MS Nile Excellence

MS Nile Excellence Cruise
  • Every Thursday From Luxor & Monday From Aswan

Overview

Step aboard the elegant MS Nile Excellence, a refined 5-star floating hotel offering an exceptional Nile Excellence Cruise experience between Luxor and Aswan. Designed for comfort, relaxation, and cultural discovery, this luxurious Nile cruise combines breathtaking scenery with world-class service.

Sailing along the timeless Nile, MS Nile Excellence allows you to explore Egypt’s most iconic temples while enjoying premium onboard facilities, spacious suites, and warm hospitality. Whether relaxing on the sundeck, enjoying evening entertainment, or discovering ancient wonders with expert guides, every moment onboard is crafted to deliver a memorable journey.

With Egypt Top Tours, your cruise becomes more than a trip—it’s a seamless blend of history, luxury, and authentic Egyptian charm.

Quick Facts — MS Nile Excellence

Feature Detail
Defining Feature Intimate 30-cabin 5-star design balancing luxury with authentic cultural immersion on Egypt's most storied river.
Cabins 30 suites total: 23 Standard Suites, 2 Junior Double Suites, 2 Junior Single Suites, 3 Royal Suites.
Wellness Outdoor swimming pool on sundeck, air-conditioned cabins, 24-hour medical service on-call.
Entertainment Panorama lounge with scenic Nile views, piano bar, belly dancer shows, Galabeya parties, folkloric performances, night discotheque.
Safety & Comfort Electronic safe box in cabins, satellite TV, Wi-Fi internet corner, on-call doctor, 24-hour room service, laundry service, air conditioning throughout.
Departures Every Monday from Aswan (4 days), every Thursday from Luxor (5 days).
Price from Contact for pricing
Best For Discerning travellers seeking refined comfort and expert-guided access to Egypt's greatest temples without the scale of mega-ships.

Is the MS Nile Excellence Worth It?

Yes. The MS Nile Excellence delivers genuine 5-star service in a carefully curated 30-cabin setting, ensuring personal attention from crew and meaningful interactions with your private guide. Unlike larger vessels that prioritise volume over experience, MS Nile Excellence maintains the intimacy that transforms sightseeing into genuine cultural discovery. This matters most for travellers who value the quality of their guide's knowledge, flexibility in pacing, and the absence of queues at temples—all hallmarks of the MS Nile Excellence experience.

Against peer vessels like the Steigenberger Royale (which operates on a larger scale with 80+ cabins and more evening entertainment) and the MS Crown Jewel (similarly sized but with a more buffet-focused dining philosophy), MS Nile Excellence stands apart through its set-menu restaurant service and more curated entertainment programme. The Steigenberger Royale appeals to guests prioritising nightlife and larger social scenes; the MS Crown Jewel suits budget-conscious families. However, if you are willing to forgo some entertainment variety in exchange for genuine personalised service and a smaller passenger footprint at temples, MS Nile Excellence delivers superior value.

The MS Nile Excellence returns the best value for independent travellers, couples celebrating milestones, and cultural enthusiasts aged 45+ who view the journey itself—not the ship's activities—as the holiday's centrepiece. You pay for expertise, not spectacle.

Who Is the MS Nile Excellence Best For?

  • Couples celebrating anniversaries or retirements seeking intimate, guided discovery without mass-market cruise atmosphere.
  • Mature independent travellers (45+) with genuine interest in Egyptology who value knowledgeable guides and quiet reflection time.
  • Small groups of friends or extended families (up to 30 passengers) wanting private guided tours and coordinated shore excursions.
  • Cultural travellers prioritising access and authenticity over onboard entertainment variety and late-night activities.

Who Should Not Book the MS Nile Excellence?

  • Families with young children seeking supervised kids' clubs and activity-driven entertainment—consider the Steigenberger Regency, which offers dedicated family programmes.
  • Travellers seeking all-inclusive luxury with premium spa, multiple à la carte restaurants, and nightly Broadway-style shows—the Iberotel Crown Empress offers these amenities at comparable price points.
  • Budget-conscious groups wanting maximum cabin density and lowest per-person cost—MS Salacia and Adonis Nile Cruise operate with higher passenger counts and lower price brackets.

Egypt Top Tours Expert Assessment

“MS Nile Excellence's 30-cabin capacity transforms the Luxor-Aswan journey from a logistical exercise into a scholar's expedition. With only 60 diners in the main restaurant at any seating, your guide's commentary during meals becomes a natural extension of the day's temple work, uninterrupted by the noise of buffet lines or reservation queues. The private guided tours—a standard inclusion—mean you move through Karnak and the Valley of the Kings without the congestion that plagues larger vessels. Departure flexibility (Monday from Aswan, Thursday from Luxor) suits serious Egyptologists who wish to build custom pre- or post-cruise explorations without rigid schedules. This ship is designed for the traveller who reads the guidebook before boarding.”

