Unpack Once. Discover Egypt Forever
Nile Cruises
Sail through Egypt’s ancient wonders in comfort and style—Nile cruises offer the most relaxing, immersive way to explore the treasures of the Nile Valley.
Find Your Perfect Nile Cruise Experience
Choose what matters most to you and instantly explore Nile cruises crafted for comfort, culture, and unforgettable journeys along the legendary Nile.
Design Your Dream Nile Cruise Tour
Looking for something more personal than a one-size-fits-all itinerary? With us, you can customize every part of your Nile cruise and Egypt experience—your preferred cruise style, must-see sights, travel dates, and more.
Whether you want luxury, adventure, or something in between, we’ll craft the perfect journey just for you.
Nile Cruise Highlights: Iconic Sites & Experiences
A Journey Through Time
Cruising the Nile – A Timeless Tradition
Nile cruises are more than just a scenic ride—they’re a journey through the heart of ancient Egypt. For decades, travelers have explored the wonders of the Nile Valley by boat, uncovering sites like Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and Philae Temple in comfort and style.
Long before modern transport, Nile cruises were the only way to reach the great temples and tombs of Upper Egypt.
Today, they remain the most immersive, relaxing way to see the region—blending convenience, culture, and unforgettable landscapes.
Why Choose a Nile Cruise?
Why Nile Cruises Are the Best Way to See Egypt
Instead of hopping from hotel to hotel, imagine unpacking once and letting your “floating hotel” take you from one ancient site to the next. Nile cruises offer unmatched comfort, with 5-star amenities on board and guided stops at must-see attractions along the river.
You’ll enjoy shaded decks, delicious meals, and peaceful views as Egypt’s countryside glides by.
Unlike flights or buses, Nile cruises allow you to truly soak in the journey—connecting with local culture and history in ways other travel can’t match.
Cruise Options for Every Traveler
Types of Nile Cruises and Itineraries
Whether you’re short on time or planning a full Egypt tour, there’s a Nile cruise to suit your schedule. Most cruises run 3, 4, or 7 nights between Luxor and Aswan, with longer routes extending to Dendera or Cairo. Many travelers pair their cruise with time in Cairo or Abu Simbel.
Nile cruises range from classic cruise ships to intimate Dahabiya sailboats, steam boats and even basic felucca journeys for the adventurous.
Whatever your style, there’s a cruise option that fits your ideal pace and comfort level.
Life Onboard a Nile Cruise
What to Expect Aboard Your Nile Cruise Ship
Today’s Nile cruise ships are floating hotels—with everything from plush suites to budget cabins. Expect swimming pools, rooftop lounges, international dining, spas, and even onboard entertainment like belly dancing shows and parties.
Meals are included and plentiful, whether you prefer casual buffets or formal dinners. Bottled water is recommended onboard.
After a day of exploring temples and tombs, there’s nothing quite like watching the sunset from your deck with a cool drink in hand.
Dahabiya Cruises – The Intimate Alternative
What Makes Dahabiya Nile Cruises Special?
For travelers seeking privacy, calm, and exclusivity, Dahabiya Nile cruises are a standout option. These traditional sailboats typically host just 8 to 18 guests, offering a serene and deeply personalized journey. With fewer passengers, you’ll enjoy more flexible itineraries, quieter excursions, and the chance to truly connect with the river’s rhythm.
Better still, you can book a private Dahabiya cruise for your family or group, turning the entire vessel into your own floating sanctuary—perfect for unforgettable celebrations, special occasions, or simply a peaceful escape.
They may lack pools or clubs—but they offer tranquility and charm in spades, making them perfect for families, friends, or couples.
Best Time to Cruise the Nile
When to Go on a Nile Cruise
The ideal season for Nile cruises is between October and mid-April, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable for sightseeing. However, cruises operate year-round, with pricing and availability varying by season. Expect higher rates during Christmas, New Year, and Easter.
Whether you choose winter for its mild climate or a quieter summer cruise, there’s always something magical about sailing the Nile.
Optional Extras That Add Magic
Unique Experiences to Enhance Your Cruise
Our Nile cruise tours offer optional excursions that take your journey to the next level. Popular add-ons include:
- A hot air balloon ride over Luxor at sunrise
- A half-day trip to Abu Simbel from Aswan
- Sound & Light shows at Karnak or Luxor Temples
These experiences bring the ancient sites to life and give your tour a truly unforgettable edge.
