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5-Star Deluxe Nile cruise vessel

5-Star Deluxe · The middle of the fleet ·

Deluxe Nile cruises – the most-booked tier on the river.

The honest sweet spot. Larger cabins than Standard, more balcony cabins as a share of the boat, refurbished public spaces, full-board dining with a la carte options on most vessels. What most first-time visitors actually want once they've compared.

31 vessels currently in this tier

$950 per person · 3 nights / 4 days

What you're actually paying for

The Deluxe tier, line by line.

Cabin size (typical)
17–22 m²
Decks
4 (cabins on 2–3)
Balcony
Most cabins · private balcony or French balcony
Dining
Full board · buffet + 1 a la carte
Crew-to-guest ratio
≈ 1 : 1.5
Pool
Yes · sun-deck plunge pool, bar
Best for
Repeat travelers · couples · honeymooners on a budget
From (per person)
$950 · 4 nights / 5 days

“If you have to pick one tier without seeing the cabins in person, this is the one most of our team picks.”

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

5-Star Deluxe Nile cruisers (27).

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.

  1. Al Kahila Nile Cruise

    Al Kahila Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    Al Kahila Nile Cruise is a river vessel offering cabin classes with Nile views, a sun deck, lounge bar and a dining room. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Full board applies from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with shore excursions at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings included in the vessel programme. Discovery Tours Egypt has carefully selected and arranges this cruise as part of your Egypt travel plans. Unlike coach-based group tours, the cruise alternates sailing and on-shore visits for a paced itinerary.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Wed/Sat · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $920 / pp

  2. Alyssa Nile Cruise

    Alyssa Nile Cruise

    LUXOR → LUXOR

    The Alyssa Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Philae. We arrange accommodation aboard the Alyssa, and the vessel has a sundeck, swimming pool, spa, fitness area, restaurant, bar, and cabins with Nile views. Our Egyptologists lead all guided visits, and group sizes are small, limited to a maximum of eight participants. We do not run large coach tours; the small-group approach keeps landing parties compact and manageable. Unlike many short-stop itineraries, this cruise allows proper time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo, and selected departures offer an optional Abu Simbel excursion. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our Egyptologists time visits to avoid the largest crowds when possible.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Thu from Luxor 5★

    From · 4 nights $920 / pp

  3. Blue Shadow Nile Cruise

    Blue Shadow Nile Cruise

    LUXOR → LUXOR

    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.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Wed/Sat from Luxor 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $760 / pp

  4. Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise

    Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise

    Aswan → LUXOR

    The Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and Luxor Temple. We offer 4- and 5-night programs that combine guided archaeology with relaxing time on the sun deck. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange transfers, meet-and-assist, and English-speaking Egyptologist-led visits. We run small-group guided excursions rather than large coach tours, which keeps time at the sites focused and unrushed. Unlike day-trip itineraries that return to a land base each evening, this cruise sleeps between Edfu and Kom Ombo so you visit the temples at quieter times. Onboard facilities include a sun deck, pool, restaurant, bar, and evening folkloric entertainment, with daily complimentary bottled water and all service charges included.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★

    From · 4 nights $685 / pp

  5. Concerto Nile Cruise

    Concerto Nile Cruise

    Luxor → LUXOR

    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.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Wed/Sat from Luxor 5★ Full Board
  6. Farida Nile Cruise

    Farida Nile Cruise

    Luxor → Aswan

    Farida Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel offering full-board sailing with a programme of shared shore excursions to major Nile sites. The vessel typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with days alternating between sailing and excursions. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, many with Nile-view windows or balconies. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges the cruise for our clients and includes embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast. Unlike large coach-based tours, the Farida focuses on relaxed days afloat and on-site visits at Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $1,020 / pp

  7. Hambra Nile Cruise

    Hambra Nile Cruise

    Luxor → Aswan

    Hambra sails between Aswan and Luxor, visiting Upper Egypt's principal Pharaonic sites. The route calls at the High Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. It then stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu, with an afternoon chariot ride offered at Edfu Temple, followed by the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut's Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon on the West Bank. East Bank visits include Karnak and Luxor Temples. The program runs as a 4-day route from Aswan or a 5-day route from Luxor, allowing more time at Edfu and Kom Ombo than many shorter packaged cruises.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Thu · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $960 / pp

