Mövenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise, day cruise on Lake Nasser
Day cruise from Aswan across Lake Nasser with timed itineraries to Abu Simbel, onboard lunch served, daily departures and flexible pickup times.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Mövenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise is a 1-day cruise covering Lake Nasser and the Abu Simbel corridor in Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- New
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- N/A
- Destinations
- Aswan · Abu Simbel
- Includes
- Day cruise on Mövenpick Prince Abbas · Lunch on board · Ship crew and standard onboard services · Port and harbour fees where charged by the vessel
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Travelers based in Aswan · Visitors seeking a lake route to Abu Simbel · Couples and small groups
- Guide languages
- English
- Licensed Egyptian tour operator
- Private or small-group transfers arranged to reduce waiting time at the pier
- Local crew and onboard services coordinated for the cruise
- Standard site logistics and timings confirmed before departure
- Support available during trip planning and on the ground in Egypt
02Overview
A first look
By mid-morning the lake widens and the desert shoreline slides into long, light-coloured bands, while the Mövenpick Prince Abbas slips through glassy water toward Abu Simbel. On deck you will feel the sun and breeze, hear gulls and the low thud of the engines, and watch small Nubian settlements pass at a steady, unhurried pace as the temples grow on the horizon.
We arrange the cruise logistics, local crew and onboard meals, and our Egyptologists coordinate timing with the ship’s schedule. We do not run mass coach transfers; your vehicle is private or small-group, timed to minimise waiting at the pier and make the day smoother.
Background
The facts
The Mövenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise is a day cruise on Lake Nasser that operates from Aswan and serves the Abu Simbel corridor. Lake Nasser is the large reservoir formed after construction of the Aswan High Dam, completed in 1970, and it stretches south toward the Sudanese border. The route is used for scenic lake travel as well as access to archaeological sites in the Abu Simbel region.
Lake crossings on this route are typically arranged around local navigation schedules and pier timings, which can affect departure and arrival windows. The lake’s shoreline is arid and sparsely populated, with desert escarpments, rocky outcrops, and occasional Nubian settlements visible from the water. Depending on the itinerary and operating conditions, passengers may travel directly toward Abu Simbel by boat or by tender.
The cruise normally includes lunch served in the dining area, with indoor and outdoor seating depending on availability and weather. Standard vessel services and port or harbour fees charged by the vessel are included as specified at booking. Transfers from an Aswan hotel to the pier are not automatically included and are typically arranged separately, which helps align pick-up times with the cruise schedule.
Abu Simbel is best known for the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Hathor and Nefertari, both relocated in the 1960s during the UNESCO rescue campaign linked to the Aswan High Dam project. Many visitors combine this lake route with site visits in the Abu Simbel area because the cruise can reduce the need for long road travel while still following the fixed operating timetable on Lake Nasser.
Named in this entry
Mövenpick Prince Abbas·Lake Nasser·Aswan High Dam·Abu Simbel·Great Temple of Ramses II·Temple of Hathor and Nefertari·UNESCO·Nubian villages
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This is suited to travelers who want a slower-paced Aswan experience, especially adults and older children interested in Lake Nasser scenery and the Abu Simbel archaeological zone. It also suits visitors who prefer scheduled boat travel over long coach journeys and who are comfortable with a full day on the water.
What lingers
- 01Day cruise on Lake Nasser aboard the Mövenpick Prince Abbas, departing from Aswan
- 02Scenic lake crossing with views of desert shoreline and occasional Nubian villages
- 03Timed itineraries serving Abu Simbel, subject to local schedules and navigation
- 04Onboard lunch served in the ship’s dining area, with indoor and outdoor seating options
- 05Daily departures, useful for flexible Aswan schedules
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a road-based day trip, this itinerary uses Lake Nasser travel and is timed around pier and navigation schedules. Compared with large coach excursions, it is typically more flexible on transfer timing and has a slower sightseeing pace on the water. It is also different from a full Nile cruise because it is a single-day lake cruise rather than a multi-night voyage.
The route
Aswan and Abu Simbel
Choose your direction
- Aswan → Abu Simbel3 nightsupstream, against the current
- Abu Simbel → Aswan2 nightsdownstream, with the current
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Abu Simbel.
