Royal Elite Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with Standard, Deluxe and Suite cabins, a shaded sun deck, outdoor pool, lounge bar, and full-board dining.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Royal Elite Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise package sailing between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with the vessel operated by a third-party cruise line.
·In summary
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise includes accommodation in the selected cabin grade, full-board meals from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation, use of the sun deck, lounge bar, dining room and outdoor pool area, and the cruise line’s shore-excursion program. Excursions cover Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple and the Valley of the Kings.
- Couples·
- Seniors·
- Groups·
- Solo traveller·
- Families with kids
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cruise Vessel
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · The Nile · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Chosen Standard, Deluxe or Suite cabin · Full board from lunch on embarkation through breakfast on disembarkation · Shaded sun deck · Outdoor pool area · Indoor lounge bar · Dedicated dining room · Cruise line shore-excursion program
- Best for
- First-time Egypt visitors · Couples · Families · Ancient history enthusiasts · Travelers seeking a structured Luxor–Aswan sailing
- Guide languages
- English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism.
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718).
- Cruise arrangements, transfers and optional services are coordinated by the local operator.
- Travelers should review the page’s current inclusions, exclusions and cancellation terms before booking.
What lingers
- 01Four-day Nile itinerary between Aswan and Luxor – standard route visiting Kom Ombo and Edfu; daily guided excursions.
- 02Embarkation and disembarkation transfers included in port cities; we handle luggage and check-ins.
- 03Full-board meals served aboard; evenings are free to relax on deck or attend our brief historical talks.
- 04Unlike large coach tours, we avoid rushed 30‑minute stops; shore visits allocate adequate time at Karnak and Edfu.
- 05We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; local Egyptologists lead excursions and our Cairo office supports on-the-ground logistics.
02Overview
A first look
By early morning, the Nile carries the soft sounds of river traffic past your cabin, while the sun deck begins to warm above the water. Royal Elite gives you space to settle into the rhythm of sailing, with a shaded deck, outdoor pool area, lounge bar, and dining room between shore excursions.
On land, our Egyptologists help you read the changing landscape through Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, and Philae Temple. You can choose a Standard, Deluxe, or Suite cabin, with selected cabins offering a Nile-view balcony or panoramic window. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise, shore visits, and local support so your Egyptologist is ready when you go ashore.
Background
The facts
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise package arranged between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation available at either city. Weekly sailings operate in both directions. The cruise program combines sailing days with shore excursions to major archaeological sites in Upper Egypt.
The included shore-excursion program covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on Luxor’s west bank. Karnak and Luxor temples are located on the east bank of the Nile, while the Valley of the Kings is across the river on the west bank; Philae Temple is situated on Agilkia Island in the reservoir formed by the Aswan High Dam.
Cabin grades are Standard, Deluxe and Suite. Selected cabins provide Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows. Onboard facilities include a shaded sun deck, outdoor pool area, indoor lounge bar and dedicated dining room. Full board covers meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day; drinks (including water) are generally excluded unless stated otherwise.
Pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin. Solo travelers normally pay a single supplement, while premium cabin upgrades, private transfers and speciality excursions may be arranged as optional extras. Discovery Tours Egypt selects, books and arranges the cruise; the vessel is owned and operated by a third-party cruise line.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Nile River·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Aswan High Dam·Agilkia Island·Ancient Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits first-time visitors to Egypt, couples, families and travelers interested in ancient Egyptian temples without changing hotels between Luxor and Aswan. It is appropriate for travelers with moderate mobility, although shore excursions involve walking on uneven surfaces, steps and exposed archaeological sites.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-only Egypt itinerary, this cruise combines accommodation and river travel between Luxor and Aswan, reducing the need for repeated hotel changes. Unlike a private charter, the cruise uses the cruise line’s scheduled weekly sailing and shore-excursion program, while optional private transfers or speciality excursions may be added separately.
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
Both directions
Where this ship sails
This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.