  8. Jamila Nile Cruise

    Jamila Nile Cruise

    Luxor → Aswan

    Jamila Nile Cruise is a five-star river vessel offering full board accommodation and an on-board shore-excursion programme. The vessel typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with days alternating between sailing and visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are offered in graded classes, with Nile-view balconies on higher grades and panoramic windows in lower grades. We hand-pick this ship rather than include it in coach-led mass-market packages, and the excursion pattern gives time ashore at major temples rather than rushed port calls.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Thu · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $920 / pp

  9. Jaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise

    Jaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    Jaz Crown Jubilee Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruiser offering full board accommodation with public spaces including a pool, rooftop terrace and lounge bar. Cabins range by class, with Nile-view balconies on higher grades and panoramic windows in some Deluxe cabins. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with a shore-excursion programme that calls at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. We hand-pick this vessel for its combination of on-board leisure spaces and a shore-excursion schedule that alternates sailing and visits.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Thu · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $840 / pp

  10. Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise

    Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel with sun deck, pool, lounge bar and graded cabins. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and offers a shore-excursion programme visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. We do not run group bus tours; instead we arrange this carefully selected cruiser with on-board comfort and guided shore visits. Unlike short packaged cruises, the vessel’s programme allows proper time ashore at the main archaeological sites.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Wed/Sat · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $830 / pp

  11. Kontiki Nile Cruise

    Kontiki Nile Cruise

    Luxor → Aswan

    Kontiki Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel, offering cabins with Nile views, a sun deck and a lounge bar. The vessel typically sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with an organised shore-excursion programme visiting Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are graded Standard, Deluxe and Suite, and pricing is per person sharing with a single-supplement policy for sole occupancy. Unlike fast one-way transfers, the Kontiki gives time on board to relax between visits, and we carefully select this vessel for its balanced schedule and facilities.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Wed/Sat · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $610 / pp

  12. Lady Carlo Nile Cruise

    Lady Carlo Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    MS Lady Carlo is our privately chartered motor vessel, sailing between Luxor and Aswan over four days with guided shore visits. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator, we arrange private transfers, on-board meals, and our Egyptologists for guided visits to Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae. Distinctive POV: we prioritise longer on-site time at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than brief drive-by stops common on mass-market overnight cruises. Comparison: unlike many cruises that limit Edfu to 90 minutes, our itinerary allocates a full morning ashore. Trade-offs: expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone, and limited shade at mid-day temple courtyards. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors and premium tombs are excluded unless requested.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board
  13. Lady Mary Nile Cruise

    Lady Mary Nile Cruise

    Luxor → Aswan

    A 4-day Nile cruise aboard MS Lady Mary, typically running between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private transfers from city piers and Egyptologist-led excursions rather than large coach-group trips. We don't run group-bus shore excursions; our Egyptologists lead private visits timed to avoid the busiest periods when possible. Unlike packaged 4-night cruises, this short itinerary concentrates on core temples such as Edfu and Kom Ombo instead of many rushed calls. Trade-offs: cabins are compact, days often start early, and expect walking on uneven ancient stone and limited shade at midday.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board
  14. Magic I Nile Cruise

    Magic I Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    MS Magic I is a four-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan with daily guided shore excursions from the ship. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange private transfers, port handling and certified Egyptologists for each stop. Unlike many three-night budget cruises, this itinerary includes both Edfu and Kom Ombo with fuller visit times. Standard site entrance fees are included; premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I) and gratuities are excluded. Expect early starts, strong sun at midday and some walking on uneven ancient stone during excursions. We time visits to reduce waits where possible rather than running large coach-group schedules.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board
  15. Magic II Nile Cruise

    Magic II Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS Magic II, with onboard accommodation and guided shore visits in Upper Egypt. We operate MS Magic II as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and arrange our Egyptologists, private transfers and timed site entries so you avoid ticket queues. We do not run group bus tours on this vessel; shore visits are scheduled and staffed by our guides. Compared with seven-night cruises, a 4-day option covers core Upper Egypt highlights with less time ashore and earlier mornings. Expect early starts, some uneven ancient stone underfoot and limited shade on temple esplanades; bring sturdy shoes and sun protection.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board
  16. Mirage Nile Cruise

