Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck pool, panoramic cabin windows, full-board dining, spa, gym, and lounge bar.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Royal La Terrasse is a five-star Nile cruise vessel operating weekly between Luxor and Aswan, arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
·In summary
Royal La Terrasse includes accommodation in the selected cabin category, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. On board facilities include a pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa, gym, Wi‑Fi subject to signal, and dining service.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges the cruise, while the vessel is operated by the cruise line. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; drinks (including water), gratuities, and optional premium excursions are extra.
- Cultural
- Archaeology & history
- Couples·
- Groups·
- Seniors
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Vessel with Standard, Deluxe and Suite Cabins
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Edfu Temple of Horus · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple
- Includes
- Accommodation in selected cabin class · Full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions · Use of pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa and gym · On-board Wi-Fi subject to signal and capacity · Port and harbour taxes where applied
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · Couples · First-time visitors to Egypt · Families with children · Travelers wanting a structured Nile program
- Guide languages
- English
- Class-A licensed by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism
- Member of the Egyptian Travel Agents Association (ETAA #718)
- Egyptologist-guided sightseeing on included shore excursions
- 24/7 on-the-ground support for arranged travel services
What lingers
- 01Sun deck with outdoor pool and rooftop terrace for Nile views while sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Lounge bar and indoor lounge for evening drinks and briefings about forthcoming shore excursions
- 03On-board spa and gym, plus afternoon tea included on 5-star services
- 04Scheduled shore excursions to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 05Cabin classes ranged Standard, Deluxe and Suite, many with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies
- 06Full board dining, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile turns copper beside the sun deck, and the riverbank slips past as you settle into a lounge chair or watch the navigation from the rooftop terrace. The pace alternates naturally between quiet sailing days, full-board meals, and shore excursions where Karnak Temple, Edfu, and the Valley of the Kings bring different landscapes and eras into view.
Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, giving you time to enjoy the pool, lounge bar, spa, and evening briefings without rushing from one site to the next. We select the cabin class, arrange the cruise, and coordinate your shore program as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with our Egyptologists on hand for clear context at each visit.
Background
The facts
Royal La Terrasse is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan with embarkation and disembarkation in those two cities. The cruise program alternates sailing days with scheduled shore excursions to major Upper Egypt monuments, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple.
Luxor is the usual starting point for access to Karnak Temple and the West Bank, where the Valley of the Kings contains tombs cut into the Theban limestone cliffs during the New Kingdom period, especially the 18th, 19th, and 20th Dynasties. Aswan sits farther south on the Nile and serves as the gateway to Philae Temple, relocated in the 20th century during the UNESCO Nubia Campaign after the construction of the Aswan High Dam.
The vessel includes Standard, Deluxe, and Suite cabin categories, with many cabins featuring panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. On board, guests use a sun deck with an outdoor pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, indoor lounge, spa, gym, and dining room; full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and afternoon tea is typically included on 5-star services.
Discovery Tours Egypt arranges this cruise as part of a weekly program in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, while the vessel itself is owned and operated by the cruise line. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; gratuities, drinks (including water), and optional premium excursions are excluded unless pre-purchased.
Named in this entry
Nile River·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Edfu Temple of Horus·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Thebes·New Kingdom·UNESCO Nubia Campaign·Aswan High Dam·Pharaoh Tutankhamun
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with major archaeological sites rather than a fast transfer between cities. It is a good match for adults, couples, and older families who are comfortable with boat travel, scheduled excursions, and moderate walking on uneven temple and tomb surfaces.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a short transfer or day excursion, this vessel is built around a multi-stop Nile program with time allocated for Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Compared with large coach-based touring, it keeps accommodation, dining, and sightseeing in one arranged package while sailing between the two river cities. The weekly schedule also makes it different from one-off departures, because the route is handled as a regular program rather than a single point-to-point trip.
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
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Wi-Fi
- Spa
- Concierge
- Business center
- Bar
- Parking
- Rooftop terrace
- Gym
- Swimming pool
Bundled in
- Airport transfer
- Hotel pickup
- Full board
- Private transfer
- Private Egyptologist
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation in the selected cabin class on board the vessel
- Full board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions as part of the vessel's program between Luxor and Aswan
- Use of on-board facilities: pool, rooftop terrace, lounge bar, spa and gym
- On-board Wi-Fi, subject to local signal and capacity
- Port and harbour taxes where applied by the cruise line
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional or premium excursions and private guides not in the scheduled program
- Personal expenses and on-board specialist treatments or services
- Gratuities for on-board staff and local guides unless pre-purchased
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can usually choose between private and shared arrangements for transfers and shore excursions, depending on what is booked for the sailing. Cabin selection may be upgraded from Standard to Deluxe or Suite, and some departures can be paired with pre- or post-cruise stays in Luxor, Aswan, or Cairo. Optional premium excursions, private guiding, and special dining or drink arrangements may also be added where available.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This vessel requires a moderate level of mobility. Embarkation and disembarkation use a gangway with steps and uneven surfaces at some quays; shore-excursion transfers may involve short walks over cobbles, sand and temple steps. Cabins often have a single step to enter and some Suite cabins have narrow thresholds; elevators are limited or absent on many Nile cruisers. Wheelchair users will have practical constraints: full wheelchair access throughout the vessel and many archaeological sites is not possible. We can request assistance with luggage and coordinate reduced-mobility transfers, but please contact us in advance with specific needs so we can confirm what the vessel and local sites can provide.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange this Nile cruise with a cruise line that uses conventional diesel river engines, consistent with most Nile vessels. For shore excursions the local suppliers use air-conditioned minibuses, driven by Egyptian staff. The vessel sources much of its fresh produce from regional markets in Luxor and Aswan, and the on-board crew is predominantly Egyptian, so wages and local procurement flow into the communities visited. Waste-management practices vary by cruise line; we request recycling and food-waste separation where available and report back to the supplier when standards are not met. If reducing your carbon footprint is a priority, ask us about optional carbon-offsetting and about shore-excursion alternatives that favour walking or felucca trips powered by sail.