— Egypt Top Tours Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947

What You Will See — Sites Visited

Luxor: Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon.

Nile Stops: Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo Temple.

Aswan: Philae Temple · High Dam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the MS Nile Excellence's smaller size mean fewer onboard amenities or dining options?
No. While the ship carries 30 cabins rather than 80+, it maintains a full-service main restaurant with 60 seats, a piano bar, panorama lounge, swimming pool, and multiple entertainment venues. The trade-off is intentional: fewer guests per venue means no waits, quieter dining, and more attentive table service. Meals follow a curated set menu rather than sprawling buffets, which emphasises quality over variety.

How does the MS Nile Excellence compare to the larger Steigenberger Regency for first-time Nile cruisers?
If this is your first Nile cruise and you prioritise expert-guided discovery and intimate atmosphere, MS Nile Excellence excels. The Steigenberger Regency suits first-timers seeking more entertainment variety and larger social groups. Both visit the same temples, but MS Nile Excellence's private guided tours and smaller tour groups mean fewer crowds at sites and more personalised attention from your Egyptologist guide.

What is included in the cruise price, and what should I budget separately?
All accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner daily), private guided sightseeing tours, entrance fees to all temples, bottled water, transfers, and service charges are included. You will budget separately for personal spending, optional excursions not listed, and tipping for guides and crew (Egypt Top Tours recommends USD 5–10 per person per day for guides).

Cruise Facilities

MS Nile Excellence Facilities

The Nile Excellence Cruise offers a wide range of premium facilities designed for comfort and leisure:

  • Spacious lounge bar
  • Large sundeck with swimming pool and bar
  • Panorama lounge with scenic Nile views
  • Piano bar and evening entertainment area
  • Onboard bazaar for souvenirs
  • Reading area and internet corner
  • 24-hour room service
  • Laundry service
  • Medical service (on-call)
  • Central sound system throughout the cruise
  • BBQ area and sundeck dining experience
  • Cabins & Suites

The MS Nile Excellence features elegant accommodations designed to provide maximum comfort:

  • 23 Standard Suites
  • 2 Junior Double Suites
  • 2 Junior Single Suites
  • 3 Royal Suites
  • In-Cabin Facilities
  • Non-smoking cabins
  • Private bathroom with bathtub and hairdryer
  • Air conditioning
  • Satellite TV (available while docked)
  • Mini fridge
  • Electronic safe box
  • Telephone (internal & international)
  • Dining & Entertainment
  • Dining
  • Main restaurant with 60 seats (set menu service)
  • Tea time served on the sundeck
  • BBQ and outdoor dining experiences
  • Entertainment
  • Belly dancer shows
  • Galabeya party
  • Folkloric performances
  • Night discotheque

Included

  • Meet and be assist by our representatives at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board Nile Excellence Cruise on full board
  • English/Portuguese/German/Spanish speaking tour guide
  • All sightseeing tours are private guided tours
  • Entrance fees to all the mentioned sites in the itinerary
  • Bottled water during the trips
  • All transfers by a private air-conditioned, deluxe vehicle
  • All service charges and taxes

Excluded

  • Any optional tours
  • Personal Spending
  • Tipping

Itinerary:

4 Days - Aswan / Luxor Every Monday
Day 1 – Aswan, Philae Temple & High Dam

Begin your journey in Aswan with a warm welcome from your Egypt Top Tours guide. Start by visiting Philae Temple, beautifully relocated on an island and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Continue by exploring the High Dam, one of Egypt’s most important modern engineering achievements.

After your tour, board the MS Nile Excellence and enjoy lunch onboard as you begin sailing along the Nile. Spend a relaxing evening with dinner and entertainment.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Philae Temple
  • Exploring the High Dam

Overnight: Onboard MS Nile Excellence

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Kom Ombo & Edfu

Enjoy breakfast while sailing toward Kom Ombo. Begin your day by visiting Kom Ombo Temple, the unique double temple dedicated to Sobek and Horus.

Continue sailing to Edfu, where you will explore the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt, showcasing stunning carvings and grand architecture.

Return to the cruise for dinner and a lively evening onboard.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Kom Ombo Temple
  • Exploring Edfu Temple

Overnight: Onboard MS Nile Excellence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Luxor East Bank

Arrive in Luxor and begin exploring the East Bank. Start by visiting Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever built, followed by Luxor Temple, a magnificent structure beautifully illuminated by history and architecture.

