Grand Rose Nile Cruise
5-star Nile cruiser with panoramic windows, sun deck with shaded seating, lounge bar, guided shore excursions and full-board dining; sailings weekly between Luxor and Aswan.
At a glance
- Length
- 8 days · 7 nights
- Embarks
- Wed, Sat
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
Snapshot
Good to know
- Accommodation
- 5-Star Cabin Accommodation
- Destinations
- Luxor · Aswan · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu (Temple of Horus) · Kom Ombo · Philae Temple · Valley of the Kings
- Includes
- Full board meals · Booked cabin accommodation · Use of onboard facilities · Scheduled shore excursions
- Best for
- History enthusiasts · First-time visitors · Couples · Families with older children
- Guide languages
- English · Italian · French · German · Others · English
- Discovery Tours Egypt is a licensed Egyptian tour operator.
- Cruise booking and embarkation logistics are arranged in advance by Discovery Tours Egypt.
- Shore excursions are coordinated to match the vessel’s published cruise program.
- Standard site entrance fees are included unless a premium ticket is explicitly stated.
- Gratuities, drinks beyond water with meals, and personal expenses are clearly separated from inclusions.
02Overview
A first look
By morning light the Nile looks like a slow, bright ribbon, and from the sun deck you will smell river reed and hear the distant calls of fishermen as the vessel slips past palm-lined banks. Cabin doors open onto panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies, while the lounge bar and dining room keep the rhythm of the day simple and easy to follow.
We arrange weekly sailings between Luxor and Aswan, and our shore-excursion program alternates sailing days with full days ashore so visits are less rushed than typical short cruises. Our Egyptologists meet you on board to brief each visit and answer questions.
Background
The facts
Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel used for scheduled sailings between Luxor and Aswan. The vessel’s program alternates sailing days with shore excursions to major Upper Egypt monuments, including Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. Embarkation and disembarkation are handled at Luxor and Aswan, the two main cruise ports on the Upper Nile.
Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite categories, with some units featuring Nile-view windows or balconies. Public areas typically include a sun deck with shaded seating, a lounge bar, a dining room, and a small pool. The vessel is sold on a full-board basis, meaning lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day are included in the cruise program.
The shore-excursion schedule focuses on sites associated with the New Kingdom and later Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods. Karnak Temple was expanded over many centuries, while Luxor Temple is closely linked to New Kingdom royal ceremony and later Roman modifications. Edfu is among the best-preserved temples in Egypt, Kom Ombo is a rare double temple, and Philae was relocated after the construction of the Aswan High Dam to protect it from rising waters.
Grand Rose is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, which coordinates the booking and cruise logistics while the vessel itself is operated by the cruise line. Standard entrance fees are included unless a premium ticket is specifically stated; drinks beyond water with meals, gratuities, and personal expenses are usually extra.
Named in this entry
Luxor·Aswan·Karnak Temple·Luxor Temple·Temple of Horus, Edfu·Kom Ombo Temple·Philae Temple·Valley of the Kings·Upper Egypt·Nile River·New Kingdom of Egypt
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile itinerary with hotel-style comfort, especially adults and older teens interested in ancient Egyptian temples and river scenery. It is also appropriate for first-time visitors who prefer having meals, cabin accommodation, and shore excursions organized in advance.
Maybe not, if
- Not suitable for people needing full wheelchair access
- Those who prefer fast-paced, activity-heavy itineraries
- Guests with severe mobility restrictions due to temple steps
What lingers
- 01Sun deck with shaded seating and panoramic Nile views
- 02Lounge bar and indoor seating for evening briefings and relaxation
- 03Dining room serving full board meals from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast
- 04Cabin grades: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, several with Nile-view windows or balconies
- 05Shore-excursion program visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and Valley of the Kings
Worth knowing
How this compares
Unlike a hotel stay in Luxor or Aswan, this cruise combines accommodation, meals, and scheduled shore excursions on one vessel while sailing between the two cities. Compared with a land-only itinerary, it reduces repeated packing and transfers because the route, dining, and cabin are handled as part of the cruise program. It is more structured than a custom private overland tour, but it keeps the main temple visits and river travel in one booking.
