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Here’s what it’s like to take a Nile cruise in 2022

Oct 16, 2022 • 7 min read

Plan your trip of a lifetime in Egypt with this guide to cruising on the Nile © Lauren Keith / Lonely Planet

Egypt is nothing short of a miracle. Though the forbidding Sahara encroaches from every direction, the Nile River splashes a verdant green ribbon through the country, sometimes managing to push the desert sands only a few hundred feet back from the riverbank.

One of the world’s longest and most legendary rivers, the Nile travels more than 6500km (4100 miles) through five countries, but it’s most closely connected with Egypt. And indeed, so much of Egyptian history has unfolded along the Nile that nearly all of the country’s major cities and ancient tombs and temples are located along this lush life-giving artery.

The ancient Egyptians used the river as a highway, dispatching trade and military expeditions and toting statues of their gods between temples. The 5th century BCE Greek historian Herodotus famously called Egypt the “gift of the Nile,” and even now, millennia later, cruising the Nile is still the best way for travelers to see Egypt’s gifts for themselves.

Ready to embark on the trip of a lifetime? Here’s what you need to know about picking the best Nile river cruises.

Why are so many travelers talking about Egypt in 2022?

Nowhere else in the world is the past so intertwined with the present than in Egypt, and 2022 promises to be a blockbuster time to experience them both.

Lonely Planet named Egypt one of the top 10 countries to visit this year , and the long-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum is expected to open in November to coincide with the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun , the famous golden pharaoh and “boy king.”

September marked 200 years since the Rosetta Stone was translated, which revealed the meanings of the hieroglyphs and recaptured knowledge that had been lost for centuries. New archaeological discoveries continue apace in Luxor, Saqqara and elsewhere that keep rewriting history.

Tourism hit a record high in Egypt in 2019 and was expected to grow even more in 2020, but we all know what happened then. Like many places, tourism in Egypt has now entered recovery mode, making the coming months a great – and still relatively quiet – time to visit. 

Some Nile cruise companies continued construction projects that have seen new boats launched on the river, including the August 2022 debut of the Viking Osiris , a brand new 82-passenger vessel built specifically to navigate the Nile.

Why you should take a Nile cruise when you visit Egypt

While cruises might get a bad rap elsewhere in the world, traveling by boat on the Nile is a time-honored tradition that stretches back to the pharaonic era.

Along the riverbanks, life carries on in the way that it has since time immemorial: mudbrick houses poke out from behind the foliage, children wave excitedly at passing ships, a lone man paddles a blue-painted canoe piled high with alfalfa for his hungry livestock, palm trees heavy with golden dates sag as they await the harvest.

In a fast-paced world, opportunities to simply sit back and watch life glide by are few and far between. Sitting outside on the Osiris ’s balcony traveling at the speed of the river, I felt like I was watching a slow travel TV show – at once both an outside spectator and also completely immersed in it.

In ancient times, mastering the river helped rulers unite the country, and most temples are built within easy reach of the water. Sure, Egypt’s modern-day road and rail network can transport you to these temples overland, but if you skip a cruise on the Nile, the magic of the journey will certainly be missing.

How to choose a Nile cruise itinerary

The vast majority of Nile cruises operate in both directions between Luxor and Aswan in southern Egypt, making stops in Edfu, Kom Ombo and sometimes other small towns.

Which Nile cruise you pick depends on the usual two travel constraints: your budget and your time. Certain boats sail only on certain days, and Nile cruises can be as short as three days, but more commonly last five days.

Most luxury cruises on the Nile, including Viking’s Nile cruises, require signing up for a full Egypt-wide itinerary that starts and ends in Cairo , an excellent option for first-time visitors.

With little signage at historic sites and prices always open to negotiation, Egypt is a tricky place for independent travel. Unless you want to spend your precious vacation time bargaining with taxi drivers and tour guides everywhere you go, it’s best to join a tour for your first visit and leave the logistics to someone else.

What I liked in particular about Viking’s Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary is that it includes two unusual stops that aren’t standard ports of call for most Nile cruises. 

The ship travels north of Luxor to Qena for passengers to disembark and visit the gorgeous Temple of Hathor at Dendera , where the ceilings have recently been cleaned, exposing beautifully painted zodiac symbols and the warped body of the sky goddess Nut, who swallows the sun every night and gives birth to it the next morning. 

The boat also stops in Esna for the Temple of Khnum , a small but wonderfully preserved structure. Look up to spot the column-topping capitals, each of which has a colorfully decorated, unique bouquet of palm fronds, bunches of grapes, lotus flowers and papyrus shoots.

In Luxor, you’ll get private access to the show-stopping tomb of Nefertari – arguably the most beautiful burial site in the entire country (and certainly the most expensive at LE1400, about US$72) where nearly every square inch is painted in stunningly vibrant bas-reliefs – as well as the chance to see the stark dichotomy of Egypt’s landscapes from the sky in the basket of a gently drifting hot air balloon.

Tours of the temples and tombs are led by local expert Egyptologists who explain and translate the meanings of the hieroglyphs before your very eyes. 

A few companies offer Nile cruises from Cairo, but these sailings are rare, usually operating just once a month – if at all – and take significantly longer because of the distance involved. But you’ll get the chance to check out off-the-beaten-track tombs and temples between Cairo and Luxor that see few visitors.

What is it like on board the Viking Osiris ?

Decked out in a sleek Scandi color scheme of blond wood and blue textiles that are drenched in natural light thanks to huge floor-to-ceiling windows across much of the ship, the Viking Osiris is an oasis of calm that’s a treat to return to after a long and dusty day of exploring. 

The cruise ship has 41 cabins across three decks, plus two upper levels with an indoor/outdoor dining space with windows that fold away for al fresco evenings, a cozy bar and lounge with a resident piano player in the evenings, an infinity-style pool at the back of the boat and a sun deck for days of lazy lounging.

Travelers can check out books from the on-board library’s exquisite collection to read up on Egyptian history on their voyage.

The guest rooms are surprisingly spacious, with comfy hotel-like beds, plenty of wardrobe and storage space, and good-sized bathrooms. Many staterooms come with balconies.

The ship is partially powered by solar panels, and you can see how much electricity is being generated by the sun as well as the carbon dioxide savings on a screen inside.

What travelers should know before visiting Egypt

Almost all nationalities need a visa to visit Egypt , which you can get on arrival at the airport or apply for online in advance if you’d rather skip the line. The cost of a single-entry Egyptian tourist visa is USD$25, payable in cash at the airport or by card online.

Egypt is a traditional, Muslim-majority country, so both men and women should dress modestly when visiting. For tips on what to pack, local etiquette and more, check these 14 things to help you plan your visit to Egypt .

Lauren Keith traveled on the Viking Osiris cruise by invitation from Viking River Cruises .

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The 15 Best Nile Cruises in Egypt: Luxury Sailing from Luxor to Aswan

If you’re planning a trip to visit Egypt , of course, you’ll have to visit the Nile River! It’s the longest river in the world, spanning 11 different countries, and is incredibly important to Egyptians for both sustenance and transportation. And the best way to see the Nile is from aboard a luxury cruise sailing between the ancient cities of Luxor and Aswan.

But finding the best cruise to fit your travel plans can be difficult. They travel on specific weekly schedules and have a set itinerary – usually 3, 4, or 7 nights. Information and reviews on Booking.com are limited and since most cruises are fairly pricey, it’s important to understand what you’ll be getting for your money.

So we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 Nile River cruises to make planning your vacation in Egypt a breeze. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Best Luxury Nile Cruises in Egypt

1. alexander the great nile cruise.

The Alexander the Great Cruise is a gorgeous cruise ship offering a 4-night Nile River cruise that departs every Monday from Luxor, and a 3-night Nile cruise that departs every Friday from Aswan. This Nile cruise even offers a free airport shuttle service!

Everyone on staff is incredibly helpful and attentive. If you’d like to pamper yourself during your Nile cruise you can take advantage of the spa services, including a hot spring bath and various massage treatments. And meals are fabulous, with both traditional and international cuisine options. And you’ll love the various evening entertainment that is fun for the whole family!

This luxury Nile cruise ship has an outdoor pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs for spending warm days relaxing in the sun. Rooms are spacious, clean, and well-appointed with a tv, premium bedding, a private bathroom, and a mini-bar. It’s definitely worth upgrading to a room with a balcony so you can enjoy the views from the privacy of your own room.

Guests especially love the guided tours along the banks of the Nile River. They will take you to the sites and explain the history in a way that is interesting and easy to digest.

Check Prices on Hotels.com

2. Sonesta Star Goddess Cruises

The Sonesta Star Goddess Cruise is an ultra-luxurious cruise sailing the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan for 4 or 7 nights leaving each Monday. The ship features plenty of activities for guests onboard, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and a spa with a hot tub and sauna. And with 24-hour room service, you’ll have every amenity available during your cruise.

Bedroom suites are large and comfortable with nice bedding, satellite televisions, bathtubs, and large windows to keep them bright and airy. You can enjoy a glass of wine at sunset on your private balcony overlooking the banks of the Nile.

You’ll love to indulge in a massage, body wrap, or a pedicure during your cruise. There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a spa while gazing out over the Nile!

Take advantage of the onboard shopping to pick up a few Egyptian gifts for your friends back home. The ship has a main dining area, a sun deck, and a lounge with a dance floor for the evening entertainment. They can also arrange your daily tours of the various sites along the Nile.

3. M/S Esplanade Cruise

The M/S Esplanade Cruise is a chic, lavish ship offering 4 or 7-night Nile River cruises each Monday from Luxor, and 3 or 7-night Nile cruises from Aswan each Friday.

The most impressive feature of this Nile River cruise in Egypt is the beautiful outdoor pool which is surrounded by comfortable loungers and day beds. It looks so pristine and inviting and is the perfect place to cool off after a long, hot morning exploring the Egyptian ruins.

The spacious rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen television set, coffee and tea-making facilities, a desk, a hairdryer, and many amenities you may need during your cruise. Your stay on this luxurious cruise ship also includes 2 bars, a sauna, and a rooftop terrace.

All of the public seating areas are decorated with a creative flair and are a great place to hang out and meet new friends from all over the world!

4. Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise

The Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise offers either a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, or you can choose to make the trip a 7-day round trip affair! Of course the more nights you can spend on this luxury Nile River cruise line, the better!

The deluxe cabins are about 22 square meters and have two twin beds, large windows and bright, cheery decor. Of course, your room will also be appointed with air conditioning, a flat-screen television set, a minibar, and other amenities you’ll need during your stay. A telephone enabled with international calling is also available in your room.

You’ll appreciate the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the spacious sun deck, the fitness center, and the sauna and spa facilities. The food is divine and you’ll be treated like royalty by the lovely staff at the Mövenpick. They’ll make your Nile cruise unforgettable!

Check Prices on Booking.com

5. Sonesta Moon Goddess

The Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise sets sail each Saturday for 3 or 7 nights from Luxor to Aswan. This modern, luxury cruise ship will be your home away from home as you sail down the Nile River, enjoying the sites and sounds from the comfort of your private room.

The cruise ship is outfitted with a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a large sun terrace, a fitness center, a relaxing spa, and a bar serving up refreshing cocktails. Enjoy a massage, a facial, or a body scrub while you sip champagne and cruise down the Nile.

The food is delicious and super fresh. The helpful staff can help you in arranging a transfer to and from the airport, as well as any local excursions.

Rooms are simple and classic with comfortable beds, large private bathrooms, plenty of amenities, and private patios. Free toiletries, a tv, a minibar, a private bathroom, and turndown service are just a few of the amenities that you can enjoy. You’ll want to wake up early to catch the sunrise from the comfort of your own room!

6. Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise

The 5-star Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise offers 4-night and 6-night cruises down the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. The friendly staff at the ship tour desk can assist in booking your airport transfer, any daily excursions, and anything else you may need during your stay onboard.

During your Nile cruise, you can take advantage of the fitness center, the terrace with beautiful views of the banks of the Nile, and the lovely spa services which include Thai massage, facials, and body scrubs.

The large rooms have modern decor and come outfitted with a television set, a minibar (stocked with some free items!), coffee-making facilities, a bidet, bathrobes, and a desk. The beds are so comfortable that you won’t want to get up in the morning!

Be sure to book your stay on the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise well in advance because this one books up fast!

7. MS Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise

The MS Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise departs from Luxor every Monday for four nights and from Aswan each Friday for three nights. The staff is exceptional and provides you with a 24-hour help desk and room service. 

The cruise also offers multiple packages to make your cruise experience exceptional. The cruise offers Sightseeing, Happiness, Felucca Breakfast, and Honeymoon/Anniversary packages.

The Sightseeing Package includes transfers to sights, such as the High Dam, Karnak Temple, Valley of Kings, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, and the Luxor Temple in an air-conditioned bus and includes the entrance fee.  

The cruise provides different spacious room types, including standard twin rooms and deluxe king suites. The rooms are nicely furnished and clean, and each morning, you’ll be able to enjoy the yummy breakfast buffet. The cruise is also outfitted with a fitness center, sauna, swimming pool, bar, and restaurant that you can enjoy during your cruise time.

8. Nile Goddess Cruise

The Nile Goddess Cruise offers 4 or 7-night Nile cruises beginning every Monday between Luxor and Aswan. This beautiful ship has classic decor with dark wooden furniture and traditional touches throughout. You’ll forget that you’re on a ship cruising down the Nile River and not in a 5-star resort!

The Nile Goddess features a rooftop pool with plenty of room for lounging in the sun. Also a fitness center, a peaceful spa with a sauna, and even a nightclub. The lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day, and you’ll love the delicious dishes served for onboard breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The air-conditioned rooms have simple but comfortable decor, a minibar, and a satellite television set. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy a separate seating area and a private balcony.

9. Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

The Oberoi Zahra offers luxury 5 or 7-day Nile cruises departing from either Luxor or Aswan. You’ll want to check the sailing calendar on their website for specific dates of embarkation. The service that you’ll receive onboard is absolutely impeccable from the moment that you’re greeted until the time that you leave. Take advantage of the free airport shuttle!

