best lake nasser cruise Review

Here’s a professional review of Lake Nasser cruises, exploring options, pros & cons, what to expect, and tips to help you choose the best cruise for your needs.

What is Lake Nasser?

Lake Nasser is a huge artificial lake in Egypt, created by the Aswan High Dam. It stretches south from Aswan, up toward Sudan. It is famous for its desert landscapes, Nubian culture and many ancient temples, some relocated to preserve them from flooding. Tripadvisor+2lookategypttours.com+2

A cruise on Lake Nasser gives a different experience from a Nile cruise: more remote places, fewer tourists, big sky & desert shorelines, quiet nights, and more intimate connections with nature & history. lake-nasser.com+2lake-nasser.com+2

Main Cruise Options & Ships

Here are some of the leading cruise ships and companies on Lake Nasser, and what they offer:

Cruise / Ship	Highlights / Route	Facilities / Comfort	Price & Duration
MS Nubian Sea	Visits Kalabsha Temple, Beit El Wali, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Abu Simbel. From Aswan → Abu Simbel or vice versa. aroundegypttours.com+2bestdestinationtours.com+2	5-star standard: panoramic windows, private bathrooms, pool, lounges, good food & service. aroundegypttours.com+1	4- or 5-day cruises. Cost depends on itinerary & cabin category. Travel Joy Egypt+2Luxor and Aswan+2
Mövenpick MS Prince Abbas	Well known, reliable option. Same route Aswan-Abu Simbel, or reverse. icruiseegypt+2helloegypttours.com+2	Luxurious fittings, good reputation, comfortable cabins. Luxor and Aswan+1	Often 4-5 days; mid to higher range prices. Luxor and Aswan+1
Steigenberger Omar El Khayam	Newer deluxe cruise ship on Lake Nasser, between Aswan & Abu Simbel. Luxor and Aswan	High standards: luxury decor, good amenities. Luxor and Aswan+1	Similar duration & pricing to MS Nubian Sea & Prince Abbas. Luxor and Aswan
Omar El Khayam	Offers 3- to 4-night cruises, good for shorter itineraries. Corinthian Travel+1	80 cabins of ~24 m², suites, private balconies, satellite TV, etc. Corinthian Travel	Useful option if you have less time or want a more compact cruise. Corinthian Travel
Small Boat / House Boat / Safari-style (e.g. Lake Nasser Experience)	A more intimate journey: small boats, shallow water access, wild-shore walks, birdlife, nomad encounters. lake-nasser.com+1	Less “cruise ship luxury”, but more closeness to nature and uniqueness. More flexible. lake-nasser.com	Often similar durations (3-5 days), but more bespoke and flexible. Premium depending on services. lake-nasser.com

Pros vs Cons

Here are what many travellers report as advantages and disadvantages of Lake Nasser cruises:

Pros	Cons
Unique, remote temples — Sites like Abu Simbel, Wadi El Seboua, Amada etc. are dramatic and less crowded. aroundegypttours.com+2lookategypttours.com+2	Older boats / maintenance issues — Some reviews complain of aging ships, room condition, broken fixtures, poor WiFi/TV etc. Tripadvisor+1
Stunning desert scenery — The desert meets water, sunsets, stars at night are often outstanding. lake-nasser.com+2lookategypttours.com+2	Limited time at some sites — Because of sailing schedules, visits to temples may be rushed. Tripadvisor+1
Peace, fewer crowds — Since not many boats sail Lake Nasser, more tranquil travel. Good if you want to get away from busy tourist routes. egyptonlinetours.com+1	Cost / inclusions vary — Luxury comes at price; sometimes food or service doesn’t match expectations; additional costs (tips, drinks, extras) climb up. Tripadvisor
Cultural & natural variety — nomads, wildlife, fossils, desert walks, water, etc. lake-nasser.com+1	Seasons & weather — Very hot summers; potentially less comfortable. Also sailing less in certain months. Also facilities might be under strain in peak season.

