Embark on an unforgettable 4-Day Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor with Egypt Top Tours, where history and beauty come together in one extraordinary journey. Sail along the majestic Nile River as you explore Egypt’s most iconic temples and archaeological treasures. Begin your adventure in Aswan, visiting the impressive Philae Temple and the High Dam, before continuing to Kom Ombo and Edfu to witness the grandeur of ancient deities. As the cruise sails north, you'll reach Luxor, home to the magnificent Karnak and Luxor Temples, as well as the royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings. With guided tours, comfortable accommodations, and full-board meals, this experience is the perfect blend of culture and relaxation. Let Egypt Top Tours handle all the details while you immerse yourself in Egypt’s timeless wonders.
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Overview
Step aboard the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise, a modern 5-star deluxe cruise ship offering the perfect blend of elegance, comfort, and timeless Nile scenery. Operated by Egypt Top Tours, the Steigenberger Minerva Cruise sails gracefully between Luxor and Aswan, giving travelers the chance to unwind in style while exploring the most iconic ancient wonders of Egypt.
This luxurious floating hotel features 77 well-appointed cabins, including 73 spacious double cabins (19 sq.m.), 2 cozy single cabins (16 sq.m.), and 2 beautifully designed suites (39 sq.m.). Each accommodation is thoughtfully furnished and provides panoramic views of the Nile, ensuring you experience both relaxation and enchantment throughout your journey.
Onboard, you’ll enjoy a wide range of premium amenities—from a large sun deck with a swimming pool ideal for basking in the Egyptian sun, to a fully equipped gym and inviting recreational spaces. Whether you're enjoying your morning coffee with a river view or unwinding after a day of sightseeing, the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise promises a truly immersive and luxurious Nile experience.
| QUICK FACTS — STEIGENBERGER MINERVA | |
|---|---|
| Ship Category | Ultra Deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruise |
| Operator | Steigenberger / JAZ Hotel Group |
| Total Cabins | 77 cabins, including 73 double cabins, 2 single cabins, and 2 suites — each around 19 m² |
| Ship Dimensions | 72m length · 14m width |
| Route | Luxor → Aswan (4 nights) | Aswan → Luxor (3 nights) |
| Departures | Every Thursday from Luxor · Every Monday from Aswan |
| Price from | $749 per person |
| Board Basis | Full board accommodation, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner |
| Luxury Level | Ultra Deluxe — Steigenberger hotel-style standards on the Nile |
| Signature Facilities | Beauty salon, gymnasium, video-on-demand, pool bar, and meeting room |
| Group Suitability | Excellent for groups, with a dedicated meeting room, 77 cabins, and private charter options |
| Best For | Travelers who want trusted hotel-brand standards on the Nile, corporate groups, incentive travel planners, beauty salon users, and gym-focused guests |
Is the Steigenberger Minerva Worth It?
Yes. The Steigenberger Minerva is especially worth booking for travelers who care about consistency, reliable service, and hotel-brand standards more than one single flashy cabin feature. Its main strength is the Steigenberger service culture applied across the full cruise experience, from housekeeping and food safety to staff training and guest care.
This is not a ship that depends on one headline feature. Instead, it delivers a complete ultra deluxe experience supported by a recognised hospitality brand. Guests who already know Steigenberger hotels in Europe or the Middle East will understand the value immediately: structured service, clean operational standards, and a more predictable 5-star experience on the Nile.
The Minerva is also one of the strongest ships for corporate groups and incentive travel. Its dedicated meeting room makes it suitable for business sessions during the cruise, while the 77-cabin capacity allows groups to travel comfortably together. At a starting price of $699 per person, it offers excellent value for an ultra deluxe branded Nile cruise.
Who Is the Steigenberger Minerva Best For?
- Travelers who already trust the Steigenberger brand and want similar standards during their Nile cruise.
- Guests who value consistent housekeeping, food safety, staff training, and organised service delivery.
- Beauty salon users who want access to an on-board salon during the cruise.
- Gym users who prefer a proper gymnasium instead of basic deck fitness equipment.
- Corporate groups and incentive travel planners who need a meeting room on board.
- Travelers who appreciate video-on-demand entertainment inside the cabin.
- Solo travelers, thanks to the availability of 2 dedicated single cabins.
Who Should Not Book the Steigenberger Minerva?
- Travelers who prioritise a private balcony or panoramic cabin windows may prefer the M/S Mayfair or M/S Nile Paradise.
- Guests who want Jacuzzi suites, sauna facilities, room service until midnight, and nightly entertainment may prefer the M/S Royal Viking at a similar price level.
- Travelers who specifically need Spanish-speaking Egyptologist guides may prefer the M/S Magic 1, which is the dedicated Spanish-guide ship in the fleet.
