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.
The short answer
Royal La Terrasse is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Monday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Thursday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $971 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
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.
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.
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 Mondays | October – April: from $971double cabinsingle cabin $1,263 | May – September: from $893double cabinsingle cabin $1,146 | Peak dates: from $1,146double cabinsingle cabin $1,536 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $1,197double cabinsingle cabin $1,587 | May – September: from $1,093double cabinsingle cabin $1,431 | Peak dates: from $1,431double cabinsingle cabin $1,951 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $1,822double cabinsingle cabin $2,505 | May – September: from $1,640double cabinsingle cabin $2,232 | Peak dates: from $2,232double cabinsingle cabin $3,142 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,842double cabinsingle cabin $2,524 | May – September: from $1,660double cabinsingle cabin $2,251 | Peak dates: from $2,251double cabinsingle cabin $3,161 |
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
- 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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
- Emilio Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Sun from Luxor / Thu from Aswan
From $971 per person
- Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $990 per person
- Royal Elite Nile Cruise
5-Star Standard Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $990 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
- 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
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.
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
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
01What is the typical duration of a Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise?
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.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-618457
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Thu in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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