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
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Luxor and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
8 Days / 7 Nights · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,416 | $1,521 | $1,749 |
| Double Cabin | $843 | $909 | $996 |
| Triple Cabin | $742 | $777 | $1,054 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $972 | $1,032 | $1,162 |
| Double Cabin | $644 | $682 | $732 |
| Triple Cabin | $587 | $607 | $765 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $823 | $868 | $966 |
| Double Cabin | $578 | $606 | $643 |
| Triple Cabin | $534 | $549 | $668 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,429 | $1,534 | $1,761 |
| Double Cabin | $856 | $921 | $1,009 |
| Triple Cabin | $755 | $790 | $1,067 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On property
What's here
- restaurant
- bar
- concierge
- rooftop-terrace
- pool
Bundled in
- Full board
- Hotel pickup
- Airport transfer
- Private transfer
- Group Egyptologist
- All entry tickets
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day
- Accommodation in the booked cabin grade on board
- Use of onboard facilities such as sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Scheduled shore excursions as per the vessel's program
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals, unless stated at booking
- Gratuities and personal expenses
- International or domestic flights and airport taxes
- Egypt entry visa and travel insurance
- Site-specific premium entrance tickets not included (for example pyramid interiors or premium tombs) unless explicitly stated
Field notes
From our Egyptologists
- 01
Request an upper-deck cabin for broader Nile views during sailing and sunrise
- 02
Plan temple visits early in the morning to avoid heat and crowds
- 03
Carry small Egyptian pounds for market purchases, tips, and snack stalls onshore
- 04
Bring a lightweight scarf for sun protection and to cover shoulders at temples
Tailor it
Make it yours
Travelers can usually choose between private arrangements or a standard cruise booking, depending on the available sailing and cabin category. Upgrades may include higher-grade cabins, balcony or Nile-view options where available, and extended land arrangements before or after the cruise. Additional site visits, meal-related requests, or linked hotel stays in Luxor or Aswan can often be added when booked in advance.
All requests handled by your dedicated specialist before booking.
Accessibility
Who can join this
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise involves boarding a gangway and moving between decks with steps and low thresholds, so travelers with reduced mobility should plan accordingly. Cabins have narrow doorways and some require steps to access; there is limited lift access between decks on most Nile cruisers. Embarkation and shore excursions often require short walks on river quays, uneven cobbles, historic stone paving and short staircases at temples and tombs. Wheelchair users will generally need a collapsible wheelchair and assistance for boarding and shore transfers; please tell us your exact requirements before booking so we can check cabin suitability and arrange staff assistance where possible. For visitors who use walking sticks or have limited stamina, we recommend allowing extra time for temple approaches and letting your Egyptologist know before each excursion.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visas
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sunscreen SPF30 or higher and a hat
- Reusable water bottle for refills on board
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Small torch or headlamp for reading in cabin at night
- Any required prescription medicines in original packaging
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting daytime clothing in natural fibres
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A warm layer for cooler evenings on the sun deck
- Comfortable closed shoes for archaeological sites
- Sunglasses and a brimmed hat for strong sun
Children & families
Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require a separate cabin. Strollers can be useful in ports and on flat promenades, but they are impractical at many temple approaches and inside tombs due to steps and narrow passages. High chairs are not guaranteed on board; request them at time of booking and we will check availability with the cruise line.
Location
On the map
While you're here
Worth pairing
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel uses inboard diesel engines for propulsion and small launch boats for some shore landings; fuel and emissions are therefore typical of Nile river cruisers. We work with the cruise line to limit single-use plastics on board, encourage linen reuse for multi-night sailings, and provide water-refill points rather than bottled water in public areas where the ship permits. Shore excursions use local licensed guides and suppliers, which directs income to community businesses in Luxor and Aswan, and the cruise employs local crew and on-board staff recruited from the region. If you prefer lower-impact options ashore, ask your Egyptologist about walking routes and local craft cooperatives that receive direct support from passenger purchases.