- Guests looking for the most romantic balcony-focused experience may find another ship more suitable.
Egypt Top Tours Expert Assessment
“The Steigenberger Minerva is one of the most reliable choices for experienced travelers, corporate clients, and guests who understand the value of a serious hospitality brand. The Steigenberger name is not just decoration here; it reflects a real service system. The beauty salon, gymnasium, meeting room, video-on-demand, and spacious 19 m² cabins all make the ship highly practical for discerning guests. At $699 per person, the Minerva delivers more value than its price suggests.”
— Egypt Top Tours Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947
What You Will See — Sites Visited
Luxor East Bank: Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Avenue of Sphinxes.
Luxor West Bank: Valley of the Kings · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon.
Nile Stops: Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo Temple.
Aswan: Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Steigenberger Minerva an ultra deluxe Nile cruise?
The Steigenberger Minerva earns its ultra deluxe position through its branded hospitality standards, practical facilities, and spacious cabin design. The ship carries the Steigenberger name, which brings a more structured hotel-style approach to service, housekeeping, food safety, and staff training.
Its facilities also support the ultra deluxe classification. The on-board beauty salon is uncommon on Nile cruise ships at this price level, while the gymnasium, video-on-demand system, and meeting room add a stronger hotel-style feeling. With 77 cabins of approximately 19 m² each, the Minerva also offers some of the more comfortable standard cabin sizes in its category.
Is the Steigenberger Minerva suitable for corporate groups and incentive travel?
Yes. The Steigenberger Minerva is one of Egypt Top Tours’ strongest recommendations for corporate groups, incentive travel programmes, and business-focused Nile cruise experiences. Its dedicated meeting room allows business sessions, presentations, or private group briefings to take place while sailing between temple visits.
With 77 cabins, the ship can accommodate large groups comfortably. Egypt Top Tours can also arrange full or partial ship charters, customised sightseeing programmes, branded welcome amenities, private gala dinners, and coordinated transfers for corporate clients. The Steigenberger brand name is also useful for international companies that prefer a recognised hospitality standard.
What is the difference between the Steigenberger Minerva and the JAZ Nile cruise ships?
The Steigenberger Minerva and selected Iberotel Nile cruise ships are connected to the JAZ Hotel Group, but they do not sit in the same brand tier. The Minerva operates under the premium Steigenberger name, which gives it a stronger service identity and a more refined hotel-style positioning.
Compared with ships such as Iberotel Helio or Amara, the Minerva offers larger cabins, around 19 m², along with a beauty salon, gymnasium, video-on-demand, and meeting room. These facilities make it more suitable for travelers who want a stronger branded experience, as well as corporate groups that need practical business facilities on board.
Cruise Facilities
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise Facilities
77 cabins total:
- 73 Double Cabins (19 m²)
- 2 Single Cabins
- 2 Suites (39 m² with Jacuzzi)
Cabin Features:
- Individually controlled air-conditioning
- Marine satellite TV
- Private bathroom with shower
- Suites with bathtub & Jacuzzi
- Hairdryer, in-room safe, and mini bar*
Onboard Amenities:
- Expansive sun deck with swimming pool & pool bar
- Fitness equipment on deck
- Lounge Bar & Main Restaurant
- Gift shop*, laundry*, and massage service*
- Complimentary Wi-Fi in all areas
- 24-hour reception and onboard clinic*
- Major credit cards accepted
Electrical Current: 220V / 50 cycles
Services marked with () are available at an additional charge*
Included
- Meet and be assist by our representatives at the airport or railway station
- Accommodation on board Steigenberger Minerva Nile 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: Arrival in Aswan – Unveiling Ancient Marvels
Upon your arrival in Aswan, a representative from Egypt Top Tours will greet you and escort you by private air-conditioned vehicle to your elegant floating hotel, the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise. After check-in (before 12:00 PM), enjoy a delightful lunch on board.
In the afternoon, your exploration begins with a visit to the impressive High Dam, a modern engineering feat that revolutionized Egypt’s water management. From there, sail by motorboat to the enchanting Philae Temple, beautifully situated on Agilkia Island and dedicated to Isis, the goddess of love and healing. You’ll also visit the Unfinished Obelisk, an immense monument still lying in the ancient granite quarries—offering insight into ancient Egyptian stonework techniques.
Return to the cruise for dinner and an overnight stay onboard in Aswan.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Kom Ombo and Edfu – Twin Temples and Timeless Landscapes
Enjoy a hearty breakfast aboard the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise, then begin your day by visiting Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods—Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder. Its symmetrical design and riverside setting make it one of Egypt's most photogenic temples.