    Mirage Nile Cruise

    Luxor → ASWAN

    Mirage Nile Cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae. Onboard life is low-key, with daytime shore excursions and relaxed evenings on deck. We include a felucca ride in Aswan and guided visits to the High Dam and the Unfinished Obelisk. Our English-speaking Egyptologists lead groups of up to eight guests, which keeps commentary interactive and questions practical. Unlike larger day-boat schedules, the itinerary allows substantive time at Edfu and Kom Ombo for on-shore exploration. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator, and our local team arranges meet-and-assist, transfers, and shore logistics so you step straight into each day’s programme.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board
  17. Moondance Nile Cruise

    Moondance Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    MS Moondance is a 4-day Nile cruise linking Luxor and Aswan with Egyptologist-led shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and assign our own Egyptologists and drivers rather than outsourcing guides. Typical calls include Karnak Temple, Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings), Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, and Philae on Agilkia Island. Unlike hotel day trips, the cruise moves you overnight between cities, reducing repeated baggage transfers. Trade-offs: there are early starts for key sites, walking on uneven ancient stone, and limited shade on deck at midday.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board
  18. Nile Premium Nile Cruise

    Nile Premium Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    MS Nile Premiums is a 4-day Nile river cruise operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We arrange cabins, full-board meals, private transfers, and daily shore excursions led by our Egyptologists. We do not run large coach-group sailings; every excursion is led by our Egyptologists and organised with private transfers. Unlike shorter 3-night, tightly timed cruises, this 4-day format allows unhurried visits to Luxor West Bank and Kom Ombo when the itinerary includes them. Trade-offs: expect early starts, long ashore walks on uneven ancient stone, and significant sun exposure on open decks and temple forecourts.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board
  19. Nile Story Nile Cruise

    Nile Story Nile Cruise

    Aswan → LUXOR

    Nile Story Nile Cruise sails between Aswan and Luxor, calling at Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Luxor's East and West Banks. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and our Egyptologists lead all guided visits. The cruise runs as a small-group operation, limited to 1–8 guests, which keeps landings and temple visits quieter than on large Nile ships. Embarkation is available in Aswan or Luxor, and our team provides private meet and assist services at arrival. Visits focus on named sites and context, for example the Ptolemaic reliefs at Kom Ombo and the well-preserved hypostyle halls on Luxor's East Bank. Compared with standard large-ship itineraries, this Comfort-class option allocates more time ashore at Edfu and Kom Ombo, so walking routes around temples are less rushed.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $489 / pp

  20. Nile Style Nile Cruise

    Nile Style Nile Cruise

    Luxor → Aswan

    Nile Style Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile river vessel with a mix of cabin classes, public lounges and a sun deck for panoramic Nile views. The ship sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, and the on-board programme alternates sailing days with shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite grades, pricing is per person sharing and a single supplement typically applies. Full board covers lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $1,040 / pp

  21. Radamis I Nile Cruise

    Radamis I Nile Cruise

    Aswan → LUXOR

    Radamis I cruises the Nile between Aswan and Luxor, visiting Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings. We arrange guided visits with an English-speaking Egyptologist, and groups are kept to eight guests or fewer. Embarkation is available in Aswan or Luxor, and passengers dine on full-board meals served aboard. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator. We coordinate meet-and-assist, transfers, and shore excursions while you travel on Radamis I. Unlike short shuttle cruises, this itinerary schedules proper guided visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo rather than very brief stops. Optional Abu Simbel excursions can be arranged from Aswan on request. Most departures include an evening folkloric show on board, and the cruise concludes with visits to Karnak and Luxor Temples on the East Bank.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Wed/Sat · Aswan ⇄ Luxor Full Board

