best nile cruise from aswan to luxor Review

Here’s a detailed review of doing a Nile cruise from Aswan to Luxor: what to expect, top boats, pros & cons, tips & FAQs. Let me know if you want comparisons by price-range (budget / luxury) or family-friendly options.

What to Expect on a Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor

A cruise from Aswan to Luxor typically includes:

Daytime visits to temples/tombs at Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna, etc.
Relaxing river scenery: deserts, villages, palm trees along Nile’s banks.
On-board meals (breakfast / lunch / dinner), often included.
Riviera amenities: cabins with views, sometimes balconies, sun decks, pools, entertainment.
Guided tours with Egyptologists.

Duration is often 3–4 nights, sometimes more if adding extra excursions (e.g. Abu Simbel).

Top Nile Cruises & Boats — Review of Best Options

Here are some of the best rated Nile cruises between Aswan and Luxor, based on reviews, amenities, itinerary, and luxury level. I grouped them from “luxury / premium” to “good-value” boats.

Boat / Cruise	Highlights	What Users Like	What Some Complain About
Soleil Nile Cruise	Newer vessel, modern design, high-end amenities. Luxor and Aswan+1	Comfortable cabins, good service. ‒ Stunning views.	Expensive; luxury level means higher cost.
Oberoi Zahra	Very luxurious, contemporary design, yacht-style. Luxor and Aswan+1	Excellent interiors; sense of exclusivity.	Less “traditional Nile cruise” feeling; cost high.
Steigenberger Minerva	Top reviewed ship; good overall balance of luxury & cost. Around Egypt Tours+1	Strong reputation; amenities like pool, balcony rooms.	On busy schedules; might be less flexible in timings.
MS Nile Premium / Legacy / Goddess etc.	Many cabins, full-board service, good route through Kom Ombo, Edfu, etc. Around Egypt Tours	Reliable service; good value compared to boutique / ultra-luxury options.	Can feel more “mass market”; less boutique charm.
MS A Sara / Jaz Imperial / Jaz Amara (standard to deluxe)	Decent comfort; more affordable; cover the main highlights. Tripidays Egypt Tours	Good balance of price-vs-experience; authentic ambience.	Less opulent; older boats, amenities somewhat less polished.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Unmatched historical beauty — Temples, tombs, ancient sites are unforgettable.
Scenic & relaxing travel — Floating between Aswan & Luxor gives views you’d never get by road.
Convenience — You unpack once; lodging, transport, and many excursions are bundled.
Cultural richness — Guided tours with Egyptologists, interaction with local crafts, etc.

Cons

Price — Luxury ships are expensive; some standard ones still cost more than land-based tours.
Varying quality — Some boats are older; service, food, comfort can vary a lot.
Fixed schedule — You may spend time docked waiting or less free time.
Crowds — Popular boats have many guests; not so private or quiet.

Tips for Choosing the Right Cruise

Check the itinerary carefully: which temples are included, how much time per site.
Cabin type matters: balcony, view, so you can enjoy the Nile banks.
Read recent reviews (within past year) — boats change management.
Luxury level vs budget — decide how much comfort you want vs how much you want to spend.
Balance free time & tour times — some people prefer more guided visits, others more relaxing.
Check inclusions: meals? drinks? tips? excursions? Some “all-inclusive” are misleading.
Consider season: hot in summer; more comfortable Oct – Apr.

Real Traveller Feedback

On some “Five-star Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor,” guests praised the meals, river views, smoothness of logistics. But some noted disappointment: pictures used for advertisement were misleading. People felt stuck in port overnight, or that views were blocked by nearby boats. Booking.com
An overnight cruise with meals (2 days) got 4.1/5 from ~160 reviewers. People praised the staff, guidance, and comfort. GetYourGuide
Larger boats like Steigenberger are frequently mentioned for good service and value; smaller ones or standard‐class ones more mixed experiences. Trips In Egypt+2Reddit+2

Which Cruise Is “Best”?

That depends on your priorities. Here are examples:

If you want luxury & minimal compromise, go for Soleil Nile, Oberoi Zahra, or high-end Steigenberger options.
If you want good experience without breaking the bank, MS Nile Premium, MS A Sara, or standard-deluxe boats like Jaz Imperial are strong choices.
If you prefer boutique or more intimacy, consider smaller “deluxe” ships or dahabiyas (traditional sailing boats), though these are less common for Aswan-Luxor mainline and more expensive per cabin.

Sample Itinerary Option

Here’s what a 4-night cruise might look like:

Day	Activities
Day 1: Depart Aswan — visit Philae Temple / Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan
Day 2: Sail to Kom Ombo + temple; sail to Edfu + visit temple
Day 3: Sail to Esna / Luxor; visit Luxor Temple in evening
Day 4: Visit Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Karnak Temples; end in Luxor

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How many nights do I need?
Usually 3 to 4 nights gives enough time to see major sites without rushing. Longer cruises allow more relaxed pace or additions.
Is Aswan→Luxor better than Luxor→Aswan?
The route is similar in terms of what you see. Some prefer starting in Aswan because of the Philae Temple, calmer pace; others the reverse. Sailing direction doesn’t hugely change the experience.
What’s the best time of year for the cruise?
October through April is ideal — cooler weather, less heat. Summer can be very hot, especially during daytime temple visits.
Can I do the cruise if I don’t speak Arabic?
Yes — most good cruises offer guides speaking English; many also German, French. Staff usually have basic English. Still useful to choose tours with clearly stated guide languages.
Are all meals & entrance fees included?
Not always. Luxury cruises tend to include more. Standard ones sometimes exclude drinks, tips, or special high-fee tombs. Always check what “full board” or “all inclusive” means in the contract.

Conclusion & Recommendation

If I were you and wanted the best value luxury without going overboard, I’d choose Steigenberger Minerva or MS Nile Premium. If you want an unforgettable, high-end trip, go for Soleil or Oberoi Zahra.

If you want, I can pull together a shortlist of 5 recommended Nile cruises Aswan→Luxor, with latest prices, photos, and pros/cons, customized for your budget. Do you want me to do that?