The Movenpick MS Hamees is one of the most consistently well-reviewed Nile cruise ships operating on the Luxor–Aswan route. For travelers who want quality and comfort without paying the very top tier of luxury cruise prices, it occupies a particularly attractive position in the market: a genuinely well-maintained, professionally run ship with spacious cabins, good food, and a reliable itinerary that covers all the major temple stops between Luxor and Aswan.
This complete review covers everything you need to know about the Movenpick Hamees before you book: the ship’s facilities, cabin types, dining, itinerary, included excursions, pricing, and honest assessments of what it does well and where it has room for improvement.
About the Movenpick MS Hamees
The Movenpick MS Hamees is a five-star Nile cruise ship operated by Movenpick Hotels & Resorts, the Swiss-based international hospitality group. Movenpick has been a significant presence on the Nile since the 1990s and operates several ships on the Luxor–Aswan route, of which the Hamees is among the most popular.
The ship sails the classic Nile Cruise route between Luxor and Aswan (or Aswan to Luxor in reverse), stopping at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo along the way. It operates on a 4-night (Monday departure, Luxor to Aswan) or 5-night (Friday departure, Aswan to Luxor) schedule, with longer 7-night options combining both directions available.
Key specifications:
- Classification: 5-star Nile cruise ship
- Length: Approximately 72 meters
- Cabins: 65 standard cabins + 2 suites
- Decks: 4 passenger decks
- Maximum capacity: Approximately 134 passengers
- Route: Luxor – Edfu – Kom Ombo – Aswan (and reverse)
Cabins and Accommodation
Standard Cabins (Main Deck and Upper Deck)
The Hamees’s standard cabins are well-proportioned by Nile cruise standards — approximately 18–20 square meters, which is above average for the route. Each cabin features:
- Twin or double bed configuration (request at booking)
- Large picture window with river or bank views
- Private bathroom with shower
- Air conditioning (individually controlled)
- Flat-screen television with satellite channels
- Minibar (stocked on request)
- Safe for valuables
- Daily housekeeping service
Upper Deck cabins are slightly preferable to Main Deck cabins due to better views and less engine noise. Request an Upper Deck cabin when booking.
Suites
The two suites on the Hamees are located on the Upper Deck and offer approximately 35–40 square meters of space, with a separate sitting area, larger bathroom with bathtub, and premium river views.
What to Expect About Cabin Quality
The Hamees was built in the late 1990s and has been refurbished periodically since then. The cabins are clean, functional, and comfortable, but they do not have the premium feel of newer luxury ships or the intimate character of a Dahabiya. For the price point, the quality-to-cost ratio is genuinely good.
Dining and Food
The Main Restaurant
The Hamees has a single main dining room serving three meals daily in a buffet-with-waiter-service format.
Breakfast is the most reliable meal — a full international buffet with eggs cooked to order, cheeses, cold cuts, fresh fruit, pastries, and hot Arabic bread.
Lunch is typically the most elaborate meal: three to four hot Egyptian and international main courses, salads, mezze dishes, and desserts. The Egyptian dishes — koshary, stuffed vine leaves, molokhia, grilled meats — are usually the highlights.
Dinner follows a similar format to lunch, sometimes with a themed evening (Egyptian night, international night) adding variety.
Drinks: Alcoholic beverages are not included in the cruise price and are ordered separately. A bar on the Sun Deck operates throughout the day and evening.
The Sun Deck Bar
The Sun Deck bar is one of the most popular spaces on the ship, particularly in the late afternoon and evening. Watching the Nile riverbanks slide past from the Sun Deck with a drink in hand as the light fades over the western desert is one of the signature pleasures of the Hamees experience.
Facilities and Public Spaces
Sun Deck
The Hamees’s Sun Deck is spacious by Nile cruise standards, with comfortable sun loungers, a small swimming pool (typically heated in winter months), and the bar.
Lounge and Entertainment Area
The main lounge, located on the Main Deck, serves as the social hub for evening activities. The Hamees typically organizes nightly entertainment including Nubian music performances, folklore shows, or belly dancing evenings.
Spa and Wellness
The Hamees has a small spa facility offering basic treatments — massage, facial, body wrap. The spa is a pleasant option for a relaxation treatment between excursions.
