How to Book A Nile Cruise

Discover how to book your ideal Nile cruise in Egypt. Explore types, budgets, packing tips, and more for an unforgettable journey.

Written by ETP TEAM

Published May 30, 2020 Updated Jan 30, 2024 11 min read

Summary

The article provides comprehensive information on how to book a Nile cruise in Egypt, authored by experienced tour operators, guides, and travel consultants.
It outlines various types of Nile cruises, including Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruises, Lake Nasser Cruises, Dahabiya Nile Cruises, Nile Steamer Cruises, and Long Nile Cruises, each offering unique experiences and price ranges.
Travelers are advised to check the availability, set their budget, and choose the appropriate type of Nile cruise based on their preferences and financial means.
Packing tips are provided, emphasizing the need for essential items, travel documents, and suitable clothing, given the warm climate of the region.
The article also highlights the importance of knowing the check-in and check-out times and locations for a smooth Nile cruise experience.

How to book a Nile cruise is a very important question that needs to be answered when planning to enjoy an ideal Nile cruise vacation. The goal of this article is to offer every traveler from all over the world all the information and facts about how to book a Nile Cruise. This article was written by a very skilled team of tour operators, tour guides, and travel consultants who have decades of experience in booking the most suitable Nile cruise.

A Nile river cruise is the essence of Egyptian travel, as there is no better way to fully explore and understand the wonders of Luxor and Aswan. There are various elements that affect the booking of all Nile cruises, which is why each traveler must answer a set of questions to fully understand and decide which Nile cruise is going to be boarded.

What Are the Types of Nile Cruises in Egypt?

Before deciding to book your Nile Cruise, every traveler should know the difference between all the different types of Nile Cruises in Egypt, such as:

1. Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruises are the perfect vessels to fully explore the enchanting treasures and wonders of the ancient Egyptian civilization that rose across the banks of the Nile River in and between the heavenly immortal cities of Luxor and Aswan. The Nile River Cruises are equipped with top facilities, entertaining activities, and premium service, with prices starting from $425.

2. Lake Nasser Cruises is an amazing, unique ship that provides a relaxing and fun journey across Lake Nasser in order to witness the monuments and attractions of Ancient Nubia. The Lake Nasser Cruise will provide an entrance to the temples at Abu Simbel, with prices starting from $520.

3. Dahabiya Nile Cruises are all about comfort, inclusiveness, and privacy. Onboard the Dahabiyas, every traveler will get to sail across the Nile in complete intimacy with the highest form of luxury, with prices starting from $775. Discover all you need to know about Dahabiya Nile Cruise.

4. Nile Steamer Cruises is a traditional vintage type of Nile cruise dating back to the 1920s that is eco-friendly and will take every traveler on a trip back in time across a number of incredible and enchanting monuments of upper Egypt. Prices start from $ 2995.

5. Long Nile Cruises is a heavenly journey that begins at the capital of Egypt, Cairo, and continues until it ends in the enchanting city of Aswan. Every traveler will get to witness the cultural and historical cities of Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, with prices starting from 2650$.

The Nile cruise is the greatest source of entertainment located in all of Egypt and to the best of the ancient Egyptian historical wonders, all while providing the greatest means of entertainment and relaxation on this floating hotel sailing on the Nile River. In this article, you will learn how to book a Nile River Cruise.

1- Check Best Nile River Cruises Ships

Check Best Nile River Cruises Ships - Egypt Tours Portal

The number of Nile cruises in Egypt is countless and keeps growing each time, but in order to choose the most suitable Nile cruise, you must decide on an important factor like your budget, which in turn will decide which Nile cruise to board. There are three types of Nile River Cruises in Egypt, which are

1. Standard Nile River Cruises

The standard Nile cruise is the most suitable choice for budget travelers who wish to experience the comfort, glory, and beauty of the Nile River of Egypt without wasting much money.

The standard Nile cruise will get the job done and offer the best vacation by providing a five-star service, highly affordable accommodations, activities, and more. Some of the best Standard Nile River Cruises include:

A Sara Nile Cruise
Princess Sarah Nile Cruise
LA Sara Nile Cruise
Princess Sarah II Nile Cruise
Radamis II Nile Cruise
MS Radamis I Nile Cruise
Royal Esadora Nile Cruise
Tower Prestige Nile Cruise
Royal Ruby Nile Cruise
Royal Princess Nile Cruise.

2. Deluxe Nile River Cruises

The deluxe Nile Cruises are the best of both worlds, where every traveler can experience the finest means of entertainment and comfort for reasonable prices.