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 and any required visas
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a sun hat
- Lightweight layers for cool mornings and evenings
- Insect repellent for riverside evenings
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Any personal medications plus a copy of prescriptions
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing
- Covered shoulders and knee-length skirts/trousers for temples and mosques
- A warm layer for early-morning or evening breezes on deck
- Non-slip shoes for gangways and temple steps
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; 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 moving around the vessel but can be cumbersome on cobbled temple approaches; high chairs on board depend on the cruise line, so we will request them if needed.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $824single cabin $1,116 | May – September: from $746single cabin $999 | Peak dates: from $999single cabin $1,389 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $970single cabin $1,360 | May – September: from $866single cabin $1,204 | Peak dates: from $1,204single cabin $1,724 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $1,406single cabin $2,088 | May – September: from $1,224single cabin $1,815 | Peak dates: from $1,815single cabin $2,725 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,427single cabin $2,109 | May – September: from $1,245single cabin $1,836 | Peak dates: from $1,836single cabin $2,746 |
Peak dates: 18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr. 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 La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
The Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise typically operates on an 8-day schedule, sailing between Luxor and Aswan. This allows for a comprehensive exploration of the major ancient sites along the Nile River.02How do embarkation and disembarkation work for the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
Embarkation and disembarkation points for the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise are in Luxor and Aswan. We arrange your transfers to and from the vessel at the start and end of your cruise, coordinating with your flight or hotel schedule.03What is included in the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise fare?
The cruise fare includes accommodation in your chosen cabin class, full board from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, and scheduled shore excursions. Use of on-board facilities like the pool, rooftop terrace, and lounge bar, along with Wi-Fi, is also included.04What is not included in the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise package?
International flights, Egypt entry visas, travel insurance, and most drinks (including water) are not included. Optional excursions, private guides not in the scheduled program, personal expenses, and gratuities for staff and guides are also excluded.05Is the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
Nile cruise vessels, including the Royal La Terrasse, have gangways that can be steep depending on river levels. On-board, there are stairs between decks. Shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient sites, which may present challenges for guests with significant mobility limitations.06What is the policy for children on the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0-5.99 years travel free, while those 6-11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise on Royal La Terrasse?
We recommend light, comfortable clothing for daytime excursions, modest attire for religious sites, and smart casual wear for evenings on board. Essential items include sun protection, comfortable walking shoes, and any personal medications.08What is the photography policy for the sites visited during the cruise?
Photography is generally permitted at most ancient sites, though some areas may prohibit flash or require a separate ticket for video cameras. Your Egyptologist will advise on specific rules at each location to ensure compliance.09What is the best time of year to take a Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
The best time for 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, especially in Upper Egypt.10Which major ancient sites are visited during the Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise program?
The Royal La Terrasse cruise program includes visits to iconic sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu's Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple, offering a comprehensive historical journey.
Product ID: CRU-NIL-618457
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Radamis II Nile Cruise
Radamis II is a Nile cruise offering 3, 4, or 7 night sailings between Aswan and Luxor. It calls at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Luxor West Bank, and Luxor East Bank, depending on the chosen itinerary. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange meet-and-assist, private transfers, and guided excursions led by an English-speaking Egyptologist in small groups, maximum eight guests. Onboard facilities include panoramic-window cabins with individual air conditioning, mini bar, LCD TV, full-size bathtubs, a swimming pool, sun loungers, and a barbecue deck. The westbound option departs Aswan every Friday as a 4-day/3-night itinerary; the eastbound option departs Luxor every Monday as a 5-day/4-night itinerary. Optional excursions, for example Abu Simbel by private transfer or domestic flight, can be added for an extra fee.
Nile7 Nights
Royal Elite Nile Cruise
Four days aboard MS Royal Elite sail between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore excursions and all main meals included. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and do not run large coach-group tours; our excursions use private cars or launches and English-speaking Egyptologists. Unlike many packaged 4-day cruises, we time departures and shore visits to reduce queues and waiting at the landing stages. Trade-offs: upper sun deck has limited shade at midday, and shore visits involve walking on uneven ancient stone and occasional early starts. We handle port paperwork, all pick-ups, and can arrange optional Abu Simbel transfers on request.
From $843
Nile7 Nights
Princess Sarah Nile Cruise
This deluxe 5-star Nile cruiser combines cabin accommodation with a sun deck, pool, lounge, bar, restaurant and Wi-Fi. Your cruise is arranged between Luxor and Aswan, with sailing days alternating with shore excursions at Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions, subject to the selected sailing schedule. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are generally extra. Cabin grades include Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with pricing based on two people sharing and a single supplement normally applying.
From $843