The daily excursions are both fun and informational. And you’ll appreciate that they try to time your arrival to avoid the crowds.

The ship has a large and refreshing outdoor pool and a spa where you can indulge in a relaxing spa. You’ll love the evening entertainment after enjoying a delectable meal in the onboard restaurant. Rooms are well-appointed with a minibar, an electric kettle, a large bathroom, and bathrobes. If you want to really treat yourself, opt for a suite with a private deck and hot tub!

10. Nile Carnival Cruise

The Nile Carnival Cruise departs from Luxor every Thursday and from Aswan every Monday. The staff is super friendly and accommodating, and the rooms are clean and spacious, with nice views of the river. 

The Nile Carnival Cruise features a restaurant and a bar, packed lunches, snack bar, and it offers both a continental and buffet breakfast. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and air-conditioning, and there are room, laundry, and ironing services available.

You’ll also be able to relax during your time on board as the cruise has a spa and wellness center that offers massages, beauty services, manicures, and hair treatments. Once you’re done getting pampered, you can enjoy the rooftop swimming pool, hot tub, sun terrace, and game room!

11. Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise

The Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise departs from Luxor every Saturday for 4-7 nights and every Wednesday from Aswan for three nights. The cruise has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace so you can relax and admire the river views from the deck.

The rooms include standard twin and single cabins with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-bar. The cruise also offers an optional Sightseeing Package for an additional price that includes a visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, the Botanical Garden, and the Abu Simbel Temple, among other sites.

Each morning you can enjoy the breakfast buffet, and every evening, you’ll love having tea time on the sun deck. After dinner at one of the restaurants, you can attend one of the shows or parties, including a belly dance show, a Nubian show, a cocktail party, or the Galabya party, depending on the itinerary. 

12. M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise

The M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise departs from Luxor each Monday for 4-7 nights, and it departs each Friday from Aswan. The cruise features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, spa, gym, and sun deck. In the evenings, you can attend one of the shows, including belly dancing, Tanoura, and Oriental and Heritage music entertainment.

The rooms on the M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise include twin cabins, king-sized beds, and presidential suites equipped with an LED TV, a mini bar, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a safety box. Plus, you can even enjoy a private jacuzzi in the presidential suites!

The Garnet restaurant offers a great breakfast buffet with a good selection, and in the evenings, you can enjoy some delicious International dishes, including Chinese, Italian, Oriental Egyptian, and more. The restaurant is beautiful, and you’ll be able to enjoy your meals with a view of the Nile. 

The cruise’s itinerary will take you to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank, the Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the unfinished Obelisk.

13. Movenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise

The Movenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise departs on Mondays from Luxor for 4-7 nights and from Aswan on Fridays for three nights. You’ll immediately enjoy the old-time decor throughout the cruise ship as it was built in 1918 by the British Royal Navy. It was turned into a luxury steamer for King Farouk.

The Movenpick SS Misr Steamer offers four cabin options, including the standard, superior, senior suite, and panorama suite. No matter which cabin you choose for your Nile cruise adventure, you’ll enjoy large and panoramic balconies, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom. Other amenities include a TV, a minibar, and a safety deposit box.

You can also savor great quality drinks and cocktails at the Dhabiyyat Bar, and the Marasem Restaurant offers gourmet dishes, so you’ll feel like royalty! After you’re done exploring, you can relax on the large sun deck while sipping your favorite drink next to the swimming pool. 

Check prices on Booking.com

14. Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise

The Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise departs from Luxor each Thursday for 4-7 nights, and it departs from Aswan each Monday for three nights. The cruise features elegant and traditional designs, and it is equipped with a swimming pool, a sundeck with a recreational area, and reading and playroom.

You can choose between the standard, superior, and junior or senior suites with panoramic windows for you to see the Nile. All cabins have air-conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer, a TV, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. 

You can enjoy your international meals and breakfast buffet at the main restaurants, and the lounge bar offers afternoon tea and cocktails. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks on the sun deck while you take in all the monument views as you cruise down the Nile. 

15. Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise

The Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise departs from Luxor on Mondays for 4-7 nights and from Aswan every Friday for three nights. You’ll love the luxurious and modern decor across the cabins and the cruise boat!

The surprisingly stylish rooms are equipped with controllable air-conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a private bathroom, and a balcony with sliding doors that open up to the main and upper decks.

Explore the ship, and you’ll find a restaurant, bar, and lounge, where you can enjoy meals and drinks. The restaurant also offers options for vegetarians, and the staff is very friendly and kind. 

When you’re not taking in the Nile views, you can soak up the sun on the sun deck, splash around in the pool, and sip poolside drinks at the bar. There’s also a souvenir shop, a fitness center, and a beauty salon onboard, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay!

We hope you have a wonderful cruise down the Nile River!

Want more help planning your trip to Egypt? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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2 thoughts on “the 15 best nile cruises in egypt: luxury sailing from luxor to aswan”.

Many thanks for great information!

Based on the review here, we booked on the Sonesta Moon Goddess March, 2023. We were disappointed. The rooms were indeed classic and comfortable. The carpets in the hall were old and stained. The HVAC systems in the room did not work properly despite engineering’s best efforts. Hot water was often hard to come by. The most disappointing element was the food. This was served buffet style, and almost never maintained hot. It was as if I had returned to my high school cafeteria. The staff were attentive and tried to please.

The review above does not reflect on the current state of affairs.

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• River Cruising

Viking vs Uniworld Nile Cruises

By lilybug , October 3, 2018 in River Cruising

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Looking for opinions of those that have taken the Nile river cruise. The itineraries seem very similar so why do you choose one over the other? Thank you!

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luv2travel90266

It is a decision based upon quality of the accommodations, what is included, etc. Lots of good info on the various cruise lines on the forum. My 1st river cruise was on the Douro through Portugal. I considered all the lines and chose Uniworld. I leave in 60 days for my 3rd Uniworld trip and my 4th is already booked with them. An additional bonus is most lines do give a loyalty discount to return cruisers. I would not be using them again however if I wasn't thoroughly pleased with their product.

Host Jazzbeau

I've been looking at the Viking Pharaohs and Pyramids cruise, which I find very well planned (especially with the 4-night post-cruise option in Jordan). But it is very confusing because they list dates for both their old ship [which I wouldn't book] and the new Viking Ra [which despite delays is apparently now cruising]. The real problem is that all the Viking Ra dates show as "sold out" – even in 2020. This means I have to figure out when they will release the 2021 dates and jump on it!

We have cruised Uniworld before and enjoy the line, the cabins, the amenities.

Now in Egypt they do include drinks and gratuities.

I’m sure both lines are great but we chose Uniworld for our February 2019 cruise with pre trip to Jordon.

Sure you will like either line as both are primo.

Peregrina651

And sometimes Viking uses SOLD OUT simply to mean "not open to booking at this time."

My travel agent hosted a Viking Travel Talk last night. We’ve cruised with Viking before but went with friends who hadn’t. Anyways the Viking rep did mention Egypt is a hot destination and the cruises ARE sold out. If you see a date available you better jump on it.

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We chose Uniworld over Viking based on reviews, what is included and mostly for price. We were actually booked on Viking Ra for nearly the exact same date in late 2019 and friends that are travelling with us found Uniworld to be several thousand dollars less expensive. Don't know if we just got lucky but since both lines have great reviews it made it a no-brainer and Uniworld also offered a pre-cruise extension to Jordan rather than a post cruise one which worked better for us too.

There were still openings for Uniworld in fall 2019 when we booked a few weeks ago.

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5 Tips for Choosing the Best Nile River Cruise

You’ve decided to cruise down the Nile, the best way to see Egypt in my opinion. But now what?

This is the hard part, narrowing down the seemingly endless options of cruises and tours.

Choose the ultimate Nile Cruise with confidence with these 5 expert tips.

Get more Nile Cruise planning tips !

*This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

How to Choose the Best Nile Cruise

When I started planning our trip to Egypt, to say I was overwhelmed by all the Nile River cruise options would be an understatement. There are so many travel agencies and cruise lines and itineraries, how am I supposed to narrow it all down?

After hours and hours of googling, I realized most of the options actually seemed very similar. And because I couldn’t really tell what the big differences were, it made it even more difficult. Talk about decision paralysis.

Since there are way too many options, the key is to figure out exactly what you want to do and look for cruises that fit those perimeters until you find your perfect Nile cruise.

Establish Your Budget

One easy way to narrow down the seemingly endless Nile Cruise options is to decide how much you are willing to spend. If you’re on a tight budget don’t worry, there are options for every kind of spender from frugal to luxurious.

How much does a Nile Cruise cost?

Fortunately, Nile River cruises range drastically in price point . Standard Cruises start around $350 while the Luxury Cruises can go up to $1700, and everything in between.

Some cruises include entry to all the sites in their initial pricing, but some do not. If the cruise does not include this, add an extra $100 or so to estimate what you will actually pay. Our tour package also gave us the option to add the hot air balloon in Luxor for an additional $80.

All cruises are 5 star accommodations, meaning guests are catered to at the highest level. They also include all your meals on the boat , and often an afternoon snack with tea and coffee. Drinks such as beer, wine, and water cost extra and are added to your tab to be paid at the end of the cruise, along with any tips for the staff. WIFI is also not included on the boat but you can pay per gig at reception.

To save money, consider stocking up on alcohol beforehand at the Duty Free in the airport in Aswan. They aren’t really strict about bringing outside beverages onto the ship. Water is another thing you can buy outside the ship to save a little money. There is usually even a guy on the street just before you get on the cruise selling waters for slightly cheaper.

Remember to account for tipping when considering your budget as well. It is expected to tip drivers, cruise staff, and your tour guide. Most tour guides will help you navigate the appropriate amounts for each of these scenarios.

Another way to save money is by booking through a site like Viator instead of the official cruise agencies. We were able to get a Deluxe cruise on Viator for the same price as a Standard on the cruise’s website.

Choose a Route

The majority of the Nile River cruises start in Aswan and travel north to Luxor. This popular route takes 3 nights and 4 days. I recommend this option because you get to see a ton of sites in a short amount of time and the itinerary keeps topping itself as you get closer to Luxor, where Karnak is the grand finale.

However there are also some that go the opposite way, which adds an extra day (4 nights, 5 days). If you really want to start in Luxor and end in Aswan, it is important to find those specific cruises as they are less common.

There are also even longer 5 day or 8 day cruises traveling north if you have the extra time. You can even cruise all the way up to Cairo! It really depends on the rest of your trip’s itinerary and what you can reasonably accomplish in that time .

Define Your Desired Quality

Nile River cruises are offered in four different tiers: Standard, Deluxe, Ultra Deluxe, and Luxury . After looking at hundreds of cruises online, I honestly had a hard time seeing a huge difference between them. All of the cruises look a bit dated and traditional, and all have similar amenities such a bar, roof deck, gift shop, and pool.

In person, the subtle differences are a bit more noticeable. I walked through several cruises when we docked, and although some were definitely nicer than others, I’m not sure what tier each of them fell into.

Quality of food could be another differentiator between tiers, but I am only speculating. We stayed on a Deluxe cruise and I thought the food was great.

All levels of cruises still boast 5 star accommodations and stop at the same sites along the journey.

Select an Itinerary

Selecting the best Nile Cruise is not only which boat you want to stay on, but what sites and tours you want. All tours make the same core stops : High Dam, Philae Temple, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo, Luxor Temple, Temple of Hatshepsut, Valley of the Kings, and Karnak.

But there are some additional activities to consider to really personalize your cruise experience. Some of these other options include Abu Simbel, hot air balloon over Luxor, Valley of the Queens, and the Karnak Sound and Light show.

There is also the option to have a private guide or group tour. The group tour will obviously be the cheaper option and you can meet new people. But the private guide can really personalize your tour and give you his full attention.

Typical Itinerary from Aswan to Luxor

Day 1: High Dam and Philae Temple

Day 2: Abu Simbel (optional) and Kom Ombo

Day 3: Edfu Temple, Karnak and Luxor Temple

Day 4: Hot air balloon (optional), Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Hatshepsut and Valley of the Kings

Shop Around

There are tons of cruises and tour companies offering essentially the same thing. There’s no sense in settling or paying a lot of money . Shop around until you find exactly what you want; and if you don’t know what you want, you can’t really go wrong with any of them.

Choose Your Best Nile Cruise

Now that you are armed with these tips on how to choose the best Nile cruise, it’s time to start planning! Discover even more about the Nile cruise itinerary, what is the best Nile Cruise , and other important planning tips .

Jack and I went on this 4-Day 3-Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor & Abu Simbel and had the most unforgettable experience. I highly recommend!

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Nile River Cruises

Find the right river cruise for you on the Nile departing in 2024/2025. Trips are most popular in May, with the most river cruise departures on this route then.

250+ Nile river cruises with 7,178 reviews

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11-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel, Dendarah, Abydos & Alexandria

I wanted to express my sincere gratitude for organizing the 11-Day Cairo, Nile Cruise, Abu Simbel, Dendarah, Abydos & Alexandria tour. It was an incredible journey filled with unforgettable experiences. From the majestic Nile Cruise to the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel and Abydos, every moment was enchanting. The expert guidance and seamless logistics made the trip truly exceptional. Thank you for creating such wonderful memories. I look forward to traveling with you again in the future.

Nile Jewel - 5* Cruise

This was a great tour. Guide Nabil Tiger was excellent, informative and always helpful. Highly recommend.

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

4 Days 3 nights 5 stars Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor

Our tour guide Hassan Hosny was fabulous made our experience even more enjoyable with his bubbly attitude, highly recommend him.

• Coach / Bus

Felucca Odyssey (5 & 4 Star Hotels)

Overall an outstanding experience in Egypt. Our guide Adham went above and beyond to look after our group, and spent much of his own time explaining everything Egypt to us. This tour is a lovely blend of a cultural experience whilst still feel safe & having the creature comforts of nice hotels most nights. At no point did I (female traveller) feel unsafe & I would say my experience in Egypt exceeded my expectations. My only critique is the dining experience on the first night was less than desirable (very western feeling buffet packed to the brim with tourists singing the Macarena) but this was redeemed by the entertainment. If similar bellydancing entertainment could be found elsewhere I would encourage travel talk to look at another more authentic venue.

