Best Nile Cruise 2026: Prices, Ships & What’s Included

Nebu Nile Cruise Best Nile Cruise 2026

AK

Amgad Khalifa

Licensed Egyptologist · 11 years in Luxor & Aswan · Egypt Tourism Authority #EG-2847

March 2026 Updated Mar 24, 2026

Quick answer

A Nile cruise in 2026 costs between $440 and $1,170 per person for a 4-night Luxor–Aswan itinerary, depending on ship class. Budget ships start at $440 (A Sara), deluxe from $500 (Radamis I), and luxury suite-only ships from $1,170 (Nebu). All Pure Nile Tours packages include accommodation, three daily meals, a licensed Egyptologist guide, site transfers, and temple entrance fees.

After 11 years leading tours along the Nile, I have seen travelers overpay for the wrong ship and underpay for one that looked impressive in photos but fell short on the water. This guide covers the ships currently available through Pure Nile Tours in 2026, with honest comparisons so you can choose based on your budget and travel style.

If your main goal is to compare cruise categories rather than prices and inclusions, use our Best Nile Cruise in Egypt comparison by category. For a broader overview of ship types and how to choose, see the Best Nile Cruise 2026 complete guide.

2026 Nile cruise prices at a glance

All prices are per person based on twin-share cabin for a 4-night (5-day) Luxor–Aswan itinerary. Last verified: March 2026.

Ship Class Duration Price from What’s included
A Sara 5-star 4 nights $440 pp All meals · guided visits · transfers · entrance fees
Radamis I 5-star deluxe 4 nights $500 pp All meals · sundeck pool · guided visits · transfers
Le Fayan 5-star deluxe 4 nights $650 pp All meals · large cabins · guided visits · transfers
MS Jaz Senator Luxury suites 4 nights $900 pp All meals · suite cabins · private guide option
top pickNebu Luxury suite-only 4 nights $1,170 pp All meals · suite-only · small group · private guide
Dahabiya sailing Boutique 4 nights On request All meals · private experience · 8–16 passengers max

Solo travelers pay a single supplement. Peak season (December–January) can be 15–20% higher. Contact us for exact availability.

3 nights vs 4 nights: which should you choose?

Both options cover the same core temples. The difference is pace, not destinations.

3 nights (4 days)

All major temples included
Faster-paced itinerary
Better if cruise is part of longer Egypt trip
Slightly lower cost
Less time at Edfu and Kom Ombo

4 nights (5 days) — recommended

Same temples, unhurried pace
More time at each site for photography
Better for families and first-time visitors
Galabiya party evening included
Best overall value for the experience

What happens each day: the standard itinerary

All Pure Nile Tours cruises follow this structured schedule, adjusted slightly by departure day and direction of travel.

Day 1 — Arrival in Luxor

Transfer from Luxor Airport or train station to the ship. Check-in at noon. Afternoon guided visit to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the East Bank. Welcome dinner on board. Overnight moored in Luxor.

Day 2 — Luxor West Bank

Valley of the Kings (three tombs included), Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. Sail south toward Edfu in the afternoon. Galabiya party and dinner on board. Overnight sailing.

Day 3 — Edfu and Kom Ombo

Morning: Temple of Edfu, dedicated to the falcon god Horus and one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples. Afternoon: Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek the crocodile god, with on-site crocodile mummies. Sail to Aswan. Overnight in Aswan.

Day 4 — Aswan

Philae Temple on Agilkia Island (dedicated to the goddess Isis), the Unfinished Obelisk quarry, and the Aswan High Dam. Optional add-on: Abu Simbel day trip (highly recommended, extra cost). Farewell dinner on board.

Day 5 — Departure

Breakfast on board. Check-out by 8:00 AM. Transfer to Aswan Airport or train station for onward travel.

Frequently asked questions

October through April offers the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing — daytime highs of 25–30°C in Luxor and Aswan. December and January are peak season with mild weather and slightly higher prices. May through September is hot (often above 40°C) but cruises still operate and prices drop 30–40%.
Abu Simbel is not included in standard Luxor–Aswan itineraries. Pure Nile Tours arranges it as a day trip add-on from Aswan for $85–$120 per person, including transport and temple entrance. By road: 3.5 hours each way, departing around 4 AM. A domestic flight option is also available.
Not included: international flights, Egypt visa fees ($25 on arrival for most nationalities), travel insurance, alcoholic beverages, optional excursions (Abu Simbel, hot air balloon), guide and crew gratuities, and laundry.

Included in all Pure Nile Tours packages: temple entrance fees, three daily meals, transportation between ship and sites, and a licensed Egyptologist guide.
Standard 5-star ships carry 60–80 passengers. Luxury suite ships (Nebu, MS Jaz Senator) carry 30–40 passengers for a more private atmosphere. The Dahabiya sailing boat accommodates 8–16 passengers maximum — the most intimate option, with a traditional sailing pace.
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome on all cruises. A single supplement applies since cabin pricing is based on twin occupancy — typically 25–50% of the per-person rate. Contact us directly and we will confirm the exact supplement for your chosen ship and dates.

Plan your Nile cruise with a confirmed itinerary

We send a full day-by-day itinerary and exact pricing before any payment is required. No surprises.

Get a free quote
AK

Amgad Khalifa — Nile Cruise Specialist, Pure Nile Tours

Licensed Egyptologist with 11 years guiding travelers along the Luxor–Aswan corridor. Certified by the Egypt Tourism Authority (License #EG-2847). Has personally accompanied over 400 Nile cruise groups since 2013. Speaks English, French, and Arabic.

Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruises Valley of the Kings Abu Simbel English · French · Arabic

Related posts to read

Planning a trip to Egypt in 2025? This guide shows why it's a great time to visit. With 77%...
Walking through Bab al-Futuh’s ancient gates, I felt time dissolve. Stone walls whispered of sultans and scholars. The...
Traveling to Egypt for the first time? Start by understanding its mix of old and new. Pyramids stand...
Planning your trip to Egypt begins with knowing the best times to visit. October to April are the...
Egypt's ancient wonders and lively markets are waiting for you. This guide helps you plan your trip to...
Start an amazing journey through Egypt with this comprehensive guide to Egypt travel. See the pyramids of Giza and...
Planning a trip to Egypt starts with its wonders. You'll see the Pyramids of Giza and ancient tombs...