Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise
The short answer
Sonesta Moon Goddess 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 $1,478 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
At dawn on the Nile, the water catches the first light as Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise leaves Luxor, with the riverbank quiet beyond the sun deck. Days shift naturally between slow sailing, meals in the dining room, and shore excursions where our Egyptologists bring Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Philae into focus. From the lounge bar, you can watch villages, palms, and desert move past at river pace, then return to a serviced cabin for a quieter evening.
Your Egyptologist keeps the program clear, while our team handles the practical details before you sail.
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 Fridays | October – April: from $1,478double cabinsingle cabin $2,102 | May – September: from $1,341double cabinsingle cabin $1,868 | Peak dates: from $1,965double cabinsingle cabin $3,135 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $1,873double cabinsingle cabin $2,705 | May – September: from $1,691double cabinsingle cabin $2,393 | Peak dates: from $2,523double cabinsingle cabin $4,083 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $3,005double cabinsingle cabin $4,461 | May – September: from $2,687double cabinsingle cabin $3,915 | Peak dates: from $4,143double cabinsingle cabin $6,873 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $3,025double cabinsingle cabin $4,481 | May – September: from $2,706double cabinsingle cabin $3,935 | Peak dates: from $4,162double cabinsingle cabin $6,892 |
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
- 01Board at the Luxor Nile cruise terminal and visit Karnak and Luxor Temples on the first afternoon.
- 02Walk the Valley of the Kings at first light, visiting multiple painted royal tombs before crowds arrive.
- 03Cross the Esna lock during daylight; lock passage and mooring operations take about 30–45 minutes.
- 04Guided 90–120 minute visit to the temple of Horus at Edfu, focusing on reliefs and ritual spaces.
- 05Afternoon stop at Kom Ombo to examine the twin sanctuaries of Sobek and Haroeris and Nile flood inscriptions.
- 06Motorboat transfer to Philae island in Aswan to explore the Temple of Isis and shaded temple courts.
- 07See the Aswan quarries and the Unfinished Obelisk, then moor at Aswan’s Nile port near the city for disembarkation.
On property
What's here
- Restaurant
- Concierge
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Selected guided shore excursions as per the vessel’s published itinerary
- Onboard restaurant facilities and concierge service
- Daily cabin housekeeping
Not included
- International or domestic flights to/from Luxor or Aswan
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Gratuities for local guides, drivers and crew (customary; not included)
- Premium or optional entrance tickets (for example, non‑standard or priority access tombs when offered)
- Transfers to embarkation/disembarkation points unless explicitly booked
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
This cruise can be arranged as a private or small-group style booking depending on availability and travel dates. Optional upgrades may include higher cabin categories, additional transfers, or premium entrance tickets for special tombs when offered. Extra nights in Luxor or Aswan can also be added before or after sailing.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits adult travelers and older children who want a slower-paced way to see major Nile Valley sites without repeated hotel changes. It is a good fit for history-focused visitors, first-time Egypt travelers, and couples or small groups who prefer guided sightseeing with cabin-based travel.
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a land-based sightseeing trip, this vessel combines accommodation, meals, and intercity river travel on one booking. Compared with budget cruises, it offers a higher cabin category mix, onboard restaurant service, a lounge bar, and a sun deck for Nile viewing. It is also more structured than a private day-by-day itinerary because the shore-excursion program follows the vessel’s sailing schedule.
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.
