Zeina Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic cabins, a sun deck, lounge bar, pool, and full-board dining.
The short answer
Zeina is a 5-Star Standard Nile cruise ship. Embark in Aswan on a Wednesday for 3 nights to Luxor or a 7-night round trip, or in Luxor on a Saturday for 4 nights to Aswan or a 7-night round trip. Rates are on request: send us your dates for a live price.
02Overview
A first look
At first light, the Nile slips past the sun deck in muted greens and ochers, while the lounge bar stays quiet before breakfast. Aboard Zeina Nile Cruise, the rhythm is unhurried: sailing days alternate with shore excursions, so Karnak Temple, Edfu’s Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings have time to register beyond a quick photograph.
Our Egyptologists bring each site into focus, and we arrange the cabin booking, shore-excursion program, and practical details with a licensed Egyptian tour operator, leaving you to watch villages, palms, and late-afternoon light move along the river.
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.
Cabin pricing
Rates on request
We don't have current published rates for this ship. Send us your dates and we'll come back with a live price for the cabin you want.
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.
Bundled in
- Pool
- Wi-Fi
- Sun Deck
- Restaurant
- Spa
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Accommodation aboard the Zeina Nile Cruise in the cabin category booked
- Full board on board, from lunch on the embarkation day through breakfast on the disembarkation day
- Use of on-board facilities where provided, for example the sun deck, lounge bar, dining room and pool (if present)
- Scheduled shore-excursion program while sailing between Luxor and Aswan, as described in the vessel information
- Port and harbour taxes
- Local English-speaking cruise staff and crew services
Not included
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Visas for entry into Egypt
- Drinks, including water, are not included, even with meals
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and spa treatments
- Optional extras and optional excursions not listed in the vessel information
- Gratuities for cruise staff and Egyptologists unless you choose to add them
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement (where applicable)
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
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.
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- Semiramis III Nile Cruise
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- Magic I Nile Cruise
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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 a photocopy, plus entry visa if required
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip for temple surfaces
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF30+
- Lightweight daypack for personal items on shore excursions
- Any prescribed medication and a small first-aid kit
- Plug adapter (Egypt uses Type C and F sockets)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing in natural fabrics
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques; carry a scarf
- A warmer layer for early-morning sailings and evenings on deck
- Non-slip closed shoes for archaeological sites and gangways
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Cots are subject to availability on the assigned vessel and must be requested at booking. Strollers are practical for short walks on flat quays and on-board public areas, but they are not suitable for temple sites where steps and uneven ground are common.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and its shore excursions involve walking on uneven ancient stone, temple stairways, narrow gangways and cobbled paths. Embarkation and disembarkation require using fixed or folding ramps and typically one step up from the quayside into the gangway; luggage porters assist where available. Cabins have standard step-free thresholds, but not all cabins or public spaces are fully wheelchair accessible; elevators are not guaranteed on every cruiser. Shore excursions include sites with multiple stairs and limited handrails, for example Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings. If you use a wheelchair or have reduced mobility, tell us at booking so we can confirm which vessel class and shore excursions are feasible, arrange extra assistance where possible, and plan longer transfer times. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we will detail the physical demands of each excursion in your booking documents.
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
Our standard cruise program uses modern diesel motor vessels common on the Nile; coaches used for transfers are air-conditioned, euro-standard coaches with capacity matching the booked group size. We work with the same local cruise suppliers and shore-excursion teams year-round to provide steady seasonal employment for Egyptologists, boat crews and local guides. On-board housekeeping uses refillable toiletry dispensers where the supplier allows, and linens are changed on request to reduce water use. Where possible we source produce and baked goods from local markets in Luxor and Aswan, which supports small growers and bakeries. We ask guests to avoid single-use plastics, and to follow crew instructions for waste disposal at ports. If you care about a specific sustainability standard, tell us at enquiry and we will confirm which vessel in the booking meets your requirements.
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 the Zeina Nile Cruise?
This allows guests to choose a duration that best suits their travel plans.02What is included with the full board on the Zeina Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Zeina Nile Cruise includes lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers all main meals served in the main dining room. Drinks (including water) are typically extra.03What shore excursions are part of the Zeina Nile Cruise program?
The Zeina Nile Cruise program includes guided shore excursions to major sites such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These are arranged by the vessel's operator.04What is the cabin policy for children on the Zeina Nile Cruise?
Children aged 0–5.99 years travel free, while those 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult price. Children aged 12 and above pay the full adult price. A maximum of one child can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.05What should I wear on board and during shore excursions?
On board, casual comfortable clothing is suitable. For shore excursions, light, breathable fabrics are recommended, along with comfortable walking shoes. When visiting religious sites, modest dress is advised, covering shoulders and knees.06What are the embarkation and disembarkation points for the Zeina Nile Cruise?
The main embarkation and disembarkation points for the Zeina Nile Cruise are Luxor and Aswan. The direction of travel, either Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor, depends on your specific sailing date and chosen itinerary.07Is the Zeina Nile Cruise accessible for guests with mobility concerns?
While the Zeina Nile Cruise vessel has lifts between decks, shore excursions often involve walking on uneven ancient stone, sand, and climbing steps at archaeological sites. Guests with significant mobility concerns should discuss their needs with us prior to booking.08What is the best time of year to take a Zeina Nile Cruise?
The best time to take a Zeina Nile Cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more pleasant for sightseeing. Summer months, May to September, can be very hot, particularly in Upper Egypt.09Are drinks included on the Zeina Nile Cruise?
The Zeina Nile Cruise includes full board, which covers all meals. However, drinks, including soft drinks, alcoholic beverages and water, are typically not included and are available for purchase on board.10What is the atmosphere like on the Zeina Nile Cruise?
The Zeina Nile Cruise offers a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere, combining leisure time on the sun deck with guided cultural excursions. Evenings often feature entertainment in the lounge bar, providing a pleasant balance of activity and relaxation.
Last updated Product ID: CRU-NIL-803164
At a glance
- Length
- 3, 4 or 7 nights
- Embarks
- Sat in Luxor · Wed in Aswan
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-Star Standard
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