Standard Nile Cruises
Royal Esadora Nile Cruise
The Royal Esadora Nile Cruise offers a luxurious and comfortable journey along the Nile…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
17 boats
3 – 7 nights
4.9 average
From $500 per person
October – AprilBest months to travel
3 – 7 nightsMost booked length
PrivateEvery departure
Free cancellationUp to 30 days before
Standard Nile cruises are the 4★ boats that make the Nile accessible without the price tag of a luxury sailing. Every standard Nile cruise below is full board, with all shore excursions, a licensed Egyptologist and every entry ticket on the itinerary included.
What a standard Nile cruise actually gives you
A comfortable cabin, three good meals, and the same temples the luxury boats visit. The itinerary is identical — Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Aswan — because that is what the river reaches. What you pay less for is the sun deck (around 120 guests, not 80), the food (buffet rather than à la carte), and the cabin size.
Which standard boats we recommend
A Sara, MS Nile Crown, Movenpick Ms Sun Ray and Steigenberger Nile Palace. All 4★, all with private balconies on most cabins, all with a pool and sun deck. We have inspected each in person and will not put a client on a boat we haven't.
Length of cruise
Three nights southbound (Aswan to Luxor) or four nights northbound (Luxor to Aswan). The four-night route is longer because the boat is pushing against the current, and it gives you an extra evening on the river.
When to sail
Year round. October to April is high season and about 15% more; May to September is hot on deck but the cabins are cool and the price drops.
Standard Nile Cruises
A Sara Nile Cruise
The A Sara Nile Cruise offers a stylish journey between Luxor and Aswan, blending…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
Princess Sarah Nile Cruise
Experience the beauty of the Nile on the luxurious Princess Sarah Nile Cruise, where…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
Commodore Nile Cruise
The Commodore Nile Cruise offers an exceptional journey through the heart of ancient Egypt,…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
M/S Nile Dolphin
Step aboard the luxurious M/S Nile Dolphin, a five-star deluxe cruise inspired by French…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
M/S Semramis II
The M/S Semramis II Nile Cruise is a modern five-star deluxe ship that offers…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
MS Nile Admiral Nile Cruise
Experience the timeless beauty of the Nile aboard the MS Nile Admiral Nile Cruise,…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
Radamis II Nile Cruise
The Radamis II Nile Cruise is a stylish five-star ship that combines modern comfort…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
Semiramis II Nile Cruise
Experience the timeless beauty of the Nile aboard the Semiramis II Nile Cruise, where…
per person
$500
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Standard Nile Cruises
Jaz Celebrity Nile Cruise
The Jaz Celebrity Nile Cruise offers a refined and luxurious way to explore the…
per person
$520
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Standard Nile Cruises
Nile Story Nile Cruise
Step aboard the Nile Story Nile Cruise and experience one of the most captivating…
per person
$540
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Standard Nile Cruises
LA Sara Nile Cruise
The LA Sara Nile Cruise offers an elegant and relaxing way to experience the…
per person
$550
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Standard Nile Cruises
Tower Prestige Nile Cruise
Experience the magic of the Nile aboard the Tower Prestige Nile Cruise, a sophisticated…
per person
$550
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Standard Nile Cruises
Nile Quest Nile Cruise
Embark on a remarkable journey through the heart of ancient Egypt aboard the Nile…
per person
$555
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Standard Nile Cruises
Royal Princess Nile Cruise
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of ancient Egypt aboard the Royal…
per person
$560
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Standard Nile Cruises
Magic II Nile Cruise
Experience the wonders of ancient Egypt aboard the Magic II Nile Cruise, a stylish…
per person
$565
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Standard Nile Cruises
Nile Paradise Nile Cruise
Discover the timeless beauty of the Nile aboard the Nile Paradise Nile Cruise, an…
per person
$600
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Compare
How the itineraries stack up
The honest version — this is what your budget actually changes.
| Level | Duration | Hotels | What's different | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Value4★ | 8 – 10 days | 4★ properties | The essentials, done properly. Clean rooms, licensed guides, no shortcuts. | $500 |
| Mid-range4★ superior | 10 – 12 days | 4★ superior + deluxe cruise | Bigger rooms, better food, and named-brand cruise boats. | $550 |
| Luxury5★ | 12 – 14 days | 5★ Cairo & Luxor · luxury cruise | Suites, fine dining, resident Egyptologist on the cruise. | $600 |
All prices are per person and fall with group size. Send us the number and we'll quote it exactly.
Why book with us
What sits inside the price
Egypt is cheap to book badly. These four are the difference, and they are written into every confirmation we send.
Licensed Egyptologists only
A Ministry licence and a degree in Egyptology. No drivers doubling as guides.
IncludedOne price, quoted upfront
Entry tickets, transfers, guiding and taxes are in the number you approve.
No extrasHotels we have slept in
Inspected in person, named on your voucher. If a room isn't what we promised, we move you.
InspectedOne number, 24/7
The same WhatsApp thread from enquiry to airport, staffed by the person who planned your trip.
24 / 7Traveller reviews
What guests say
Collected from TripAdvisor and Google. We publish the critical ones too.
4.9
345+ reviews on TripAdvisor & Google
“Our guide Hoda knew every corner of the Valley of the Kings and got us in before the coaches arrived. Fourteen days and not one wasted morning.”