The Deluxe Nile Cruises are filled with everything you desire, such as big spacious accommodations, private dining, plus a game room, gift shops, spas, daily parties, oriental shows, Discotheque, and more. Here are a number of Deluxe Nile River Cruises:

MS Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise
Farida Nile Cruise
Moon Dance Nile Cruise
Steigenberger Royale Nile Cruise
Alyssa Nile Cruise
H/S Kon Tiki Nile Cruise
Iberotel Crown Emperor Nile Cruise
Iberotel Crown Empress Cruise
Concerto Nile Cruise
Sabena Al Jamila Nile Cruise
Al Kahila Nile Cruise
Esmeralda Nile Cruise
Nile Premium Nile cruise
Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise
Crown Prince Nile Cruise
MS Nile Goddess Nile Cruise
Crown Jewel Nile Cruise
M/S Nile Dolphin
Nile Quest Nile Cruise

3. Luxury Nile River Cruises

The finest means of entertainment are located onboard the high-luxury Nile cruise, where the essence of luxury is located all around. They are very expensive and contain everything a traveler could wish for. Plus, it has all the means of activities and entertainment suitable for royalty. Some of these unique and rare include:

Movenpick Royal Lily Nile cruise
Oberoi Zahra Nile cruise
Movenpick Royal Lotus Splendor Nile cruise
Movenpick MS Sun Ray Nile Cruise
Queen Nefer Nile cruise
Sanctuary Nile Adventurer Luxury Nile Cruise
The Rosetta Nile cruise
Alexander the Great Nile Cruise
M/S Terramar Luxury Nile Cruise
M/S Semramis II Nile cruise
The Sanctuary Sunboat Nile cruise
Sonesta Star Goddess Nile cruise
Sonesta St. George Nile cruise
Sonesta Nile cruise Nile cruise
Sonesta Star Goddess Nile cruise
MS Acamar Nile Cruise
MS Farah Nile Cruise
MS Mayfair Nile Cruise
MS Tulip Nile Cruise

2- Check the Nile River Cruise Availability

Check the Nile River Cruise Availability - Egypt Tours Portal

Every Nile cruise has its own price tag and a number of Nile cruise reviews that must be examined before boarding. Before you begin your Nile cruise, and even before booking your Nile cruise, you should always check its availability and whether there is a place for you onboard the cruise by viewing the time schedule of boarding or checking with your travel agency.

3- Define Your Budget Before Booking

Define Your Budget Before Booking - Egypt Tours Portal

Before booking any Nile cruise, you should know how much money you are going to spend and how to enjoy your Nile cruise depending on your budget by calculating the cost of your private or group tour, accommodations, guides, meals, drinks, transportation, and everything else onboard the Nile cruise. If you are into saving money, then the standard Nile cruise is your safest choice, but if you want to experience full luxury, then you should board the luxury Nile. Each of the three Nile River cruise types has a different price tag, so make sure to choose wisely.

The prices of the standard Nile River Cruises differ according to the duration, the destination of the Nile cruise, and the number of travelers; for example, A full seven-day Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan, including Abu Simbel, comes for an average price of 599$. The four-day Nile River Cruise between Luxor and Aswan comes at an average price of 399$. A five-day Nil River cruise between Luxor and Aswan, including Abu Simbel Temples, comes at the average price of 480$.

The price of the deluxe Nile Cruise changes depending on the duration, the destination of the Nile Cruise, and the number of travelers. For example, a full seven-day Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan, including Abu Simbel, comes for an average price of 650$. The four-day Nile River Cruise between Luxor and Aswan comes at an average price of 460$. Five-day Nil River Ccruise between Luxor and Aswan, including Abu Simbel Temples, comes at an average price of 550$.

The price of each Luxury Nile Cruise will have a different price depending on the duration, the destination of the Nile cruise, and the number of travelers; for example, A full seven-day Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan, including Abu Simbel, comes for the average price of 890$. The four-day Nile River Cruise between Luxor and Aswan comes at an average price of 670$. A five-day Nil River cruise between Luxor and Aswan, including Abu Simbel Temples, comes at the average price of 740$.

4- Choose What to Pack with You

Choose What to Pack with You - Egypt Tours Portal

When you board a Nile cruise, you should pack everything you could possibly need, such as all the personal essential items such as cash money, sunscreen, sunglasses, and all your needed medication for motion sickness and upset stomach.

You should have a light backpack on you and have your entire passport, travel documents, and any contact info with you. An outlet adapter can be handy.

