The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
A five-star Nile vessel with a sun deck, lounge bar, dining room, library, and cabins with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies.
The short answer
The Oberoi Zahra is a Signature Collection Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Monday or Saturday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Friday or Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Prices start at $3,915 per person sharing a double cabin, including full board, guided sightseeing and transfers.
02Overview
A first look
Morning light catches the Nile from the sun deck as The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise leaves Luxor, with the riverbank slipping past beyond the lounge bar and dining room. Sailing days bring time to read by the water, while shore excursions lead you onto the stone courts of Karnak, through Luxor Temple, and toward the temples and tombs farther south.
Our Egyptologists provide context ashore where included, and as a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange the cruise, embarkation support, and practical details 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 | May – September | Peak dates18 Dec – 6 Jan, 21 Mar – 4 Apr, 9 Apr – 23 Apr |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights · Aswan → Luxorembarks Mondays and Saturdays | October – April: from $3,915double cabinsingle cabin $6,606 | May – September: from $2,413double cabinsingle cabin $3,603 | Peak dates: from $5,153double cabinsingle cabin $9,082 |
| 4 nights · Luxor → Aswanembarks Fridays and Saturdays | October – April: from $5,202double cabinsingle cabin $8,790 | May – September: from $3,200double cabinsingle cabin $4,786 | Peak dates: from $6,853double cabinsingle cabin $12,092 |
| 7 nights · Luxor → Luxorembarks Fridays and Saturdays | October – April: from $9,053double cabinsingle cabin $15,332 | May – September: from $5,549double cabinsingle cabin $8,325 | Peak dates: from $11,942double cabinsingle cabin $21,110 |
| 7 nights · Aswan → Aswanembarks Mondays and Saturdays | October – April: from $9,072double cabinsingle cabin $15,351 | May – September: from $5,569double cabinsingle cabin $8,344 | Peak dates: from $11,961double cabinsingle cabin $21,130 |
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.
The ship
- Class
- Signature Collection Nile cruise ship
- Cabins
- 5
What lingers
- 01Onboard fine dining, sun deck, and spa facilities; shore excursions transfer by launch or gangway.
- 02Our Egyptologist accompanies every shore visit; we pre-book entrance tickets and guide times to avoid queues.
- 03Operated ashore by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we arrange airport transfers and visa assistance.
- 04Unlike packaged large-ship shore days, our itinerary staggers visits to Karnak and the Valley of the Kings to reduce crowds.
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full Board, from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Scheduled shore excursions as per the vessel's program, with English-speaking guide where provided by the cruise line
- Use of public facilities on board, including sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Embarkation and disembarkation assistance and on-board luggage handling
Not included
- International and domestic flights
- Premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks unless stated otherwise
- Mandatory port taxes or cruise supplement fees when applicable
- Gratuities for crew and Egyptologists, typically paid locally
- Single supplement for sole occupancy of a cabin, typically applies
- 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 travelers who want an organized Nile itinerary with fixed sightseeing, onboard dining, and hotel-style accommodation on the river. It is especially suitable for adults, couples, and families who prefer a comfortable, moderately paced journey with guided visits to major Upper Egypt monuments.
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.
- Historia Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $3,043 per person
- The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Signature Collection Nile cruise
Embarks Tue from Luxor/Aswan / Wed from Luxor / Sat from Luxor/Aswan
From $5,004 per person
- Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise
5-Star Luxury Nile cruise
Embarks Mon from Luxor / Fri from Aswan
From $2,419 per person
The route
Aswan and Luxor
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
Choose your direction
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Aswan or Luxor
Snapshot
Good to know
- Destinations
- Luxor · Edfu · Kom Ombo · Aswan
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any necessary visas
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a wide-brimmed hat
- Reusable water bottle
- Light rain jacket or wind layer for cooler mornings
- Personal medications plus a small first-aid kit
- Electrical adapter (Egypt uses Type C and F, 220V)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing
- Covered shoulders and knees for temple and mosque visits
- A warmer layer for evenings on deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Swimwear for pool use on the sun deck (cover-up for public areas)
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free; children 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price; children 12 years and over 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 for moving through the vessel but can be awkward at small river landing stages and in crowded temple entrances. High chairs and child-friendly meal options are usually available on five-star Nile cruisers, please request these at booking so we can confirm with the cruise supplier.
