Quick answer
Floating hotels and wooden dahabiyas between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Typical trips are 3–12 nights from about US$120–900 per person per night. History lovers, families with older children and anyone combining Egypt's monuments with a slow river journey.
- Typical length
- 3–12 nights
- Price guide
- ≈ US$120–≈ US$900 pp/night
- Ship size
- 8–160 guests
- Who it suits
- History lovers, families with older children and anyone combining Egypt's monuments with a slow river journey.
- Dress code
- Light, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits.
- Usually included
- Cabin, full board and usually Egyptologist-guided temple visits. Entry tickets to some sites and gratuities can be extra.
- Lines on our list
- 8
8 nile cruise lines
Oberoi Nile Cruises
Luxury Nile ships from India's Oberoi hotel group, with large suites, a spa and Oberoi…
Sanctuary Retreats (Sun Boats)
Abercrombie & Kent's boutique Nile ships, with small guest numbers and private…
Lake Nasser cruises
Ships on Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel, visiting Nubian temples that the Nile valley ships cannot…
Nour El Nil (dahabiyas)
Traditional sailing dahabiyas with only a handful of cabins, mooring at quiet islands away from the big…
Steam Ship Sudan
A restored 1920s paddle steamer once associated with Agatha Christie's 'Death on the Nile', with period…
Viking on the Nile
Viking's own purpose-built Nile ships, sold as complete 'Pharaohs & Pyramids' tours with Cairo hotel…
Mövenpick Nile Cruises
Hotel-brand Nile cruise ships with familiar international standards between Luxor and…
Sonesta Nile Cruises
Long-established Nile fleet with well-run 4- and 5-star ships between Luxor and…
Popular destinations
Sailings & fares
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Frequently asked questions
What is a nile cruise?
Floating hotels and wooden dahabiyas between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu and Kom Ombo.
How much does a nile cruise cost?
Roughly US$120–900 per person per night, depending on line, ship, cabin and season.
Which nile cruise lines are best?
It depends on who is travelling. Popular choices include Oberoi Nile Cruises, Sanctuary Retreats (Sun Boats), Lake Nasser cruises, Nour El Nil (dahabiyas), Steam Ship Sudan. Use Cruise Match to rank them for you.
What is included?
Cabin, full board and usually Egyptologist-guided temple visits. Entry tickets to some sites and gratuities can be extra.