Nile-view windows or balconies.
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cabin Accommodation
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full board meals · Booked cabin accommodation · Use of onboard facilities · Scheduled shore excursions
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors · Couples · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English · Italian · French · German · Others · English
- Shore excursions are coordinated to match the vessel’s published cruise program.
- Gratuities, drinks (including water), and personal expenses are clearly separated from inclusions.
What lingers
- 01Sun deck with shaded seating and panoramic Nile views
- 02Lounge bar and indoor seating for evening briefings and relaxation
- 03Dining room serving full board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 04Cabin grades: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, several with Nile-view windows or balconies
- 05Shore-excursion program visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and Valley of the Kings
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile reflects the changing light across the sun deck, while the riverbank slips past beyond the railing. Inside, the lounge bar and dining room give the vessel a calm rhythm between sailing days and shore excursions.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings into context without turning each visit into a rushed checklist. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation arranged by us. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, selects the cabin grade, books the cruise, and coordinates the practical details before you board.
Background
The facts
Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for scheduled sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel’s program alternates sailing days with shore excursions to major Upper Egypt monuments, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are handled at Luxor and Aswan, the two main cruise ports on the Upper Nile.
Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with some units featuring Nile-view windows or balconies. Public areas typically include a sun deck with shaded seating, a lounge bar, a dining room, and a small pool. The vessel is sold on a full-board basis, meaning lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day are included in the cruise program.
The shore-excursion schedule focuses on sites associated with the New Kingdom and later Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods. Karnak Temple was expanded over many centuries, while Luxor Temple is closely linked to New Kingdom royal ceremony and later Roman modifications. Edfu is among the best-preserved temples in Egypt, Kom Ombo is a rare double temple, and Philae was relocated after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to protect it from rising waters.
Grand Rose is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, which coordinates the booking and cruise logistics while the vessel itself is operated by the cruise line. Standard entrance fees are included unless a premium ticket is specifically stated; drinks (including water), gratuities, and personal expenses are usually extra.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus, Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Upper Egypt·Nile River·New Kingdom of Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with hotel-style comfort, especially adults and older teens interested in ancient Egyptian temples and river scenery. It is also appropriate for first-time visitors who prefer having meals, cabin accommodation, and shore excursions organized in advance.
Maybe not, if
- Not suitable for people needing full wheelchair access
- Those who prefer fast-paced, activity-heavy itineraries
- Guests with severe mobility restrictions due to temple steps
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel stay in Luxor or Aswan, this cruise combines accommodation, meals, and scheduled shore excursions on one vessel while sailing between the two cities. Compared with a land-only itinerary, it reduces repeated packing and transfers because the route, dining, and cabin are handled as part of the cruise program. It is more structured than a custom private overland tour, but it keeps the main temple visits and river travel in one booking.
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
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
On board
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Bar
- Concierge
- Rooftop terrace
- Swimming pool
Bundled in
- Full board
- Hotel pickup
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in the booked cabin grade on board
- Use of onboard facilities such as sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Scheduled shore excursions as per the vessel's program
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- International or domestic flights and airport taxes
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance
- Site-specific premium entrance tickets not included (for example pyramid interiors or premium tombs) unless explicitly stated
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Request an upper-deck cabin for broader Nile views during sailing and sunrise
- 02
Plan temple visits early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pounds for market purchases, tips, and snack stalls onshore
- 04
Bring a lightweight scarf for sun protection and to cover shoulders at temples
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can usually choose between private arrangements or a standard cruise booking, depending on the available sailing and cabin category. Upgrades may include higher-grade cabins, balcony or Nile-view options where available, and extended land arrangements before or after the cruise. Additional site visits, meal-related requests, or linked hotel stays in Luxor or Aswan can often be added when booked in advance.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise involves boarding a gangway and moving between decks with steps and low thresholds, so travelers with reduced mobility should plan accordingly. Cabins have narrow doorways and some require steps to access; there is limited lift access between decks on most Nile cruisers. Embarkation and shore excursions often require short walks on river quays, uneven cobbles, historic stone paving and short staircases at temples and tombs. Wheelchair users will generally need a collapsible wheelchair and assistance for boarding and shore transfers; please tell us your exact requirements before booking so we can check cabin suitability and arrange staff assistance where possible. For visitors who use walking sticks or have limited stamina, we recommend allowing extra time for temple approaches and letting your Egyptologist know before each excursion.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses inboard diesel engines for propulsion and small launch boats for some shore landings; fuel and emissions are therefore typical of Nile river cruisers. We work with the cruise line to limit single-use plastics on board and encourage linen reuse for multi-night sailings. Shore excursions use local licensed guides and suppliers, which directs income to community businesses in Luxor and Aswan, and the cruise employs local crew and on-board staff recruited from the region. If you prefer lower-impact options ashore, ask your Egyptologist about walking routes and local craft cooperatives that receive direct support from passenger purchases.