Accessibility
Who can join this
This cruise involves regular boarding via the vessel gangway, plus on-and-off movement at river docks and temple landings that often have steps and uneven stone approaches. Guests should be able to walk short distances on cobbles, ascend and descend ship stairs, and manage luggage during embarkation and disembarkation. Wheelchair users can travel but should note: wheelchairs are not usable on many temple sites or at the Valley of the Kings where paths are narrow and uneven. We provide meet-and-assist at Luxor and Aswan airports and on-board luggage handling, and we can arrange additional porter assistance and a folding wheelchair on request. Please contact us before booking to discuss mobility needs; we will advise which shore excursions are practical and which will present significant barriers.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel operates on conventional marine diesel engines, as do most Nile cruisers; fuel use is inherent to river sailing between Luxor and Aswan. Shore excursions use air-conditioned coaches provided by local suppliers, typically Mercedes or Volvo coaches; we contract with the same local coach companies regularly to support steady employment and predictable wages for drivers and guides. Linen and towel laundering is done on board by the vessel's crew using on-board laundry systems; where possible, we ask guests to reuse towels to reduce water and energy use. We encourage suppliers to reduce single-use plastics, and many cruise lines now use reusable glassware; please check the vessel's on-board amenities at booking. When you book through us, a portion of shore-guide fees and port handling charges goes directly to the local guides and long-term crew we work with. If you wish, we can arrange visits to a community project or market that supports local vendors; ask us at the time of 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
01
The cruise price usually covers cabin accommodation, daily meals aboard, and standard on‑board services unless we state otherwise. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and handle local logistics, but international flights, travel insurance, and personal gratuities are typically separate. Tell us if you need transfers, special dietary arrangements, or pre‑cruise hotel nights so we can confirm inclusions in your quotation.02How are shore excursions arranged during the cruise?
We arrange and time shore excursions with licensed local Egyptologists and our on‑the‑ground team. Excursion timing depends on the navigation schedule and local site opening hours, so start times can be early and some walks are over uneven ancient stone. You can request a private guide upgrade for most stops; we confirm exact meeting points and durations on your travel documents before arrival. As the on‑site operator, we coordinate permits and local transport so you do not need to negotiate with suppliers on the day.03
Most four‑day Nile itineraries call at Luxor West Bank for the Valley of the Kings and at Karnak Temple on the East Bank. Visits are timed and typically include guided walking tours, but expect uneven ground, steps, and limited shade at midday. Entrance fees for standard tombs and temples are usually included; premium tombs such as Tutankhamun are excluded and require an extra ticket at the site. If you need longer time in Luxor West Bank, tell us – we can adjust your schedule or add a private morning so you avoid the larger groups.04Is Wi‑Fi and mobile signal reliable on MS The Oberoi Zahra?
Wi‑Fi and mobile signal can be intermittent while the vessel is transiting the Nile and improve near major towns like Aswan and Luxor. Expect slower upload/download speeds during open‑water travel; streaming large files may not be possible. We can advise on local SIM cards and offline map options before you travel, and we arrange a brief tech briefing at embarkation if you prefer. If constant connectivity is business‑critical, discuss this with us so we can suggest workarounds or alternative arrangements.05How are transfers and luggage handled for embarkation and disembarkation?
Our ground team coordinates transfers and handles luggage between the agreed meeting point and the ship. Your driver meets you with a name card in arrivals; we organize porterage and a brief check‑in procedure at embarkation to avoid on‑site delays. If your international flight arrives late or the itinerary requires an early morning transfer, we usually recommend an extra hotel night to avoid rushed connections. Let us know flight numbers and arrival times so we can confirm exact pickup times and any waiting‑time charges.06
Bring sun protection (hat, SPF 30+ sunscreen), light layers, comfortable walking shoes, and modest clothing for temple and mosque visits. Add a small daypack, refillable water bottle, a photocopy of your passport, any prescription medications, and a light jacket for cooler early mornings and evenings. Expect midday sun with limited shade at archaeological sites and uneven stone underfoot, so closed shoes and a sun hat matter more than formal wear. If you want a packing list tailored to your cabin and flight times, tell us your arrival city and we will send one.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-580069
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Fri or Sat in Luxor · Mon or Sat in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- Signature Collection
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