Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with spacious suites, Nile-view cabins, a pool, rooftop terrace, full-board dining, and a lounge bar.
The short answer
Sonesta Sun Goddess 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. Prices start at $2,419 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
By late afternoon, the Nile reflects the sandstone of Luxor Temple as the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise lies alongside before Luxor Bridge. From the sun deck, you can watch feluccas cross the current, then settle into a lounge bar as the river darkens beyond the panoramic windows.
Our shore-excursion program brings the ancient landscape into focus, from Karnak’s columned halls to the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Horus at Edfu. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our team arranges the booking, embarkation details, and Egyptologist support before you board.
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 |
|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Fridays | October – April: from $2,419double cabinsingle cabin $3,784 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $3,132double cabinsingle cabin $4,952 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Mondays | October – April: from $5,265double cabinsingle cabin $8,450 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Fridays | October – April: from $5,284double cabinsingle cabin $8,469 |
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
- 01Spacious suites and Nile-view cabins, graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes
- 02Sun deck with pool and rooftop terrace for Nile views and late-afternoon shade
- 03Lounge bar and multiple indoor seating areas for evening briefings and relaxation
- 04Full-board dining, with main restaurant service and room service available
- 05Shore-excursion program calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae
- 06Embarkation and docking in front of Luxor Temple, before Luxor Bridge
On property
What's here
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Family rooms
- Spa
- Wi-Fi
- Swimming pool
- Garden
- Rooftop terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise
- Full-board meals, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Use of public onboard facilities (pool, spa, rooftop terrace, lounges, restaurant)
- Port charges and standard onboard service fees
Not included
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Optional shore-excursion entrance fees and private guided excursions unless specified
- Gratuities for crew and local guides, unless included in your booking confirmation
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 travelers who want a comfortable Nile experience with more space than a basic cabin and a structured sightseeing program. It is a good fit for couples, older travelers, and first-time visitors who prefer a guided river itinerary with full-board dining and onboard facilities.
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.
- Farah Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $2,185 per person
- Sonesta St. George I Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $2,185 per person
- Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $2,029 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
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- High-SPF sunscreen and lip protection
- Wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- Reusable water bottle for refills
- Small daypack for excursions
- Any required medication and a basic first-aid kit
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- A light sweater or jacket for evening on the sun deck
- Swimwear and a cover-up for the pool and sun deck
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult per-person sharing fare; children 12 years and over pay the full adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are practical on the vessel but can be difficult on some shore landings and at archaeological sites that have stairs and uneven stone. Please tell us ages and sleeping arrangements at booking so we can advise on cabins and safety measures.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise involves boarding and moving between decks, walking on gangways, and sometimes stepping onto uneven quays at embarkation and disembarkation. Sites visited include the Valley of the Kings and Kom Ombo, which have uneven stone, stairs, and narrow passages; Karnak Temple has long paved avenues and some cobbled sections. Wheelchair users should note that not all Nile cruisers have lift access between decks, and shore-excursion landings often require steps up or down from the boat. We can arrange wheelchair-accessible vehicles for transfers on request, but availability depends on local supplier capacity. Please tell us about mobility needs when you book so we can confirm what is feasible and advise on specific site access and alternative arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The cruise uses diesel-powered river vessels and local road transfers, typically air-conditioned coaches for shore excursions. We work with locally based suppliers for crew, guides, and catering to keep economic benefit within the region. Guests are encouraged to bring a refillable bottle to reduce single-use plastics. We encourage guests to follow site rules to protect fragile monuments, for example staying on marked paths at the Valley of the Kings and not touching reliefs at Kom Ombo. Local community initiatives such as village craft cooperatives are used for optional market visits when available, and tip distribution to local guides and boat crew is organized through transparent on-site channels. If you have specific sustainability priorities, tell us at enquiry so we can match the right vessel and supplier.
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 of a Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
These itineraries usually travel between Luxor and Aswan, allowing guests to experience key sites along the Nile River.02What is included in the full board basis on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
The full board basis includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily, starting with lunch on the embarkation day and concluding with breakfast on the disembarkation day. Drinks (including water) are typically an additional cost.03What shore excursions are part of the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise program?
The cruise program includes guided shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple. These are arranged by our Egyptologists.04What are the cabin options available on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
The Sonesta Sun Goddess offers various cabin categories, including standard cabins, deluxe cabins, and suites. Many cabins feature panoramic windows, and some include Nile-view balconies, providing comfortable accommodation during your sailing.05What is the embarkation and disembarkation process for the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
Embarkation for the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise typically occurs in Luxor or Aswan, depending on your itinerary direction. You will board the vessel and settle into your cabin, with disembarkation at the opposite city at the end of your cruise.06Is the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise suitable for families with children?
The Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise can accommodate families, offering amenities like family rooms and a swimming pool. Our Egyptologists tailor shore excursions to be engaging for various age groups, though some ancient sites involve walking on uneven terrain.07What should I wear and bring for a Nile cruise on the Sonesta Sun Goddess?
For shore excursions, comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sun cream are essential. Modest clothing is recommended for temple visits. On board, smart casual attire is suitable for evenings. Bring any personal medications and a camera.08What is the best time of year to take a Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
The best time for a Nile cruise is typically from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, particularly for outdoor excursions.09What is the accessibility like on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise and during shore excursions?
The Sonesta Sun Goddess has lifts between decks, but cabins may not be fully wheelchair accessible. Shore excursions involve walking on ancient, uneven surfaces and steps at many sites. Guests with mobility concerns should discuss specific needs with us.10Are alcoholic beverages included with the full board on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise?
No, alcoholic beverages are not included in the full board basis on the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise. These, along with soft drinks and specialty coffees, are available for purchase from the lounge bar and restaurant.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-480819
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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