Return to the cruise for relaxation and your final evening onboard.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Karnak Temple
  • Exploring Luxor Temple

Overnight: Onboard MS Nile Excellence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Luxor West Bank & Departure

After breakfast, disembark and head to the West Bank. Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, burial site of Egypt’s great pharaohs. Continue by visiting Hatshepsut Temple, a stunning architectural masterpiece, and stop at the Colossi of Memnon.

Transfer to your hotel or airport in Luxor, marking the end of your unforgettable journey.

Included Activities:

  • Exploring the Valley of the Kings
  • Visiting Hatshepsut Temple
  • Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon

Meals Included: Breakfast

5 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Thursday
Day 1 – Luxor East Bank

Your journey begins in Luxor with a warm welcome from your Egypt Top Tours guide. Start by visiting the incredible Karnak Temple, a vast complex built over centuries, followed by Luxor Temple, known for its elegant design and rich history.

After your tour, board the MS Nile Excellence, enjoy lunch onboard, and settle into your cabin. Spend your afternoon relaxing on the sundeck as the cruise begins its journey along the Nile.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Karnak Temple
  • Exploring Luxor Temple

Overnight: Onboard MS Nile Excellence

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2 – Luxor West Bank

After breakfast, head to the West Bank to explore the Valley of the Kings, where ancient pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, one of the most impressive temples in Egypt, followed by a stop at the Colossi of Memnon.

Return to the cruise and begin sailing toward Edfu, enjoying lunch and the peaceful scenery along the Nile.

Included Activities:

  • Exploring the Valley of the Kings
  • Visiting Hatshepsut Temple
  • Photo stop at Colossi of Memnon

Overnight: Onboard MS Nile Excellence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3 – Edfu & Kom Ombo

Arrive in Edfu and visit the magnificent Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt. After your visit, return to the cruise and sail toward Kom Ombo.

In the afternoon, explore Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to Sobek and Horus. Its symmetrical structure and riverside setting create a truly memorable experience.

Continue sailing toward Aswan, enjoying dinner and entertainment onboard.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Edfu Temple
  • Exploring Kom Ombo Temple

Overnight: Onboard MS Nile Excellence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4 – Aswan, Philae Temple & High Dam

Arrive in Aswan and begin your exploration with a visit to the beautiful Philae Temple, followed by the impressive High Dam. Learn about the history and importance of these iconic landmarks while enjoying stunning views of the Nile.

Return to the cruise for your final evening onboard, enjoying dinner and entertainment as you reflect on your journey.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Philae Temple
  • Exploring the High Dam

Overnight: Onboard MS Nile Excellence

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5 – Final Departure

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard before disembarking. Your Egypt Top Tours representative will transfer you to Aswan airport or your hotel, concluding your unforgettable Nile Excellence Cruise experience.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prices:

Summer Rates (May- August)

Summer Rates (May- August)


Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 749 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 799 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1099 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 899 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 949 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1349 Per Person In Single Cabin
Winter Rates (Sep- April)

Winter Rates (Sep- April)


Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 1049 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1079 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1549 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 1299 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1349 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1849 Per Person In Single Cabin

Notes:

MS Nile Excellence ruise Prices

Our tour rates are in US dollars per person per trip. You can also pay in Euro or GBP. Prices might vary during Christmas, New Year, and Easter Nile Cruise Vacations. We aim to provide the best rates and maintain their accuracy. Once you confirm MS Nile Excellence Cruise, our rates remain fixed and may not change.

Nile Excellence Cruise Children Policy

0 - 01.99 Free of Charge
2 - 5.99 pay 25% of tour price
6 - 11.99 pay 50% of tour price
12+ pay full tour price as per adult person
If your tour package includes airfare, extra charges for your children may be applied.

MS Nile Excellence Cruise Payment Policy

To secure your desired program and ensure availability, we recommend making reservations as early as possible. A deposit of 25% of the total amount is required to secure your booking, except during the Christmas and New Year holidays when a deposit of 50% is necessary. This deposit will be deducted from your final payment. The remaining balance can be settled up to one week before your arrival date or in cash upon your arrival.

Additional Entry Tickets For Nile Excellence Cruise

Please note that the Nile Excellence  doesn't include entrance fees to the special archaeological sites, such as entering the interior of the Tomb of Tutankhamun at the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Separate fees apply for these attractions.

Cancellation Policy For MS Nile Excellence Cruise

• Cancellations made from the date of booking until 61 days before your arrival date will incur a 10% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 60 and 31 days before your arrival date will incur a 20% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 30 and 15 days before your arrival date will incur a 50% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.
• Cancellations made between 14 and 1 day before your arrival date will incur a 100% cancellation fee of the entire tour price.

Furthermore, please note that cancellation fees may also apply to domestic flights within Egypt according to the airline's specific cancellation policy.