Nile River Cruise: 10 Tips to Perfectly Cruise the Nile in Egypt

A Nile River cruise in Egypt is not just any vacation but rather a travel through history itself. By the time your boat gets you to Luxor from Aswan or the other way round, without even realizing it, you will be running in the footsteps of the pharaohs that used to sail their boats thousands of years before. The Nile, also known as Egypt’s lifeblood, is the thing that connects the country’s ancient wonders and the modern lifestyle in a way that only a few other journeys can. From fabulous temples to riverbanks with palm trees around, the Nile River cruise not only brings history but also comfort and adventure in one single, perfectly combined, and ultra-compact experience.

It does not matter whether you decide on a luxury Nile River cruise, a traditional Dahabiya sailing, or an all-inclusive package; the following are the major details that will transform your trip from average to unforgettable. Through this guide, we reveal 10 practical and expert-tested Egypt Nile cruise tips to make it easier for you to organize, pack your luggage, and enjoy every single second on the boat. It is a one-stop guide that won't leave out anything. From choosing the correct tour and cruise line to the right time of the year to carry out your trip, everything is included for a hassle-free sail.

Select the Appropriate Type of Cruise along with the Duration

When it comes to Nile River cruises that are all-inclusive, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. There's a variety of experiences you can have, from luxury 5-star floating hotels with swimming pools and spas to smaller, sail-powered vessels catering for private parties with great ease.

Luxury Nile River Cruise Ships: The best names in the business, like Viking Nile River Cruise, AmaWaterways Nile River Cruise, and the Oberoi Philae, are on the must-visit list for those looking for the best experience. You can also have several amusements on board, such as food of the highest quality, spa treatments, a collection of private balconies, and guided tours by knowledgeable Egyptologists. These are tailored for those who want to be closer to the ancient world in an opulent way.

Traditional Dahabiya Cruises: If you want an even closer experience, a dahabiya, a small and traditional sailboat big enough for just 10–20 people, might be your best bet. Traveling in this way also implies that you will be seeing less crowded places, and so you will be able to get a fuller view of the local culture than if you were to live a life following the tourist path.

Standard and Budget Cruises: Standard Nile River cruise ships are still found to be a grand choice for those travelers who like comfortable but not necessarily luxurious travel. The majority of the boats offer three meals each day and accompany the visit to the temples with professional guides but husk the high-class amenities.

Typical Cruise Lengths

• 3 nights (Aswan → Luxor): The right schedule option.
• 4 nights (Luxor → Aswan): This option is the most popular and the best balanced too.
• 7 nights: Perfect for going full throttle into relaxation and exploration.

Insider Suggestion: To decide, it is better to book a cruise that sails through the Nile with a travel agent of good repute or with an online platform that is a trusted one. Keep in mind that an early reservation will probably be the door to the greatest Nile River cruise packages as well as the nicest cabins.

Decide the Best Time to Go to Egypt for a Nile Cruise.

Weather has always been a deal-breaker, so the most proper way to enjoy a Nile cruise is through weather consideration at first. The best time for a Nile cruise is determined by the weather. The best time for the Nile cruise is from October to April. February is the best month to take the cruise because the weather is very good, and the temperature is usually between 30°C and 20°C, which makes it very pleasant to venture out for both day and night. The winter months are also the best time to take photos, as the sky is very clear and the sunlight is very gentle; hence, the ancient sites will be illuminated by it.

• Shoulder Season (May & September): Although the climate is still not extreme and way fewer tourists compete with you for space, and the prices are lower, this time is not suitable for those who are sensitive to heat. Also, it is difficult as a vacation season because of the extreme weather. If you wish to stay away from the crowd but still want to have the luxury of a small summer vacation with the same conditions as in the high season, both May and September are contenders.
• Low Season (June–August): Despite the mercury hitting 40°C (104°F) and above, June to August is a great time to go for a Nile River cruise if you do not mind the heat. Also, cruises are very common here, so you can expect to find very few people on the ships. There are lots of shady places for relaxation; therefore, it is an ideal time for cruising if you do not mind the heat.
• Festive Cruises: Christmas in Egypt is the season to experience a river cruise on the Nile with a restaurant boat run by the native Egyptians to add the special flavor to the celebrations. A Nile River cruise would, in fact, miss its mark if there was no live performers’ music.

To sum up, the Egypt Nile cruise experience is at its best if the right time is chosen; namely, the favorable months are October to April.

Your Decision: Head North to Luxor or South to Aswan?

Being the first to travel from Luxor or Aswan would determine your journey's direction.

