The Blue Shadow I — International Hotel Standards on the Nile
The Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise is redefining what a 5-star deluxe Nile experience looks and feels like. The ship carries 58 cabins and suites across four distinct categories: 54 Standard Cabins (21.8 m² each), 2 Royal Suites (42.8 m² each), and 2 Junior Suites (37.25 m² each). Every accommodation category is designed with modern technology and contemporary luxury — the kind of finish guests associate with international city hotels rather than a Nile river vessel. That combination of comfort, scale, and the constantly changing scenery of the Nile Valley is precisely what makes the Blue Shadow I one of the most talked-about ships currently sailing between Aswan and Luxor.
Onboard facilities go well beyond the standard Nile cruise offering: a scenic swimming pool with a poolside refreshment area; an elegant fine-dining restaurant; a stylish indoor lounge and cocktail bar; a panoramic sun deck; a relaxing sauna; professional massage services; a gift shop; a modern gym; high-speed internet throughout; laundry and garment care services; and 24/7 guest reception assistance. This is not a standard Nile cruise package — it is a floating 5-star hotel that happens to have a constantly changing ancient world outside every window.
Two itinerary options are available: a 4-day / 3-night cruise departing Aswan every Wednesday from $499 per person (summer season — May pricing: $509 triple, $529 double), and a 5-day / 4-night cruise departing Luxor every Saturday from $619 per person (summer season). Winter prices and June–September rates are available on request. Rates are not applicable during Christmas, New Year, and Easter. Both packages include full-board dining, all temple entrance fees, a private Egyptologist guide, and air-conditioned transfers. For a full comparison, see our Nile Cruises collection.
About the Blue Shadow I
The Blue Shadow I operates between Luxor and Aswan, docking at famous historical landmarks on every itinerary. Every cruise is curated by experienced travellers and Egyptologists to ensure comfort and detailed historical exploration. The 4-day itinerary (Aswan to Luxor, departing every Wednesday) covers Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, Kom Ombo, Edfu, and both banks of Luxor. The 5-day itinerary (Luxor to Aswan, departing every Saturday) covers both Luxor banks first, then Edfu, Kom Ombo, and a full Aswan day tour. The ship also offers round-trip options extending up to 8 days.
Highlights of the Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise
- 5-star deluxe ship with 58 cabins and suites: 54 Standard Cabins (21.8 m²), 2 Junior Suites (37.25 m²), and 2 Royal Suites (42.8 m²)
- International hotel-standard design — modern technology and contemporary luxury throughout every category
- Scenic swimming pool with poolside refreshment area, panoramic sun deck, and cocktail bar
- Elegant fine-dining restaurant, stylish indoor lounge, and 24/7 guest reception assistance
- Sauna, professional massage services, and modern gym for daily workouts
- High-speed internet, laundry and garment care services, and gift shop on board
- Optional Abu Simbel day trip available from Aswan on both itineraries
- Two departure options: Aswan every Wednesday (4 days) and Luxor every Saturday (5 days) — year-round
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide — all temple and site entrance fees included
Comparing options on the same route? The Tamr Henna Nile Cruise and the Farah Nile Cruise are comparable in standard. For a boutique floating hotel experience with fewer guests, the Alexander The Great Nile Cruise is worth exploring. For the wind-powered alternative, the Dahabiya Nile Cruise is the quietest experience on the river.
Children Policy
Children aged 0 to 2.99 years travel free of cost. Children aged 3 to 11.99 years are charged 50% of the total tour price (maximum 1 child sharing the cabin). Children aged 12 and over are charged as adults. The same applies to children who share rooms with their parents.
Not sure which cruise is right for you? Visit our Nile Cruises page for a full comparison, or contact our team for a personalised recommendation.
Overview
The Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise is a 5-star deluxe ship carrying 58 cabins and suites across four categories: 54 Standard Cabins (21.8 m²), 2 Junior Suites (37.25 m²), and 2 Royal Suites (42.8 m²). Every cabin is designed with modern technology and contemporary luxury — the level guests associate with international city hotels rather than a Nile river vessel.
Onboard facilities include a scenic swimming pool, poolside refreshment area, elegant fine-dining restaurant, indoor lounge and cocktail bar, panoramic sun deck, sauna, professional massage services, modern gym, high-speed internet, laundry services, gift shop, and 24/7 reception. Two itineraries: 4 days / 3 nights from Aswan every Wednesday from $499/person, and 5 days / 4 nights from Luxor every Saturday from $619/person. Both include full-board dining, all entrance fees, private Egyptologist, and transfers.
Highlights
- 5-star deluxe ship with 58 cabins and suites: 54 Standard Cabins (21.8 m²), 2 Junior Suites (37.25 m²), and 2 Royal Suites (42.8 m²)
- International hotel-standard design with modern technology throughout every accommodation category
- Scenic swimming pool with poolside refreshment area and panoramic sun deck
- Elegant fine-dining restaurant, stylish indoor lounge, and cocktail bar
- Sauna, professional massage services, and modern gym for daily workouts
- High-speed internet throughout, laundry and garment care services, gift shop, and 24/7 guest reception
- Optional Abu Simbel day trip available from Aswan (at supplement)
- Two departure options: Aswan every Wednesday (4 days) and Luxor every Saturday (5 days) — year-round
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide — all temple and site entrance fees included