On board
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 in the selected cabin grade aboard Royal Elite
- Full board meals from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Use of onboard facilities, including the sun deck, lounge bar, and dining room
- Use of the outdoor pool area
- Shore excursion program provided by the cruise line
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Crew and guide gratuities
- International flights and airport taxes
- Visas and travel insurance
- Optional extras, such as premium cabin upgrades, private transfers, and specialty excursions
- Single supplement for solo travelers
Tailor it
Make it yours
Optional arrangements may include premium cabin upgrades, private transfers and speciality excursions; private guiding or extended stays in Luxor and Aswan can also be discussed with Discovery Tours Egypt.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
A Nile cruise combines access to the vessel with shore excursions on uneven historic ground. Embarkation may involve a gangway, steps, or a steep ramp, depending on the quay and water level. Cabins, dining areas, lounges, and the sun deck are connected by internal stairs, and elevator availability should be confirmed before booking. Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings include uneven paving, steps, sand, and limited shade. Wheelchair users and travelers with reduced mobility should contact us before payment so we can confirm the assigned vessel, cabin access, gangway conditions, and practical shore-excursion arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Your cruise uses a river vessel rather than separate daily road transfers between Luxor and Aswan, which can reduce repeated overland travel for the same route. Shore excursions are arranged through the cruise line's local operating teams, while Discovery Tours Egypt coordinates the booking and local arrangements with Egyptian suppliers. Food service, cabin care, navigation, and shore operations support workers on the Nile corridor. Specific fuel systems, waste treatment, recycling, and water-saving measures vary by the vessel assigned at booking, so we do not claim standards that have not been verified. Guests can help by carrying a refillable bottle where permitted, avoiding single-use plastics, and following site rules at temples and tombs.
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
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport
- Printed or digital booking confirmation
- Comfortable walking shoes with secure soles
- Sunscreen SPF50+ and lip balm
- Wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses
- Refillable water bottle
- Small day bag for shore excursions
- Motion-sickness medication if needed
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing
- Breathable layers for changing temperatures
- Comfortable shoes for uneven temple surfaces
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and religious sites
- Swimsuit and cover-up for the pool area
- Light jacket for cooler evenings
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. Strollers are generally impractical on gangways, internal stairs, quays, and uneven archaeological sites. Please confirm crib, high-chair, and cabin arrangements before booking, as availability depends on the assigned vessel.
Prices by sailing
Prices are per person in USD, from 2 people sharing a double cabin. Each price covers the full sailing, the guided sightseeing programme along the route, and your arrival and departure transfers between the vessel and the local airport or railway station.
| Sailing | October – Aprilcurrent season | May – September |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $843single cabin $1,116triple cabin $843 | May – September: from $707single cabin $902triple cabin $707 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $996single cabin $1,360triple cabin $996 | May – September: from $814single cabin $1,074triple cabin $814 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Saturdays | October – April: from $1,451single cabin $2,088triple cabin $1,451 | May – September: from $1,133single cabin $1,588triple cabin $1,133 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Wednesdays | October – April: from $1,472single cabin $2,109triple cabin $1,472 | May – September: from $1,154single cabin $1,609triple cabin $1,154 |
Choose your sailing 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.
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.
If plans change
Cancellation and refunds
What you get back if you cancel depends on how far ahead of your trip you tell us and the type of trip you book. Read our current cancellation and refund policy
Location
On the map
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of a Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise typically operates as a 4-day, 3-night sailing between Luxor and Aswan, or a 5-day, 4-night sailing in the reverse direction. We arrange weekly sailings in both directions, allowing flexibility for your travel plans.02What shore excursions are included with the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise includes a comprehensive shore excursion program. You will visit iconic sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These excursions are provided by the cruise line.03What meals are included on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise operates on a full board basis. This includes all meals, from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically an additional cost.04What types of cabins are available on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
The Royal Elite Nile Cruise offers various cabin grades, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suites. Some selected cabins feature Nile-view balconies or panoramic windows, providing excellent views of the river scenery as you sail.05What onboard facilities can I use during the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
Guests on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise can enjoy several onboard facilities. These include a shaded sun deck, an outdoor swimming pool area, a comfortable lounge bar, and a dedicated dining room. These amenities enhance your sailing experience on the Nile.06Is the Royal Elite Nile Cruise suitable for children and families?
Yes, the Royal Elite Nile Cruise welcomes families. Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin. Two or more children require their own cabin.07What is the policy for solo travelers on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
Solo travelers are welcome on the Royal Elite Nile Cruise. However, pricing is based on two people sharing a cabin, so a single supplement typically applies for those traveling alone. Please inquire for specific details on solo traveler rates.08What should I pack or wear for the Royal Elite Nile Cruise and excursions?
For the cruise, pack light, comfortable clothing suitable for warm weather. Bring swimwear for the pool. For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes are essential. Modest dress, covering shoulders and knees, is recommended when visiting temples and religious sites.09Are gratuities included in the Royal Elite Nile Cruise price?
No, crew and guide gratuities are not included in the standard Royal Elite Nile Cruise price. It is customary to tip the cruise staff and your Egyptologist guide at the end of your trip. Specific recommendations for gratuity amounts can be provided.10How does embarkation and disembarkation work for the Royal Elite Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation for the Royal Elite Nile Cruise occur at either Luxor or Aswan, depending on your chosen sailing direction. We arrange your transfers to and from the vessel, ensuring a smooth start and end to your cruise experience.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-895034
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