The Original Sonesta Goddess — Ultra-Luxury on the Nile Since 1989
The Sonesta Nile Goddess holds a distinction that no other ship in Egypt can claim: it was the first Nile cruise vessel ever launched by Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, in 1989, and it remains one of the finest ships on the river today. Refurbished in 2002 and maintained to the consistently high standards of the global Sonesta brand, the Nile Goddess carries up to 106 passengers across 53 river-facing cabins — 47 Deluxe Cabins (~20 m²), 2 Senator Suites, and 4 Presidential Suites with private terraces — all spread across three of the ship’s five decks. Every single cabin faces the Nile and has a full-size bathtub, an amenity that remains unusual on Egyptian river vessels of any category.
The Nile Goddess is part of the six-strong Sonesta Cruise Collection fleet, which includes the Sonesta Star Goddess, Moon Goddess, Sun Goddess, St. George Nile 1, and Dahabeya Amirat. As part of a global hotel brand operating in 50+ countries, Sonesta brings rigorous brand standards, multilingual Egyptologist guides, and a dining programme that reviewers consistently praise as exceptional. Tripadvisor guests have called the food quality “excellent, with very varied menus”, described staff as “people who make you feel pampered”, and noted that the Sonesta ships are the ones they return to year after year. One long-term traveller who has completed five Nile cruises wrote simply: “The best boat is definitely this.”
Two itinerary options are available: a 4-day / 3-night cruise departing Aswan every Friday from $479 per person (summer season), and a 5-day / 4-night cruise departing Luxor every Monday from $599 per person (summer season). Pricing is fully inclusive of all taxes and cruise excursions — no hidden costs or surcharges. Both packages include full-board dining, all temple entrance fees, an expert Egyptologist guide, and private air-conditioned transfers. For a broader view of what’s available on the same route, see our full Nile Cruises collection.
About the Sonesta Cruise Collection
Sonesta International Hotels Corporation is one of the largest hotel companies in the United States, operating 1,200+ properties across 50 countries. Its Egyptian subsidiary, Sonesta Cruise Collection, runs six ships on the Nile and is one of the most recognised brands in Egyptian river cruising. The Nile Goddess is the flagship of the fleet — the ship that started it all in 1989 — and continues to represent the brand’s core philosophy: refined elegance, exceptional service, and gourmet dining that never feels like an afterthought.
Comparing options on the same route? The Farah Nile Cruise and the Tamr Henna Nile Cruise are comparable in category. For a boutique floating hotel experience with fewer guests, the Alexander The Great Nile Cruise is worth exploring.
Children Policy
Children aged 0 to 5.99 years travel free when sharing the parents’ cabin using existing bedding and the meal plan. Children aged 6 to 11.99 years are charged 50% of the rate per person in a double cabin when sharing the parents’ cabin. Children aged 12 and older are charged the full adult rate.
Pricing Notes
All pricing is quoted in US Dollars (USD) for the entire trip and is fully inclusive of all taxes and cruise excursions. Rates are not applicable during Christmas, New Year, and Easter holidays — special rates apply for those periods. Please contact us to enquire.
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 Sonesta Nile Goddess is the original Sonesta Nile vessel, launched in 1989 as the first ship in what is now the six-strong Sonesta Cruise Collection fleet. Part of Sonesta International Hotels Corporation — one of the largest hotel groups in the United States, operating 1,200+ properties across 50 countries — the Nile Goddess brings genuine global brand standards to the Luxor–Aswan route. It carries up to 106 passengers across 53 river-facing cabins: 47 Deluxe Cabins (~20 m²), 2 Senator Suites, and 4 Presidential Suites with private terraces. Every cabin has a full-size bathtub and panoramic openable Nile-view windows — both features rare on Egyptian river vessels.
Reviewers consistently praise the food as exceptional (“buffet and à la carte menus that are very varied”), the staff as genuinely attentive, and the overall experience as one they return to year after year. Pricing is fully inclusive of all taxes and cruise excursions — no hidden costs. Two itineraries: 4 days / 3 nights from Aswan every Friday from $479/person (summer), and 5 days / 4 nights from Luxor every Monday from $599/person (summer).
Highlights
- The original Sonesta Goddess — first Nile vessel of Sonesta International Hotels, launched 1989, part of the six-strong Sonesta Cruise Collection fleet
- 53 river-facing cabins: 47 Deluxe Cabins (~20 m²), 2 Senator Suites, 4 Presidential Suites with private terraces
- All cabins have a full-size bathtub — unusually rare on Nile cruise ships — and panoramic openable Nile-view windows
- Family plan available — connecting cabins and sofa beds in selected cabins and suites
- Outdoor swimming pool with bar service, barbecue area on sun deck, and elevator on board
- Spa with gym, massage, sauna and Jacuzzi; in-room dining until midnight
- Main dining room with buffet breakfast and lunch, à la carte dinner; lounge bar with nightly entertainment
- Pricing fully inclusive — all taxes and cruise excursions included, no hidden costs or surcharges
- Expert Egyptologist guide — all temple and site entrance fees included