• €150 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Best Of Egypt - 5* Cruise

Such a wonderful experience, had a great time the tour company made everything seamless however the real highlight which made the trip amazing was Ash, an incredible insightful tour guide that really knew his stuff and worked hard to ensure we had an amazing holiday can't stress enough how great he was.

9 Days Nile Jewel (Cairo, Cruise, Hurghada) Superior hotels

The tour was great with helpful assistance from Mike and Walid, our knowledgeable guide. Despite some long days, the impressive sites and good accommodations made it worthwhile. Magdy ensured everyone felt safe and comfortable. The river cruise ship had comfortable suites. Despite fees, Tour Radar communicated details clearly. Highly recommend the tour to experience Egypt's rich history with Walid, Magdy, and the Vacations to Go team.

Pharaohs Nile Cruise Adventure - Return Intra-Flights Included

Wonderful guide, very knowledgeable!

Egypt Nile Jewel

Great trip! Our tour guide Ramiz explained the history excellently. I loved all of the sightseeing. Definitely recommend!

Holiday In Egypt 4 Days – 3 Nights Nile Cruise From Cairo by Flight

I couldn’t go but the team was great with communication

Egypt Adventure

This tour packs in a lot and is so reasonably priced. Our tour guide Mohamed Ebrahim was very educated about all the sites and went above and beyond for everyone on the tour including getting 3 of us that had birthdays that week a beautiful cake! If you can book a tour with Mohamed, you will be taken care of excellently!

Best of Egypt

Excellent trip, very well organized, and amazing itinerary. Got a few early mornings but totally WORTH it. Our CEO Mayer is brilliant, fun, knowledgeable, and really accommodated everyone's needs. Our group has an amazing vibe and everyone became good friends in the end. It was less like a trip with strangers but more like a trip with friends. The trip was one of my highlights in 2021!

Egypt Nile Adventure

Wow!! More than I could have imagined in one trip. George (Tamer) was an excellent tour guide!! We always felt safe and taken care of. 100% recommend

Cairo and Nile Cruise Tours - Included Internal Flights

Die Reise war schlichtweg hervorragend & hat keine Wünsche offen gelassen. Durch die Top Organisation, Kompetenz & Verlässlichkeit der Tourguides, Auswahl des interessanten, abwechslungsreichen & unterhaltsamen Programms wird die Ägyptenreise ein unvergessliches Erlebnis bleiben.

• €110 deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Splendours of Egypt (Classic, Summer, 12 Days)

Thank you, Insight Vacations, for making our dream come true! We have had a fantastic experience in Egypt since 26.2.2018 to 09.03.2018 and really appreciate true dedication and top level of professionalism demonstrated by our Tour Director Mohammed Abd Allah, our guide Ramaddan and coordinator Rafaat. Those people were always there to deal efficiently with any request or wish we had and answer any question. We can highly recommend them as well as the company in general as the best facilitators of international travel ever. They provided us with a safe and reliable way to get introduced to the wonders of Egypt as well as it's friendly and hospitable people.

King Ramses - 13 days

Our family of four had an incredible time on the King Ramses II Egypt tour. It was so special to experience Egypt as a part of a well organised, fun, and educational tour with On The Go, especially with our talented and knowledgeable guide MoMo. As an Egyptologist, MoMo took us through the beautiful historical sites of Egypt with passion and a depth of knowledge, teaching us so much about each site while making the entire trip a fun and exciting experience. We loved every second of this tour, and were really impressed with the balance of historical and local Egypt, and the quality and organisation of transport and accommodation. Our guide MoMo really made our tour special, bringing together the whole group with his knowledge of Egypt, always happy to answer any questions and help out in any way he can. He truly welcomed us to Egypt as a family and we were so lucky to have a guide with such passion for his work and that displayed kindness and understanding to each and every one of us. We cannot recommend visiting Egypt enough, especially with On The Go tours. I’m sure that you too will experience a once in a lifetime trip, where MoMo and On The Go will be sure to introduce you to their culturally and historically rich country.

Reviews of Nile Cruises

Nach langer Recherche habe ich unter dem Dach von TourRadar dieses Angebot von Vacations to go travel entdeckt, daß alles beinhaltete, was wir auch sehen wollten. Unsere Reise fand ab dem 18. März 2024 statt, im Ramadan, was aber eigentlich kein Problem ist. Touristen wird Essen und Trinken tagsüber nachgesehen. In Kairo empfing uns der sehr sympathische und humorvolle Michael herzlich, brachte uns schnell durch die Einreiseformalitäten, half beim Gepäck und sogar beim Erwerb einer SIM-Karte. Im Hotel organisierte er den Check-in und entließ uns in den Luxus vom Steigenberger El Tahrir (klasse Unterkunft, super Verpflegung und Service!). Pünktlich am nächsten Morgen stellte er uns unseren deutschsprachigen Führer für Kairo Sameh vor. Sameh ist warmherzig, persönlich, sehr versiert und mit Herz dabei. Auf unsere Wünsche ist er immer eingegangen. Er beantwortete alle unsere Fragen, zeigte und erklärte uns auch Sachen, die eher Insiderwissen sind. Aber auch über das zeitgenössische Ägypten haben wir viel erfahren. Wir haben ihn gleich in unser Herz geschlossen. Dann ging es per Flug nach Assuan, wieder gut betreut durch Michael. In Assuan wurden wir freundlich in Empfang genommen. Am nächsten Morgen empfing uns unser Führer für Oberägypten Hani. Hani ist ebenfalls deutschsprachig, herzlich, sehr versiert und mit sehr viel Engagement dabei. Auch er berücksichtigte unsere Wünsche; wie in Kairo wurden unsere Fragen beantwortet, wir erfuhren Insiderwissen und auch das moderne Ägypten kam nicht zu kurz – inklusive einem Basarbesuch mit Tee und Wasserpfeife nach Feierabend! Als mein Mann an Bord des Schiffes (Steigenberger Legacy; ebenfalls klasse Unterkunft, super Verpflegung und Service) dann mit Fieber zusammenbrach, kümmerte er sich sehr um uns; mit dem kompetenten Arzt an Bord sorgte er dafür, daß er am nächsten Tag sogar die weiteren Touren mitmachen konnte. Von Luxor dann ging es zurück nach Kairo, wo uns wieder Michael umfassend betreute. Am nächsten Tag übernahm wieder Sameh exzellent die Führung. Wir hatten mit Vacations to go travel die eigentlich im Reiseplan stehende Tour nach Alexandria in einen Tag in Kairo getauscht. Hier hatte Sameh dann als Überraschung eine Tour über einen Basar mit Lebensmitteln und anderem eingeplant, den eigentlich nur Einheimische besuchen und die sich gelohnt hat. Mit unseren Führern haben wir wirklich Glück gehabt; kompetent, sehr sympathisch und engagiert dabei. Empfehlenswert! Dendarah und Abydos sind wunderbar und absolut empfehlenswert, die lange Fahrt lohnt sich wirklich! Hinzugebucht hatten wir die Derwisch-Tanzveranstaltung Tanoura in Kairo und Abu Simbel, beides sehr empfehlenswert. Die Fahrer waren alle sehr freundlich und professionell und haben uns sicher durch den chaotischen Verkehr und die teilweise schwierigen Straßen gefahren. Ägypten hat uns wirklich begeistert! Die Leute sind freundlich und wir fühlten uns nirgendwo unsicher. Die pharaonische Kultur ist überwältigend! Die Reise können wir wirklich weiterempfehlen! Marianne

A variety of experiences both day and night, cruise up the Nile was great, gravity resort was superb, pyramids awesome, lots of temples

What a Great experience! The staff is so very friendly and our Guide Wael was very enthusiastic, friendly and knew a lot of fun facts and interesting stuff about everything! We absolutely recommend this trip.

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Popular Cruise Ships

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Nile River Cruises

There would be no Egypt without the Nile. Discover the civilization that rose along its banks, starting with Cairo, the Pyramids and the Sphinx. Explore Luxor’s legendary temples and tombs, then cruise to Aswan, stopping in ancient Edfu, Kom Ombo and more. A true travel milestone.

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Highlights of the Nile River

Follow the timeline of Egyptian civilization, beginning in Cairo and culminating with a spectacular Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back. Let your imagination soar as your ship meanders through panoramic desertscapes, fertile farmlands, colorful villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites that preserve the ancient glory of Egypt’s greatest temples, palaces and tombs. Included excursions in every port reveal highlights like these:

• The pyramids and the Sphinx, the only Ancient Wonders of the World still standing
• Cairo’s Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, featuring the treasures of King Tutankhamen
• Luxor’s Karnak Temple complex
• The Necropolis of Thebes, Egypt’s largest repository of pharaonic tombs
• Luxor Temple, with its sphinx-lined avenue
• Privileged Access to the tomb of Nefertari in the Valley of the Queens
• The graceful temple of Hatshepsut, Egypt’s only female pharaoh
• The temple of Hathor at Dendera
• Aswan’s atmospheric souk
• Nubian village and school visit
• The romantic, waterbound Temple of Isis at Philae
• Horse-drawn calèche tour to Edfu’s Temple of Horus

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Questions I Should Have Asked BEFORE Cruising the Nile!

by Gary Bembridge · July 9, 2023

Learn From My Mistakes : Questions I Should Have Asked BEFORE Cruising the Nile!

Seven out of ten travellers told me they really want to do a Nile River cruise. But almost all said they were unlikely to do it, because they had too many questions and concerns. Having done one, I have discovered the answers to those questions, and a few they should be asking but aren’t.

While I will get to safety, security, and health in a bit, I realised I should have first been asking more about what a Nile River cruise experience was like to see if it suited how I like to travel.

#1: Is the off-ship experience going to be appealing and manageable?

I had focused on all the sights I was going to see, but I hadn’t asked enough about how it would play out.

The trip packs in lots of sightseeing. There were long and intensive days both in Cairo and on the two-way cruise between Luxor and Aswan. I was surprised how limited downtime there was sailing, as I soon found out there’s just 140 miles (225km) between Luxor and Aswan.

We spent multiple days docked in Luxor and Aswan. And, on the plus side, the sights were not too far from the docking areas, and probably the longest time in a bus was about a 45-minute drive out to the Valley of the Queens and the Valley of the Kings.

Everywhere, there were incredible sights to see. I dive into each of them more in my other Egypt blog . And I must stress 7-night cruise is a must to see everything and not be too rushed. So, check your trip is not one with a 3- or 4-night itinerary.

Templed out?

Did I get “templed” out? By the end of the trip, I was feeling a little bit jaded, and it stuck me when touring the Luxor Temple at the end of the trip that I was almost dismissing it as rather unimpressive. Which was insane!

We were in small groups of 24 with one Egyptologist per group for the entire trip. Nermeen, who was mine, was incredibly knowledgeable, and made the trip fascinating.

The other key thing of note when off ship is the vendors. They are relentless and all sites make visitors go through the stalls on the way in and out. There is no way to escape them, and they are very pushy. Ask your guide how to handle them, I found don’t let them hand me anything, put anything on me, look ahead, ignore them, and go, “No, no, no, no,” or “La, la, la, la,” (which means no).

The stuff being sold seemed touristy and mass produced.

I found the public toilets grubby, and I had to pay to go into all of them, not very much. Just one US dollar or a couple of Egyptian pounds.  I took toilet paper and wipes out with me.

There were armed police, military, checkpoints, and at every site metal detector screening, with bags going through screening too.

Taking photographs

One thing I had not asked, but found I should have, was around taking photographs and video. Once in Egypt, our Cruise Manager (Walaa) warned us to be cautious of taking photographs and never take any of any screening areas, checkpoints, police, any of the authorities, or even of anything that could be construed as suspicious like at the airports where there are military aircraft too.

Also, I found I should have asked about packing. People on the trip with binoculars were told to not take them out. I had not taken my drone but just as well as they are totally banned.  Even some of my camera tripods I was advised to not take out as they could cause raise attention from authorities.

Prepare for the weather

Also, I am pleased I checked the weather and came prepared. I went in April which was between 30 to 35 degrees Celsius (86– 95F) and I found with good sunscreen, a hat, drinking lots of water, and wearing cool clothing, it was fine. Flies and bugs were something I had not asked about and I did get bitten quite a lot because I had forgotten to take bug spray with me.

I had just taken US dollars, which worked fine everywhere. Though I had not taken lots of small notes, like $1 and $5, which was what I needed most.

Moving on from the off ship experience, I found the on-board experience was not one I had asked enough about either.

#2: Is this the right on-board experience for me?

I had chosen to go on AmaWaterways because I knew and loved it from my experience in Europe, and though that familiarity would be reassuring.

However, what I didn’t ask is if they really were running the show. I discovered it was not. By law they must be Egyptian owned, operated, and only use Egyptian crew. AmaWaterways, like other well-known cruise lines are just partnerships with Egyptian companies.

My cruise was much more a Wings cruise, which is their partner in Egypt, running under the AmaWaterways banner. Of course, AmaWaterways I could see had set certain standards and requirements, but it was not the usual AmaWaterways experience I was used to.

Ship and experience

The second aspect of the cruise experience I should have asked more about was the ship and experience itself. Having been on river cruises in Europe and Asia much of this wasn’t as much as a surprise as it was to others.

Ships on the Nile are all pretty much the same, as the height is fixed to go under the bridges and the width to get through the Esna locks between Luxor and Aswan. This limited size means limited facilities.

The AmaDahlia had one main restaurant for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. An al fresco Chef’s Table dining area open only on nights when sailing. A lounge with bar, for the briefings, entertainment, afternoon tea, and relaxing. A reception area. Small library. Shop with jewellery and souvenirs. Fitness room. Spa room for hairdressing and massage. Sun deck with plunge pool and bar. There was no casino nor medical centre.

I also realised I had not asked enough about the food and beverage offerings on board before going.

Food and beverages

On AmaDahlia, breakfast was largely buffet with items ordered from a menu. Lunch a buffet service and dinner a la carte. The menus were relatively tight, with some choice of starters, main courses, and desserts. The food was a mixture of international and Egyptian food. It was pretty good, but not amazing.

