Something about a cruise ship thrills me more than traveling on a plane. Luxury cruise ships are like floating five-star hotels that can offer you privacy, tranquility, and blending in with nature. And the most luxurious Nile cruises make it worth every penny you spend.
Nothing can beat a Nile River cruise – floating along the world’s longest river that spans 11 African countries before flowing into the Mediterranean Sea and seeing desert tombs, Pyramids, and secrets spanning millennia of history and civilizations.
Take your pick from some of the luxury Nile cruises that can last from three to eight days and makes for a memorable experience and gorgeous photography.
Historia Luxury Nile Cruise
A magnificent and comfortable way to cruise the River Nile, this luxury cruise ship matches the splendor of the history on the banks of the Nile.
You have splendid accommodations, delectable meals, and relaxation galore on this elegant cruise line. You can choose from their three itineraries: a three-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor, a four-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan, and a seven-night round trip.
For your stay, select from their luxury cabins, Historia suites, two Presidential suites, or two Royal suites (inspired by the royalty and elegance of Ancient Egypt). The facilities include spacious accommodations, a Sun deck Lounge bar, a relaxing spa, a gym, a library, and a boutique.
The itinerary also includes options for a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and a visit to Abu Simbel temples in Aswan, apart from the shore excursions of cities in Upper Egypt.
Sanctuary Retreats
The Nile River cruises offered by Sanctuary Retreats are like luxurious floating havens.
Voted by Condé Nast readers as one of the top 100 most beautiful boats in the world several times, the Sanctuary Sun Boat III is a graceful cruiser with exquisite facilities. Its 18 beautifully designed cabins accommodate up to 36 guests on three, four, and seven-night cruises.
On this luxurious cruise ship, you can dine on delicious gourmet food prepared by award-winning chefs and sip refreshing cocktails around the outdoor pool area on the sun deck.
The Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, furnished in a contemporary style with an art deco influence, has a sun deck with a heated swimming pool and Egyptian marble combined with teak flooring for an eclectic look.
A colorful Galabeya party (where you can dress up in traditional Egyptian clothing and dance), a performance by an Egyptian belly dancer, and a cooking lesson are things to look forward to on this cruise.
Sonesta St. George
This is probably Sonesta Fleet’s most luxurious cruise ship among the range of luxury ships on the Nile. With ornate and plush interiors and designs, you’ll feel nothing less than royalty on this cruise.
A sun deck with a splendid pool, a jacuzzi, a full-service spa, a wellness center, and a Panoramic lounge (for full floor views of the Nile) are some of the facilities you’ll love here. I bet you’ll enjoy sipping on a cocktail or beverage at the Piano Bar or the Lounge decorated with unique classical motifs.
Choose between the three, four, or seven-night cruise and stay at their deluxe cabins, Presidential suites, or Royal Suite, all featuring the highest quality furnishings and most upscale amenities.
Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise
This luxury Nile River cruise has the perfect environment to relax and soak up the Egyptian atmosphere. With nightly entertainment, a spacious bar and lounge area, and head-to-toe relaxation massages on the sun deck, you can also choose from the multiple packages they offer for your special cruise experience.
The cruise offers Sightseeing, Happiness, Felluca Breakfast, and Honeymoon/Anniversary packages.
If you pick the Sightseeing package, you get to see the famous Egyptian museum in Luxor, the Karnak temple, Queen Hatshepsut temple, Luxor valley of kings, Luxor temple, Abu Simbel, and the majestic Philae temple in an air-conditioned bus.
Their junior cabin is great for families with children or a group of friends; it’s equipped with individual control of air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a jacuzzi, among other basic amenities. The suites are great for couples and families and offer spectacular panoramic views of the Nile.
SS Sphinx
The SS Sphinx is a Uniworld boutique river cruise with elegant interiors and a blend of ancient wonders with modern decor.
With an authentically immersive onboard experience, this cruise sails for 12 days to and fro Cairo in a manner reserved for queens and pharaohs. You can view the splendors of Egypt and the Nile from the SS Sphinx while staying in any of the 42 gorgeously appointed suites with French balconies.
Fine Egyptian cotton, hand-carved blonde wood, and marble used on this cruise highlight Egyptian craftsmanship; it doesn’t get any more Egyptian than onboard this cruise.
The luxury Nile cruise also includes guided tours of the Egyptian Museum and sailing on a felucca.
Mövenpick MS Sunray
For a majestic journey leading to all the epic wonders of ancient Egypt, the luxurious Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise is a splendid pick.
This cruise ship is the epitome of elegance, tradition, and style. It offers all the five-star facilities you’d like on your vacation – a swimming pool, reading and playroom, a sundeck with a recreational area, and a selection of outlets.
The room choices include Standard, Superior, Junior Suite, and Senior Suite. The panoramic windows in all the rooms provide beautiful views over the Nile while cruising past ancient monuments.
Enjoy the unmistakably Mövenpick treats and flavors at the main restaurant that offers international and local buffets. Sip on your afternoon tea and cocktails at the Lounge bar with evening entertainment.
AmaDahlia
If you love being pampered, AmaWaterway’s 72-passenger AmaDahlia is one that would impress even the most discerning pharaoh. Stylish, contemporary suites, massage treatments, a heated pool, marble bathrooms, and a nail bar (isn’t that surprising?) are the impressive factors of this cruise.
The itinerary is another of its chief attractions, taking the guests to often-overlooked places – the Valley of Kings and Queens, a private tour of the Tomb of Queen Nefertari, the beguiling Temple of Luxor, and, the best of all, a private lunch at the Abdeen Presidential Palace.
Best Bits to End With!
Setting sail on the Nile on a luxury cruise with the best of facilities and visiting Egypt’s historical sites as part of the itinerary is an experience unlike any other. So now that you know about the most luxurious Nile cruises, don’t you want to add one to your bucket list when you visit Egypt?