Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise
A 5-star Lake Nasser cruiser with lake-view cabins, full-board dining, a swimming pool, and a rooftop terrace.
The short answer
Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise is a 5-Star Deluxe Lake Nasser cruise ship. Embark in Abu Simbel on a Friday for 3 nights to Aswan, or in Aswan on a Monday for 4 nights to Abu Simbel or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $869 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, Lake Nasser is nearly silent, with open water stretching beyond the deck and desert ridges breaking the horizon. Sailing south from Aswan, you can watch the shoreline change while our Egyptologists bring the relocated temples and archaeological sites into focus during shore excursions at Wadi El Seboua, Amada, and Abu Simbel.
The pace feels quieter than a Luxor to Aswan river cruise, with fewer shore towns and less passing traffic. Time aboard is suited to reading on the rooftop terrace, cooling off in the pool, and looking for desert wildlife near the waterline. We select and arrange the cruiser, cabin, shore visits, and local transport as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so your Egyptologist is ready when you go ashore.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Abu Simbel → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $869double cabinsingle cabin $1,189 | May – September: from $693double cabinsingle cabin $1,033 |
| 4 nights · Aswan → Abu Simbelembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,075double cabinsingle cabin $1,502 | May – September: from $841double cabinsingle cabin $1,294 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,640double cabinsingle cabin $2,386 | May – September: from $1,231double cabinsingle cabin $2,022 |
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 your Lake Nasser cruiser near the High Dam and enjoy lunch aboard. Visit the temples of Kalabsha, Beit el-Wali and the Kiosk of Qertassi, relocated above the lake.
- 2
Sail south to the temple group of Wadi el-Seboua, with its avenue of sphinxes, and the neighbouring temples of Dakka and Meharraka.
- 3
Visit the temples of Amada and Derr and the rock-cut Tomb of Pennout, among the oldest Nubian monuments on the lake.
- 4
View the clifftop fortress of Kasr Ibrim from the deck, the only site still on its original location, then sail on towards Abu Simbel.
- 5
Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari at Abu Simbel, then disembark for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board at Abu Simbel and enjoy lunch aboard. Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari before sailing north.
- 2
View the fortress of Kasr Ibrim from the deck, then visit the temples of Amada and Derr and the Tomb of Pennout.
- 3
Visit Wadi el-Seboua with its avenue of sphinxes, the temples of Dakka and Meharraka, and the Kalabsha group near the High Dam.
- 4
After breakfast, disembark near the High Dam at Aswan for your onward transfer.
- 1
Board near the High Dam and enjoy lunch aboard, then visit the temples of Kalabsha, Beit el-Wali and the Kiosk of Qertassi.
- 2
Sail south to the temple group of Wadi el-Seboua and the temples of Dakka and Meharraka.
- 3
Visit the temples of Amada and Derr and the rock-cut Tomb of Pennout.
- 4
View the clifftop fortress of Kasr Ibrim from the deck and sail on towards Abu Simbel.
- 5
Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari, with time to see the temples again at a quieter hour.
- 6
A relaxed northbound day across the open water of Lake Nasser, with time on deck to watch for shoreline wildlife.
- 7
Call at any temple groups not yet visited on the northbound leg before mooring for your final night near the High Dam.
- 8
After breakfast, disembark near the High Dam at Aswan for your onward transfer.
What lingers
- 01Sail Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel
- 02Visit the temples at Wadi El Seboua
- 03See the archaeological site of Kasr Ibrim from the lake
- 04Explore the Temple of Amada
- 05Visit the Abu Simbel temples
- 06Use the cruiser’s restaurant, swimming pool and rooftop terrace
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Swimming pool
- Rooftop terrace
Bundled in
- Air conditioning in all cabins
- Panoramic lounge and bar
- Sun deck with loungers
- Onboard restaurant
- 24-hour reception and security
- Wi-Fi in public areas
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard a selected 5-star Lake Nasser cruiser
- Full board from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Shore excursions to Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim, Amada, and the Abu Simbel temples
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Optional services not listed in the booking details
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 with private or shared shore-excursion services, subject to the sailing schedule and availability. Travelers may also request pre- or post-cruise stays in Aswan or Abu Simbel, private transfers, additional sightseeing and cabin upgrades; drinks, gratuities and optional services remain payable unless specifically included in the booking.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers aged approximately 12 and above who are interested in ancient Nubian monuments, archaeological preservation and quieter lake travel. It is particularly appropriate for visitors who prefer a structured cruise with guided shore excursions rather than frequent road transfers, although walking on uneven archaeological paths may be required.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike the standard Luxor–Aswan Nile cruise, this Lake Nasser route sails from Aswan to Abu Simbel and visits Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim and Amada rather than the temples and towns along the conventional Nile itinerary. It offers fewer shore towns, a smaller cruiser fleet and a more isolated setting, with full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation.
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.
