Salima Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, lounge bar, indoor dining saloon, full-board service, and Nile-view cabins.
The short answer
Salima 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 $1,283 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
Early light catches the Nile beyond the cabin window as Salima leaves the quay, with palms, village fields, and feluccas moving past the sun deck. Sailing days slow the pace between shore excursions, while the lounge bar and dining saloon give you a comfortable place to watch the river change color.
On land, our Egyptologists bring context to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings without turning each visit into a rushed checklist. We arrange your cabin booking, embarkation details, excursion coordination, and disembarkation support as a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
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 | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,283double cabinsingle cabin $1,761 | Peak dates: from $1,482double cabinsingle cabin $2,141 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,613double cabinsingle cabin $2,250 | Peak dates: from $1,879double cabinsingle cabin $2,757 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $2,550double cabinsingle cabin $3,665 | Peak dates: from $3,014double cabinsingle cabin $4,552 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,570double cabinsingle cabin $3,684 | Peak dates: from $3,034double cabinsingle cabin $4,572 |
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
- 01Five-star vessel with sun deck, lounge bar and indoor dining saloon
- 02Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with Nile-view windows or balconies where offered
- 03Shore-excursion program to Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the temples at Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04Full board service, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 05Carefully selected by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Accommodation on board in the booked cabin class.
- Use of on-board public areas: sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon.
- Scheduled shore excursions as provided by the vessel.
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for on-board staff and Egyptologists.
- Domestic or international flights to embarkation port.
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Sit on the starboard sun deck at sunrise for temple silhouettes and cool breezes
- 02
Carry small Egyptian pound notes for local vendors, tips, and small purchases ashore
- 03
Plan temple visits early in the day to avoid midday heat and crowds
- 04
Bring a lightweight scarf and long sleeves for visiting conservative religious sites ashore
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 first-time visitors to Egypt who want a guided Nile itinerary with monument visits built in. It also works well for adults and older children who are comfortable with stairs, short coach transfers to temple entrances, and several consecutive nights aboard.
Maybe not, if
- Travelers requiring full wheelchair accessibility and step-free access
- Those expecting nonstop active trekking or high-energy itineraries
- Very young infants may find cabin arrangements restrictive
Worth knowing
How this compares
It balances guided shore visits and leisure time aboard without extended repeat sailing.
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.
- Nile Premium Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
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- Amwaj Nile Cruise
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- Nile Serenity Nile Cruise
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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
- Nile Cruise standard: well-appointed cabins with private facilities and river views.
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Passport and photocopy kept separate
- High-SPF sunscreen and broad-brim hat
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple surfaces
- Small daypack and reusable water bottle
- Local currency in small notes for tips and purchases
- Light layers for cool evenings on deck
What to wear
- Modest daytime clothing covering shoulders and knees for temple visits
- Breathable layers for hot days and cooler evenings
- Comfortable closed-toe shoes for uneven surfaces and steps
- Smart-casual outfit for onboard evenings
Children & families
Children are welcome but cabin layouts may limit space for families; check cabin configurations. Child rates and age bands vary–contact Discovery Tours Egypt for detailed policies and availability.
Accessibility
Who can join this
Most Nile cruise gangways and temple approaches include steps; full wheelchair access is limited. Contact Discovery Tours Egypt to review cabin locations and arrange assistance; some ships may offer accessible cabins by request.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt sources produce and provisions locally where possible and trains crew in cultural-site respect. The operator supports low-impact shore visits and works with local partners to benefit communities along the Nile.
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 and route for the Salima Nile Cruise?
The vessel operates weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, allowing guests to choose their preferred embarkation and disembarkation port.02What is included in the full board meal plan on the Salima Nile Cruise?
The full board meal plan includes lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers all main meals served in the dining saloon. Drinks (including water) are typically not included.03What shore excursions are part of the Salima Nile Cruise program?
The Salima Nile Cruise includes a scheduled shore excursion program. These excursions typically call at significant sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings.04What are the cabin options available on the Salima Nile Cruise?
The Salima Nile Cruise offers various cabin classes, including Standard, Deluxe, and Suite. Many cabins feature panoramic Nile-view windows, while some suites may offer private balconies for an enhanced experience.05What is the policy for children on the Salima 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 price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.06What should I wear on board and during shore excursions?
On board, comfortable casual wear is suitable. For shore excursions to temples and other religious sites, modest dress is recommended, covering shoulders and knees. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring archaeological sites.07Are gratuities included in the Salima Nile Cruise booking?
Gratuities for on-board staff and Egyptologists are typically not included in the booking price. It is customary to tip at the end of the cruise, and guidelines are usually provided on board for your convenience.08What amenities are available on the Salima Nile Cruise vessel?
The Salima Nile Cruise vessel features a shaded sun deck, a comfortable lounge bar, and a dining saloon. These public areas are available for all guests to enjoy while sailing on the Nile or during leisure time on board.09Is the Salima Nile Cruise suitable for travelers with mobility concerns?
While the vessel itself has lifts between decks, shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, and climbing steps at archaeological sites. Travelers with significant mobility concerns should discuss their specific needs with us before booking.10What is the best time of year to take a Salima Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Salima Nile Cruise is generally during Egypt's cooler months, from October to April. Temperatures are more pleasant for exploring the outdoor archaeological sites during this period.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-019559
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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