Beyond the Nile
Extend Your Egypt Adventure
While Nile cruises are a highlight, Egypt has much more to offer. Consider combining your cruise with time in Cairo, a stay by the Red Sea, or even a desert adventure. Egypt’s historical richness extends to Christian monasteries, Islamic heritage, and nature escapes—from diving in the Sinai to birdwatching in remote oases.
At Egypt Tours Plus, we make it easy to create a tour that blends the magic of the Nile with everything else you want to see.
Plan with Confidence
Book with the Experts
We’ve been crafting tailor-made Egypt tours with Nile cruises since 1955. Whether you want a luxury cruise, a classic itinerary, or a completely custom experience, we’re here 24/7 to make it seamless.
With local guides, private drivers, and handpicked cruise partners, you’ll enjoy a worry-free journey from start to finish.
Design Your Custom Tour
Explore Egypt your way by selecting only the attractions you want to visit
Step Aboard in Cairo. Sail Into History
Cairo Nile Cruises
Begin your Nile adventure right in the heart of Cairo—where ancient wonders and modern energy meet. Cruise south in comfort as you explore Egypt’s legendary temples, tombs, and timeless river scenes, all without the need for a connecting flight.
It’s the perfect blend of convenience, culture, and unforgettable discovery but rooms and departure dates are limited —book early.
Begin Where Egypt’s Legacy Lives On
Luxor Nile Cruises
Step aboard in Luxor—the ancient capital of the pharaohs—and journey through Egypt’s most iconic temples and timeless landscapes.
With every stop along the Nile, you’ll uncover legendary treasures, all while relaxing in the comfort of your own floating boutique hotel, guided by local experts every step of the way.
Begin Where the Nile Whispers History
Aswan Nile Cruises
Set sail from Aswan and discover Egypt at a relaxed, luxurious pace. Our Aswan Nile cruises offer the perfect blend of comfort and adventure—taking you effortlessly to iconic temples, timeless tombs, and hidden gems along the river.
With all the amenities of a floating hotel, you can fully enjoy the journey without the hassle of packing and unpacking.
Is a Nile cruise worth it?
Yes! There is no better way to experience the magic of Ancient Egypt than by way of a Nile River cruise. With full board and lodging and guided daily excursions, Nile cruises are excellent value for money.
Learn more: Is a Nile cruise worth it?
Are Nile River cruises safe?
Nile River cruises are very safe, both on board the vessels that ferry passengers up and down the Nile, and at all the tourist attractions that you visit with a guide during your cruise.
In-depth: Are Nile cruises safe?
What to expect on a Nile cruise?
Expect a truly unforgettable experience with ample time for relaxing, and sightseeing tours which are beyond words. Accommodation and meals also tend to be excellent on most cruise ships.
In-depth: What to expect on a Nile cruise?
When is the best time to go to Egypt?
The best time to visit Egypt is from October to April (winter) when the weather is cool and mild. December and January are the most popular months so advance booking is recommended.
What is the most luxurious Nile cruise?
Oberoi Philae and Oberoi Zahra are luxurious river cruisers but children below the age of 7 are not allowed. For a more child friendly option, try the Movenpick Royal Lily or the MS Salacia.
In-depth: What is the most luxurious Nile cruise?
What to pack for a Nile River cruise?
The season dictates what clothes one should pack for a Nile cruise. Besides your clothing, you should also consider packing in things like sunscreen lotion, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and etc.
In-depth: What to pack for a Nile cruise?
What to wear on a Nile cruise in Egypt?
There is typically no formal dress code on a Nile cruise. Shorts, t-shirts and swimwear are fine during the day, but for dinner in the evening it is sort of expected of you to dress somewhat smarter.
In-depth: What to wear on a Nile cruise?
How much does a Nile cruise cost?
The cost of a Nile River cruise in Egypt can range from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand dollars. It really depends on the cruise duration and what level of luxury you want to enjoy.
In-depth: How much is a Nile river cruise?
How much to tip on a Nile cruise?
It’s NOT mandatory to tip any crew members on a Nile River cruise, but it is pretty much expected, and greatly appreciated if you do. In this post, we will address all the questions you might have about tipping during your Nile cruise.