As you sail toward Edfu, enjoy lunch on the sun deck with panoramic views of the lush Nile banks. In the afternoon, ride a horse-drawn carriage through the charming town of Edfu to reach the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved temples in all of Egypt. This majestic sanctuary was built to honor Horus, the falcon-headed god, and its towering columns and detailed reliefs are truly awe-inspiring.
Return to your cruise for a relaxing evening. After dinner, enjoy a traditional Egyptian folkloric show hosted by the onboard entertainment team.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Legacy
Start the day with breakfast on board, then journey to the West Bank of Luxor—the necropolis of ancient Thebes. Walk through the Valley of the Kings, where Egypt’s great pharaohs, including Tutankhamun, were laid to rest in intricately painted tombs carved into the mountains.
Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a stunning mortuary temple carved into limestone cliffs, honoring Egypt’s most successful female ruler. End the morning tour at the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that once guarded the entrance to Amenhotep III’s grand temple.
Return to the cruise for lunch. Spend your afternoon at leisure relaxing on board before dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Luxor East Bank – Karnak and Luxor Temples
After breakfast, disembark from your Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise, but your adventure continues with a guided tour of Luxor’s East Bank. Visit the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious site ever constructed, with its forest of towering columns, obelisks, and sacred lake.
Next, explore the magnificent Luxor Temple, gracefully aligned with the Nile and lit by sunlight in the early morning. It was expanded over centuries by various pharaohs and even houses remnants of a mosque and Roman chapel—testament to its layered history.
After your tour, you’ll be transferred to your next destination in Luxor by Egypt Top Tours.
Meals Included: Breakfast
5 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Thursday
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Discover Karnak and Luxor Temples
Begin your journey with a warm welcome aboard the Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise. Settle into your elegant cabin before lunch, then begin exploring Luxor’s East Bank.
Visit the Karnak Temple Complex, a vast ceremonial site spanning 100 hectares with rows of ram-headed sphinxes, immense pylons, and the famous Hypostyle Hall of 134 colossal columns. Then continue to Luxor Temple, a graceful structure linked to Karnak by the ancient Sphinx Avenue and adorned with colossal statues of Ramses II.
Return to the cruise for afternoon tea, followed by dinner and overnight in Luxor.
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Luxor West Bank – Temples and Tombs | Sail to Esna
After breakfast, cross to the West Bank of Luxor to visit the Valley of the Kings, where generations of Pharaohs were entombed in ornately painted chambers deep within the rock. Optional entrance to the tombs of Tutankhamun or Seti I is available.
Next, marvel at the striking Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, with its sweeping terraces carved into cliffs. Conclude the morning with a visit to the Colossi of Memnon, two towering statues that once stood at the entrance of Amenhotep III's temple.
Return for lunch as the cruise begins sailing to Esna. Experience the excitement of passing through the Esna Lock, then continue south toward Edfu.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Edfu and Kom Ombo – Twin Temples of the Nile
This morning, enjoy a carriage ride through the streets of Edfu to reach the Temple of Horus, Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple. Its massive pylons and mythological reliefs narrate tales of good vs. evil.
After lunch on board, continue sailing to Kom Ombo, where you’ll explore the unique Kom Ombo Temple, shared by two gods—Sobek and Horus the Elder. Visit the Crocodile Mummification Museum nearby, which displays dozens of preserved reptiles once sacred to ancient Egyptians.
Dinner and overnight onboard as you sail to Aswan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Aswan – Philae, the High Dam & Granite Quarry
After breakfast, start your Aswan exploration with a visit to the High Dam, offering panoramic views over Lake Nasser. Then board a motorboat to reach Philae Temple, the island sanctuary of Isis with its tranquil lakeside setting and beautifully preserved columns.
End your morning at the Unfinished Obelisk, still lying in Aswan’s granite quarries—a testimony to ancient engineering brilliance.
After lunch on board, the afternoon is yours to enjoy or join an optional felucca ride around Elephantine Island. Dinner and overnight in Aswan.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Farewell & Optional Abu Simbel Adventure
Enjoy your final breakfast onboard before disembarking.
For those seeking a grand finale, an optional excursion to Abu Simbel is available. Travel by car or flight (extra cost) to witness the awe-inspiring rock-cut temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, relocated stone by stone to avoid flooding. Their colossal statues and sun-aligned sanctuaries make this a fitting end to your journey.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Prices:
Prices
Prices
Notes:
Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise 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 Steigenberger Minerva Cruise, our rates remain fixed and may not change.
Steigenberger Minerva Nile 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.
Steigenberger Minerva 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 Steigenberger Minerva Nile Cruise
Please note that the Steigenberger Minerva Cruise 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 Steigenberger Minerva Nile 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.