Nile Premium Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, small pool, lounge bar, full-board dining, and regular shore excursions.
The short answer
Nile Premium is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe 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 $1,171 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns bronze beside the sun deck, while the riverbank slips past in palms, villages, and sugarcane. On Nile Premium Nile Cruise, the rhythm is unhurried: settle into a Nile-view cabin, listen to the water and engine, then join the lounge bar or dining room as the light fades.
Our Egyptologists bring Karnak Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings into context without rushing the moments 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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,171double cabinsingle cabin $1,600 | May – September: from $1,171double cabinsingle cabin $1,600 | Peak dates: from $1,483double cabinsingle cabin $2,107 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,468double cabinsingle cabin $2,040 | May – September: from $1,468double cabinsingle cabin $2,040 | Peak dates: from $1,884double cabinsingle cabin $2,716 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,353double cabinsingle cabin $3,354 | May – September: from $2,353double cabinsingle cabin $3,354 | Peak dates: from $3,081double cabinsingle cabin $4,537 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,372double cabinsingle cabin $3,373 | May – September: from $2,372double cabinsingle cabin $3,373 | Peak dates: from $3,100double cabinsingle cabin $4,556 |
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 shore excursions by our Egyptologists to Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, and Kom Ombo; timed for smaller crowds.
- 02Complimentary airport transfers in Luxor and Aswan included; private transfers on request at additional cost.
- 03Onboard amenities include sun deck, restaurant, and nightly briefings from our Egyptologist; Wi‑Fi availability varies.
- 04We limit daily passenger transfers on MS Nile Premiums, unlike large packaged ships, reducing boarding and coach-queue time.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Accommodation aboard the Nile Premium vessel
- Scheduled shore excursions as per the vessel's program
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional single-supplement where applicable
- Gratuities for on-board staff and local guides
- Entrance fees to archaeological sites and premium tombs unless stated
- International flights, visas and travel insurance
- Personal expenses and optional excursions not listed in the vessel program
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 suits travelers who want an Upper Egypt sightseeing trip with accommodation on the Nile, especially couples, friends, and first-time visitors aged roughly 25–70. It is also a good fit for people who prefer guided monument visits and do not mind a scheduled sailing program with multiple embarkation and disembarkation points.
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.
- Salima Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,151 per person
- Amwaj Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,210 per person
- Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,249 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 any required visas
- Sun protection: SPF30+ sunscreen, wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip for uneven stone
- Lightweight daypack and refillable water bottle
- A small torch or headlamp for dim tomb interiors
- Medication and a basic first-aid kit
- Printed or digital copies of your cruise booking and flight details
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for hot daytime temperatures
- Long sleeves and long trousers or skirts for temple visits
- A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Modest dress covering shoulders required at some religious sites
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free when sharing a cabin with two adults; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share the parents' cabin, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers are practical aboard the vessel but may be cumbersome on shore excursions because of uneven surfaces and temple thresholds. High chairs are not guaranteed on board; request these at booking and we will confirm availability with the cruise operator.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions involve uneven surfaces, stairs and short sections of cobbles and packed sand at archaeological sites. Onboard there are steps between decks and some cabins are reached by stairs only; elevators are not guaranteed. Shore excursions typically include walking on uneven ancient stone, temple thresholds and short stair climbs at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Wheelchair users should note that access at many temple sites is limited and transfer from launch to pier may require steps. We can arrange simpler shore programs and closer-transfer assistance where possible, but full independent wheelchair access at all sites cannot be guaranteed. Please tell us your mobility needs at booking so we can advise cabin placement, arrange ramps where available and brief the on-board team before embarkation. Medical oxygen and specialised medical equipment must be declared in advance so we can confirm feasibility.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses conventional diesel-powered river vessels and local tender launches for some landings; we work with partner companies that maintain modern safety and emissions controls where available. Land transfers to and from Luxor and Aswan are in air-conditioned minibuses or coaches matched to passenger numbers, not oversized vehicles. We prioritise local suppliers for catering, housekeeping and guide services, which directs revenue into the Luxor and Aswan communities. Shore guides and Egyptologists are hired locally on a per-trip basis, and many excursions visit community-run crafts markets where a portion of sales go to local artisans. Single-use plastics are discouraged on board, and surplus food is donated to a local charity partner when permitted by health regulations. If you have specific sustainability preferences, tell us at booking and we will note them with the cruise operator.
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
Standard archaeological site entrance fees are included unless the itinerary states otherwise. Gratuities and personal expenses are not included unless explicitly stated.02Which towns does the MS Nile Premiums call at?
Direction depends on the scheduled departure; some sail Luxor→Aswan and others sail Aswan→Luxor. Confirm the exact ports on your booking confirmation.03Are site entrance fees and the tomb of Tutankhamun included?
Standard site entrance fees are generally included; Tutankhamun's tomb and other premium tombs are excluded. Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings requires a separate premium ticket and has a limited daily allocation. We can pre-book these premium tickets subject to availability, but availability sometimes only becomes firm closer to travel.04What cabin types are available on MS Nile Premiums?
Cabins usually range from lower-deck outside cabins to upper-deck suites, all with en-suite bathrooms and air-conditioning. Lower-deck cabins typically have portholes; upper-deck cabins may have larger windows or balconies depending on the vessel. We can specify single, twin, or double bedding and note any mobility constraints before booking.05Do you provide airport pickup and what time is embarkation?
We arrange arrival transfers; your driver meets you in arrivals holding a name card and takes you to the ship. We’re a licensed Egyptian tour operator and manage the local transfers and embarkation on the ground. Embarkation commonly occurs around midday and disembarkation the final morning; your final voucher will give exact times.06
Bring high-SPF sunscreen, a brimmed hat, comfortable walking shoes, a reusable water bottle, and modest clothing for temples and mosques. Also pack a light jacket for cooler evenings, copies of passport pages, necessary medications, and small Egyptian pounds for tips and purchases. Daypacks for shore excursions and a camera with spare batteries are useful; ship laundry is usually limited.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-606211
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
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