    From · 4 nights $540 / pp

  22. Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise

    Royal Beau Rivage Nile Cruise

    Luxor → Aswan

    Sail the Nile for four days aboard MS Royal Beau Rivage with private Egyptologist-led shore visits and door-to-door transfers arranged by our licensed Egyptian tour operator. We do not run group-bus shore excursions; our Egyptologists lead private visits, and where scheduled we visit temples such as Kom Ombo and Edfu. Unlike packaged day trips from cruise ports, a four-day schedule compresses onshore time; we recommend adding nights in Luxor or Aswan to explore the West Bank or Philae at leisure. Expect compact cabins compared with land hotels, early starts, and walking on uneven ancient stone. Standard temple entrance fees are normally included; premium tombs and pyramid interiors are extra.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board
  23. Royal Elite Nile Cruise

    Royal Elite Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    Four days aboard MS Royal Elite sail between Luxor and Aswan with guided shore excursions and all main meals included. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and do not run large coach-group tours; our excursions use private cars or launches and English-speaking Egyptologists. Unlike many packaged 4-day cruises, we time departures and shore visits to reduce queues and waiting at the landing stages. Trade-offs: upper sun deck has limited shade at midday, and shore visits involve walking on uneven ancient stone and occasional early starts. We handle port paperwork, all pick-ups, and can arrange optional Abu Simbel transfers on request.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board
  24. Ruby 1 Nile Cruise

    Ruby 1 Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    MS Ruby 1 is a four-day Nile cruise operated by a licensed Egyptian tour operator. Typical 4-day itineraries run between Luxor and Aswan and commonly include Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings; confirm your ship’s exact calls when you book. We arrange private, Egyptologist-guided shore excursions rather than fixed coach schedules, so visits can be timed to avoid the busiest moments. Trade-offs: a four-day cruise concentrates highlights into fewer days, which usually means early starts and less time ashore at some sites. We handle transfers, embarkation logistics, and optional visits to premium tombs on request.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board
  25. Salima Nile Cruise

    Salima Nile Cruise

    Luxor → Aswan

    Salima is a five-star Nile cruise vessel offering full board cabin accommodation and a shaded sun deck, lounge bar and dining saloon. Cabins are offered in Standard, Deluxe and Suite classes, with Nile-view windows or private balconies where specified. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan and runs a shore-excursion programme calling at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Discovery Tours Egypt arranges bookings and embarkation logistics for this carefully selected cruiser; drinks beyond water with meals and gratuities are typically extra.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Luxor ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $1,120 / pp

  26. Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise

    Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    MS Nile Goddess is a 4-day Nile cruise operating from Luxor with guided shore visits to East and West Bank monuments. We operate this cruise as a licensed Egyptian tour operator and run Egyptologist-led, private shore excursions rather than coach-based group stops. Typical calls include Karnak, Luxor Temple and Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut); northbound sailings often visit Edfu and Kom Ombo. We handle all private transfers, embarkation formalities and daily briefing by our Egyptologists. Trade-offs: expect early starts, walking on uneven ancient stone, and limited shade at midday ashore.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board

    From · 4 nights $822 / pp

  27. Sun Times Nile Cruise

    Sun Times Nile Cruise

    Aswan → Luxor

    A four-day Nile cruise aboard MS Sun Times between Luxor and Aswan with Egyptologist-guided shore visits. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we operate the logistics on the ground, including airport pickups and private transfers to and from the ship. We don't run large coach tours; instead we schedule longer visits at Karnak Temple and the Luxor West Bank to avoid rushed shore time. Unlike fast-turnaround day trips, this cruise includes full visits to Edfu and Kom Ombo without hurried drives. Standard site entrance fees are included; pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and gratuities are excluded. Expect early starts, walking on uneven stone, and limited shade at sites.

    3 / 4 / 7 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Aswan ⇄ Luxor 5★ Full Board

Sail-powered alternative

5-Star Deluxe dahabiyas (4).

Dahabiyas run a different schedule from motor cruisers – typically Monday from Esna with 5 or 7-night sailings only. No 4-night option. River-bank moorings at El Kab and Silsila are the standing draw.

  1. Amoura Dahabiya

    Amoura Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Amoura Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered dahabiya offering a slower-paced Nile experience around Luxor. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, has hand-picked the vessel for travellers who prefer lateen sails, small groups and quiet river moorings. The vessel provides chef-prepared Full Board meals, a sun deck for lounging, a shaded lounge bar and cabins with panoramic windows or Nile-view balconies. The excursion programme visits sites only shallow-draft boats can reach, and the vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Unlike mass-market motor cruisers, the dahabiya spends more time ashore and sails when wind conditions allow, producing a gentler rhythm to the day.