• Luxor to Aswan (North to South): Luxor to Aswan, which is the most frequented route (from North to South), is the one that will be taken by you in all probability. The rest of the trip will be very smooth in Aswan, such as stopping over at the utmost attractions like Karnak and the Valley of the Kings.
• Aswan to Luxor (South to North): The beginning will be less crowded, and then you will be walking towards Luxor while the grandeur will be on a gradual increase.
• Circle Crossing Cruises: Seven-day-long voyages that go up and down the Nile River so that travelers can have a longer vacation and visit more places.

Cruises operate between Luxor and Aswan as well as Cairo, which is allowing you to be flexible in terms of your wider Egypt tour arrangements with the Nile cruise itinerary.

Check out the Temples and Famous Landmarks

An Egyptian Nile cruise is a cruise through history. It is the river trip that connects the ancient monuments of Egypt along the bank of the Nile River.

When you are staying in Luxor, you can see:

• Karnak Temple: A temple with a very large and tall entrance 'pylon' made in the Middle Kingdom style, it is dedicated to the god Amun-Ra.
• Luxor Temple: A temple that is beautiful in the night lights and thus, good for taking photos of.
• Valley of the Kings: Other than the famous tomb of King Tutankhamen, there are a number of other grand royal tombs in this place.
• Monarchs of the past: The soldiers and kings that are a part of the history of Egypt and who are exalted among the great must have called Queen Hatshepsut by names during her ruling time and long after her death.

Nearby at Edfu and Kom Ombo:

• The Temple of Horus at Edfu: a grand and esteemed temple for the locals, it is also a powerful proof of the capabilities of the Ancient Egyptians.

In Aswan:

• Philae Temple: Only reachable by boat, this temple island is one of the most significant sanctuaries of Isis; it is very dramatic during sunset.
• High Dam and Unfinished Obelisk: This place is a fusion of engineering and historical matters.
• Abu Simbel (optional excursion): A terrific place to visit, by air or by road, coming from Aswan.

A holistic Nile River cruise tour includes transfer services to and fro on air-conditioned coaches led by the most interactive Egyptologist ever.

Pack Smart for Comfort and Respect

Having a well-planned Nile River cruise checklist ultimately leads to the guest's comfort, contemporariness, and politeness in a very conservative country.

Clothing

• Fabrics that can be taken as examples of lightweight and, at the same time, airy, such as cotton or linen.
• When visiting temples, which is the case in Egypt, wear clothing that is not explicitly revealing and that covers your knees and shoulders.
• For a single instance of light to the extent that it will not take up too much space, a light jacket is to be used for cool evenings.
• The way to make a statement with one’s footwear while still being comfortable walking in temples is to go with walking shoes or sandals.

Essentials

• First and foremost, the following: sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
• A water bottle that can be refilled.
• In case you need any basic medications or get a bad case of mosquito bites, remember to take along your insect repellent.
• One must never forget to take a power adapter, as Egypt utilizes type C and F plugs.
• One-piece garments are common for women who are going to use the pool deck.

Additionally, bring small notes with you when going on tours - as this situation is common, you would want to be ready for giving tips in local currency in Egypt.

Know What Life Onboard is Really Like

The moment the travelers get on board their trip down the Nile immediately turns into a mix of chill and search for new experiences.

• Body of the cruise: Days are rough when the sun goes out, so we recommend booking your tours then. The afternoons come with tanning on the sundeck, or is it rather dipping in the pool in a cooling manner? As for the nights, you can anticipate the time when Nile dinner shows, belly dancing, or Egyptian nights are presented.
• Food and facilities: Buffet, as well as à la carte dining which you will find to be mainly Egyptian and some international food, will be what to choose from on most 5-star Nile River cruises. Furthermore, these cruisers usually have a bar, spa, and areas for lounging.
• Accessibility: You may get Wi-Fi on board, nevertheless the connection is not fast due to being carried by satellite which is the case in many vessels better for email than video streaming.
• Atmosphere: Very nice and open. People are going to welcome you and indicate that you are not the only one. Not to mention, at your meetings with people who are there with the same purpose of theirs, you may establish connections that will last for a long time even after the journey is over.

Manage Your Budget and Tipping Wisely

A Nile River cruise can be a perfect option for any budget, from the cheapest to the most luxurious. The cost of the typical ship varies between $100* to $200* USD per person per night, but for the five-star options, the rates are in the range of $300*–$500* USD per night. On the other hand, premium cruise lines like Viking or AmaWaterways could be anywhere from $600* to $800* per night with most of the facilities already included. The majority of the all-inclusive Nile cruises offer accommodation, meals, and excursions that are guided by the cruise company itself, and one can enjoy drinks, wi-fi, and souvenirs at an additional cost.

