Nile Excellence Nile Cruise
Five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, cabins with Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows, full-board dining; sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 4 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Nile Excellence Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
02 Overview
A first look
By early morning the Nile light pools along the rail, and the gentle slap of water against the hull is the first thing you notice as you step onto the vessel's teak-lined sun deck. Expect panoramic windows, Nile-view balconies where available, an afternoon on the lounge bar sofa watching river life pass, and evenings in the dining room over full board service while the cruiser slips between Luxor and Aswan.
We carefully select this vessel for clients who prefer spacious cabins and a steady shore-excursion rhythm; unlike day boats that rush sites, this vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange embarkation formalities and your Egyptologist will meet you on board to introduce the programme.
Background
The facts
Nile Excellence is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails on the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan. The route connects Upper Egypt’s main river ports and is commonly used for multi-night travel between temple sites rather than for point-to-point transport alone. Embarkation and disembarkation take place in Luxor or Aswan, depending on the sailing direction.
The vessel’s cabin inventory is graded into Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with many cabins offering panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. Public facilities typically include a sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room, which are standard social spaces on higher-category Nile cruisers. Full board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
The shore-excursion programme normally includes Karnak Temple on the east bank of Luxor, Luxor Temple in the city centre, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the West Bank sites associated with the Valley of the Kings. Weekly sailings operate in both directions, and the voyage alternates sailing time with guided visits at port calls. Standard entrance fees are generally included unless a specific premium site or interior access is listed separately.
This type of Nile cruise is used mainly for travellers who want accommodation and sightseeing combined in one itinerary. It is distinct from a land tour because the vessel functions as the moving hotel while the excursion programme covers the archaeological stops along the river corridor.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travellers who want a structured Nile journey with a five-star cabin, set mealtimes, and guided temple visits. It is a good fit for first-time visitors, couples, and adults who prefer organised river travel over independent logistics.
What lingers
- 01 MS Nile Excellence: four-day cruise between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Karnak Temple.
- 02 Overnight moorings in Aswan allow an early Philae visit before mid-morning tourist boat traffic.
- 03 Standard site entrance fees are included; optional extras such as hot-air balloon or pyramid interior are excluded.
- 04 Small-group guided excursions led by our Egyptologist, with flexible boarding times to avoid peak crowds.
- 05 Unlike cruise-ship schedules, we stop at Esna Lock to transit and offer short commentary on the lock's operation.
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Nile Excellence in the booked cabin class
- Full board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions as listed in the vessel's programme
- Use of public facilities on board: sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
Not included
- Drinks beyond bottled water with meals, unless stated otherwise
- Optional or premium excursions
- Special-site entrance supplements (for example, pyramid interiors)
- Gratuities for cruise staff and Egyptologists unless explicitly requested
- International or domestic flights to embarkation/disembarkation ports
Before you go
What to pack & wear
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; 6–11.99 years pay 50%; 12+ 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.
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
-
01 What is the typical duration of a Nile Excellence Nile Cruise?
The Nile Excellence typically offers 5-day sailings between Luxor and Aswan. These cruises include four nights aboard the vessel, providing a comprehensive experience of the Nile's historical sites. -
02 What is included in the full board meal plan on the Nile Excellence?
The full board meal plan covers lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This includes all main meals served in the ship's dining room, with bottled water provided during meals. -
03 Which historical sites are visited during the Nile Excellence shore excursions?
The Nile Excellence shore excursion programme visits key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are led by our Egyptologists. -
04 What are the cabin options available on the Nile Excellence Nile Cruise?
The Nile Excellence offers Standard, Deluxe, and Suite grade cabins. Many cabins feature panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, providing views of the river. All cabins are designed for comfort during your sailing. -
05 Is the Nile Excellence Nile Cruise suitable for families with children?
Yes, the cruise is suitable for families. Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50%. Children 12 and older pay the full adult price. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin. -
06 What should I wear or bring for a Nile Excellence Nile Cruise?
We recommend bringing light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions and slightly more formal attire for evenings. Essential items include a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, high-factor sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring ancient sites. Modest dress is advised for religious sites. -
07 What is the policy regarding gratuities for staff and Egyptologists on the cruise?
Gratuities for the cruise staff and your Egyptologists are not included in the standard cruise price. This allows you to tip based on your satisfaction with the service received. Specific guidance on customary amounts can be provided upon request. -
08 Are there any additional costs or excluded items I should be aware of?
Yes, drinks beyond bottled water with meals are generally extra. Optional excursions, special-site entrance supplements like pyramid interiors, and international or domestic flights to the embarkation/disembarkation ports are also excluded from the cruise price. -
09 What is the best time of year to take a Nile Excellence Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, though the vessel is air-conditioned. -
10 How does Discovery Tours Egypt arrange my Nile Excellence cruise?
Discovery Tours Egypt carefully selects and books the Nile Excellence cruise for you. We coordinate your accommodation, full board meals, and the vessel's scheduled shore excursions, ensuring a seamless experience on the Nile. The vessel itself is owned and operated by the cruise line.
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 18 May 2026 Product ID: CRU-NIL-580202
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