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The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Day cruise aboard the Mövenpick Prince Abbas on Lake Nasser
- Lunch on board, as specified at time of booking
- Ship crew and standard onboard services
- Port and harbour fees where charged by the vessel
Not included
- Transfers to and from your Aswan hotel or the pier unless booked separately
- Entrance fees to Abu Simbel or other archaeological sites
- Gratuities for crew and guides, optional excursions and premium beverages
- Any domestic flights or long-distance transfers
Tailor it
Make it yours
The cruise can usually be paired with private or small-group transfers from Aswan, subject to booking. Depending on availability, travelers may request different boarding times, meal arrangements, or an extended itinerary that adds Abu Simbel site visits or other Lake Nasser arrangements. Any changes depend on vessel schedules and local navigation conditions.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The day cruise requires boarding a vessel from a harbour gangway and walking across the ship's deck; expect 6 to 12 steps up from the quay onto the gangway and additional steps onto the ship. Deck surfaces can be wet and uneven after spray; there is limited handrail coverage in some outdoor areas. The ship has interior dining and outdoor seating, both accessed via stairs. Wheelchair users should note there is no full step-free route from the quay to the main public areas on most day departures. If you have reduced mobility, please tell us before booking so we can advise whether assistance is feasible and arrange closest-possible pickup at the harbour.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport or ID
- Sun hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher
- Light waterproof layer for spray and wind
- Personal medication and seasickness remedies
- Small daypack for camera and water bottle
- Printed or mobile ticket/voucher
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing
- Covered shoulders for mosque visits if applicable
- Non-slip, closed-toe walking shoes
- Light scarf for sun and wind protection
Children & families
Children of all ages may travel on the day cruise, but infant safety can be limited by the gangway and deck layout. Infants under 2 travel free when sharing parents' seating, children aged 2 to 11 usually qualify for a reduced child rate, and from 12 years onwards the adult rate applies. Strollers are practical up to the harbour, but folding and carrying across the gangway may be required; high chairs are not standard on board. Tell us the ages at booking so we can reserve suitable seating and advise on safety.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Mövenpick Prince Abbas is a motorised lake cruiser operating scheduled day crossings on Lake Nasser; fuel-powered propulsion and diesel generators supply the vessel. Transfers between hotels and the harbour are by air-conditioned minivan or coach, depending on group size. We work with the ship's local crew and the harbour authority in Aswan, and lunches are typically sourced from Aswan suppliers and markets within 24 hours of sailing. Where possible we avoid single-use plastics on-board, and crew tips are retained locally to support staff. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we track departure patterns so we do not run unnecessary repositioning trips that increase mileage.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
The Mövenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise is a day cruise on Lake Nasser from Aswan that serves the Abu Simbel corridor. It includes lunch on board, vessel crew services, and port or harbour fees where charged by the vessel. Transfers, site entrance fees, gratuities, and premium beverages are not included unless booked separately.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Mövenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise?
The Mövenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise is a one-day experience on Lake Nasser. It typically runs from morning to late afternoon, allowing for a leisurely journey and access to key sites.02What is included in the cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes the day cruise aboard the Mövenpick Prince Abbas, lunch on board, ship crew services, and standard port and harbour fees. It offers a comfortable way to experience Lake Nasser.03Are transfers to the pier included with the cruise?
Transfers to and from your Aswan hotel or the pier are not included as standard. We can arrange private or small-group transfers separately to ensure timely arrival and departure.04Are entrance fees to Abu Simbel included in the cruise price?
Entrance fees to Abu Simbel or any other archaeological sites are not included in the cruise price. These tickets can be purchased separately at the site entrance.05What should I wear for a day cruise on Lake Nasser?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather, along with a hat, sunglasses, and sun cream. Modest dress is advisable if you plan to visit religious sites ashore.06Is the Mövenpick Prince Abbas cruise suitable for children?
Yes, the cruise is generally suitable for children, offering a relaxed pace and onboard amenities. Families should consider the duration and sun exposure for younger travellers.07What is the best time of year to take a Lake Nasser cruise?
The best time to take a Lake Nasser cruise is typically from October to April, when temperatures are milder. Summer months can be very hot, particularly in Aswan and Abu Simbel.08What kind of food is served for lunch on board?
Lunch on board typically features a buffet with a selection of international and Egyptian dishes. Specific menus are confirmed at the time of booking and cater to various tastes.09What is the accessibility like on the Mövenpick Prince Abbas for guests with mobility concerns?
The Mövenpick Prince Abbas has ramps and lifts for access between decks, but guests should be aware that gangways to the ship can be steep. Onshore excursions may involve walking on uneven terrain.10How does this day cruise differ from a multi-night Lake Nasser cruise?
This is a single-day cruise, offering a focused experience on Lake Nasser and the Abu Simbel corridor. Multi-night cruises explore more sites along the lake over several days, providing a deeper immersion.
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 24 July 2026Product ID: CRU-ASW-210421
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