Licensed local Egyptologists
ETAA-credentialed, on payroll
Fair wages on the ground
Drivers + guides paid above market
Site preservation
We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols
Carbon-aware itineraries
Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical
·In summary
Grand Rose Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt with full board accommodation from lunch on embarkation day to breakfast on disembarkation day. The cruise includes a scheduled shore-excursion program to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are available in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite grades, with some offering Nile-view windows or balconies.
Asked & answered
Frequent questions
01What is the typical duration of the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise typically offers 8-day sailings between Luxor and Aswan. These voyages alternate weekly between northbound and southbound routes, providing a comprehensive experience of the Nile River and its historical sites.02What is included in the full board meal plan on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
Full board on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise includes all meals from lunch on your embarkation day through breakfast on your disembarkation day. This covers breakfast, lunch, and dinner served in the main dining room. Drinks beyond water with meals are generally excluded.03What shore excursions are part of the Grand Rose Nile Cruise program?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise includes a scheduled program of shore excursions to major sites. These typically feature visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae Temple.04What types of cabins are available on the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise offers cabins in Standard, Deluxe, and Suite grades. Many cabins feature panoramic windows or balconies, allowing for views of the Nile. All cabins are designed for comfort during your sailing.05What amenities are available on board the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
On board the Grand Rose Nile Cruise, guests can enjoy a sun deck with shaded seating, a lounge bar, a main dining room, and a small pool. These facilities are available for all guests throughout their sailing.06What is the policy for children on the Grand Rose 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 fare. One child maximum can share a cabin with parents; two or more children require their own cabin.07What should I wear for shore excursions from the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
For shore excursions, we recommend comfortable walking shoes suitable for uneven ancient stone and sand. Light, breathable clothing is best for the Egyptian climate, and modest dress is advised for visits to religious sites like temples and mosques.08Are gratuities included in the Grand Rose Nile Cruise package?
No, gratuities for the cruise staff and Egyptologists are not included in the Grand Rose Nile Cruise package. It is customary to tip for good service, and we can provide guidance on appropriate amounts closer to your departure.09What is the best time of year to take the Grand Rose Nile Cruise?
The best time to take the Grand Rose Nile Cruise is generally from October to April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. Summer months, from May to September, can be very hot, especially for daytime excursions.10Does the Grand Rose Nile Cruise include visits to premium sites like pyramid interiors?
The Grand Rose Nile Cruise includes standard entrance fees for the scheduled shore excursions. However, site-specific premium entrance tickets, such as for pyramid interiors or certain premium tombs, are not included unless explicitly stated in your booking.
If plans change
Cancellation
- More than 30 days
- Full refund less a £50 admin fee
- 15–30 days
- 50% refund
- Within 14 days
- No refund – date changes considered case by case
Last updated 17 May 2026Product ID: CRU-LUX-766321
You Might Also Like
Nile7 Nights
Blue Shadow Nile Cruise
Blue Shadow is a 3/4/ or 7-night Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. We run small-group departures, maximum eight guests, with English-speaking Egyptologists guiding all listed tours. Full-board meals are served onboard, and we provide meet-and-assist on arrival, air-conditioned transfers, entrance fees to the listed sites, and a complimentary bottle of water per person per day. The Aswan disembarkation includes an optional Abu Simbel excursion. Compared with shorter Nile sailings, the 7-night itinerary spaces temple visits over more days to avoid back-to-back early mornings. Arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange all on-the-ground details and local guides for each excursion.
Nile7 Nights
Concerto Nile Cruise
Sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Concerto, visiting Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. The vessel runs in both directions, allowing embarkation in Luxor or Aswan. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists lead the guided visits, with on-site groups limited to eight guests for commentary and questions. Onboard facilities include a swimming pool, spa, panoramic lounge, and a sun deck used for lunches; evenings often feature a folkloric show. Unlike some motor-cruise schedules, this itinerary allocates longer visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and leaves afternoons for leisure or optional extras. We handle local arrangements on the ground, so you meet your guide at embarkation and proceed directly to the scheduled visits.
7 Nights