Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with sun deck, lounge bar, panoramic windows and full-board dining; guided shore excursions and weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
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
- Licensed by Egyptian Tourism Authority
- Discovery Tours Egypt
- Cruise is arranged and booked by Discovery Tours Egypt
- Published shore-excursion programme
- Standard entrance fees included unless otherwise stated
02Overview
A first look
You step out onto the sun-warmed teak of the Moon Goddess's sun deck as the Nile slides by Luxor’s corniche; the air smells of river reed and roasted coffee from the on-board restaurant, and palms lean along the opposite bank. Days alternate between slow sailing and guided shore excursions, with time to read on a shaded lounge chair or watch temple façades recede in late afternoon light.
We arrange your included cruise and shore visits and our licensed Egyptologists lead the onshore commentary; the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and embarkation and disembarkation at those ports are handled by the ship’s concierge.
Background
The facts
The Sonesta Moon Goddess is a five-star Nile cruise vessel that sails between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile River. It is designed for multi-day river travel with cabin accommodation, public viewing areas, a sun deck, a lounge bar, and an onboard restaurant. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with some categories providing Nile views or balcony-style features depending on availability.
The cruise program typically includes guided shore excursions to major Upper Egypt monuments. Common stops include Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Valley of the Kings and the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari on the west bank, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple near Aswan. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation at the two cities.
Full board generally begins with lunch on embarkation day and ends with breakfast on disembarkation day. Standard cruise inclusions usually cover the cabin, meals, selected guided shore excursions, daily housekeeping, and onboard concierge support. Drinks beyond still water with meals, gratuities, transfers, flights, and premium tomb tickets are commonly excluded unless specifically booked.
For reference, the Karnak Temple complex lies about 2.5 km north of Luxor Temple, while the drive from Luxor to Aswan by road is roughly 220 km; the Nile cruise follows the river rather than the highway. The route connects several of Egypt’s most important Pharaonic and Greco-Roman sites, making it a practical way to visit multiple archaeological landmarks in one journey.
Named in this entry
Sonesta Moon Goddess·Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Valley of the Kings·Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut·Deir el-Bahari·Temple of Horus·Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Nile River
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.
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.
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 programme follows the vessel’s sailing schedule.
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
8 Days / 7 Nights · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $3,709 | $3,709 | $3,709 |
| Double Cabin | $1,390 | $1,390 | $1,390 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $2,282 | $2,282 | $2,282 |
| Double Cabin | $957 | $957 | $957 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,806 | $1,806 | $1,806 |
| Double Cabin | $812 | $812 | $812 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $3,721 | $3,721 | $3,721 |
| Double Cabin | $1,403 | $1,403 | $1,403 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On property
What's here
- restaurant
- concierge
Bundled in
- Full board
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Cruise accommodation aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess (4 nights)
- 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 beyond still water with meals unless stated otherwise
- 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
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.
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 travelling 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.
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 (refillable on board)
- 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.
Location
On the map
– 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 local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
The Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise includes accommodation in a Standard, Deluxe, or Suite cabin, full board from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day, and selected guided shore excursions. The vessel’s published program visits Luxor, Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01How long is the Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise?
The vessel typically sails weekly between Luxor and Aswan; individual cruise bookings specify exact embarkation and disembarkation dates. 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 programme. Excluded are international/domestic flights, drinks beyond still water with meals 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 programme 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 programme 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. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan year‑round. 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.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 17 May 2026Product ID: CRU-NIL-348051
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