5- Know What to Wear During Your Nile River Cruise Trip

Know What to Wear During Your Nile River Cruise Trip - Egypt Tours Portal

To ensure your Nile cruise is a truly enjoyable and memorable experience, it's essential to prioritize relaxation and be well-prepared. Start with your attire: opt for comfortable, breathable clothing like a loose-fitting T-shirt and lightweight shorts. Given the region's warm climate, choose light-colored clothing to stay cool and comfortable throughout your journey. Equally important are your footwear choices; comfortable walking shoes will be invaluable as you explore onshore attractions, ensuring you can wander and explore without discomfort.

In the scorching Egyptian sun, sun protection is paramount. A wide-brimmed hat will shield your face and neck from direct sunlight, while a lightweight scarf not only provides extra shade but also adds a touch of style to your ensemble. Sunscreen with a high SPF rating is a non-negotiable item in your travel bag to protect your skin from harsh UV rays. Additionally, ensure your skin stays moisturized by packing a quality lotion, as the dry desert air can be quite unforgiving. Don't forget to complete your sun-ready look with a pair of stylish sunglasses to shield your eyes and add a touch of glamour to your Nile cruise experience.

6- Specify Which Nile River Cruise Duration You Want

Specify Which Nile River Cruise Duration You Want - Egypt Tours Portal

The Nile cruise Duration depends on the type of booking you have a choice, as there are three options between Luxor and Aswan or vice versa. There are three day Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor, where you will begin by witnessing all the wonders of Aswan, such as Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the Temple of Philae afterward, Sail to Kom Ombo, then Edfu on the second day, and at the final day head to Luxor West Bank to observe the Valley of the Kings, the Karnak temple, Queen Hatshepsut temple and between your destinations, you will enjoy your meals and overnight in your own personal cabin.

The four-night Nile cruise is between Luxor and Aswan, where you will explore Luxor attractions first, then Edfu temple, then Kom Ombo temple, and on the final day, explore all the attractions of Aswan. As for the 7-day Nile cruise, you will witness every single archaeological attraction between these two majestic cities.

7- Know What the Check-in and Check-out Times and Places Are

Know What the Check-in and Check-out Times and Places Are - Egypt Tours Portal

One of the most important elements of the Nile cruise is the time of checking in, where you will board your Nile cruise, settle into your room, and witness the facilities onboard the Nile cruise as the check out is the time when you will leave the Nile cruise and then return to your home safely.

Know the exact place of your pick up and drop off of your Nile cruise so you can always be on time. Both times are agreed on at the time of the booking as part of the itinerary or simply by knowing the schedule of the Nile cruise.

Book Now Your Egypt Nile River Cruise

Egypt Nile cruises are a chance from the heavens to enjoy your time and create some incredible memories between some unique ancient constructions and the sight of paradise across the Nile River. We are fully prepared to make your dream a reality the moment you get in touch with us, so answer the call and enjoy the ideal vacation of your fantasy.

Tags: Nile Cruise Travel Guide How to Enjoy

ETP TEAM

Egypt Tours Portal is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history, culture, and mysteries of ancient Egypt, helping travelers and history enthusiasts explore Egypt’s most iconic destinations and monuments. The team consists of experienced Egyptologists, archaeologists, historians, travelers, content creators, marketers, consultants, and explorers with 5–20 years of expertise in their respective fields.

The website provides accurate, regularly updated information developed by qualified experts and supported by trusted sources to ensure reliability and educational value. Drawing on more than 39 years of industry knowledge and resources, Egypt Tours Portal offers a wide range of travel services, including Egypt tours, Nile cruises, day tours, shore excursions and multi-country tours. Their services have earned positive reviews from travelers, recognition through awards, and mentions by respected news outlets and travel blogs, delivering both educational and memorable travel experiences across Egypt.

Why Travel With Egypt Tours Portal

The "Boutique" Advantage

We offer private, customizable journeys tailored to your pace, moving away from the "factory-style" mass-market tours.

Gold-Standard Guides

Travel with elite, licensed Egyptologists who act as storytellers, not just tour leaders.

Seamless Logistics

24/7 "high-touch" support with a dedicated coordinator for every aspect of your multi-vendor itinerary.

2026/04/egypt-tours-portal-clients-at-giza-pyramids.jpg

True Customization

Our "Tailor-Made" planning workflow ensures your trip matches your specific priorities and interests.

Luxury & Comfort

We prioritize premium guide quality and vetted, safe hotels to ensure a stress-free environment.

Protection & Security

Advanced safety protocols and 24/7 emergency contact for total peace of mind during your adventure.