As I don’t drink alcohol, I had not asked about what was included and found drinkers had a mixed view. Egyptian wines and beers were included at lunch and dinner. There was the AmaWaterways signature “Sip & Sail” hour every evening before dinner, with a decent menu of included drinks but only using Egyptian sourced sprits. So, if you wanted more international spirits, beers, or wines you would pay for those.

Entertainment was limited and was rather touristy, with a belly dancer, Tanoura Whirling Dervish dancer, and a Galabeya party where we were all dressed up in traditional garb.

All-inclusive definition

One thing I did ask is what is and is not included in the on-board experience as while billed as all-inclusive, the definition differs slightly by line.

On my trip, which included a land portion in Cairo, it included all the transfers, hotel stays in Cairo, flights to and from Luxor, entry fees into all the sites listed on the program, the cruise, food and drink mentioned, Wi-Fi, and the services of a Cruise Manager and Egyptologist guides. The extra costs on my trip were an optional excursions to Abu Simbel, afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel Aswan, camel rides at Giza Pyramids, gratuities (which was around $250 per person), and then services like laundry or spa on the ship.

Next, I wish I had asked and checked more about the best cabin and location on the ship. This is a big one.

Cabin location!

There are a limited range of cabin types. The least costly are on the lowest deck and mostly under the waterline with a window about three quarters of the way up. The others on higher decks have floor-to-ceiling windows and some small balconies.

However, location is I found the most important factor of all.

The Nile is busy with at least 250 ships sailing that short distance between Luxor and Aswan, and dock almost every night, we were docked six of the seven nights. The ships docked side by side and in rows. So, often there will be a ship docked a few feet from your window blocking any view. And I had to walk through multiple ships to get to the bank.

But the mistake I made was not asking past travellers about locations to avoid. My seemingly, on paper, perfect cabin close to the front of the ship was a disaster. Later I found people had said so on the AmaWaterways fan Facebook groups.

Nile river ship engines run 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and they don’t get plugged into shoreside power when docked. These are noisy and fume pumping. As ships are docked in rows along the bank it means the loud rear engines make cabins at the front of any ship docked behind them, like mine, unbearable.

Now what about how safety?

#3: How do I make sure I am safe?

I did find travelling in the bubble that AmaWaterways effectively created for the trip meant I felt secure and safe. It started as soon as I arrived at the airport as even before going through immigration, I was met by one of the team who explained the process, and from then onwards, there was always someone with us. In fact, right up until I went through final security at the airport to fly home.

I was always in the group, with the AmaWaterways team guiding, explaining, smoothing the way, and watching out for us. There seemed to added security at some places we visited too, as I realised some familiar faces kept appearing.

We were always briefed about what to do and what not to do, and how things would be and would work. Our group’s Egyptologist (Nermeen) would even step in if the vendors got too aggressive.

This bubble was also a plus for travellers like the solo woman traveller, and an LGBT couple on this trip, as Egypt has a reputation of some intolerance and hassling of LGBT people as it insulated everyone.

There was also a lot of Egyptian security everywhere with armed and tourist police at every site. Checkpoints and guards abounded. We did have police escorts from the airport and in Qena north of Luxor, but nowhere else.

Egypt did feel, although politics is more settled, a little bit on edge and worried about safety and security and I assume at risk of things getting more intense. So, being in that bubble with local knowledge and guidance was key I feel.

This leads me to the other question I asked a lot!

#3: How do I make sure I don’t get ill?

Before going and while there, I was bit obsessed with how do I make sure that I don’t get an upset stomach that could ruin things?

Quite a few on the trip did get an upset stomach, but I did not because I was constantly focusing on it.

I used hand gel all the time, including after handling bank notes, which I was warned was a potential risk. I drank bottled water on and off the ship, even using it to rinse my mouth and toothbrush when brushing my teeth. Eating salad was off the menu because that was another risk, I’d heard. I never had ice. I only had fruit that was peeled or vegetables that were cooked.

Another question I found I should have been asking was if I did get an upset stomach, what was the best way of dealing with it? And the answer is, ask for the local remedy. Imodium, which is what I’d taken is according to people on the ship that had upset stomachs not effective, but a local remedy offered by reception was.

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Tags: cruise advice cruise holiday cruise ship cruise tips cruise vacation egypt nile cruise nile river cruise river nile tips for travelers tips for travellers travel tips

Gary Bembridge

I grew up in Zimbabwe, but I have been based in London since 1987. My travel life spans more than three decades and that includes more than 95 cruises. In 2005, I launched Tips for Travellers to make it easy and fun for people to discover, plan and enjoy incredible cruise vacations. And the rest, as they say, is history. I have the largest cruise vlogger channel currently on YouTube, with more than 3 million video views per month.

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Tipping on a Nile Cruise - What is Appropriate?

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Are the tips broken down like on the large cruise ships and placed in "envelopes" at the end of the journey (i.e. dining room, housekeeping, etc.)?

Or is it much more informal and you tip housekeeping each day, leave something at the bar after each purchase, etc, etc.?

We were told at the outset not to tip during the week.

We to felt that the ammount for the guide was to much. Why he would expect nearly as much as he suggested for the crew amazes me bearing in mind that is is to be split between all of the crew and his is for himself only. We reduced his ammount but had no problem with the crews tip.

But it is entirely up to you how much you put in the envelpoes. Put in what you feel comfortable with.

Some people on our cruse recently didn't give anything at all. First the guide was about £15 each at the end of the week and then she said £30 per cabin but as I was alone there was NO WAY iwas giving £30 as they still only had to clean up after serve one person and NOT two I gave £10 even though I thought some mebers of staff didn't deserve anything at all!

At the end of the day (week!) it's entirely up to you and what YOU feel they deserve and NOT what the rep says.

Happy Hols!

Thank you everyone for all your posts and info. I completely forgot about the guide!

Anyway, thanks again, you've all been very helpful.

We were not impressed by the 'visit' to the alabaster shop either ! Couple of people just stayed on the coach as they had been before. We managed to 'escape' with a tiny purchase - just dont make eye contact or conversation if you dont want to buy!!

Flymeaway, there is the alabaster factory, the papyrus institute,possibly the perfume factory all designed to top up the reps wages. These visits are done during a visit so no getting away from them. They can be interesting and there is no obligation to buy

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Everything You Need To Know Before Embarking On A Nile River Cruise

A Nile cruise is on nearly every international traveler’s wish list. The wonders of ancient Egypt go way beyond the pyramids and the sphinx, with countless treasures lying further south, a stretch away from Cairo, lying either within reach of Luxor or Aswan, which is why most people opt for a cruise between the two cities, stopping off at the most important sites along the way.

Having visited Cairo before, a Nile cruise had been on my wish list for years until I finally found the right ship, which I knew I would enjoy, together with the right duration of cruise and itinerary to suit me. It took a lot of research and some luck to chance upon the cruise that was right for me: very small, few people, historic connections, a touch of the glamor of 1920s- and 1930s-style travel, and plenty of class. I found my ideal cruise on the SS Sudan , the last true paddle steamer on the Nile, the one Agatha Christie sailed on and where she wrote Death on the Nile — and where the subsequent movies were filmed. Small enough to allow for privacy, large enough for comfort, with a five-night, six-day itinerary between Luxor and Aswan.

But what is perfect for me isn’t necessarily perfect for everybody else. Some might want a pool, a shop, more people to socialize with, or maybe more modern cabins, and probably going from Aswan to Luxor, or even cruising the whole way from Cairo to Aswan. Timing is crucial as well, as is deciding what to do at either end. There are many things to consider before embarking on a Nile cruise, so, here I have listed a few points to mull over and research before you book yourself that trip of a lifetime.

Up Or Down River?

Let’s start with some nomenclature you will need to go along the right route: Cruising up the Nile means you are going south, toward the source of the Nile, which, by the way, I recently discovered in Uganda. Cruising down the Nile is sailing toward the estuary in the Mediterranean. But, just to confuse things, Upper Egypt is in fact southern Egypt, while Lower Egypt is in the north, by the coast.

Most Nile Cruises, except for the ones setting off from Cairo and cruising all the way up the Nile, actually sail only in Upper Egypt, between Luxor and Aswan.

I am unsure about what the statistics are when it comes to preferences, but all the cruise ships in Upper Egypt either cruise from Luxor to Aswan or from Aswan to Luxor. Both Luxor and Aswan have airports you can fly into from Cairo, the main international airport in Egypt, so the choice really is yours. That said, personally, I felt that going from Luxor to Aswan was my preferred option simply because — in my mind — Aswan is so much prettier than Luxor. And from Aswan, you can travel to the temples in Abu Simbel, leaving you with the best bit at the end of your journey. But many people would argue the opposite and there really is no right or wrong.

Hotels At Either End

While many travelers, mostly those who are time poor, head straight from the airport to the cruise ship and, once docked after the cruise, fly straight back out again, I would like to plead for a night or two at either end. Not only does it give you the option of overcoming any jet lag or travel fatigue, but also there are some lovely historic hotels that are worth spending a night in. In Luxor, the famous Winter Palace is a historic hotel, a little frayed around the edges, but with a fabulous garden and a pedigree of former guests that is hard to beat. The only place that can beat the guest list of the Winter Palace is the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan where Agatha Christie stayed at the end of her cruise, and you can take a tour through numerous suites named after illustrious guests who stayed there over the last century. And the hotel offers rooms with some of my favorite views in the world .

What Kind Of Boat

There are essentially four types of boats on the Nile that can take you from A to B. There are modern cruise ships, relatively small when compared to ocean-going cruise ships with around 50 cabins, but many with swimming pools, cabins with balconies, and shops and restaurants on board. There is the SS Sudan , alone in its class, without amenities such as pools or shops, but with only five suites and 18 cabins, plus a superb sundeck, a bar, and a restaurant. Then there are the dahabiyas, beautiful boats with a sail at either end — and even more private with many only catering to around 12 passengers. The dahabiyas come without engines, but often have a tugboat for added speed, and offer the most tranquil and secluded cruises. Lastly, there are the feluccas, small sailboats, where in some cases you can spend one night on board, but generally, these lovely and traditional sailboats are only used for day trips.

Where Are The Stops?

Between the most popular cruise harbors of Luxor and Aswan lie the most amazing sights, most of which are taken in by all the various cruises, because, after all, that is why everybody is there. The main stops are Qena, a little downriver from Luxor, with the Dendera and Abydos temples; Luxor , with the various valleys of tombs; Edfu with the fabulous Kom Ombo temple; and lastly Aswan, with a visit to Philae. On a five-night cruise upriver (so going south), you will stay overnight in Qena, Luxor, Edfu, and two nights in Aswan.

Length Of Cruise

Most cruises between Luxor and Aswan take between three and seven days, the shorter ones skipping Qena and only staying one night in Aswan, the longer ones adding extra nights, usually in Luxor.

If you are lucky enough to have the time to sail from Cairo to Aswan , the itinerary takes a minimum of 11 nights, but more often than not 14 nights, with sightseeing in Cairo included, usually reaching Luxor on Day 11. Despite the current of the Nile, which is evident but quite slow, the cruises up or down the river take the same amount of time.

When Best To Travel

The best time to visit Upper (southern) Egypt is between October and April. That said, I went at the end of October, and the temperatures were still in the 90s Fahrenheit, making sightseeing a bit of an exhausting undertaking. In the summer, these temperatures are much, much worse, so travel then is best avoided. In December and January, the coldest months, the temperatures hover around the mid-70s Fahrenheit. As for rain, the rainy season is between October and April, with a negligible spike at less than an inch of rain in October.

What You Must Pack

Even if yours is a fancy cruise, pack light, pack layers, and pack sensible shoes. It will be hot and sandy whenever you go exploring. In the Valley of the Kings, for example, there is much sand, no shade, and plenty of stairs and steps to conquer, so light clothing but good shoes that keep you firmly on the ground are useful. Bring a light cover for the evening and something nice for the boat. A clothes brush to get the sand and dust off you at the end of the outing and a handheld fan to bring you some air when it gets warm are essential. And, if you like a tipple or two, know that in Egypt imported wine and champagne are extortionately expensive, so, get your full allowance in the duty-free shop and enjoy along the way.

What To Do Before (Or After)

Chances are that you will fly into Cairo, and unless you are embarking in Cairo, some sightseeing is a must. Allow at least two extra days to see the main sights before heading south. And once you are in the south, note that all cruise ships stop at Aswan because of the dams. If you want to see Abu Simbel, you can either fly from Aswan to Abu Simbel or take a tour either by bus or private car , but you will need to book the car in advance. This is because the tourist road caravan sets off first thing in the morning and is escorted by police all the way between Aswan and Abu Simbel because of potential bandits, and all travelers need to be registered and accounted for by the day before at the latest.

What To Read And Watch About The Nile

To get you in the mood and keep you going while you’re there, here are some books and films set in exactly the places you will be visiting, so you can go, “Oh, I know that place!” as you read or watch.

• Death on the Nile by Agatha Christie
• The films Death on the Nile from 1978 with Peter Ustinov , 2004 with David Suchet , and 2022 with Kenneth Branagh
• Some very light but fun mysteries by Elizabeth Peters , with lots of places to be recognized
• The superb old travel book by Amelia B. Edwards A Thousand Miles up the Nile , first published in 1877

One fantastic historical TV series presented by Bettany Hughes is entitled The Nile and is full of information, making for perfect viewing before and after your trip.

Pro Tip: In many places, you will either have to pay for a photography permit, or, at times, won’t be able to take photographs. But don’t let that stop you from carrying your camera everywhere with you!

Related Reading:

• How This River Cruise Allowed Me To Get To Know My Mom Again
• 7 Best River Cruise Lines Around The World
• American Cruise Lines Unveils Its Longest U.S. River Cruise — The Four Rivers You’ll Explore In 60 Days

This article originally appeared on TravelAwaits

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Africa , Budget Travel Ideas , EGYPT

How to score a cheap nile cruise.

Taking a Nile cruise in Egypt is one of the quintessential things to do in this country, but if you’re anything you like me, you probably have reservations about how expensive this notoriously tourist experience might be.