What People Say

Here are some of the most common praises & complaints from real traveller reviews (e.g., TripAdvisor, tour forums):

Praises:

Great food and friendly service onboard some of the better ships.
Spectacular temples and archaeological sites seen in the soft light of sunrise or dusk.
Wonderful sunsets, starry skies, solitude.
Lovely shore excursions, scenic views, peaceful anchors.

Complaints:

Some boats are advertised as “luxury” but are rundown; bathrooms may be small or in need of repair. Tripadvisor+1
Smoke issues: non-smoking areas not well enforced; discomfort if sensitive. Tripadvisor
Cabin comfort inconsistent; noise, lack of sound insulation at times. Tripadvisor
Limited WiFi/TV or no/poor signals.
Itineraries sometimes feel rushed.

How to Choose the Best Cruise for You

Here are criteria and tips to pick the cruise that matches your expectations:

Itinerary & Duration
Decide how many days you can spend (3, 4, 5). Longer gives more relaxed pace, more stops. Identify the temples & sites you most want to visit (Abu Simbel, Wadi El Seboua, Amada etc.).
Ship Standards & Amenities
Luxury vs comfort vs basic. Look for newer boats, well-maintained cabins, good air-con, private bathrooms, large windows or balconies.
Group Size vs Intimacy
If you prefer solitude and nature, smaller boats or safari style are better. For “all-luxury” with many services, bigger ships may offer more.
Food & Dining
Check reviews for food quality. If you like local cuisine or more variety, read what past travellers say. Sometimes “luxury” boats focus more on presentation than authenticity.
Season & Timing
Avoid peak heat months if possible. Morning / evening excursions give better light for photos & cooler times.
Reputation & Reviews
Read recent reviews, especially for cleanliness, staff service, and value for money. A boat could have been great 5 years ago but deteriorated since.
What is included / extras
What’s in the price: transfers, entrance fees, tips, drinks, optional excursions. Hidden costs can add up.

My Verdict — Best Picks

Based on what I found:

If you want maximum comfort & a solid luxury ship, the MS Nubian Sea or Mövenpick Prince Abbas are among the best.
For newer deluxe service, Steigenberger Omar El Khayam looks very good.
If you want something more adventurous, intimate, with nature & fewer crowds, go for a small boat / safari-style cruise like the Lake Nasser Experience company.

FAQ

Here are 5 questions people commonly ask about Lake Nasser cruises, with professional answers.

How many days are ideal for a Lake Nasser cruise?
A 4- or 5-day cruise is ideal. It allows enough time to visit major temples, enjoy the scenery, and travel between Aswan and Abu Simbel without rushing.
How do cabins vary and what should I look for?
Look for private bathrooms, air-conditioning, decent size, good sound insulation, and large windows or balconies if possible. Higher decks usually mean better views but may cost more.
Is safety good onboard?
Yes, generally. Major cruise companies maintain safety standards. But always check recent reviews for safety issues, and ensure life jackets, medical support, and evacuation plans are in place.
When is the best time of year to take the cruise?
Winter and shoulder seasons (October-April) are best: cooler temperatures, better comfort. Summer can be extremely hot and uncomfortable for long excursions.
How do I avoid disappointment with what is advertised vs what I get?
Read recent traveller reviews (past 12 months), compare itineraries from different companies, ask for current photos, clarify what is included. Ask about maintenance, amenities, and any “luxury” claims.

Conclusion & Recommendation

A Lake Nasser cruise can be a deeply rewarding experience — combining ancient history, striking landscapes, and more solitude compared to the busier tourist routes. If budget allows, choosing a luxury ship with good reviews makes all the difference. For travellers seeking immersion, nature and less-treaded paths, a small-boat experience is wonderful.

If you like, I can suggest 3-5 specific Lake Nasser cruise packages that are currently available, with pricing and good reviews, so you can see what matches your dates.