- Mövenpick Prince Abbas Lake Cruise, day cruise on Lake Nasser
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Fri from Abu Simbel
From $1,141 per person
- Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Fri from Abu Simbel
From $1,395 per person
The route
Aswan and Abu Simbel
- Lake Nasser
Choose your direction
- Aswan → Abu Simbel3 nightsupstream, against the current
- Abu Simbel → Aswan2 nightsdownstream, with the current
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Nile Cruiser
- Destinations
- Lake Nasser · Aswan · Wadi El Seboua · Kasr Ibrim · Amada · Abu Simbel · Abu Simbel temples
- Includes
- Lake Nasser cruise accommodation · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shore excursion to Wadi El Seboua · Kasr Ibrim viewing from the lake · Shore excursion to Amada · Visit to the Abu Simbel temples · Restaurant, swimming pool and rooftop terrace access
- Best for
- Archaeology enthusiasts · Travelers seeking a quieter Egypt cruise · First-time visitors to Abu Simbel · Couples and families with suitable cabin arrangements · Travelers interested in Nubian heritage
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Sunhat and sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30+)
- Reusable water bottle for refills
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Lightweight daypack for excursions
- Any personal medication, plus a copy of prescriptions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long sleeves or a scarf for sun protection and temples
- Trousers or knee-length skirts for mosque or temple visits
- A light fleece or jacket for cooler evenings on the lake
- Closed-toe shoes for ruins and uneven stone surfaces
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 and older 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. Cabins are compact and corridor widths on board and at some sites limit stroller use; a lightweight umbrella stroller is more practical than a bulky model. High chairs may be available on request at embarkation but are not guaranteed, so please request any equipment at booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This Lake Nasser cruise involves moderate physical activity and some uneven terrain. Shore excursions include steps, rock surfaces, sand, and short climbs at sites such as Abu Simbel, Kasr Ibrim, and Wadi El Seboua, and some sites have limited handrails. Boarding and disembarking the vessel require stepping up a gangway; some cabins have a small step at the doorway. Transfer vehicles are standard coach or air-conditioned minivan with steps. Wheelchair users can take the cruise with advance notice, but full independence is unlikely: shore access at many sites is not level and requires assistance. We arrange meet-and-assist at Aswan International Airport and can coordinate local help, however we cannot guarantee ramp access or shore-side wheelchair facilities at all sites. If you have reduced mobility, please contact us before booking so we can advise on specific excursions and the practical assistance available on the day.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange transfers by air-conditioned minivan or coach between Aswan, embarkation points, and excursion sites. The vessels assigned to this Lake Nasser route are smaller cruiser types, which make fewer port calls and carry fewer passengers compared with large Nile ships. We contract local Egyptologists and small shore-service teams in Aswan and Abu Simbel, which keeps tour income in the local economy and supports specialist guide jobs. On-board practices we request from partners include minimizing single-use plastics, segregating recyclable waste where facilities exist, and sourcing fresh produce from Aswan-area suppliers when possible. Temple and site entrance fees are standard and contribute to site conservation through the official channels. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we encourage guests to add voluntary donations to accredited local community projects; we can recommend vetted partners on request.
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 duration of the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
This allows for comprehensive visits to the monuments along Lake Nasser.02What is included in the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
Your cruise includes 5-star accommodation on a selected Nile cruiser, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and shore excursions to Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim, Amada, and the Abu Simbel temples.03What is not included in the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
Exclusions typically cover drinks (including water), gratuities, personal expenses, and any optional services not explicitly listed in your booking details. These items are usually settled directly on board.04What is the accessibility like on the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
While the Nubian Sea cruise offers comfortable cabins and common areas, shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone and some steps at temple sites. Guests with mobility concerns should discuss specific needs with us before booking.05What is the policy for children on the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
Children 0-5.99 years travel free, and 6-11.99 years pay 50%. Children 12 and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum per cabin, sharing with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear and bring for the Lake Nasser Cruise?
We recommend light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes for shore excursions, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Modest dress is advised for temple visits. Bring a camera and any personal medications.07What is the best time of year to take a Lake Nasser cruise?
The cooler months from October to April are generally ideal for a Lake Nasser cruise, offering more comfortable temperatures for exploring the sites. Summer months can be very hot, especially at midday.08How does this cruise differ from a standard Nile River cruise?
The Lake Nasser cruise sails a different route from Aswan to Abu Simbel, focusing on monuments relocated due to the High Dam. It offers a quieter, more isolated experience with fewer vessels and no shore towns, unlike the busier Luxor-Aswan Nile route.09Are alcoholic beverages included on the Nubian Sea Lake Nasser Cruise?
Drinks (including water) are generally not included in the full board rate and are charged separately. Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, and specialty coffees can be purchased on board.10What are the shore excursions like on this cruise?
Shore excursions include guided visits to significant sites such as Wadi El Seboua, Kasr Ibrim, Amada, and the iconic Abu Simbel temples. These visits are arranged with our Egyptologists and typically occur in the mornings or late afternoons.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-618473
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Aswan · Fri in Abu Simbel
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Deluxe
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