But fear not, I managed to score a bargain Nile cruise when I was in Egypt and now, to help you do the same, here’s the full lowdown on how you can score a cheap Nile cruise in 2023 and beyond…

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What is a nile cruise all about.

Both of these destinations are must-see cities on your Egypt itinerary and while it is possible to travel by road or train between Luxor and Aswan, taking a cruise up (or down) the Nile between them is a much nicer way to travel.

Yup, normally lasting between 3-5 nights, drifting slowly up the world’s most famous river as you laze by a pool and take in the amazing views really is a spectacular experience.

Don’t you agree?

And that’s not to mention the temples you get to see along the way, which are otherwise very difficult to get to.

This makes an Egypt Nile cruise a classic traveller experience in this country and after the fabulous time I had, I highly recommend getting it on your list.

Aswan to Luxor Vs Luxor to Aswan

So after deciding you want to make a Nile cruise, the next thing to plan is in which direction to take it.

Generally speaking, Luxor to Aswan cruises follow a longer itinerary of 4 days than Aswan to Luxor routes, which usually only take 3 days.

If you’re on a budget therefore, it’s likely that making the latter journey is going to work out more cost-effective for you, simply because it’s shorter.

It’s also worth bearing in mind that each leg of the cruise normally includes a tour in the respective city of your final destination.

In other words, if you’re travelling from Aswan to Luxor, a day exploring Luxor’s attractions (like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple) will be included in your cruise itinerary.

Likewise, if you’re travelling from Luxor to Aswan, a day exploring Aswan and /or Abu Simbel will also be included in your cruise programme.

If you’re planning to stay in either Luxor or Aswan for a few days on either side of your cruise therefore, another great way to keep the price of your Egypt Nile cruise down is cut the programme short, check into a Luxor or Aswan hostel as soon as you dock there, and seeing the attractions in these respective cities independently.

For more information about how to do this, check out my ideal 2 day Luxor itnerary or my list of the top 10 things to do in Aswan – both give great tips about the best way to take in these destinations on a budget too.

Normal Costs of an Egypt Nile Cruise

But even with these money-saving hacks in place, there’s no getting away from the fact a Nile cruise can be an expensive experience.

Just have a look online at the prices offered by companies and you’ll probably take a large and sharp inhale!

Yes these cruise packages offered online or by travel agencies in Egypt start from around $200 USD per day and that’s just for a basic ship – roughly equivalent to a 3*star hotel.

Generally these prices include 3 meals a day, plus use of all ship facilities and some temple tours, but nevertheless, it’s likely to be a hefty chunk of your travel budget.

And that’s because booking online or through an agency in Egypt means you’re also paying a huge amount of agency commission.

In order to get the best prices therefore, you need to cut out the middle man for your Egypt Nile cruise and head straight to the source (pun intended!)

How to Score a Cheap Nile Cruise?

So how do you cut out the middleman?

Well first of all, you need to be in Egypt to make sure you are booking direct.

This does mean leaving your cruise slightly to the last minute, which may prove difficult if you have a jam-packed, tight or well-planned itinerary.

However, if you are even slightly flexible, it’s generally possible to find a cheap Nile cruise just a few days ahead of time.

With this in mind, it’s also worth considering the season in which you’re travelling to Egypt.

It goes without saying that travelling in the shoulder or low season is going to make it a lot easier for you to score a cheap Nile cruise.

So, if you’re yet to book your trip to Egypt at all, I’d definitely recommend avoiding the peak season of November through February and heading to this country during the shoulder season of September to November or February to April instead.

I visited (and Nile cruised in) Egypt in March and it was perfect, with delightful weather and much fewer crowds than I’m told are there in the high tourist season.

The second thing you need to bear in mind when trying to score a cheap Nile cruise is that the ships only run on certain days.

What I mean by this, is that there aren’t cruises ferrying up to Aswan or down to Luxor every day of the week.

Normally there are departures 2/3 times a week, but again it’s worth being a bit flexible with your dates when trying to score a cheap deal.

How to Avoid the Travel Agencies?

So the best thing to do for your cheap Nile cruise is, as I’ve said, to cut out the middleman and go direct.

I’d read many blogs when I got to Egypt about heading straight onto the ship to score a cheap cruise, but I actually find this information wasn’t useful.

In Luxor, it was time-consuming and ultimately unproductive walking between the many different ships trying to find when they were leaving, where to and whether they had space.

Also, new ships come and go daily, so keeping track of which ones you have and haven’t approached is time-heavy and often, success poor.

That’s not to mention the fact that a ship which might be leaving on your intended day of departure, with space for a couple of cheap last-minute bookings, may only dock the day before you want to leave.

Having the time to find this boat, head to this boat, talk to the staff, score a place on it and be ready to leave all within the space of an evening may be unrealistic.

At least it was in my case.

As such, I highly recommend seeking out some of the cruise scouts.

These are basically guys that work on behalf of lots of different ships, filling the vacant places they have with last-minute bookings.

As I was sailing from Aswan to Luxor, I managed to find a great guy in Aswan, down by the ships, who hooked me up with a stellar deal – just $40 USD per day for a 3 day cruise to Luxor!

My Egypt Nile Cruise Experience

So yes, my 3 night cruise on the Nile cost me just $120 USD in total!

This included 3 meals a day, a lovely cabin and a guided tour of Luxor, plus the possibility to see both Kom Ombo and Efnu Temples.

The itinerary ran as follows:

Day 1: Board ship in Aswan | Sail to Kom Ombo | Visit this temple | Sail to Efnu

Day 2: Visit Efnu Temple | Sail to Luxor

Day 3: Visit Luxor with a guided tour | Enjoy final night aboard ship

Day 4: Disembark in Luxor

The level of service and provision I got was exactly the same as everybody else on the ship, except they had paid possibly 5 times more than me!

And in between all the temple viewing, I thoroughly enjoyed lazing by the pool on the ship’s top deck, sunning myself and watching the Nile sail by!

My Contacts for a Cheap Cruise

And so here they are people, my direct contacts for scoring a cheap Egypt Nile Cruise.

(I’d like to point out that, in no way, have I been sponsored, nor am I affiliated with either of these individuals. I just like helping fellow budget travellers out and can’t be held responsible for any trips you book with the below contacts.)

• First up, the manager of the ship, Quest Cruise, I sailed with:

His name is Nasser and can be contacted for direct bookings on +20 112 666 000 41 or emailed at [email protected]

• Secondly, the cruise scout who I actually booked my trip through:

Hi name is Montasser Mohamed. He can be contacted by phone on +20 122 33 59 105, or + 20 111 638 5004, via Whatsapp on +20 102 511 1063, or via email at [email protected] .

Other Well-Priced Nile Cruise Options

Alternatively, if booking last minute, down at the dock is a bit too stressful for you – I appreciate not everyone has all the time in the world – then it’s good to know there are some great priced online tours that offer a more secure and official booking process!

Then this excellently priced 4-night all-inclusive Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan is a great option for those with less flexible travel plans, or for those who want greater peace of mind.

It’s a 5* cruise boat and the package includes a trip to Abu Simbel, as well as Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, plus the Valley of the Kings and the Valley of the Queens in Luxor… tick, tick, tick!

Alternatively, if you’re travelling from Aswan and want to sail north up the Nile cruise to Luxor, this top-rated 3 night cruise onboard a 5* ship, is a great option offering brilliant value for money and a hassle-free experience, with visits to the Philae Temple, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings thrown in too!

And finally, if you’re based in Hurghada, but don’t want to miss out on a Nile cruise too, then this is the option for you!

It includes both a pick up and drop off at your Hurghada hotel in an air-con minivan, as well as a 4 night cruise on a 5* boat, with visits to all the temples in both Luxor and Aswan, as well as inbetween, all included!

SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!

So there you have it folks, the full lowdown on how I scored my budget Nile Cruise.

Hope you manage to get a bargain too!

Have you tried to get in touch with either of the contacts I mention?

How did your trip go?

Please help fellow travellers out by leaving details of your experience in the comments box below…

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Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

137 thoughts on “ How to Score a Cheap Nile Cruise ”

best blog i ever read thanks for such niceest blog

Hello. What was the name of you’re boat?

Hi Drew, I’m afraid I cant remember, I made this journey in early 2018 and forgot to note the name down at the time. Fail!

Nile Quest Cruise, as she mentioned in the article…

Hi Steph! My partner and I just had a read of this and we’re currently in contact with Montasser! Seems like he can help us out, but I guess there is a language barrier..

I just wanted to ask how do I best pay him (e.g does he have an office?) and whether this transaction is considered legit?

Apologies for my wariness as this is our first time in Egypt!!

Looking forward to your reply 🙂

Hi Michael – thanks for your comments. I think you also emailed me about this one and I’ve just replied, so please check your inbox for this. Otherwise, I paid Montasser a small deposit up front and the remainder once I’d seen the cabin and checked in on the boat. This worked well and I’d advise you doing the same. Good Luck!

Hi, Robinhood! Now the queries for Egypt. We have six days starting 30 Dec. 1. What should be the new year like in Egypt? 2. What is the best itinerary for the time one has? 3. I too got in touch with Montasser and he is asking 50$ per pax per night. What kind of cabin is provided? What are the inclusions? Is it even wortht the cruise, or one should just fly to and fro from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan.

Hi there, thanks for the questions – will answer them as best I can. 1) Don’t know – haven’t been there at this time of year – sorry! 2) I’ve written an Egypt itinerary post giving all the details – please search it out on the blog using search bar, or destinations tab > Africa > Egypt 3) I’m not sure what Montasser has in mind, so it’s best to ask him for the details. I’d pay a bit more to upgrade for a good cabin if I were you. My inclusions were 3x meals per day + guided tours of the 2 temples we visited enroute and guided day tour in Luxor

I definitely think a cruise is worth it. Views as you glide up the Nile and the experience of it were highlights for me.

My husband and I are travelling to Egypt In December and I have contacted Montasser. It was rather difficult to understand everything he said but he appeared to be able to book us a cruise on the date we wanted. Did you book through him and how was your experience (if you have already been)? We would be grateful for any feedback/advice/information you may be able to provide. This will be our first time as well and any help will be much appreciated.

Thank you !!

Hi Samina – hope you get on the cruise. Please let me know your experience so I can share in the post with other readers. Best

how much he charged you?

Probably best to pay with Egyptian money, bc to exchange money, the natives must have a passport, and many don’t. So if you are dealing sub rosa…

Thank you for sharing your experience Steph! My husband and I are travelling to Egypt next month and your blog is very helpful. I have just contacted Montasser. There is a language barrier as Michael commented but he appeared to be confident of booking us for a cruise on the date we want. We will arrive on 15th Dec and want to spend a couple of days in Cairo and visit Alexandria and embark on the cruise around 18th. A bit worried about leaving the cruise arrangements to the last minute.

Hi Samina – I do find that strange as Montasser’s English was amazing when I spoke with him – perhaps it’s a written language barrier? Where are you hoping to get on the cruise from – Luxor? As I said in the post, I booked mine only a few days before via Montasser and was not at all sure it was going to work out either because everything was so casual. That said, all turned out fine. I hope you manage to get on! Please let me know your experience afterwards.

I called him this morning, so maybe there was some problem with the connection. I shall establish communication through Whatsapp which may work better. I would prefer to get on at Luxor, trying to work out the logistics of travelling back to Cairo from Aswan. We want to fly back to London on the 24th Morning and there are suitable flights from Cairo and Luxor. I’m probably sounding muddled. Do you recommend taking the night train or flight from Cairo to either place? Many thanks!

Hi Samina – both train and plane are good options for Cairo to Aswan / Luxor, depends on your timings really. Worth noting however that the night trains in Egypt are a LOT more expensive than the day trains, so do your price comparison against flights. Also research about getting tickets, because they can be some confusion. I got the train from Luxor to Cairo – 10 hours, but first class cost silly small dollars. I got someone from the hostel to book it for me the day before so I got the local rate. Even with a tip, much cheaper than tourist prices! Views were amazing and I love train travel, but I understand some people want to save time and fly.

Hello Stephanie,

We will be travelling to Egypt in Feb 2019. I read you blog and want to thank you as we found it quite helpful. We were planing a 4 day Nile cruise, so I got in contact via Whats app with Montasser for a preliminary exchange and I did not feel any language issue in our written conversation…He also wrote that he is at our service and to contact him closer to our trip date…So far so good!!! we will post again once we embark and enjoy!!!! Thanks again

Great Jean-Marc, that’s wonderful to hear and I really appreciate your up-to-date info on this, as well as your kind words about the blog. Keep me posted how it goes nearer to the time too and happy travel planning. Thanks Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, do u get a full itinerary if we book with Montasser? Just wondering do you get the lower or upper deck with full facilities?

Honestly Dorothy, you’re best to ask him yourself. I’m not affiliated with Montasser in any way and really can’t speak on his before about the trip you are arranging. Thanks

Sorry Steph, one last question (for now), is Hot Air Balloning over Luxor worth it?

Not sure to be totally honest. I didn’t hot air balloon ride in Luxor 🙂

Hi Steph, Just contacted Montasser and can’t wait to visit egypt soon. I had to questions; did you get private tours of the temples or did you join a group? everyone i’ve contacted so far, always only offered private tours and as i’m travelling solo, i’d love to mingle a bit and join a shared tour. How was that for you, as you werer also travelling solo? Also, after booking with montasser, did you get some kind of confirmation from the cruise or from him? I’m heading to egypt late january on a bit of a tight schedule & will be arriving in Aswan, one day before boaridng the cruise. I’m worried, that i’ll arrive there and i won’t be able to board the cruise the following day..

Hi Milena, all great questions and excited to hear you are travelling to Egypt soon. I did not get confirmation from Montasser. Honestly, I just found him at the dock and got a bit of paper saying I’d paid a deposit. It is far from official and I’m in no way affiliated with him or can vouch for what he does – just sharing my experience – I hope it works out for you. The temple tours along the Nile and in Luxor should be included in the package, so you don’t need to pay extra for that. I was travelling solo yes, and in Aswan, I booked a group tour at my hostel to see Abu Simbel and the other days used a taxi driver to take me around the local sights. Hope that helps and you get your cruise 🙂

Thank you so much for your quick response. It helped a lot 🙂 also; were the included tours along the Nile and in Luxor shared tours or solo private tours? Kind regards from Switzerland!