Itinerary: What You Will See
The Temple of Edfu — one of the Nile Cruise’s key stops. Photo: Unsplash
The 4-night Luxor-to-Aswan itinerary (Monday departures) is the most popular option and covers the following stops:
Day 1: Luxor (East Bank)
- Karnak Temple Complex — the world’s largest religious complex (see our Karnak Temple guide)
- Luxor Temple — the “southern sanctuary” of ancient Thebes (see our Luxor Temple guide)
- Evening: Set sail from Luxor toward Edfu
Day 2: Luxor (West Bank) + Sail to Edfu
- Valley of the Kings — royal necropolis of the New Kingdom pharaohs (see our Valley of the Kings guide)
- Temple of Hatshepsut (Deir el-Bahri)
- Colossi of Memnon
- Afternoon: Sail to Edfu
Day 3: Edfu and Kom Ombo
- Temple of Horus at Edfu — the best-preserved temple in Egypt, dedicated to the falcon god Horus. Transfer to the temple by horse-drawn carriage from the riverside.
- Temple of Kom Ombo — the unique double temple dedicated to both Sobek (the crocodile god) and Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Located directly on the Nile bank, it is one of the most atmospherically situated temples in Egypt.
- Late afternoon: Arrive Aswan
Day 4: Aswan
- Aswan High Dam
- Unfinished Obelisk (in the ancient granite quarries)
- Philae Temple — the island temple of Isis, rescued from the rising Nile waters by UNESCO
- Optional: Sound and Light show at Philae in the evening
Day 5 (Optional Extension): Abu Simbel
- Day trip to the colossal rock-cut temples of Ramesses II and Nefertari
- Most guests fly (45 minutes from Aswan) rather than driving the 3-hour desert road
Who Is the Movenpick Hamees Best For?
The Hamees is particularly well-suited for:
- Couples seeking a romantic Nile experience with good service and comfortable cabins
- Families who want organized excursions with professional guides and a safe, structured environment
- First-time Nile cruisers who want a reliable, well-run introduction to the Luxor–Aswan route
- Travelers from a Hurghada base — many guests fly from Hurghada to Luxor (45 minutes) to board the Hamees (see our Hurghada to Luxor day trip guide)
- Budget-conscious luxury seekers who want a 5-star experience without ultra-luxury pricing
Pricing Guide
Most cruise prices include: cabin accommodation, all meals, guided excursions to all temple stops, port fees, and service charges. Not typically included: alcoholic beverages, tips, optional excursions (Abu Simbel, Sound and Light shows), travel insurance, and international flights.
Booking Tips
Book at least 2–3 months in advance for peak season (December–February). The Hamees is popular and preferred cabin categories sell out quickly in high season.
Request Upper Deck or Sun Deck adjacent cabins when booking for the best views and least engine noise.
Consider flying from Hurghada or Cairo to Luxor rather than taking an overnight train. The flight takes 45–60 minutes and saves significant time.
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The Movenpick Hamees vs. Other Nile Cruise Ships
For a detailed comparison of all major Nile cruise options, see our complete best Nile cruise in Egypt guide and best Egypt cruises comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Movenpick Hamees a 5-star ship? Yes. The Hamees is rated 5-star by Egyptian cruise rating standards.
How many passengers does the Hamees carry? Approximately 130–134 passengers at full capacity in 65 standard cabins and 2 suites.
Does the Hamees sail year-round? Yes, with some maintenance periods. Summer departures are less frequent due to reduced demand.
Is the Movenpick Hamees good for families with children? Generally yes. The structured itinerary, organized excursions, and professional guide service make it family-friendly.
What is the best season to sail on the Hamees? October through April offers the most comfortable weather. November and February are particularly popular sweet spots.
Are excursions included in the price? Guided excursions to all temples on the standard itinerary are typically included. Optional extras (Abu Simbel, Sound and Light shows) are charged separately.
The Movenpick MS Hamees is not the most glamorous or intimate ship on the Nile, but it is one of the most reliable. For travelers who want the genuine Nile Cruise experience in a comfortable, professionally run environment at a fair price, the Hamees consistently delivers.
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