Nile cruises – 151 ships and dahabiyas, compared by class and price.

Frequently asked

Nile cruises – answered.

1. 01How much does a Nile cruise cost?

   A 3-night Nile cruise on a 5-star ship costs about $935–$1,520 per person in winter (October to April), sharing a cabin, with full board, guided sightseeing and transfers; summer sailings cost less. By class, per person sharing on winter sailings: Standard from $798, Deluxe from $1,052, Ultra-Deluxe from $1,188, Luxury from $1,676, and Ultra-Luxury (Historia, The Oberoi Zahra, The Oberoi Philae) from $3,080. Traditional dahabiyas start from $1,284. Each ship page shows its fare for every date and what it includes.

2. 02How long should a Nile cruise be?

   Three nights is enough for the main temples between Luxor and Aswan – Karnak, Edfu and Kom Ombo – and suits a trip that adds Cairo or the Red Sea. Four nights covers the same temples at an easier pace and adds Philae and the High Dam. Seven nights means a round trip or a dahabiya route with smaller sites the shorter cruises pass by. Abu Simbel by boat is a separate Lake Nasser cruise of 3, 4 or 7 nights.

3. 03When is the best time for a Nile cruise?

   October to April is the best time: days on the river are 20–30 °C and dry. November and February are the most comfortable months outside the Christmas and Easter peak dates. From May to September it reaches 35–40 °C, fares are lower and temple visits start before 9 am.

4. 04Should I sail Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor?

   Choose by your flights: both directions visit the same temples. Most 3-night sailings run Aswan → Luxor and most 4-night sailings run Luxor → Aswan. Starting in Luxor puts Karnak first and ends near the Abu Simbel trip; starting in Aswan ends at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings. Compare the two directions.

5. 05Dahabiya or cruise ship – which is better?

   A dahabiya suits couples, small groups and second-time visitors who want quiet and atmosphere: a traditional sailing boat for 6–12 guests, with no pool, a sundeck and moorings at sites the big ships skip. A 5-star motor ship suits first-time visitors who want a pool and more space on board, with 60–200 guests. See the dahabiyas.

6. 06What is included in a Nile cruise?

   Every Nile cruise fare we quote includes your cabin, full board, entrance fees for the sites on the sailing's program, a licensed Egyptologist guide and transfers in Luxor and Aswan. Flights, tips, drinks outside mealtimes and the Abu Simbel trip are extra unless your itinerary lists them.

7. 07Is it safe to take a Nile cruise in 2026/2027?

   Nile cruises run every week of the year, and tourist police are posted at the embarkation quays and the main temples. Check the US State Department's current advice for Egypt before you book; if anything changes on your route, we tell you and adjust the plan. US State Department advice for Egypt.

8. 08Can you swim in the Nile on a cruise?

   We advise against swimming in the Nile itself: the current is stronger than it looks, and fresh water in Egypt carries a risk of bilharzia (schistosomiasis). Most 5-star ships have a pool on the sundeck for a swim instead; dahabiyas have no pool.

9. 09Can you take a Nile cruise from Cairo to Luxor?

   Almost all Nile cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, not from Cairo. To start, fly from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan (about an hour) or take the overnight sleeper train, then board. We can book the flight or train with your cruise. See Cairo and Nile cruise trips.

10. 10How much should I tip on a Nile cruise?

    Tips are not included in the fare. As a guide: $5–8 per night for housekeeping, $5–10 per dinner for your waiter and $10–15 per day for your Egyptologist. You receive a printed tipping guide when you board. Read our tipping guide.

11. 11Is a Nile cruise good for children?

    Yes, on a motor ship. Most 5-star ships have a sundeck pool and room to move about, and temple visits are in the morning or late afternoon, which suits children. Dahabiyas, with no pool and less space, suit teenagers and adults better.

12. 12Is there a single supplement on Nile cruises?

    Yes, on most ships: a cabin to yourself usually costs 50–75% more than one person's share of a double. Tell us your dates and we'll check which ships charge the least. Solo travel in Egypt.

13. 13How much is the deposit on a Nile cruise?

    Around 25% to 50%. It depends on the season and on whether train or flight tickets are booked with the cruise.

14. 14Can I cancel a Nile cruise?

    Yes. The refund depends on how close to sailing you cancel. The full terms are on our cancellation and refund policy page. Cancellation and refund policy

15. 15Can wheelchair users take a Nile cruise?

    It depends on the ship and on where it moors. Tell us what you need before you book. We would suggest vessels that moor at fixed, organized docks, where getting on and off is more predictable.