Hi Milena, so glad to hear I’m helping out with your Egypt plans – fingers crossed they go well! They were shared tours I got, which as a solo traveller I enjoyed – but do check the specifics of what you’re getting too for your money. My experience, of course, doesn’t mean yours will be the same. Good luck, Steph 🙂

Thank you for the informations. I heading next month to Egypt for 2 weeks and I was planning to do the Nile Cruise. I am just wondering about the boat quality and condition is it a 5 stars.

Hi Ali, the boat I went on was not 5 star – that’s how I got such a bargain price, but it was totally fit for purpose and quite comfortable. If luxury is important to you, I would consider being sure of the standards of the vessel you will be travelling on and pay to upgrade 🙂

Hi Steph, Thanks a lot for your posts. I’ve contacted Nasser and he gave us a price as of 165 usd /per for the 3 night cruise, and an extra fee for the excursion package of 190 usd /per, so the total price for the cruise will be 355 usd /per. I find it quite expensive compared to other 5-star cruises. How were you able to negotiate the incrediable 120 usd for 3 nights ? Thanks for you advises, Hanh.

Hi Hanh, I booked it with Nasser in person in Aswan 2 days before the tour left, but it was not a 5* cruise. I’m guessing a last minute booking in person on a cheaper boat might have been how I scored such a deal.

Hi Steph, I have greatly enjoyed reading your many travel blogs! Thank-you for that! I am looking to get on a boat from Aswan to Luxor on Wednesday, April 17th. I will be in Aswan from the 14th until the 17th. Do you recommend that I go to the boat docks (and look up Nasser) on Tuesday, the day before? Or should I do it the morning of departure (the 17th), or would it be best to go on Monday the 15th? Thanks so much!

Thank YOU Kevin, so happy to hear you are enjoying the blog and also that you will be heading to Egypt soon. I think it would be best to go and find Nasser as soon as you reach Aswan, because cruises don’t leave every day and some might be full – I’d say the more prep time you have to sort in when you’re in Aswan the better. Good luck 🙂

Hi Steph, hi everybody! I visited Egypt last week of December till first week of Januaryfor diving at Hurghada. As I also wanted to make a short Nile cruise I contacted Montasser and got a quote of 60 USD per night on a 3*** ship. I agreed by whats up, Montasser offered to pick me up from Assuan airport. Arriving there on time, no body was there to pick me up. After some phone calls with Montasser and some fights against taxi drivers that tried to pull me in there cars, somebody came and took me to town (Montasser charged me later more than double the normal taxi price for that). OK, such things can happen.

In town I met Montasser who now told me, that he missunderstud our whats-up conversation. The price per night would increase to 100 USD. There was not much I could do in that situation, so I had to agree. As Steph mentioned, it is almost impossible to arrange a cheap trip on your own when you are already in Assuan or Luxor and when your counterparts feel that you are somehow under pressure.

Montasser also offered me to arrange a daytrip to the valley of the kings in Luxor and my trip back to Hurghada in a public bus. I agreed the price of 30 USD for the daytrip and 10 USD for the bus ticket (which was in fact 4.5 USD). The cruise was OK, but the daytrip in Luxor again was a mess. I expected an almost private tour for the money, but Montasser chartered 2 very small mini-busses for 22 people and one guide. We hopped from hotel to hotel to collect all these people. When we started the tour, 2 hours were already gone. Many of the other Montasser-customers tried to call him for a complaint, but this time Montasser was not available by phone.

The trip was short as I had to catch the public bus on time. We arrived at the bus station late, but the bus was still there. The only problem was: Montasser didn´t book my ticket and the bus was full. Now I was really fed up with Montassers arrangement. The guide in Luxor was hard trying to help me and he could get a ticket for the night bus. All in all I am sorry that I have to say: Montasser is not very different from the various taxi driver I met in Egypt. They rip you off as there was no tomorrow. Even when I told him, that I will report everything in the blog, Montasser was not willing to refund a single dollar.

Thanks for your detailed and helpful feedback Martin, this is so useful to know for other travellers and I really appreciate you taking the time to leave the comments. As you know, I’m not affiliated with Montasser in any way, I just wanted to report my experience with him to try and help others repeat such a deal. Sadly it looks like he is not always a man of his word. I’m sorry you had this experience and sincerely hope it didn’t ruin your time in Egypt. Thanks again for reporting back.

Dear Steph! In no ways it was my intention to blame you for anything! I only wanted to report what happened to me. By the way, Montassers mismanagement laid to wonderful experiences with some local people: The guide from Luxor took me to his home, bought me food and cared for me in a lovely manner. A coachman showed me some very interesting places in Luxor and the ride with the night-bus was smooth and comfortable. So at the end, it turned out to be one of the most valuable impression of my trip to Egypt.

Thank you Martin and well done for looking on the positive side! Wishing you all the best on your travels 🙂

I’m travelling to Egypt in the same time as yours(March 1st week). I’m glad that I came across your blog. You will be helping me on saving big bucks. I contacted Mohamed for the Cruise and he was very responsive. On enquiry , reg the Cruise begin days, he said except Sundays they leave on all days. I’m a quite skeptic regarding this as I have a planned itinerary so it will be difficult to shuffle my plan. Kindly clarify on this. And I will be taking up the 3 day Aswan-> Luxor Cruise , so how does the package work? Could you please give me more details on the entire trip from beginning to end and the number of meals covered for the 3 days package? This will help me plan accordingly as I’m quite confused reg the inclusions for 120$.

And thank you so much for your lovely blog. Keep up the great work. Information like these are priceless for budget travelers. Looking forward to your reply.

Hi there, thanks for your comments and excited to hear you’ll be travelling to Egypt soon. I honestly can’t clarify when the cruises leave or how often – I don’t know the answer to this, but recent info from Martin in these comments suggests Montasser may not be a man of his word, so I’d be careful arranging anything in advance with him when you’re on a strict timetable that doesn’t allow for flexibility.

As I have said across this article and comments, I’m not affiliated or in contact with Montasser at all, I just used this post to write honestly about the experience I had, which included 3 meals a day, 3 nights accommodation and day trips around Luxor as well as 2 other temples up the Nile.

I cannot, however, make any claims about YOUR arrangements with Montasser – what they will include or indeed whether it will go ahead. If you’re on a tight timeframe and want to know all the ins and outs, I recommend booking ahead of time with someone you can guarantee the package, otherwise, turn up to Aswan and discuss with Montasser in person as I did. I’m not a travel agent or a booking agent, so it would be best to consult one of these types of people if you have concerns.

I’m so happy you like the blog and thank you for your kind words. I do hope you have a great time in Egypt 🙂

Thank you for the prompt reply. Much appreciated. And good to know from Martin that I have to be watchful with Mohamed.. In that case I would like to know what would I be charged if I contact Nasser directly from Wisdom tours as mentioned in your blog? Is it possible to get at the same price(40$)?. And I’m curious to know how you found Mohamed in Aswan? Where can I find similar scouts in Aswan to get similar prices? Because I feel if Mohamed can get you for 40$ there must be a few more who can do that as well.. Thank you again!

Hi there, I don’t know who Mohammed or Wisdom Tours are I’m afraid – I dealt only with the people mentioned in the post, who I found by enquiring at the dock in Aswan. Good luck 🙂

I ve reading this post for a while, Im going to travel to egypt in feb/19, I contacted mohame at the 1063 number posted here. he told me that a cruise from aswan to luxor would cost 35usd per person per night, I guess he gives different numbers , but this is not too different for what steph has paid. I m not running on a tight schedule, so if he changes his mind big time about the price I will try to find another boat.

Thanks for joining the discussion Andres. Please be careful, read the other comments here and good luck 🙂

Hi Steph! I am posting to thank you for your very helpful post. I arranged an Aswan-Luxor Cruise with Montasser at the beginning of January, and he gave me a pricce of 50 USD a night for single cabin. I could probably have gotten 40 (he said that price was for a shared cabin). An important thing I figured too late is that the ship spends the third day docked in Luxor, so there is no traveling that day, and most likely all you will see trough your window is the ship parked next to yours. So I could have actually taken a two day cruise and spend that other night in a cheaper place in Luxor instead. The deal included a group tour of east and west bank temples, however I had to ask multiple times at the reception and they never gave me a clear answer, I think they had to call Montasser more than once to confirm that. When they called me on the third day and told me I had a tour I was quite surprised. Overall I was happy about the deal. When I booked, Montasser also offered me a trip to Abu Simbel for 15usd, I did not take that tour but on hindsight I learned it was a good deal and I should have taken it. Overall I was quite satisfied, so thanks once more for your helpful and detailed post.

Hi George, thanks for taking the time to comment and leave your kind feedback. It’s interesting to know your experience on the third day as this is when I received a tour of Luxor included in my cruise price without hassle. It seems this didn’t happen for you? How confusing! Yes 15 USD for Abu Simbel is very good – I hope you got there anyway as it is a must see in Egypt. Wishing you continued happy travels 🙂

Hey Steph, Nice blog.

Just came back from Egypt, and booked the cruise trip from aswan to luxor with Montasser, great experience and very cheap.

35 usd per night per person in a 2 bed cabin. (Or 50 usd for a single room)

No tours or temple tickets were included but the ship was very nice for that price (maybe 4 stars for western standards but more than 5 stars comparing with hostels) 3 meals a day included (great all u can eat buffet.-drinks not included)

TIP: Montasser is not friendly at all but just met him in person one or two days before deaprture, to check photos of the boat. Paid a small deposit (less than 10%)and then the balance in the ship.(he picked up at the hotel)

He also offered a great deal to go to Abu simbel with a private car/driver at 9 am , instead of waling up at 4 am for the tour.

Alan thank you so much for this useful feedback! Really appreciate you taking the time to leave your experience of the Nile Cruise and to help others see more of this country for less. Wishing you all the best 🙂

Hello, very nice portrait. I appreciate your article and your skills. I and my family had a plan to visit Egypt Nile cruise along with some more beautiful places in Egypt. Can you suggest me the perfect website or any tour company for my travel?

Thank you so much for the kind words! My advice in Egypt would be to do it yourself – you don’t need a tour company and it’s so cheap to travel here that everything is much easy alone. Happy travels 🙂

Hi Steph, and thanks a mil for the so valuable information. I am doing myself our long 3-country journey and your tip about booking through a scout came just on time! I have already contacted Montaseer and now waiting for the offer.

Wonderful to hear Lily and best of luck. What other countries are you visiting outside of Egypt?

Hi Steph and than you again for the travelling tips. We visited Israel, Palestine and Jordan this year. I would like to tell you some things – Monty is a fantastic person and he did a wonderful job for the boat and the trip to Abu Simbel. Yet, I would not recommend to anyone to book through Monty Luxor – the guy was absolutely horrible!!! I am happy, it is behind our back; yet, it nearly gave a heart attack. Thanks once again 🙂

Hi Lily, thanks for the useful feedback to help other travellers. Are you talking about 2 different guys called Monty? It’s not quite clear from your comments what you mean? Glad you had 1 good experience and sorry to hear about the other. Best, Steph 🙂

We booked a Luxor package from Monty in Aswan before taking the boat. I spoke with Monty how we want the thing and as we have allocated 4 full days for Luxor, Monty said my plans are OK and that in Luxor we were going to meet his agent and tell him what we had decided to do. So, this is that other guy, his agent, who nearly gave me a heart attack. He was extremely pushy, demanding all to be done his way despite our objections, shouted at me on the boat and later started a fight with a guy who wanted to defend us on the West Bank. Long unpleasant story which finished with our host calling Monty in Aswan and asking him for full refund. We got the money back but that was the most dreadful and stressful experience someone could possibly ever have.

Thanks for filling in the details Lily and sorry to hear of the experience. Really appreciate you taking the time to let me and other travellers know. Best, Steph 🙂

Blimey! Glad I found this article on Google. I was thinking that $550 for a 5 day 4 night cruise in a single cabin was good as my first enquiry came back with a figure of $1,250! And the trip to Abu Simbel is quoted by everyone at $85 so for $15 were they sending you on camels rather than cars?

Anyway it’s really good to know what the real prices are. I keep reading how expensive Egypt is for tourists but I could never understand why when cost of living is so low there. Now I understand that it’s just profiteering and taking silly foreigners for a ride.

Egypt is ridiculously cheap – in fact it’s my budget travel recommendation for this year, because it is so well priced, so definitely don’t pay more than you should! No camels to Abu Simbel, my price included hotel pick up / drop off in Aswan, and although we had to pay entrance, this is less than $8 USD and includes a guide, so all in all a bargain for one of the most amazing places I’ve been! Good luck on getting a bargain cruise – I know, many like me, who have achieved it by cutting out the unnecessary travel agent fees and being flexible with their itinerary. Booking trips on the ground when you are in the country is the key if you have time! I arranged Abu Simbel through my hostel in Aswan for example.

Quick question. I was originally going to bypass the cruise situation a) because they’re typically so expensive by Egyptian standards and b) time constraints – I only have about 12 full days in Egypt before I fly out to India. From your post I guess I could possibly squeeze the cruise in if I try and cut my stay in Luxor from 4 days to 3 but it all depends on that schedule you mentioned – there’s two days of actual sailing, right, by the end of day two you’ve actually arrived in Luxor and simply stay overnight again on day 3? What time did you board on Day 1 in Aswan?

Thanks for the posting – it’s certainly given me food for thought.

Hi Tim – great question. In answer, I boarded the cruise in Aswan at lunchtime. We set sail that afternoon – arriving at Edfu to see the temple at sunset. We sailed overnight to Esna to see those temples in the morning, before continuing to Luxor. We spent night 2 moored at Luxor, day 3 was the tour of Luxor and night 3 on the boat. Does that make things clearer? I also have a Lxuor itinerary on my blog if you want to check that – honestly you don’t need long in this city and can see it in 2 full days if you do have to move on. Otherwise, 3 would be very adequate. Hope the plans go well. Best Steph 🙂

Since this is the Montasser review page 😉 here my experience with him:

No problem with booking cruise, 50 US$ pp and night on a (Egyptian) 5 star boat. We stayed 2 nights, but it felt like you could do only one night if you insist. (This is not high season.) He certainly delivered here without any issues.