“Our flight to Aswan was cancelled the night before. The team rebooked us, moved the hotel and messaged at 1am to confirm. We didn't lose a single site.”
“The boat is comfortable rather than glamorous — be clear on that. But the guiding was the best of the three trips I have taken to Egypt.”
Before you go
Travel tips for Egypt
The things guests ask us on the phone, answered properly. Written by the team who meet you at the airport.
When to travel
October to April for the archaeology. May to September for the Red Sea, at roughly two-thirds of the price.
November – FebruaryPeak season. Luxor sits at 23–25°C, ideal for tombs and temples. Busiest and priciest — book about three months ahead.
March – April, October – NovemberOur own favourite. 29–35°C, noticeably thinner crowds, and prices below the December peak.
May – September41°C in Upper Egypt by lunchtime. Excellent for Hurghada and Sharm, hard work in the Valley of the Kings unless you finish by eleven.
Nights get cold8°C in Luxor in January is normal, and cruise sun decks are chilly after dinner. Bring a jacket — nobody expects to need one.
What we'd book. Late October or early November for a first trip — warm enough for the coast, cool enough for the tombs, six weeks clear of the Christmas crowds.
Visas & entry
Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or apply online before travelling. Your passport must be valid for at least six months from your arrival date.
Visa on arrivalUS$25 in cash at Cairo, Hurghada, Sharm and Luxor airports. Single-entry, 30 days.
e-Visa (recommended)Apply at visa2egypt.gov.eg 7 days before travel. US$25, single-entry.
Passport validitySix months from arrival, plus one blank page for the entry stamp.
Sinai-only exemptionFree 15-day permit for Sharm airport if you're not leaving South Sinai. Ask on arrival.
Money & tipping
The currency is the Egyptian pound (EGP). US dollars and euros are widely accepted at hotels and cruise boats; local shops and cafés want EGP.
ATMsWidely available in Cairo, Luxor and the resort towns. Withdraw EGP for local spending; the exchange rate is fine.
Guide tippingUS$10–15 per person per day is the norm. Driver US$5. Restaurant staff 10% if not on the bill.
Cruise crewUS$70–100 per person for a 4-night cruise, pooled and split by the boat manager on the last night.
Card acceptanceHotels and 4★+ restaurants take Visa and Mastercard. Small shops and cafés want cash.
What to wear
Layered light clothing during the day, something warmer for the desert at night, and a scarf if you're visiting mosques or churches.
At the sitesClosed shoes with grip (the tombs are steep), a hat, sunglasses and sun cream.
At the mosquesShoulders and knees covered. Shoes off at the door — a light scarf handles it.
On the cruiseSmart casual at dinner, swimwear on the sun deck, light layers for the top deck at sunset.
In summerCotton or linen. Loose fit. Colours don't matter — locals wear everything from black to bright.
Health & safety
Egypt is generally safe for tourists, especially in the main destinations. Standard travel-health precautions apply.
WaterBottled only, and included on every day tour. Ice at hotel and cruise restaurants is fine.
Travel insuranceComprehensive cover is a condition of booking. Must include diving and ballooning if you're adding those.
MedicalCairo and Sharm have international hospitals (As-Salam, Sharm International). Pharmacies open late, most staff speak some English.
EmergencyOur WhatsApp is answered day and night. If it's a medical situation we call an ambulance for you and meet you at hospital.
Customs & etiquette
Egyptians are famously hospitable, and small courtesies go a long way. The below is the minimum.
PhotographyAsk before photographing people. Never photograph military or police installations.
RamadanSites stay open with shorter hours. Many restaurants close during the day; hotels serve normally.
AlcoholAvailable in hotels, cruise boats, and licensed restaurants. Not sold in supermarkets during Ramadan.
HagglingExpected at Khan El Khalili and the papyrus/perfume shops. Start at 40% of the asked price. Not expected at supermarkets, restaurants or hotels.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
A standard Nile cruise is a comfortable 4-star boat on a full-board basis, so all your meals are included. Every shore excursion, your licensed Egyptologist and each entry ticket on the itinerary are also included, meaning you board knowing there are no surprise costs at the temples.
Yes. The itinerary is identical because it follows the river itself. Standard, deluxe and luxury boats all sail the Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan route and visit the same temples. What differs is the size of the cabin and the level of the dining, not the sightseeing.
Standard Nile cruises typically run as a shorter Luxor-to-Aswan sailing or a longer round trip, depending on the boat and direction. Because your tour is private, we build the cruise into an itinerary that fits your dates and connects with your Cairo days and domestic flights.
The temples are the same on all three. On a standard 4-star boat you get a comfortable cabin and good buffet dining. Stepping up to deluxe or luxury buys larger cabins, à la carte food and a quieter sun deck. Many guests are perfectly happy on a standard boat once they realise the route and excursions are unchanged.
Yes. Free cancellation applies more than 30 days before departure. Because cabins are held per booking, we recommend confirming your dates early, especially in peak season. To check availability on a specific sailing, send an enquiry or message us on WhatsApp for a fast reply.
Something different in mind?
Tell us what you most want to see. A consultant in Cairo replies with a draft itinerary and a real price within one working day.