Here’s a detailed review of cruising from Luxor to Abu Simbel, based on recent travellers’ experiences. This covers pros, cons, tips, and whether it’s worth doing. If you want, I can also prepare a shorter “Is it right for you?” checklist.
What people say — Overview
Many travellers rate these cruises highly, especially those that include Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, plus extras like a hot air balloon ride. Tripadvisor+2tourradar.com+2
Some common themes:
-
Natural beauty & heritage: Temples, tombs, Nile views are repeatedly described as breathtaking. Particularly the temples of Luxor, Karnak, Abu Simbel. Tripadvisor+2GetYourGuide+2
-
Boat & service: Many enjoy being on the Nile cruise boat itself — comfort, staff friendliness, relaxed pace. But there are also complaints about boats being less luxurious than shown in photos. tourradar.com+2Tripadvisor+2
-
Food: Usually good and varied. Some travellers found dessert/meal options repetitive after a few days. Soft drinks or extras (like alcoholic drinks) often cost extra. Tripadvisor+2tourradar.com+2
-
Guiding & activity scheduling: Good guides elevate the trip. But sometimes the schedule feels tight, and time at certain temples is short. Optional excursions or add-ons (balloon, Nubian village etc.) may depend on weather or group size. Tripadvisor+2tourradar.com+2
Pros
Here are the strengths of doing a cruise Luxor → Abu Simbel (or integrate with Aswan):
-
Scenic & relaxed travel
Moving along the Nile adds a unique experience that road or air travel can’t replicate: changing light, riverside villages, sunsets/sunrises over the water. -
Efficient access to historic sites
Temples in Luxor, Kom Ombo, Edfu etc. are included. Abu Simbel is a highlight even though it’s far south. Doing this by tour / cruise bundles logistic challenges. -
All-in-one experience
Many cruises include lodging, most meals, guided tours, transport between sites. Less need to plan all the details. -
Cultural immersion
Nights on the river, local crews, optional cultural shows (Nubian dance, etc.), the chance to relax between busy days.
Cons
Some drawbacks and issues travellers often mention:
-
Cost vs expectations
Photos and ads sometimes oversell luxury. Several travellers felt their boat was not as nice as pictured (old furnishings, broken fixtures, “5-star” label misleading). Tripadvisor+2tourradar.com+2 -
Hidden or extra charges
Entrance fees to temples, tipping for guides/crew/drivers, optional excursions. These can add up. Beware of “mandatory tipping” or surprise costs. Tripadvisor+1 -
Crowds & busy timings
Popular temples get busy. Boat docking times often align so many boats/tours are at same location simultaneously. That reduces the feeling of exclusivity. GetYourGuide+1 -
Comfort issues
Some cabins are small. Bathroom or shower facilities may be cramped or outdated. Air conditioning/WiFi may be weak or only usable at certain times. Tripadvisor+2Tripadvisor+2 -
Logistics & distance to Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel is far. Many itineraries include flights from Aswan or very early road/vehicle rides. If weather or transport delays occur, it may be rushed.
Key tips & what to check before booking
To get the best experience, these are things to verify or ask in advance:
-
Boat quality
Check recent reviews/photos. Confirm whether the “star rating” is real or marketing. Check room size, bathroom condition, air con / ventilation. -
What’s included & excluded
Which meals, entrance fees, transfers. Are ‘extras’ (balloon ride, museum tickets, Abu Simbel transport) included or optional? -
Guide quality
Ask whether the guide is an Egyptologist or experienced in these sites. A good guide makes a big difference. -
Pace of itinerary
How many temples per day. How long at each. Enough time to absorb the site without being rushed. -
Timing to Abu Simbel
If travelling by road, how early is the departure? Or is there a flight from Aswan. Also, check distance/time & whether permit/police / convoy requirements apply. -
Cancellation & refund policies
Especially for weather-dependent parts (e.g. flight to Abu Simbel, balloon rides). -
Expect hidden costs
Tipping culture, buying drinks/snacks, paying for extra transport. Budget accordingly.
Verdict: Is it worth it?
Overall, yes — cruising from Luxor to Abu Simbel is highly worthwhile for many travellers, especially those interested in ancient history, relaxing pace, and scenic journeys. It combines the major highlights in a relatively comfortable way.
That said, if you are very budget conscious, dislike crowds, or want luxury without compromise, you’ll need to choose your operator very carefully. For some people, doing Luxor + Aswan + flying/drive to Abu Simbel separately might give more flexibility (though also more effort).
Sample recent traveller summaries
-
“Our 5-day Nile cruise was absolutely amazing! … Temples and tombs to the breathtaking sunsets over the river. The service was impeccable.” tourradar.com
-
“Not worth the Boat. Don’t be Fooled by Photos … The food is terrible … linen dirty … mandatory tipping … Overrated.” Tripadvisor
-
“While not as luxurious as some of the other ships we saw, it was a solid experience and fair for what we paid.” Tripadvisor
Recommendation for ZahoTours clients / how we might do it better
If I were arranging this cruise with ZahoTours, I would:
-
Partner with a cruise operator that’s transparent about boat standard (with many recent photos).
-
Build in “buffer time” at Abu Simbel – allow early arrival / avoid feeling rushed.
-
Include optional cultural extras (local village, Nubian experiences) for those interested.
-
Offer versions: standard, mid-luxury, premium. So clients can choose based on budget/preferences.
-
Make sure pricing is clear about all extra fees (entrance, tipping, transport).
FAQs
1. How long does the cruise take?
Usually 4-5 days if including Luxor → Aswan → Abu Simbel. Some cruises are 3 nights but may skip certain sites or have more intense travel. Tripadvisor+2Viator+2
2. What’s the best time of year to go?
October to April is cooler and more comfortable. Summer can be extremely hot, especially inland and at southern sites like Abu Simbel. Weather may affect some optional excursions.
3. How do I get to Abu Simbel from the cruise?
Many cruise itineraries include a flight from Aswan to Abu Simbel (one way or round trip). Alternatively, road/vehicle journeys are used, often with very early starts. Check your itinerary.
4. Are the ships safe?
Generally yes. Boats on the Nile have been operating for years. But standards vary. Use a reputable operator with good reviews. Ensure safety measures, clean water, rescue protocols etc.
5. Is this good for families / people with limited mobility?
Moderately good. Families often enjoy the relaxed pace. But for people with mobility issues, certain excursions (steep stairs in temples, rough roads, climbing etc.) can be challenging. Ask about cabin accessibility, boat boarding, transport.
If you like, I can write a full client-friendly review intended for your website (ZahoTrips) that compares a few specific cruise options — showing which are better value, more comfortable, etc. Would you prefer that?