Also offered Abu Simbel for EGP 200 with unguided group tour

We took a guided group tour from him for Luxor Westbank US$5 pp

Only issue was when he didn’t seem to want to organise a night ferry that we needed and ceased communication instead of saying that he is not interested.

Overall you get the best deals I heard, he delivers when the deal is sealed, but I can sense that he can have a mood.

Thank you Steph, for bringing him to my attention.

Myriam, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this review and help other travellers with the latest info and your experience. I certainly appreciate it and I’m sure all the others who stop by this page do too. Wishing you all the best and happy continued travels. Steph 🙂

Reading this blog is so insightful. I have enquired at some tour booking and they are charging me USD699/pax for 3 night Aswan to Luxor cruise. I see that your itinerary doesn’t include any Aswan temple tours. Is that correct? I am travelling with my husband and teenage daughter, do you think it will be difficult to book last minute since there are 3 of us. Travelling in Dec. I will likely contact Montasser for a quote.

Hi Agnes, yes that is correct – I toured Aswan independently before joining the cruise. I have no idea about booking last minute for 3 people to be honest, I guess it’s just a case of 2 cabins being available instead of 1. As always, you’ll have more chance outside of high season, which means it will be harder in December. Good luck 🙂

Hi Steph! We are traveling to Egypt in Mai. I read your Article and write Montasser to reserve a cruise from Luxor to Aswan. He gave us for 3 Nights, 4 Days and excursions 120$ per Person which I find very well. I asked him how to book the Travel and he told me to send him a Passport Copy. Is that normal? I have so many doubts. Thank you in advance.

Hi Ana, thanks for your question. As I wrote in the article I dealt with Montasser on the ground in person – I didn’t send him anything in advance, so I honestly can’t comment on whether this is normal. My hunch would be not, as I don’t know why he would require these details? Did you ask him what we needed them for? Have you scanned back through the other comments on this post to read other travellers advice? I was in Egypt a year ago and am not affiliated with Montasser in any way, so I really can’t speak, advice or vouch for his actions. Many others who have read this post have more up-to-date info on their experience. Sorry, but I really can’t advise you here. Just be sensible – which it sounds like you are! Good luck 🙂

They need a copy of your passport for a trip to Abu Simbel,they have to get a permit from tourist police,the ship will take a copy of passport when you check in,not beforehand. We did Nile cruise last year,you can inspect the ship before paying the cash if you insist.

Very helpful Duncan, thanks for joining the conversation 🙂

Hi steph Thanks for all your help And welcome by your guests to Egypt Best regards Nasser

The man himself! Hi Nasser! As you can see, I am sending lots of guests your way, so please treat anyone coming through Big World Small Pockets well by giving them the best price and service! This will make the best thank you 🙂

I have spoken with Montasser via whatsapp in the last few days. I just booked 4 spots on the nile cruise and the trip program as a whole this morning. Even Including pick-up from new marina at Hurghada. We will start our trip on May 25.Hope everything is going well. Thank Steph and every one for the threads in the post.

Amazing to hear Connor – best of luck and enjoy the Nile! Please let us know how you get on so we can keep helping other travellers on a budget in Egypt. Best Steph 🙂

What was your experience like With Monty? Thanks

I booked with Monty montasser, very nice man, great 4 star cruise and price.

Thanks for reporting in on this Nicki. Glad you enjoyed the cruise 🙂

Hi Steph, thank you for this brilliant blog and this information. Will be getting in touch with the provided contacts. Just curious if the tickets to the sites were included as part of the package? Or did you have to pay extra for the entrance fees? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Hi Sama, great to hear the post was useful. The tickets to the sites along Nile and tour within Luxor was included in my ticket price, but do understand from more recent travellers this may not be the case anymore. Best to check and see what you can haggle! Enjoy, Steph 🙂

Thanks for the post Steph!!! This is exactly what I was looking for. I’ll be heading to Egypt in November so I’ll message him about a week before my anticipated date I want, and see what he says. If not my plans are open and flexible so we’ll see how it goes. Thanks again!!

Great Mark, good luck and enjoy 🙂

I’m also a little conufsed you said you tried to find a bargain in Luxor for Luxor to Aswan, but you said you took the cruise from Aswan to Luxor?

Hi Mark, yes I took the cruise from Aswan to Luxor, but they operate in both directions. The details of where I met Nasser are in Aswan, but likely you can do it in reverse, although I don’t have experience of this. I would suggest contacting Nasser to see what he can arrange.

Hi Steph! First off, I wanted to say thanks for writing this. You undoubtedly saved me a huge amount. For the rest of your readers, I’m happy to report that it worked! A few more details below for those interested and to continue the goodwill you’ve started.

I contacted Montasser (or Monty as some call him) about a month before I travelled to Egypt, asking him for a quote. While he’s prompt enough in responding, I realised eventually that he’s not very good in understanding certain words or phrases. A tip here is to use Google translate to get the Arabic phrase.

Eventually, I wound up in Aswan and arranged to meet him prior to the cruise departure. Tip: cruises depart every day except Sunday (Aswan to luxor) there are many ships operating but I’m unsure how many he sells for. We were placed in a ship by Sunrise, which was great.

Our quote was 35usd pp per night initially but it was for the lowest deck. We finally opted for a 40usd option on the level above. It was worth the view. One more factor to consider is that these prices are also based on the season (and supply/demand). I believe I was on the tail end of a low season so things were reasonably cheaper. (I think!)

Other tips; the usual package for the Aswan/luxor leg includes a west+east bank tours in luxor. It might help you plan your time best. Monty also sells other tours, eg Abu Simbel, hot air balloon experience, and his prices are reasonable. One thing to note about Egypt in general is that EVERY price is fluid, so please don’t get too frustrated if you found out you overpaid by a little.

I hope this helps! Thanks again for this great post and safe travels to all.

Thank you so much Soon Min for adding in this helpful feedback and extra tips for readers. Glad you had a great trip in Egypt and delighted the blog came in handy! Best, Steph 🙂

Steph – Great Blog!, thanks for doing this!, completely changed my perspective towards planning an Egypt Trip and i’ve approached the necessary contacts! i am planning a Trip in December 19 and i will be sure to write back on my experience!

Soon Min – I had a question regarding payments, I think i am in the same boat as you planning my trip a month ahead. With regards to the cruise and packages around it, did you have to pay in advance ? how did you deal with the payment portion?

Hi VJ, great to hear you like the blog. Good luck with planning your Egypt trip and please do let us all know how you get on. Best, Steph 🙂

Thanks Steph, There were two questions i had. 1) Did Abu Simbel need an extra day on top of this 4 day itenary? 2) Did you do any local tours in Aswan and are there any recommendations?

Hi VJ, thanks for your questions. If you take the cruise from Luxor to Aswan, normally you visit Abu Simbel on day 4. If you travel from Aswan to Luxor (as I did) you tour Luxor on day 4 instead. In this case, you’ll want to visit Abu Simbel before you begin the cruise. I have a post about Luxur on the blog, which gives my perfect 2 day itinerary for this city and includes tour recommendations. Please search that post and you’ll get all the info. Best, Steph

Hi Steph, Thanks for posting a great blog. After surfing a thousand of blogs I could discover yours one which came so handy to me who likes to explore Bigworld but with small pockets. Apart from the blog itself, I got fascinated by the way you handled the queries so lucidly. Will be eagerly following your posts. Thanks again.

Thank you so much for this lovely comment and delighted you have found the blog helpful. Great to have you along for the adventures now and I wish you happy travels too. Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, thank you for this lovely post! I really wish I had read your post before I left for Egypt( I’m going to make sure to check out your blog first before going anywhere from now on!) quick question: i was on a cruise aswan -> luxor for 3 days. Got this through some travel site before i left US, and it was $300 USD per person. I paid $100 in advance as a deposit and I’ll be paying the remaining $200 today ( today’s the last day) do you think i can haggle at all?

Hi Cynthia, so happy you plan to follow the blog from now one… great news! In terms of haggling over the cruise, it really depends who you’re organising it through, Needless to say travel agents based outside of Egypt are likely to be less receptive to this than, say, individual traders within the country. Without knowing the details, it’s hard for me to advise, but I guess it’s always worth a go! Good luck! Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, Thank you very much for sharing your experiences in your blog. I have just returned from Egypt and one of the highlights of the trip was the Nile cruise, which we booked through Montessar thanks to the details you provided in your blog. Had absolutely no issues dealing with him, contacted him 4 days before our dates and got a rate of $40/person per night. Had to pay separately for tours to the west and east bank in Luxor though. The Boat was the Happy 5, probably not a 5 star cruise ship but great value and the food as well as the staff were exceptional. He also arranged a pvt taxi for us to both Philae as well as Abu Simbel. Thanks again. Best Ganesh

Dear Ganesh, thank you so much for taking the time to fill us in on your Nile cruise experience. Delighted it worked out well and that you enjoyed your trip to Egypt. Best, Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, Thanks for the useful info & blog. We just bought a Nile cruise for early Feb (refundable for now) & I wanted to know how this compares to current alternatives. It was on the US Black Friday sale on Booking.com & is on the Nile Carnival boat. Cost was $140 plus taxes (14% VAT,12% service,1% city), which brings it to $180 per person. It is for 4 nights & ALL excursions are additional. So, how does $180 for 4 nights without excursions sound? Should we look some more? Cheers, Noel

Hi Noel, thanks for the comment and the question.

Unfortunately, I just don’t have the time to go around and compare tons of prices for you here. It’s not what blogging is about. You can see from the post what I paid for my cruise, and you can search online for other options which will also give you an idea of rates during the dates you want to travel. The reality is that there are hundreds, if not thousands, of tours that all offer different packages and levels of style and comfort. I don’t know if the Nile Carnival Boat is 5* or 2*, for example, so it’s impossible for me to comment on the deal. The idea of this post was to show budget travellers how cheaply I got a Nile Cruise and how they can potentially do it too. Sorry, but I can’t advise or research the best one for you personally. Hoping you have a great cruise however and enjoy Egypt – I’m sure you’ll love this amazing country. Best, Steph

Hi steph Hope you are good MY know mail Nasser652000@yahoo’com 00201126660041 This is my know contact if you need any information about Egypt Nile cruise please contact me any time Happy New year 2020

HI Nasser, I sent you an email! Thanks

Hi, Britney, Did you get a quote from Nasser? Which cruise did you pick? Thanks Jenny

Hi. Thanks for the advices. We took the boat tour, and all was perfect. Totally recommend montasser. We done 4 night 5 days tour, from Luxor to Aswan. All perfect and price was the best 🙂

Mr Montasser is very responsible and always ready to help and advise. When I was in the bus from Aswan to Hurghada I realized that I forgot my laptop at the ferry reception. I called him and he reacted very fast and helped ( when he didn’t have to). He took the laptop at the reception, drove like in Formula 1 and brought the laptop to the bus. Btw he also helped us to figure out how to get Hurghada from Aswan.

Great to get this feedback Filipe, thanks for taking the time to leave it! Happy travels, Steph 🙂

Thanks so much for feeding back Filipe. This is really helpful for other travellers. Appreciate you taking the time to do this. Best wishes and happy travels, Steph 🙂

You are doing a great informative article! Thanks

Thanks Peter! Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Hi All! Wanted to chime in with our experience just to help others out. Big thanks to Steph for this info! So we did en up meeting Montasseur (Monty) in January 2021. If you have traveled Egypt you know how much of a mess it can be and we have had great experiences as well as not so good ones.

The GOOD: Monty communicated with us on WhatsApp quickly, he met us up, showed us our convo in his phone so we verified it was indeed him, and then gave us a “menu” to pick from. He was professional enough and gave us a receipt. We ended up picking a 2 day cruise for $35 per night per person from Aswan to Luxor on a boat called Princess Sarah. We gave a 10% deposit and the rest on the boat.

The NOT-SO-GOOD: You need to be vigilant about people trying to switch what you paid for, Monty tried to switch the boat we were taking for at the very last minute for what I imagine was a cheaper one (probably more margin for him), we had to forcefully insist on what we had picked. We also had to fight for the 2nd floor cabin on the boat which is what we had agreed to from the beginning . We bought some tours for when we arrived in Luxor ahead with Monty because they were quite cheap, however the guys that gave us the tours were HORRIBLE to deal with, bad communication, unprofessional, saved money on every step of the way and the driver they hired was the most unpleasant person ever fighting with everyone on our tour.

FINAL TIPS: I wouldnt book anything else with Monty but the boat as that is what he seems to be in control of. Ask him what the options for the boats he has are, then check the reviews for those boats before letting him know your choice. The 2nd floor has better views from our opinion.

Forgot to mention two other things. We recommended Monty to another friend of ours, and apparently they did not have such a pleasant experience, they also had their boats changed last minute, not as great of a deal, and they did not enjoy how everything went for them with the cruise. The other is that the cruise itself was GREAT, we totally recommend it, the boat was good, the food was good, and it was a very pleasant experience on-board. 🙂

Thanks so much for these incredibly detailed and helpful tips Ed. It’s really great to get honest feedback about experiences on the ground and I thoroughly appreciate you taking the time to leave your advice here to help other travellers. Glad the cruise was good and brilliant that you stuck to your guns about the boat and cabin you had agreed on! Keep up the good work, Steph 🙂

What? When? How? : With Mohammed Montasser, just pick the two first, and he takes care of the third (to visit Southern Egypt). Awesome experiences, with a great value for money ratio and high flexibility on the choices.

We went to Abu Simbel (25$/pers, maybe a bit pricey here as it was unguided), visited Aswan (guided), made a 3 days 2 nights cruise on the Nile from Aswan to Luxor for 40$ a night, had planned a hot air balloon sunrise above the Valley of the Kings for 40$/pers (but no balloon could fly on that day due to lack of wind), visited Luxor and took a night bus to Hurghada – all taken care of by Montasser.