- Miriam Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,400 per person
- Medea Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,400 per person
- Le Fayan Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,556 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 Cruise Cabin Accommodation
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Includes
- Cruise accommodation · Full board meals · Selected guided shore excursions · Daily cabin housekeeping · Onboard restaurant service · Concierge support
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors to Egypt · Couples · Families with older children · Travelers seeking a guided Nile itinerary
- Guide languages
- English
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, SPF30+ sunscreen
- Reusable water bottle
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Small torch or headlamp for uneven temple steps
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for daytime heat
- Long sleeves or scarf for sun protection and temple modesty
- Trousers or skirts that cover the knee for mosques and some temples
- A light sweater for cooler evenings on the Nile deck
- Comfortable closed or closed-toe sandals for uneven surfaces
Children & families
The cruise typically accepts children; minimum age is usually 2 years for safety and insurance reasons, although infant bookings may be considered case-by-case—please contact us before booking. Pricing is per person sharing; children’s reductions depend on cabin occupancy and the cruise line’s policy and are applied at booking. Strollers are practical on board but can be awkward on gangways and at some shore sites; we recommend a lightweight, foldable pushchair. Child safety on decks and during shore visits is the guardian’s responsibility; baby seats or high chairs may not be available on every ship.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise requires guests to manage short gangway ramps, narrow cabin corridors and multiple stair flights between decks. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, steep steps and some sandy surfaces at temple approaches and tomb entrances (for example, the Valley of the Kings includes steep descents and rises). Wheelchair users should note the vessel’s cabins are not purpose-built for full wheelchair access and shore access is often via gangways and tender steps. We can arrange assistance at embarkation and disembarkation and recommend traveling with a companion if you have limited mobility. Please contact us with detailed mobility requirements before booking so we can advise whether this cruise is suitable and discuss alternatives.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
We arrange this cruise with a hand-picked cruise line; the vessel is crewed by locally employed staff and sails regular weekly rotations between Luxor and Aswan. The ship’s supply chain sources fresh produce and provisions from regional markets in Luxor and Aswan when the schedule allows, supporting small local suppliers. Onboard waste handling follows the cruise line’s procedures: segregated waste collection, negotiated recycling where municipal services exist, and holding tanks for sewage that are managed per national maritime regulations. Where possible we prioritise suppliers who use low-emission vans for transfers and local guides hired from the communities visited. If you want more detail about the cruise operator’s technical environmental measures (fuel type, wastewater systems), we will request their operations statement and share it before booking.
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
01How long is the Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise?
Cruise durations available vary by operator schedule; your booking confirmation shows the precise day count, embarkation port and disembarkation port (Luxor or Aswan). We arrange the cruise as part of your Egypt package and can confirm sailing dates before you book.02Where do I embark and disembark the Sonesta Moon Goddess?
Embarkation and disembarkation ports are Luxor and Aswan. Your booking confirmation will state which port applies to your cruise; transfers to those ports are not automatically included unless explicitly booked. If you need transfers, we can add them to your reservation and state pickup times in advance.03What is included and excluded in the cruise fare?
Full board is included from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, plus selected guided shore excursions per the vessel’s published program. Excluded are international/domestic flights, drinks (including water) unless stated, gratuities for guides and crew, optional premium entrance tickets, and transfers unless booked separately.04Are premium tomb tickets and special‑access excursions included?
Premium or optional entrance tickets — for example, priority access or non‑standard tombs — are not included in the cruise fare. When the vessel’s program offers them, they are optional extras you can buy ashore or through the ship’s excursion desk. We can pre-book many of these extras if you request them before travel.05What are the cabin classes and single supplement policy?
Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite; pricing is per person sharing and a single‑occupancy supplement typically applies. Exact cabin sizes and views vary by cabin number; your booking confirmation lists the cabin class and whether a single supplement applies. We can request specific cabin locations subject to availability and the cruise line’s allocation rules.06How accessible is the vessel and shore program for guests with limited mobility?
The vessel has stairs between public decks and cabins; some shore sites require walking on uneven ancient stone and steps. Guests with reduced mobility should tell us at booking so we can advise on cabin placement and whether specific shore excursions are suitable. Shore access varies by site and local boat/jetty conditions.07Can families with children travel on this cruise?
Children travel on the vessel, but cabin configurations and shore excursions may be less suitable for very young children. Some tombs and temples involve stairs and uneven ground. Infant facilities are limited on board; let us know ages at enquiry so we can recommend cabin types and which shore excursions are child‑appropriate.08What should I bring and wear on the Sonesta Moon Goddess and shore excursions?
Bring sun protection (broad‑brim hat, SPF 30+, sunglasses), comfortable walking shoes for uneven stone, a light layer for early mornings and evenings, and a modest set of clothes for temples and mosques (shoulders and knees covered). Also pack a small day bag, refillable water bottle, and any prescription medications in hand luggage.09Are photography and tripods allowed at the sites visited from the cruise?
Photography is generally allowed at open‑air temples such as Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae, but rules vary. Flash is usually prohibited inside tombs; tripods and professional equipment are often restricted or require a permit. The local site staff enforce rules, and the ship’s excursion desk will advise before each visit.10When is the best time of year to take this Nile cruise and are there seasonal considerations?
The main season for Nile cruising is October–April when temperatures are milder; summers are hot, especially inland. Note Ramadan can affect opening hours and service timings at religious sites and some restaurants; we will brief you if your travel dates fall during Ramadan.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-348051
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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