Semiramis III Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with panoramic views, full-board dining, a sun deck, lounge bar, and shore excursions between Luxor and Aswan.
The short answer
Semiramis III 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 Friday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $912 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At dawn, the Nile moves quietly past the sun deck, with river reeds, passing villages, and the low call of birds replacing city noise. From a Nile-view balcony or panoramic window, the landscape changes gradually as the vessel sails between Luxor and Aswan, while the lounge bar and dining room give the day an easy rhythm.
Shore excursions bring you onto ancient stone at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae, with time to notice details that pass too quickly from a road vehicle. We arrange your cabin, embarkation, and shore-excursion program through a licensed Egyptian tour operator, with our Egyptologists guiding the visits.
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 $912double cabinsingle cabin $1,185 | May – September: from $873double cabinsingle cabin $1,127 | Peak dates: from $1,068double cabinsingle cabin $1,458 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,119double cabinsingle cabin $1,483 | May – September: from $1,067double cabinsingle cabin $1,405 | Peak dates: from $1,327double cabinsingle cabin $1,847 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $1,686double cabinsingle cabin $2,323 | May – September: from $1,595double cabinsingle cabin $2,186 | Peak dates: from $2,050double cabinsingle cabin $2,960 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,705double cabinsingle cabin $2,342 | May – September: from $1,614double cabinsingle cabin $2,206 | Peak dates: from $2,069double cabinsingle cabin $2,979 |
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 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 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 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.
- 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.
What lingers
- 01Five-star full-board cruising, with lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- 02Sun deck with panoramic Nile views and a shaded lounge area for afternoon relaxation
- 03Onboard dining room serving buffet and set-menu meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- 04Shore-excursion program that includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 05Cabins in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, many with Nile-facing windows or balconies
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Gym
- Wi-Fi
- Concierge
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- ✓ All sightseeing tours with an English-speaking Egyptologist guide
- ✓ Meet & assist service upon arrival & departure
- ✓ All airport and port transfers in air-conditioned vehicles
- ✓ Entrance fees to all listed attractions
- ✓ All service charges & taxes
- ✓ Small group tours (maximum 8 participants)
Not included
- ✘ Any additional meals and beverages not specified in the itinerary.
- ✘ Personal expenses, including laundry, minibar, and spa treatments.
- ✘ Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff (optional but recommended).
- ✘ Travel insurance (strongly recommended).
- ✘ Visa fees and international airfare.
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
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 adults and older children who want a comfortable way to visit Upper Egypt’s major temple sites without changing hotels each night. It is especially appropriate for history-focused travelers, couples, and first-time visitors who prefer a guided, structured sailing rather than independent transport.
- Travelers who enjoy onboard relaxation between excursions will also find it suitable, since the public lounge and sun deck create downtime while sailing on the Nile.
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.
- Magic I Nile Cruise
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- Queen of Sheeba Nile Cruise
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- King of Thebes 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
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and printed booking voucher
- Sunhat, sunglasses and SPF30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes for uneven surfaces
- Lightweight reusable water bottle
- Small daypack for shore excursions
- Medication and basic first-aid items
- Copy of mobility or dietary needs if applicable
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light sweater for cooler evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- A sun-protective hat for deck time and ruins
Children & families
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free, children aged 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare, children 12 years and older 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 onboard where there is level corridor access, but many shore sites have steps and uneven ground where a lightweight folding stroller is more feasible than a full-size pushchair. Please advise ages and any special needs at booking so we can confirm cabin bedding arrangements and onboard facilities.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions require moderate physical effort, including repeated boarding via a gangway, walking on uneven ancient stone, and climbing temple steps. Expect cobbles, loose sand at archaeological sites, and stairs inside some tombs and temples without handrails. Most Nile cruisers have cabins accessed by one or two short staircases; a small number of vessels have a passenger lift, please ask at booking if a lift is essential. Wheelchair users with folding mobility chairs can usually be assisted aboard, however standard wheelchairs are not practical for many shore sites. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we will arrange meet-and-assist at the arrival airport and staff assistance for transfers, but please state mobility limitations when booking so we can confirm feasible shore-access options in writing.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses river-going motor vessels with diesel engines, and shore excursions rely on air-conditioned minibuses or local boats for short transfers at temple quays. We choose vessel partners who employ local Egyptian crew, source most provisioning in Luxor or Aswan, and contract local Egyptologists and guides from the communities where they work. Shore-excursion guides are paid locally, and ticket revenues support site maintenance via the official Egyptian Antiquities Ministry fee structure. We recommend travelers reduce single-use plastics by bringing a reusable water bottle. Where possible we book community-run craftspeople for onboard shopping demonstrations and encourage respectful behaviour at sensitive archaeological sites.
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
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-589958
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Fri in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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