Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile cruiser with a sun deck, lounge bar, panoramic dining room, full-board dining, and Nile-view balcony cabins.
The short answer
Steigenberger Royale is a 5-Star Ultra Deluxe 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 Thursday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $1,522 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
As the Nile current carries the Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise past date palms and limestone banks, the sun deck becomes a quiet place to watch village life unfold. Inside, panoramic windows frame the changing river while the dining room moves from Egyptian dishes to international favorites. Between sailing days, our Egyptologists guide you through moments such as the columns of Karnak, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, and Philae’s island setting, with time to return to the lounge bar or pool afterward.
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we arrange the booking, embarkation details, and shore-excursion program so your time aboard feels straightforward 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. 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 $1,522double cabinsingle cabin $2,259 | May – September: from $956double cabinsingle cabin $1,346 | Peak dates: from $1,756double cabinsingle cabin $2,809 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $1,936double cabinsingle cabin $2,919 | May – September: from $1,182double cabinsingle cabin $1,702 | Peak dates: from $2,248double cabinsingle cabin $3,652 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Thursdays | October – April: from $3,172double cabinsingle cabin $4,892 | May – September: from $1,852double cabinsingle cabin $2,762 | Peak dates: from $3,718double cabinsingle cabin $6,175 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays | October – April: from $3,191double cabinsingle cabin $4,911 | May – September: from $1,872double cabinsingle cabin $2,782 | Peak dates: from $3,737double cabinsingle cabin $6,194 |
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
- 01Five-star vessel with sun deck, lounge bar and panoramic dining room
- 02Cabin categories include Standard, Deluxe and Suite, some with Nile-view balconies
- 03Onboard shore-excursion program visits Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
- 04Full board dining from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast
On property
What's here
- Gym
- Wi-Fi
- Non-smoking rooms
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Restaurant
- Laundry
- Bar
- Business center
- Spa
- Rooftop terrace
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
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Book a cabin with a large window or private balcony for Nile views.
- 02
Schedule Luxor's West Bank visits early morning to avoid midday heat and crowds.
- 03
Carry small local currency for temple donations, market purchases, and tipping crew.
- 04
Bring a lightweight scarf for temple visits; shoulders and knees should be covered.
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 families who want a comfortable way to visit Upper Egypt’s major monuments without changing hotels every night. It is also a good fit for first-time visitors, history-focused travelers, and guests who prefer a structured guided program with onboard dining.
Maybe not, if
- Travelers needing full wheelchair accessibility–many sites have steps
- Those wanting intensive trekking or active adventure itineraries
- Guests uncomfortable with early-morning or hot-weather excursions
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.
- Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $1,522 per person
- Steigenberger Regency Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Wed from Aswan / Sat from Luxor
From $1,522 per person
- Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
5-Star Ultra Deluxe Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Aswan / Thu from Luxor
From $1,522 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 cabins with en-suite bathrooms and attentive service.
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
- Guide languages
- English · French · German · Italian · Others
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and travel documents
- Local currency and a small day wallet for market purchases
- High-SPF sunscreen and a wide-brim hat
- Comfortable walking shoes and a small daypack
- Reusable water bottle and personal medications
- Copies of important documents stored separately
What to wear
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime temple visits
- Modest cover for temples–shoulders and knees should be covered
- Comfortable closed shoes for uneven surfaces and short walks
- Smart-casual attire for evening dining areas
Children & families
Children are welcome; cabin-sharing and child rates vary by sailing. Please contact Discovery Tours Egypt for age restrictions, berthing arrangements and exact fare details.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The ship offers level cabin corridors, but gangways and some boarding ramps may be steep. Many temples and archaeological sites have uneven steps and rough stone; wheelchair users should advise Discovery Tours Egypt in advance to discuss arrangements.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Discovery Tours Egypt works with local suppliers and supports local guides and crew training. Onboard practices aim to minimise waste and promote respectful visits to 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-LUX-211352
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Thu in Luxor · Mon in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Ultra Deluxe
You Might Also Like
Luxor3 Nights
Steigenberger Regency Nile Cruise
The Steigenberger Regency Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruiser offering full board dining and on-board leisure spaces. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, many with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies; the vessel has a pool, lounge bar, restaurant and a rooftop terrace. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, books and arranges the cruise and embarkation formalities for our clients.
From $1,522
Luxor3 Nights
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel based in Luxor, offering full board accommodation and regular sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel has a sun deck with a pool and shaded seating, a lounge bar, a dining room serving full board meals, and cabins in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes with Nile views. The shore-excursion program calls at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with embarkation and disembarkation at Luxor or Aswan. We hand-pick this vessel for travelers who want spacious public areas and a program of guided shore visits rather than bus-style day tours.
From $1,522
Luxor3 Nights
Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
You board at Luxor's Nile pier on the East Bank and step aboard MS Steigenberger Legacy. Cabins average 16 m² – Nile-cruise scale, not an ocean‑liner – with twin or double bedding and a large picture window for river views. You sail south through the Esna lock; the vessel waits to transit when schedules permit and the landscape tightens to sandstone banks. Scheduled guided visits with an Egyptologist include Karnak and Luxor Temple near embarkation, then Edfu and Kom Ombo as you work toward Aswan. Plan for roughly 90–120 minutes at Edfu for the best reading of the reliefs; Kom Ombo is a briefer stop for the twin‑god reliefs and the small crocodile museum. In Aswan the ship moors at the Nile Corniche near the town center; Philae Island is the usual half‑day visit by motorboat. Meals are full board on the ship: breakfast, lunch and dinner presented in the main dining room, with simple regional dishes and international options. The sun deck serves as the day’s viewing platform for the West Bank ridge at dawn and for late‑afternoon light. Expect compact public spaces – lounge, shaded sun deck, and observation area – and personalised service from on‑board staff. Note limited lift access and modest cabin storage. Your Egyptologist guides the monument visits, explains sculptural details and hieroglyphs, and our local office in Luxor supports practical arrangements or last‑minute changes.
From $1,522