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
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 hat
- Reusable water bottle for refills on board
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Small torch or headlamp for reading in cabin at night
- Any required prescription medicines in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing in natural fibres
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A warm layer for cooler evenings on the sun deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Sunglasses and a brimmed hat for strong sun
Children & families
Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers can be useful in ports and on flat promenades, but they are impractical at many temple approaches and inside tombs due to steps and narrow passages. High chairs are not guaranteed on board; request them at time of booking and we will check availability with the cruise line.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $843single cabin $1,116triple cabin $843 | May – September: from $707single cabin $882triple cabin $699 | Peak dates: from $1,038single cabin $1,448triple cabin $1,030 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $996single cabin $1,360triple cabin $996 | May – September: from $814single cabin $1,048triple cabin $803 | Peak dates: from $1,256single cabin $1,802triple cabin $1,245 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,451single cabin $2,088triple cabin $1,451 | May – September: from $1,133single cabin $1,542triple cabin $1,115 | Peak dates: from $1,906single cabin $2,862triple cabin $1,888 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,472single cabin $2,109triple cabin $1,472 | May – September: from $1,154single cabin $1,563triple cabin $1,135 | Peak dates: from $1,927single cabin $2,883triple cabin $1,909 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. Choose your sailing 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.
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.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
- Karnak Temple Complex (Luxor)
- Luxor Temple (Luxor city center)
- Valley of the Kings (West Bank, Luxor)
- Philae Temple (Aswan)
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise typically offers 8-day sailings between Luxor and Aswan. These voyages alternate weekly between northbound and southbound routes, providing a comprehensive experience of the Nile River and its historical sites.02What is included in the full board meal plan on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise includes all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the main dining room. Drinks (including water) are generally excluded.03What shore excursions are part of the Grand Rose Nile Cruise program?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise includes a scheduled program of shore excursions to major sites. These typically feature visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple.04What types of cabins are available on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise offers cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite grades. Many cabins feature panoramic windows or balconies, allowing for views of the Nile. All cabins are designed for comfort during your sailing.05What amenities are available on board the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
On board the Grand Rose Nile Cruise, guests can enjoy a sun deck with shaded seating, a lounge bar, a main dining room, and a small pool. These facilities are available for all guests throughout their sailing.06What is the policy for children on the Grand Rose 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 fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear for shore excursions from the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ancient stone and sand. Light, breathable clothing is best for the Egyptian climate, and modest dress is advised for visits to religious sites like temples and mosques.08Are gratuities included in the Grand Rose Nile Cruise package?
No, gratuities for the cruise staff and Egyptologists are not included in the Grand Rose Nile Cruise package. It is customary to tip for good service, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts closer to your departure.09What is the best time of year to take the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
The best time to take the Grand Rose 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, especially for daytime excursions.10Does the Grand Rose Nile Cruise include visits to premium sites like pyramid interiors?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise includes standard entrance fees for the scheduled shore excursions. However, site-specific premium entrance tickets, such as for pyramid interiors or certain premium tombs, are not included unless explicitly stated in your booking.
Product ID: CRU-LUX-766321
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