Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic river views, an alfresco sun deck, full-board dining, and a shore-excursion program between Luxor and Aswan.
The short answer
Sanctuary Sun Boat IV is a 5-Star Luxury 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. Rates are on request: send us your dates for a live price.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile’s surface turns copper beside Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise, while the riverbank slips past the panoramic lounge windows. A sailing day gives you time to read on the sun deck, watch farmers and palms along the shore, or settle into the lounge bar before the next ancient site.
Our Egyptologists add context without rushing the visit, and we arrange the cruise booking, embarkation details, and ground transfers through our licensed Egyptian tour operator team, so your time on the Nile feels organized from the start.
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.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
We don't have current published rates for this ship. Send us your dates and we'll come back with a live price for the cabin you want.
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
- 01Panoramic-sitting lounge and an alfresco sun deck for river views while sailing between Luxor and Aswan
- 02Full board service, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 03Shore-excursion program that includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo and Philae
- 04Cabin categories graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, typically offered per person sharing; single supplement usually applies
- 05Pool or plunge area on deck and an evening lounge bar for post-excursion relaxation
- 06Embarkation and disembarkation take place at Luxor and Aswan, letting you join or leave the vessel at either port
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation onboard the vessel in the cabin class booked.
- Full board, defined as lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.
- Scheduled shore excursions as included in the vessel's program between Luxor and Aswan.
- Use of public areas on board, such as the sun deck, lounge and dining room.
- Port or harbour taxes that the cruise line charges as part of the sailing.
Not included
- International or domestic flights.
- Airport transfers, unless stated in your booking confirmation.
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for crew and guides, unless you request these be prepaid.
- Visa fees, travel insurance and personal expenses.
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 arrangements and shared cruise departures, subject to availability. Common upgrades include better cabin categories, prepaid gratuities, additional hotel nights in Luxor or Aswan, and extensions that add more time at archaeological sites before or after the sailing.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adults and older children who want a structured Nile itinerary with guided temple and tomb visits, comfortable cabin accommodation, and time on deck while sailing. It is appropriate for travelers who prefer a full-board river cruise rather than a hotel-based trip with separate day tours.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel-only Nile holiday, this vessel combines accommodation, meals, and scheduled sightseeing into one sailing program between Luxor and Aswan. Compared with independent travel, it reduces the need to coordinate temple tickets, boat transfers to Philae, and intercity logistics. Compared with shorter day tours, the cruise allows time on the river between major sites and includes overnight stays in a cabin rather than return travel by road. The experience is structured around embarkation, sailing days, and shore excursions rather than a single-point visit.
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.
- Cleopatra Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,639 per person
- Jaz Regent Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,658 per person
- Sonesta Star Goddess Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,834 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 Nile Cruise
- Destinations
- Luxor · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae · Aswan · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Accommodation in the booked cabin class · Full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day · Scheduled shore excursions in the cruise program · Use of public areas including sun deck, lounge and dining room · Port or harbour taxes
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers seeking a comfort-focused Nile experience
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a printed booking confirmation
- Sun protection, SPF50+ sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat
- Lightweight refillable water bottle
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip for uneven ancient stone
- Sunglasses and a small daypack for shore excursions
- Personal medications and a small first-aid kit
- Power adaptor (European two-pin) and device chargers
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- A light sweater or jacket for cooler evenings on deck
- Covered shoulders and knees for visits to temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Swimwear and flip-flops for the pool or plunge area
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare, and children 12 years and over pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents or guardians, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are practical on board but can be awkward on gangways and at some excursion sites with steps; travel cots and high chairs depend on the cruise line and must be requested in advance.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Sanctuary Sun Boat IV Nile Cruise involves uneven ground, stone steps and short staircases at several shore-excursion sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Kom Ombo. Onboard public areas include stair access between decks; there is no guarantee of lift access to every deck. The vessel gangway can be steep at low Nile levels and may be unsuitable for standard manual wheelchairs. Guests with reduced mobility should contact us before booking so we can assess embarkation feasibility and arrange assistance where possible. Service animals may be accommodated with prior notice and documentation.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel typically uses diesel engines standard for Nile cruisers and we arrange bookings with cruise lines that maintain regular engine servicing and fuel efficiency programs. Transfers to and from airports are usually in air-conditioned minibuses; where possible we recommend shared transfers to reduce vehicle numbers. We work with local suppliers for guides, crew and catering, which helps direct income to Luxor and Aswan communities. On shore excursions staff are encouraged to follow site rules that protect fragile surfaces and vegetation, and the crew practices waste segregation on board where the cruise line has facilities.
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 included in the full board meal plan on the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV?
Full board includes all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the onboard dining room.02Are airport transfers included with my Sanctuary Sun Boat IV booking?
Airport transfers are not automatically included with your cruise booking. We can arrange these for you separately, or they may be specified in your booking confirmation if part of a larger package.03What shore excursions are part of the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV program?
The cruise program includes scheduled shore excursions to key sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple. These visits are guided by our Egyptologists.04What is the policy for children traveling on the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV 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.05What should I wear for shore excursions and onboard activities?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing are recommended. Modest dress is appropriate for religious sites. Onboard, smart casual attire is suitable for evenings.06Are gratuities for the crew and guides included in the cruise price?
Gratuities for the cruise crew and your Egyptologist guides are not included in the standard cruise price. You may arrange to prepay these with us, or you can manage them directly onboard.07What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise on the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV?
The best time to experience a Nile cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months can be very hot, particularly at archaeological sites.08What is the cabin accommodation like on the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV?
The Sanctuary Sun Boat IV offers various cabin classes, including standard cabins, deluxe cabins, and suites. All cabins feature panoramic windows, and some offer Nile-view balconies, providing comfortable and scenic accommodation.09
These can be purchased separately at the sites if you wish to visit them.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-618204
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon in Luxor · Fri in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Luxury
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