Clients Feedback

Read the Heartfelt Reviews of Our Esteemed Clients

Tripadvisor 5,425+ reviews

Google 103+ reviews

Trustpilot 877+ reviews

WeTravel +80

Erin W

Kiawah Island, South Carolina

"We had a great experience touring Aswan, Edfu, and Luxor with Mahmoud. I would highly recommend him as a guide. He adapted to our needs (2 teenagers) and kept everything interesting. He was always prompt, professional, and easy to communicate with. He was also very prompt answering questions via WhatsApp"

Estelle V

"We would like to share our wonderful experience with Egypt Tours Portal. From the very first quote to our final airport drop-off, we were impressed by the professionalism, organization, and excellent communication from Walaa and the entire team. Our tour guides in both Luxor (“Habibi” was the best!) and Cairo were incredibly knowledgeable, helpful, and passionate about sharing Egypt’s history and treasures with us. We especially appreciated how thoughtfully the itinerary was planned — allowing us time to rest in the afternoons, scheduling visits during the cooler hours, and remaining flexible to accommodate our needs. Everything was smooth, well-organized, and made our trip truly memorable. We wholeheartedly recommend Egypt Tours Portal to anyone looking to discover the incredible history, culture, and wonders Egypt has to offer."

Tim K

"We had an outstanding time touring Luxor with our guide, Essra. She was knowledgeable, professional, and incredibly kind throughout the entire experience. Her explanations of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and the Colossi of Memnon brought Egypt's history to life. What really set her apart was her thoughtfulness. She made sure we stayed comfortable in the heat, surprising us with water and refreshments. She also took us to an excellent local restaurant that we never would have found on our own. Her attention to detail, genuine care, and passion for sharing Egypt made this one of the highlights of our trip. We highly recommend her to anyone visiting Luxor. On another note, the drivers we had each day were great. So professional, always on time and personable."

Will S

Bluff Park, Alabama

"We had a great vacation. Omar Haridi did our Nile Cruise and Zizi did our Cairo tour. They were amazing and very knowledgeable."

Mira F

"The best experience of my lifetime! Nour, the tour guide was absolutely amazing! Went over and beyond thinking about every little thing. I had a mishap and Egypt Air overbooked my flight and bumped me to a later flight causing me to miss an entire day of activities. Nour made sure I got to do every single thing I missed that first day. But that’s not all: his knowledge of old Egypt is unparalleled, he truly brings Egypt (Aswan Luxor) alive. I’ve traveled all over the world and met many tour guides: Nour stands apart from all of them. He’s also considerate, caring and genuinely wants his guests to enjoy the trip and learn the most about the incredible history of Egypt. He’s also funny and genuinely great to be around. Please, do yourself a favor when booking a trip in Upper Egypt and ask for Nour. Hands down the best guide ever!"

Paul B

Hook, United Kingdom

"Excellent guide Mr Mohamed Osman, who was incredibly knowledgeable and very informative. Couldn't ask for more. Food on day 1 was ok, but much better at lunch on day 2. Hotel was excellent. Also our driver was excellent. All in all a great experience. Would highly recommend."

Marianna A

"Our experience in Egypt, especially in Luxor and Aswan, was truly unforgettable, and a huge part of that was thanks to our incredible guide Omar. We cannot recommend him highly enough. From the moment we met him, it was clear that he was exceptionally knowledgeable, professional, and deeply passionate about Egyptian history and culture. What made our tour extraordinary was that our guide is not only a master’s in Egyptology but is also currently pursuing a PhD in Egyptology. His depth of knowledge was absolutely remarkable. He is also very creative and artistic. Every temple, tomb, monument, and historical site came alive through his explanations. He did not simply recite facts, he explained the historical context, symbolism, religious beliefs, architecture, and fascinating stories behind everything we saw. It truly felt like we were traveling through ancient Egypt with a real scholar and expert by our side. He brought ancient Egyptian history to life by assigning us the roles of Egyptian gods and legendary heroes. Through these interactive mini-plays, we were able to experience, understand, and truly connect with the stories he shared. In Luxor, visiting Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut Temple became an unforgettable educational and emotional experience because of the way he explained the history in such an engaging and easy-to-understand manner. In Aswan, his insights about Philae Temple, Nubian history, and ancient Egyptian civilization added so much depth to our trip. He answered every question thoughtfully and with incredible detail, and you could genuinely feel his passion for Egyptology. Beyond his academic expertise, he was one of the kindest and most caring people we met during our travels. He constantly made sure we were comfortable, safe, hydrated, and enjoying ourselves. He was patient, attentive, organized, and always willing to help with anything we needed. His warm personality and kindness made us feel welcomed not just as tourists, but as friends. He also paced the tours perfectly, allowing us enough time to truly appreciate each site without ever feeling rushed. His professionalism, friendliness, and genuine care created a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the trip. Thanks to him, our visit to Egypt became far more than a vacation. It became an unforgettable journey into history and culture. If you are planning to visit Luxor, Aswan, or anywhere in Egypt, choosing this guide will be one of the best decisions you can make. He is truly exceptional, and we feel incredibly lucky to have had him as our guide. Thank you again for such an amazing experience. We will never forget it. Marianna and Khris"