It is a custom in Egypt to tip, so each person, per day, must give

• $5*–$10* USD as a tip to the cruise crew.
• $10*–$20* USD.
• $10*–$20* Egyptian pounds per day to an Egyptologist and driver, respectively; and.
• 10–20 Egyptian pounds per service to the porters or housekeeping staff. 

Some cruise lines opt for a shared tip box which you can contribute to at the end of the trip, so it will be better if you clarify this with the manager beforehand. As a helpful suggestion, you could save some money by booking your trip ahead of time or timing it in the off-season, blending your airfare, hotel, and cruise into one Egypt tour package, and making payments for all the excursions up front as a way to lock in the lower rates.

Local Culture Experience Along the Nile

Among the reasons that make going down the Nile River a wonderful experience is the interaction that people have with the local people and their lifestyle.

Cultural Highlights

• Stroll around and buy souvenirs from the local vendors in Aswan and Luxor.
• Taste the variety of Egyptian dishes that were offered on the cruise such as koshari, kebab, or jute mallow soup.
• Spend a night among the locals, when you wear a local dress (galabeya) and dance with them.
• Visit the Nubian villages to see the colorful houses and friendly people.

Considerate Traveler

Never snap photos of people suddenly as it shows rudeness in every form of human behavior and no one would want that in a foreign country. In addition, it is quite helpful to remember a few Arabic words and apply them as it will create positive reactions even if the locals are too shy to tell you they are pleased with your politeness.

There is not only one but several other ways heating up your Egypt trip with a high degree of cultural inculcation: the river cruises conducted by knowledgeable companies offering lectures or shows (such as Viking Nile River Cruise). The latter one is a big amenity, bringing the customs of the country closer to the traveler's understanding and thus making the journey all the more memorable.

Combine Your Nile Cruise with Cairo or the Red Sea

When making a trip on a Nile Cruise you can decide between Cairo and the Red Sea as stopover areas. A Nile River cruise is always a must during an Egyptian journey, but other spots are worth seeing too as it multiplies the joy.

Cairo Add-On

• By Cairo you can visit the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. And a great night in the city, with dinner served on the Nile River, entertainment, and a great view of the city lights.
• Besides overnighting at and touring Luxor, Aswan, and the Red Sea, a four-day Nile cruise will serve you a wonderful opportunity to visit the Nubian place and Zoo-Park.

Red Sea Add-On

• Either of these two cities, Sharm el-Sheikh or Hurghada, could be the destination for your top-rated beaches and dive sites. A stay in any of these Red Sea resorts is a very popular way to end any Egypt tour package that comprises a Nile cruise.

Sample Itinerary

• 2 days in Cairo → 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan → 3 days in Hurghada. This 9-day route perfectly blends history, luxury, and relaxation.

Stay safe and journey smart

Nile River cruise ships in the present day have very high safety and hygiene standards. However, it is still a great idea to come well-prepared for the trip.

• The must-do is to go with the company which is licensed and has online reviews.
• Do not forget to pack is a travel insurance policy that will assist you in medical emergencies and the like.
• Carry, with you, the all-important bottled water.
• If you can, then you are strongly advised to avoid raw street food and only eat fresh and well-cooked food.
• What should be observed are the local customs especially during Ramadan (no eating or drinking in public during day time).
• Also there are people who would not like to follow the above, so they are requested to respect their privacy and just pray for them.
• Locals in community will show you places and historic sites that you would not visit if you were on your own.

Egypt is a fantastic place for tours, people are friendly, and the Nile River and area are mostly safe. Just keep your eyes open for anything, as you would when abroad.

Conclusion

An experience of a cruise down the Nile River is like no other in capturing the essence of Egypt. You will see yourself waking up to a view of golden temples in the far distance and wandering around and exploring ancient tombs during the day and sitting idly on the deck under the setting desert sun at quite nighttime – the golden touch that’s ‘like no other’. It is just a perfect mix of history, nature, and of course, chill.

All different although equally attractive options, you may be on a 5-star Nile River cruise, on a traditional dahabiya (typical Egyptian houseboat), or on the magnificent Viking Nile River cruise. The experience of walking through ancient temples following the mighty river will be unforgettable and one of the best memories of your life.

So, hat, camera, curiosity pack them all and hurry to the Nile!