Moondance Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a shaded sun deck, panoramic windows, full-board dining, and guided shore excursions.
The short answer
Moondance is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Friday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Monday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $898 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile moves past the sun deck in muted greens and silver, while the riverbank wakes to bird calls and the low sound of village life. From the lounge bar, you can watch the landscape change between Luxor and Aswan, then step ashore with our Egyptologists to examine temples, tombs, and carved stone at a measured pace.
Back aboard Moondance Nile Cruise, shaded seating, the indoor saloon, and the dining room give the sailing days an easy rhythm. Cabins range from Standard to Suite, with panoramic windows and Nile-view balconies where available. We arrange the vessel, cabin class, and shore-excursion details through a licensed Egyptian tour operator, so your Egyptologist can focus on context while the practical arrangements are handled.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $898double cabinsingle cabin $1,249 | Peak dates: from $1,288double cabinsingle cabin $1,990 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,104double cabinsingle cabin $1,572 | Peak dates: from $1,624double cabinsingle cabin $2,560 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,716double cabinsingle cabin $2,535 | Peak dates: from $2,626double cabinsingle cabin $4,264 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,735double cabinsingle cabin $2,554 | Peak dates: from $2,645double cabinsingle cabin $4,283 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. 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 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
- 01Guided visits to Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings; standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise.
- 02Overnight mooring at Edfu – we schedule two hours at Edfu Temple, unlike many cruises' 40-minute visits.
- 03Onboard amenities: air-conditioned cabins, sun deck for Nile views, and evening briefings by our Egyptologist.
- 04Private transfers between dock and hotels are included; your driver meets you on arrival with a name card.
On property
What's here
- Gym
- Spa
- Concierge
- Swimming pool
- Bar
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- Accommodation in the booked cabin class on board the Moondance Nile Cruise
- Use of public areas on board including sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Standard shore excursions as offered by the vessel or local partners, arranged for you
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists unless pre-booked
- International flights, visas and personal travel insurance
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
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise is suited to travelers who want a comfortable way to see Egypt’s major Nile Valley monuments without changing hotels repeatedly. It works well for couples, older travelers, and first-time visitors who prefer guided sightseeing and a cabin-based journey rather than long overland transfers.
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.
- Lady Mary Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $898 per person
- Lady Carol Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $898 per person
- Kontiki Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $898 per person
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
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and sunglasses
- Lightweight hat and reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for excursions
- Any prescription medication in original packaging
- Plug adapter (Egypt uses type C and F sockets)
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
- Long sleeves and long trousers or skirts for sun protection and temples
- Covered shoulders and modest dress for visits to religious sites
- A light layer for cooler evenings on the Nile
- Non-slip closed shoes for temple approaches and landings
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with two paying adults; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and above 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. Strollers are practical for onboard corridors and quay promenades but may be difficult on uneven ancient stone at sites such as Karnak and Valley of the Kings; high chairs may be available in the dining room on request, please ask at booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Moondance Nile Cruise involves boarding via the ship gangway, steps onto the vessel, and walking on uneven quayside surfaces at some ports. Onboard public areas are reached by single flights of stairs between decks; many cabins are accessed by stairs rather than lifts. Shore excursions include walking on paved temple forecourts, uneven ancient stone, and short sandy approaches at river landings. Wheelchair users with full mobility needs should contact us in advance, as standard cabins and most landing stages are not wheelchair-adapted; transfer assistance can be arranged but some sites require stair negotiation. Guests with limited mobility should notify us at booking so we can advise which shore excursions are practicable and request ground assistance where possible. Service animals are accepted with prior notice and documentation.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses diesel-powered river vessels, typically modern Nile cruisers with twin-engine propulsion and stabilised hulls; we do not assign a specific ship until booking. Transfers to and from airports are usually in air-conditioned minibuses or sedans that meet Egyptian regulatory standards. We contract locally owned catering, guiding, and port services, paying suppliers directly to support local livelihoods. Shore excursions employ licensed Egyptologists and small, local boat operators at Philae and island landings, rather than large centralized suppliers. Onboard practices commonly include reduced single-use plastics for packaged water and coordinated linen reuse on request. If you wish to add a community visit or support a local social enterprise, tell us at booking so we can arrange vetted partners and direct contributions.
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
01
Meals on board, guided shore excursions, onboard crew, and transfers are normally included unless we state otherwise. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we provide a full inclusions list with your booking so there are no surprises. International flights, visas, and personal travel insurance are not included.02
Confirm the MS Moondance day-by-day itinerary with us and we will send a timed schedule before travel. We include local Egyptologists for guided visits rather than recorded commentary, and we can sometimes adjust shore time when feasible. Early starts, overnight moorings, and river navigation determine how long you have at Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, or Kom Ombo.03
Specifically, Khufu interior access and the Tutankhamun and Seti I premium tombs require extra tickets and may need advance reservations. We can pre-purchase these tickets to avoid queues, but they add to the total cost and are subject to availability. Please tell us at booking if you want these extras.04What cabin types and amenities are aboard MS Moondance?
Cabin types and onboard amenities vary–please request the MS Moondance deck plan and current cabin inventory. Typical Nile cabins have en-suite bathrooms, climate control, built-in storage, and either windows or a private balcony; confirm specifics with us. Wi‑Fi coverage on the Nile is limited and often slow, so download maps and guides before boarding. We can request specific cabin positions (lower deck, forward, aft) subject to availability at booking.05Is tipping included on the cruise and how much should we budget?
Gratuities are normally not included; budget cash for crew, guides, and local staff unless you ask us to pre-collect. Tipping in Egypt is mostly cash and often paid in Egyptian pounds. We can add a standard service-package to your invoice if you prefer to prepay gratuities.06
Mobility limitations are possible but constrained–boats have steps, narrow gangways, and temple sites feature uneven stone and stairs. We can arrange ground-level transfers, private cars, and crew assistance where available, and we will request lower-deck cabins when offered. Many temples and the Valley of the Kings have uneven surfaces and limited ramps, so wheelchair access is not guaranteed. Tell us your exact needs at booking so we can assess feasibility and recommend adjustments.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-493814
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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