What you're actually paying for
The Signature Collection tier, line by line.
- Ships
- Historia · The Oberoi Philae · The Oberoi Zahra
- Cabins
- Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades · panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies
- On board
- Sun deck · lounge bar · restaurant
- Route
- Luxor ⇄ Aswan · sailing lengths vary by ship
- Best for
- Honeymoons · milestone trips · travelers who want the ship to be part of the story
- From (per person)
- from $3,186 per person · High season, Oct–Apr
“Ultra-luxury isn't about seeing more temples. It's the same Nile, the same Egyptologist – and a ship you'll remember as clearly as Karnak.”
Standard sailing rotation
How the schedule works on the Luxor–Aswan loop.
- Durations
- Every vessel on this page sails 4-night, 5-night, and 7-night variants of the same Luxor↔Aswan loop. The 4-night sees Edfu + Kom Ombo + Aswan temples; the 7-night adds a return cruise with more leisure time and (on most ships) a Dendera + Abydos extension.
- Embarkation days
- The most common rotation is Monday from Luxor and Friday from Aswan, but each vessel sets its own schedule – exact departure days are shown per ship below where confirmed. Cat-A and Ultra-Deluxe vessels often add a Saturday Luxor sailing in peak season (Oct–Apr); dahabiyas typically embark on Mondays from Esna.
- What's included
- Full board on every vessel, all temple admissions, Egyptologist guiding, transfers from/to Luxor or Aswan airport, and port fees. Tipping is not included – a printed guide is issued at embarkation.
In the fleet
Signature Collection Nile cruisers (4).
Each vessel below sails the 4 / 5 / 7-night variants on the schedule above. Prices shown are the lead-in 4-night cabin; longer variants and balcony cabins are quoted on request.
Historia Nile Cruise
Luxor → Aswan
We provide onboard English commentary about the river’s historical and cultural significance (including context for nearby sites such as Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple), a complimentary welcome drink, and a freshly prepared buffet lunch with vegetarian options. The cruise offers panoramic river views and sunset photo opportunities from comfortable, air-conditioned lounge and deck areas. Departure times and embarkation points vary by city and season, so we confirm details at booking.
from$3,186per person · High season, Oct–Apr
Jaz Elite Senator Nile Cruise
Luxor → Luxor
Sail between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Jaz Elite Senator, visiting Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Philae, Edfu, and Kom Ombo. The vessel features all-suite accommodation and an evening folkloric show, with daytime deck space for river views and temple façades. Our Egyptologists lead guided visits, and tours are capped at eight guests to keep groups small and focused. Compared with many larger Nile boats, the Jaz Elite Senator offers only suite accommodation rather than mixed cabin types. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and we coordinate on-the-ground logistics, so guests step off the gangway straight into scheduled visits and evening briefings with the guide.
from$3,186per person · High season, Oct–Apr
The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator; we meet you with private transfers, and an Egyptologist accompanies shore visits. We prioritize time ashore and guided exploration rather than onboard spectacle. Unlike larger hotel-style Nile ships, this itinerary schedules dawn or late-afternoon visits to reduce crowds and midday heat. Trade-offs: some visits require early starts, many temple approaches have uneven stone and stairs, and evenings ashore are limited in smaller towns. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated; premium tombs, hot-air balloon flights, and private transfers to Abu Simbel are optional extras.
from$5,189per person · High season, Oct–Apr
The Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise
Aswan → Luxor
We provide private transfers and an Egyptologist to accompany shore visits. Trade-offs: expect early starts for some crossings and occasional quay congestion at Luxor or Aswan. Tell us your travel dates and cabin preference and we will confirm availability and the detailed ashore program.
from$3,917per person · High season, Oct–Apr
Five things to know
Before you book Signature Collection.
01Is an ultra-luxury Nile cruise the same as Ultra-Deluxe?
No. Ultra-Deluxe is the trade name for our Prestige tier – boutique 5-star ships one step below 5-Star Luxury. Ultra-luxury is our Signature Collection: the three ships we rate above Luxury itself.
02Which ships are in the Signature Collection?
Historia, The Oberoi Philae and The Oberoi Zahra. The list stays deliberately short – a ship joins only when it clearly sits above the best of the 5-Star Luxury fleet on price and on what you get for it.
03How far ahead should I book?
Earlier than for any other tier. The top cabin grades go first, and peak winter dates can fill many months ahead. If your dates are fixed, tell us as soon as you can.
04Can I combine an ultra-luxury cruise with a tour of Egypt?
Yes – that's how most of our guests travel. We build the Cairo, Giza and Abu Simbel days around the sailing, with the same private Egyptologist approach throughout.
05Is the Signature Collection worth it over Luxury?
Honest answer: for a short cruise on a busy itinerary, Luxury usually delivers what you need. For a honeymoon, a milestone trip, or anyone for whom the ship itself matters as much as the temples, the Signature Collection is the one we'd pick.
Different budget?
The other tiers.
5-Star Luxury
Category-A cruisers – the best of the full-size fleet, one step below ultra-luxury.
5-Star Ultra Deluxe
Ultra-Deluxe – boutique 5-star, a different (and lower) grade than ultra-luxury.
Then pick a route
Which way to sail.
Talk to the Cairo desk
Send your travel window. We'll send back three boats and a hold.
– Suhaila · Discovery Tours Egypt