The most popular way to sail between Luxor and Aswan — genuine five-star service, elegant ships and fully-guided temple excursions, beautifully priced. Planned end-to-end by Egypt Holiday Makers.
★★★★★4.9/5 · TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence · 235 reviews
Cruises from$800
30Five-star ships
01The fleet
Best deluxe Nile cruises
Higher-tier five-star ships with larger cabins, refined dining and prime sailing dates between Luxor and Aswan. Tap any ship for full itineraries and prices.
A deluxe Nile cruise sits a clear step above the standard five-star class: the same iconic Luxor-to-Aswan route and temples, on a newer, roomier ship with a higher level of service and cuisine.
Superior cabins — spacious en-suite staterooms, most with a private balcony or panoramic Nile window
Elevated full-board dining — buffet and a-la-carte options, themed dinners and afternoon tea
Guided excursions — every temple led by a licensed Egyptologist, in smaller groups
On board — pool deck, spa or jacuzzi on select ships, lounge and evening entertainment
Flights, Egypt visa, drinks and tipping are usually extra; we confirm exactly what is included before you book.
The Luxor to Aswan route and temples
Southbound (Luxor to Aswan) sails 4 nights; northbound (Aswan to Luxor) 3 nights. The same legendary stops either way.
Luxor — Karnak and Luxor Temples, the Valley of the Kings
Edfu — the Temple of Horus, best-preserved in Egypt
Kom Ombo — the double temple on the Nile bend
Aswan — Philae Temple, the High Dam and Nubian villages
Deluxe vs standard vs luxury
Four quick things that separate a deluxe ship from the tiers around it.
1
Ship age and size
deluxe ships are newer and less crowded than standard five-star
2
Cabin comfort
expect a private balcony; standard cabins usually have a fixed window
3
Dining
more choice and a-la-carte options than standard
4
Value
the sweet spot below boutique, ultra-luxury ships and dahabiyas
03Book with confidence
Why book your deluxe Nile cruise with us
Deluxe ships give you newer cabins, finer dining and a calmer sailing without the ultra-luxury price. We hand-pick the best deluxe vessels and plan the whole trip, so you get real value at the top of the mainstream five-star range.
4.9★Average traveller rating
235Verified reviews
8Awarded cruise brands
100%Licensed Egyptologist guides
A trusted Egyptian company
Owned and operated by Egypt Holiday Makers, with years of experience crafting Nile journeys through the heart of Egypt.
TripAdvisor Excellence
Recognised with a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence and hundreds of genuine, verified traveller reviews.
Licensed Egyptologists
Expert, licensed guides accompany every cruise, bringing 5,000 years of history vividly to life.
Honest, seamless booking
Transparent pricing, real reviews and a personally managed booking process from a team that knows every ship.
In their words
★★★★★
Faultless from the first email to disembarkation. The ship was spotless, the food excellent, and every temple visit was perfectly timed to avoid the crowds.
Verified review · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Our Egyptologist made every site come alive. Egypt Holiday Makers handled all the logistics so we could just enjoy the Nile. Worth every penny.
Verified review · TripAdvisor
★★★★★
Booked the Movenpick and it exceeded expectations. The route was beautifully paced and the team answered every question on WhatsApp within minutes.
The price of a Deluxe Nile Cruise depends on the ship, cabin type, length of the cruise, travel season, and what’s included. Usually, prices range from about $500 to $1,100 per person, with premium cabins and suites costing extra. Rates are higher from October to April and lower during the hot summer. Before comparing prices, check if accommodation, meals, sightseeing, transfers, and guided tours are included.
A Deluxe Nile Cruise usually covers your cabin, all meals, and guided tours of key archaeological sites along the Nile. Most cruises visit places like Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan with an Egyptologist guide. Some packages also include transfers, entrance fees, and transport to or from the airport or hotel. Extras like drinks, Wi-Fi, tips, and optional tours can differ, so check what’s included before you book.
The main difference is in the quality of the rooms, facilities, service, and overall experience. Deluxe Nile Cruises have comfortable cabins, good food, modern amenities, and organized tours at a more affordable price. Luxury Nile Cruises offer even better service, larger rooms, premium dining, upgraded features, and a more exclusive feel. Since cruise labels can vary by company, it’s best to compare the actual ship and its services rather than just the Deluxe or Luxury name.
Most people find that a 4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan or a 3-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor offers a good mix of sightseeing and relaxation. If you want more time to explore without rushing, you might prefer a longer cruise or a bigger Egypt trip. Many travelers also combine a Deluxe Nile Cruise with a few days in Cairo and extra time in Luxor or Aswan.
The best time for a Deluxe Nile Cruise is usually from October to April, when the weather is more comfortable for visiting temples and sites. October, November, March, and April are especially nice if you want good weather and fewer crowds. December to February is cooler but busy, so it’s smart to book early. Summer cruises are cheaper, but the days are much hotter.
A typical Deluxe Nile Cruise itinerary includes some of ancient Egypt’s most important temples. Depending on the route, you may visit Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple in Luxor, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Temple of Kom Ombo, and Philae Temple in Aswan. Some itineraries also include additional sites, such as the Valley of the Kings and other attractions in Luxor and Aswan. The exact sightseeing program depends on the cruise route and package.
Abu Simbel is not usually part of a standard Deluxe Nile Cruise itinerary. Most cruises run between Luxor and Aswan and include the main temples along the Nile. However, you can often add Abu Simbel as an optional trip from Aswan, either by road or domestic flight, depending on the cruise schedule and package. If seeing Abu Simbel matters to you, check the itinerary before booking, or consider adding an extra night in Aswan.
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