    Dahabiya 3 / 4 nights Departs Mon/Fri · Esna ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board
  2. Hadeel Dahabiya

    Hadeel Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Hadeel Dahabiya is an intimate sail-powered dahabiya with lateen sails and under a dozen cabins, ideal for slow-paced Nile passages. We hand-picked this dahabiya for travellers who prefer personalised service, chef-prepared meals and access to shallower reaches larger motor cruisers cannot visit. The vessel's shore excursion programme includes Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings, with stops at Gebel Silsila and El Kab when conditions permit. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan.

    Dahabiya 3 / 4 nights Departs Sun/Thu · Esna ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board
  3. Merit 1 & Merit 2 Prices ( Standard Cabins )

    Merit 1 & Merit 2 Prices ( Standard Cabins )

    Esna → Aswan

    Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a traditional dahabiya offering Standard cabins with full board. The vessel combines a sun deck, a shaded lounge bar, and a dining room serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. The excursion programme alternates sailing days with visits to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. Summer-season sailings are priced case by case and may not run every week, so we advise enquiring for exact availability and rates.

    Dahabiya 3 / 4 nights Departs Sun/Thu · Esna ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board
  4. Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya

    Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya

    Esna → Aswan

    Sail seven days between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Princess Cleopatra Dahabiya, a traditional Nile sailing vessel with limited cabins. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and provide private transfers, mooring permits, and an Egyptologist for the cruise. We avoid large coach tours; shore visits are led by our Egyptologist and reserved for the dahabiya’s passengers. Unlike mass overnight Nile ships, a dahabiya sails slower and schedules longer stops at Kom Ombo and Edfu. Expect compact cabins and simpler onboard facilities; Wi‑Fi is intermittent and some temple visits start early to avoid crowds. Standard site entrance fees are included unless otherwise stated; pyramid interiors and premium tombs cost extra.

    Dahabiya 3 / 4 nights Departs Sun/Thu · Esna ⇄ Aswan 5★ Full Board

Five things to know

Before you book Deluxe.

  1. 01 What actually changes between Standard and Deluxe?

    Cabin square-meterage (≈+3–5 m²), bathroom finish (often a separate shower stall vs. a wet-room shower), balcony allocation (most Deluxe cabins have private balconies, not French balconies), and one a la carte specialty restaurant on top of the buffet. The temples and the Nile are the same.

  2. 02 Are Deluxe ships newer than Standard?

    Usually yes – most Deluxe vessels in the 2026 fleet were refurbished within the last 5 years (carpets, soft furnishings, public spaces). A handful of Standard vessels are also recently refurbished and read like Deluxe; our reservations team will flag those when they apply to your dates.

  3. 03 Is it worth paying for Deluxe over Standard for a 3- or 4-night cruise?

    If it's your only cruise of the trip and you're spending two nights on board, yes – the cabin matters. If you're combining a short cruise with a long Cairo stay or a Red Sea extension, Standard is rarely a regret. Our reservations team will give you an honest read for your specific itinerary; we don't earn more selling Deluxe vs. Standard.

  4. 04 How does the dining compare to a Luxury vessel?

    Deluxe dining is full board with a buffet and typically one specialty a la carte restaurant. Luxury vessels often run two a la carte restaurants, no buffet, butler service on suites, and a sommelier. The Deluxe buffet is genuinely good in 2026 – the Luxury step is about presentation and seating, not better ingredients.

  5. 05 Can I combine a Deluxe Nile cruise with a Lake Nasser cruise?

    Yes. Lake Nasser cruises run between Aswan and Abu Simbel on a separate (smaller) fleet – our reservations team builds Nile + Lake Nasser combos regularly. The hand-off is usually a fly-down from Aswan to Abu Simbel or a flight from Cairo to Aswan via Abu Simbel.

Different budget?

The other three tiers.

Talk to the Cairo desk

Send your travel window. We'll send back three boats and a hold.

– Suhaila · Discovery Tours Egypt