James H

"This has been a tour agency and guides I can’t wait to give a glowing review to and to recommend to friends and family. Both Riham and Walid were happy to help coordinate excursions and share a wealth of knowledge. 10/10 experience"

H D

"We had a wonderful experience with the 5 day cruise. The price is wry reasonable. The best part is that the visits are done in very small numbers with a guide. It is almost like having a private guide. The food was good with lots of variety and all the staff members are very friendly and helpful. Omar Haradi, our guide was very knowledgeable and very generous with his time and with sharing his knowledge."

Marlina

West Palm Beach, Florida

"We just returned home from an incredible trip to Egypt, and we cannot say enough good things about Egypt Tours. From the moment we booked our trip until the day we flew home, their communication, organization, and attention to detail were outstanding. Our adventure began in Cairo, where we were warmly welcomed at the airport by our guide, Abdulrahman Mosbah. He immediately made us feel comfortable and at ease, and our Nile River sunset cruise was the perfect introduction to Egypt. Abdul’s warm personality and infectious enthusiasm made our first day both fun and memorable. The following day, we toured with Reda Elgendy, who brought the pyramids to life with fascinating stories and historical insights. Seeing the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) was truly breathtaking and a highlight of our time in Cairo. In Aswan, we were greeted at the airport by Ahmed Haggag, who guided us over the next two days. Ahmed was incredibly knowledgeable, thorough in his explanations, and always kept us entertained with his great sense of humor. We learned so much while enjoying every moment of our time with him. Our final stop was Luxor, where we met Ghada Kamel. Saving the best for last, Ghada was absolutely exceptional. Her passion for Egypt’s history and culture made our visits to the temples and the Valley of the Kings unforgettable. She was engaging, informative, and truly outstanding. This trip exceeded all of our expectations. Not only did we experience some of the world’s most amazing historical sites, but each of our guides also shared valuable insights into Egyptian culture and daily life. We returned home with wonderful memories, a deeper appreciation for Egypt, and gratitude for the amazing team at Egypt Tours. We highly recommend Egypt Tours to anyone planning a trip to Egypt. It was truly the trip of a lifetime!"

Alejandro M

"We loved it, great experience and treatment. Our guide Noah had great knowledge of the subject. Thank you very much."

Jeff T

"Our trip in May 2026 was fantastic! We saw all the major wonders of Egypt! Our incredibly knowledgeable guide Walid Ahmed met us at the hotel and was great at explaining all the particular uniqueness of each tomb and temple, inserting background myths and stories, keeping our tour on track, taking and sharing so many pictures so we could be in them as a couple and helping us navigate local customs. We strongly recommend Egypt, the tour and Walid!"

Joe P

"We had a wonderful week long vacation in Egypt, split between Cairo and Luxor. The tour was very professionally run with excellent communication starting weeks before our arrival and then nearly daily while in Egypt. A highlight was our English-speaking guide in Luxor, Walid Ahmed, who was extremely knowledgeable and exceptionally kind. The tour was flexible and accommodating, allowing last minute special detours and restaurant choices. Overall, it was one of the best vacations of our life."

Damien B

"We had Ahmed Refaat as our family guide in Cairo, and he truly made our trip to Egypt unforgettable. His positive attitude, passion for Egypt’s history and culture, and incredible patience made all the difference throughout our stay in Cairo. Ahmed brought every site to life with fascinating explanations and was always attentive to our needs, making the experience enjoyable for both adults and children. We especially recommend him for visits to Saqqara and the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), where his deep knowledge and enthusiasm greatly enhanced our understanding and appreciation of these extraordinary places. Without any hesitation, we highly recommend Ahmed Refaat to anyone visiting Egypt. Thank you again for helping create such wonderful memories for our family!"

Departure20554993605

"Knowledgeable guide, clean vehicle, interesting stories about the sites. Tour guide: Muhmmed Abd El-aal was very nice to be in the company of, dry attentive and honest."

Pick Your Journey