Just a few remarks : – Abu Simbel expedition is a must do – Be aware that the nubian village in Aswan is basically a tourist shop – High dam ‘visit’ in Aswan seems not worth it (we asked not to do it) – Going in Felucca (a typical sailboat) to the Botanic Garden island in Aswan was very nice – The cruise arrived in Luxor in the afternoon of the second day, so maybe there is time to visit Karnak that same day for instance (tour of Luxor proposed by Montasser with a guide on Day 3 is highly recommended though. The guide spoke a clear English, was quite thorough but let us breathe and visit some stuff on our own) – If you arrive one day before the departure of the cruise, choose an hotel on your own on the East bank of the Nile in Aswan (we paid 40$ for 3 people instead of paying three times that amount for a useless night on the boat, but we booked it on the West bank, whereas the boat – and all the city for that matter – are located on the East one. So it added a difficulty to take the early departure of the expedition to Abu Simbel (no public ferries at 4am!), but obviously Montasser had us covered and arranged us a private boat)

Enjoy your time!

Hi Lucas, thank you so much for adding your honest and valuable information to the discussion here, it’s really appreciated and I’m sure other travellers will find it really useful too. I’m so glad that you had a great time in Egypt and were well looked after. Best wishes and happy travels, Steph 🙂

This numbers are lies. I contacted the cruise guy from provided number. firstly he agreed for forty dollars, and just before cruise he wanted 65dolars. So I had to resign in the last moment.

Thanks for letting us know about your experience Vanessa, much appreciated and sorry you didn’t get the price agreed. Best wishes, Steph

This is a big lie! We were lied and cheated like never before. Please dont promote liars that agree on a price and when you come there, he change the price !! (From 40 to 65!!))

Hi Robert, thanks you your feedback. As you’ll know from reading the article, I clearly state I’m not personally connected with any of the contacts I mention and only that I want to share the experience I had to help others out. From the comments of many others, it’s clear that a lot of people enjoyed great value trips on the Nile from reading this article, and I’m only sorry you didn’t. I do have to say, however, that if being subject to a price rise of $25 is the worst you’ve ever experienced, you’re doing well! Congrats! Best wishes, Steph

Super helpful post, thanks for the tips & contact info. I had a question as I’m planning a trip for November of this year — is there any day that cruises do NOT leave? I’ve seen a lot leaving Monday & Fridays. Ideally, with the way I have it set up now I’d like to take a cruise from Aswan to Luxor leaving on Sunday but haven’t been able to find anything.

Hi Nancy, so glad to hear this post was helpful. In my experience there are cruises leaving every day, so the best thing is to make contact directly and go from there. Best of luck and happy travels, Steph 🙂

Hi Steph, thank you so much for your blog. Without it I probably wouldn’t have done the Nile cruise due to the price. Nevertheless after reading your blog I was able to do it for an affordable price.

So I arrived early morning in Aswan and contacted Montasser on Whatsapp and we scheduled a meeting for the same day.

As I travelled by myself the price was 65$ per. He told me if you are two people you get it for 45$/person per day.

Also I had the option for doin a 2 day or a 3 day cruise. I went with the 2 day cruise as the last day is only on dock in Luxor.

The ship was called Royal La Terrasse. I was really surprised how good it was. For 65$ a day it was definitely worth it.

In total Montasser was great and I would recommend him to anyone who wants to do a Nile cruise.

Regards Viktor

Hi Viktor, so wonderful to get your feedback and learn you had a good Nile cruise for a great price! Really appreciate you stopping to leave your comments here and happy you found the post useful. Best wishes and safe travels, Steph 🙂

Hi Victor, I seem to have communication issues with Montasser. I’ll ask where to meet him and what day and how much per person it will be? And, silence. I don’t quite understand this. I told him exactly what day I will need to leave from this one. This is a little nerve-racking because well, two way communication for easy questions in English and Arabic are well, easy to type back. Did you have this problem? Any suggestions? I see other people have had good experiences with him. So I’m giving him the benefit of the doubt.

Thanks for your feedback Michelle. Hope you get a response. Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Hey Steph! This is Willy, I have being doing a trip around Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE and now Egypt and let me tell you that unfortunately my experience with this guy Montasser was probably the worst experience in all my trip (even I hitchhiked, camp and did lot of different tours) He was extremely unreliable, non trustable, all the time changing the information and even offering as compensation for his mistakes things that were already included in the tours. Even the Guides from some companies told me how much problems they have get because of him. He didn’t gave us Filae, even it was included. The compensation was a free guide that we already paid in advance. Then for the next days he told us “I will meet you and explain you everything”, twice, we didn’t even meet him. Then for the balloon trip we woke up at 4 am and just after several calls and whatsapp messages he told us at 5.30 “there was a problem and I will not be able to take you there”. The guy that gave us the refund told as that he get the information about us that day at 5 am… that was the problem! He didn’t even told him about us before. so please I understand that is a good deal for some travelers but is impossible to recommend someone that lacks responsibility, professionalism and compromise. I hope you have wonderful routes and sorry if I’m a bit negative about the post, but I really think that must be said.

Hi Willy, many thanks for your long and detailed comment – appreciate you taking the time to inform us of your experience and sorry to hear it wasn’t the best. Such a shame. That said, your comments are very helpful for other travellers. Enjoy the rest of your travels and, once again, thanks for taking the time to leave your review. Wishing you all the best, Steph 🙂

This guy Monty is a flake. Totally fake. Changes his prices even after already quoting in writing. Frickin jackass. Why don’t you delete the thread. The “good comments” are most likely FAKE

Thanks for your eloquent comments, so charming! I’m sorry you had a bad experience with Monty, however as you can see from the article, I’m not associated or affiliated with him in any way. I simply relayed my experience in the hope it may help others. It’s for this reason that the good comments on this blog post are not fake – I publish all comments to try and help travellers make the best choices. I have nothing to gain from promoting Monty – the aim of writing this post was to enable others to avoid expensive Nile cruises like I did. As you can see, some did have luck, others not so much. Wishing you safe travels in Egypt, Steph 🙂

Thank you for posting this. I just went on a 3-day/2-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor in April and wanted to leave some feedback.

First of all it was a great experience. The price I paid solo was USD 60 pr. night. Couples paid USD 45 per person.

The boat – Magic 1 – was really nice, way over expectation. Ask for this boat if possible.

Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks/tea at 11 and 16 is included. A lot of food. The boat stops at 3 temples where we had a guided tour. Drinks are not included but all inclusive drinks (also alcohol) can be purchased for 25 Euro a day. Otherwise coke was 40 EGP and beers were 80 EGP – not too expensive.

Surprisingly the boat leaving Aswan at 13 arrives in Luxor at 17 the next day, so in theory you could do just one night, since the second night is spent at the dock in Luxor.

To book I contacted Montesser Whatsapp on +20 102 511 1063 one day prior to arriving in Aswan. He did not really want to discuss prices via WhatsApp, so it did require meeting in person. He is not super easy to communicate with, but it is clear that he knows his way around the cruises.

I would recommend booking the cruise with him, but don’t book any other tours. Two other couples booked guided tours and one guide did not show up and the other was very unorganized. Just book the boat with him.

But overall a very good experience.

Thanks for your very helpful feedback here Sebastian and glad you had a good experience. Best, Steph 🙂

Hi, i contacted Nasser, really hard to find him by the way and he told me 410 euros per person for a cruise from Aswan… I found it too expensive and i asked him for a better price but he said the prices went up… We are a couple and we want to do the cruise on February. Your blog is ver helpful, thank you.

Sorry to hear about your dealings with Monty Myrto, that sounds disappointing, but glad you found my blog helpful. Wishing you a fab trip to Egypt. Best, Steph 🙂

Just in case you read my comment: with whom did you finally do the cruise? I’m planning to do it from Luxor to Aswan in a few weeks and, seeing that the quality of the one offered by Monty and Nasser has gone down (despite the price increase), I’d like to see other options. On internet, I found another one with Civitatis, but it costs €624 (including Abu Simbel) and I think it’s too much.

I just returned from a cruise from Aswan to Luxor arranged by Monty. I have to say, while we enjoyed the cruise, it was not the greatest experience working with him. In fact my travel agent said she had heard to stay away from him altogether, but she was unable to get my a 2-night only cruise so it was my only option. He was incredibly unresponsive, to the point we weren’t sure if it was going to happen at all. In the end we got on a cruise (the Al-Hambra) which was $100/person/night – seems like more than others have quoted but it was in high season. The cruise was nice but pretty basic – and with very few passengers (it seemed like there were 20 people on board). Pool was a joke, the “spa” was empty, I booked a massage which was horrible. Food though was excellent. The tours were all arranged by Monty – which was not what I expected or asked for. The tour guides were pretty bad for the most part – just read facts for 10 minutes and then gave time to take pictures, but couldn’t really answer any questions. The other thing that REALLY bothered me was that even though Monty had told me I could pay by credit card, he insisted on cash, and in dollars – which depleted me of my cash for the rest of the trip. When I asked to pay in pounds, he actually had the audacity to charge me the black market instead of the official rate! That is totally illegal and it really upset me.

I would love to find another cruise scout that might be easier to work with than Monty. He just didn’t seem straight to me.

Still, my family enjoyed the cruise and the experience. I would recommend it for sure.

Hi Hoda, thanks so much for your feedback, it’s really useful to hear about people’s experiences on the ground, so thank you for taking the time to comment. Sorry to hear you had a challenging time with Monty – sounds like the guides especially were disappointing. I’d certainly be open to recommending other cruise scouts if anyone is happy to send me the details! Hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Egypt and glad that you at least got to experience and enjoy a Nile cruise. Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Hi! New input for mr Monty. JUST AVOID HIM AT ANY COST. We have booked a cruise with him at 65 a day each. He is quite unresponsive, but calling him, he responds. We agreed on the 3 day cruise from Luxor to Aswan. We took the train to Aswan and met him at the train station. He took us to the boat and he told us the new program. That was with the boat staying in Aswan the entire first day, sail the second all the way to Luxor and sleep there. The original program involved sailing both the first and the second day. So we finally got one night Aswan, one night Luxor and a trip between the 2. To make us happy, he offered a felucca ride at the botanical garden and a nubian village totally uninteresting. Just avoid him. Untrusty.

Thanks for the feedback Dargos – will help other travellers out I’m sure. Best wishes and hope you still got to enjoy Egypt 🙂

Thanks for the tip. We used Monty to book a 4 night cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Got a good deal but admittedly low season (beginning Aug). Everything was well organised and Monty was easy to deal with via WhatsApp. Just for the avoidance of doubt, the entrance fees for the temples are not included in the cruise cost and they are fairly costly. You do get several excellent excursions (transport and guides). Highlights were a felucca boat trip and the Aswan Dam. Balloon ride and the Abu Simbel temple excursion (3.5 hrs in a minivan each way!) are extra.

Thanks for adding in your feedback Alastair – it’s so helpful for other travellers. Glad you had a good experience! Best wishes, Steph 🙂

Hello everyone. We have just finished our trip in Egypt and even though we read all the comments regarding Monty, we decides to go with him since I was the best offer we could get. Long story short, everything went perfect for us. And when I say perfect I mean it. We did not have any troubles with him,he always answered my demands and sticked to everything we agreed on. There were some changes on the go, but they were some schedule stuff, like doing both east and west bank in Luxor on the same day (even though that in the programme we were supposed to visit them on 2 different days) for us it was even better cause we had an entire day on the cruise, just chilling and relaxing after several days of non stop travelling and sighseeing… but honestly for us it was just a minor change of plans, which did not mean we lost anything. Because of that we “lost” the lunch included on the first day however, he told us we could have it in the day we checked out, so again, everything turned out just fine. The guides were amazing as well. Everyone was always on time, no delays whatsoever. I can assure you, I have been texting this guy since june and we finally booked the cruise for september. At some point I was kind of embarrased of sending him so many messages and asking him so many questions…but I really wanted to be sure and he always answered. I am sorry for those who had such a bad expérience, maybe he learnt from his mistakes. I hope that from now on everyone has a good experience. Regarding the price, we paid 75 per person including guides and drivers (and a double room, and the food of course) It is true, prices really went up. We also added Abu Simbel. In total we paid 325 usd per person sailing from Luxor to Aswan, 4 nights 5 days. Safe travels!

Thanks so much for sharing your experience Antonella – it’s great to know you had a fab trip and that Monty delivered! All the best, Steph 🙂

Ok, so I booked my cruise via Montasser/Monty and here’s a few considerations for you: – He starts by sending you an itinerary and the movie of a nice boat (e.g. Semimaris II), mind you: these do not belong together; – Next he tells you that if you want this itinerary (i.e. including the option to go to Abu Simbel) he can put you on a similar boat, like the Queen Isis (which is alike a floating hostel). Don’t fall for that; – Next he will try five times to get you to pay him, give your pasport and sign documents before you have seen the room. Don’t fall for this either; he tried to put me in a waterline cabine instead of the 2nd floor. Eventually I even got 3rd floor because 2nd was full, but only because I refused to pay or sign; – Note that he outsources all the tours and does not have a guide on board. This means that – contrary to his earlier claims – there was no guide at Kom Ombo and Edfu. I didn’t mind too much, they are easy to navigate yourself; – I booked a luxor balloon flight via him and I can recommend you NOT to do the same. In the itinerary it said it would be the 4am sunrise flight but instead he put me on the 6am flight, starting after sunrise. You can easily book this separately, just give the balloon company the name of your ship and they’ll pick you up; – The tour guide arranged by Montasser wanted to rush us through (hatshepsut 20min, valley of kings 45min) and as a group we told him we would not comply and managed to slow him down – In the end, I feel I got good value for money on the cruise) paid 300 for three nights solo whereas this would have cost me 1500 through app of booking. Semimaris II is a good ship with good crew; – Monty screwed me out of the option of visiting Abu Simbel with all the smoke screens he pulled up – book it before your cruise or you might not see it; – You have to be a strong-minded person to deal with this guy, willing to be a bit rude if necessary; – Make sure you get a proper itinerary before you close the deal. They differ between ships; – If you want to go through booking I suggest to check out the Fayan ship. This looked really good and actually went for around 1200.

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