DWA Nile Cruise

MS DWA
  • Every Monday From Luxor & Friday From Aswan

Overview

Step into a world where ancient mythology meets modern luxury aboard the DWA Nile Cruise (MS DWA). Inspired by Duat, the mythical realm of the Sun God Ra, this elegant cruise offers an immersive journey along the Nile with exceptional comfort, refined design, and carefully curated excursions.

Operated by Egypt Top Tours, the DWA Cruise features two perfectly balanced itineraries (4 or 5 days), allowing you to explore Egypt’s greatest monuments—from Philae and Kom Ombo to Karnak, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings—while enjoying premium hospitality, gourmet dining, and serene Nile views.

With 36 rooms and 5 spacious suites, MS DWA is ideal for couples, families, and groups seeking a high-end Nile cruise experience.

Quick Facts — DWA Nile Cruise

Feature Detail
Defining Feature Mythologically-inspired luxury design with Duat-themed suites and spa treatments, offering a deeply immersive ancient Egyptian experience aboard a modern 5-star vessel.
Cabins 36 elegantly designed standard rooms & 5 luxurious suites with enhanced space & views.
Wellness Sekhmet Spa with wellness treatments, Khonsu Gym fully equipped, Ra Sun Deck with swimming pool & shaded seating.
Entertainment Evening cultural shows including belly dance performances, dual sun decks, Hat-Hor Lounge for social events, bar & lounge service throughout cruise.
Safety & Comfort Free Wi-Fi (fair use), safe box, minibar, air conditioning & heating, private bathrooms with hairdryer, 24-hour reception, modern safety systems.
Departures Every Monday from Luxor (5 days) & every Friday from Aswan (4 days).
Price from $999 USD per person (4 days, summer rates) & $1,249 USD per person (5 days, summer rates) in triple cabins.
Best For Couples & affluent travelers seeking a themed luxury Nile experience combining ancient Egyptian mythology with modern five-star amenities & gourmet dining.

Is the DWA Nile Cruise Worth It?

Yes, the DWA Nile Cruise delivers exceptional value for luxury-conscious travelers who want their Nile experience enriched by authentic thematic design rather than cookie-cutter comfort. The ship’s Duat mythology concept—woven throughout cabin design, spa treatments, and even restaurant naming—transforms a standard river cruise into a genuinely immersive journey through ancient Egyptian spirituality. Couples and small groups traveling in winter or seeking longer itineraries will find the 4 & 5-day options, combined with private guided excursions to all major temples, justify the premium pricing.

Compared to direct competitors like the MS Alexander The Great and Le Fayan Nile Cruise, the DWA differentiates itself through thematic coherence rather than sheer cabin count. MS Alexander The Great typically offers larger onboard capacity & more aggressive group pricing, making it better for budget-conscious travelers or those preferring vibrant social atmospheres. Le Fayan Nile Cruise, meanwhile, appeals to families seeking mid-range comfort without the luxury price tag. However, if you prioritize intimate, design-forward ambiance with curated entertainment & spa-focused wellness (rather than high-volume group cruising), the DWA’s smaller, more carefully appointed fleet justifies the $200–400 per-person premium over these alternatives.

The DWA Nile Cruise delivers maximum value to sophisticated travelers aged 40+ traveling in couples or small parties, who appreciate design detail, cultural narrative, & personalized service over budget optimization. Those seeking the cheapest Nile option should consider Le Fayan; those wanting the largest social scene should book MS Alexander The Great. Everyone else booking the DWA should expect a meaningfully different—& more memorable—river experience.

Who Is the DWA Nile Cruise Best For?

  • Affluent couples (40+) seeking a romantic, design-forward Nile experience with thematic immersion & intimate ambiance.
  • Small groups & multi-generational families wanting private guided tours, gourmet dining, & spa amenities without high-volume cruise atmosphere.
  • Cultural enthusiasts & history buffs who appreciate mythologically-themed design that deepens connection to ancient Egypt between excursions.
  • Winter travelers (September–April) booking 5-day itineraries with flexibility for mid-week Monday departures from Luxor.

Who Should Not Book the DWA Nile Cruise?

  • Budget-conscious travelers prioritizing rock-bottom prices should instead book Le Fayan Nile Cruise, which offers comparable comfort at 20–30% lower rates.
  • Social cruisers seeking large onboard groups, high-energy evening programs, & meeting other travelers should choose MS Alexander The Great, which carries significantly larger passenger counts with more vibrant social scenes.
  • Travelers requiring onboard medical facilities or specific accessibility accommodations should contact Egypt Top Tours directly; consider Mövenpick MS Misr, which markets enhanced medical & accessibility services.

Egypt Top Tours Expert Assessment

“The DWA Nile Cruise stands apart through deliberate narrative design—every element from cabin theming to the Sekhmet Spa reinforces connection to ancient Egyptian cosmology rather than merely facilitating movement between temples. This coherent thematic approach matters significantly on the Luxor–Aswan corridor, where downtime between excursions can feel long on conventional ships; aboard DWA, even cabin time enriches your journey through Duat mythology. Private guided tours to Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Philae, & Kom Ombo are delivered with the same narrative sophistication, ensuring sites feel contextually woven into your voyage rather than checked off a list. Guests aged 40–65 traveling in couples or small groups will find the thoughtful design, limited cabin count, & curator-level attention to cultural programming transforms a river cruise into a distinctive travel experience.”

— 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 Queen Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon.

Nile Stops: Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo Temple · Esna Temple.

Aswan: Philae Temple · Unfinished Obelisk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the DWA Nile Cruise’s Duat mythology theme more than marketing?
The theming is embedded structurally: cabin designs reference Egyptian deities, the Sekhmet Spa names treatments after goddesses (not generic "relaxation packages"), dining spaces reflect specific mythological realms, & evening entertainment connects cultural performances to Duat narratives. This consistency means your 4–5 days aboard reinforce ancient Egyptian spirituality rather than feel thematically disconnected between temple visits.

How does the DWA Nile Cruise compare to Le Fayan for a couple with a $3,000 budget?
On a tight budget, Le Fayan Nile Cruise delivers better value—approximately 25–30% lower per-person rates for comparable cabin standards & itinerary coverage. However, DWA’s premium pricing ($1,249–$2,399 per person, 4–5 days) reflects smaller passenger count, themed design narrative, & spa access; if your couple prioritizes design ambiance & intimate service over budget optimization, DWA justifies the extra spend. If price is the primary constraint, Le Fayan is the better choice.

Are all meals & excursions truly included, or are there hidden costs?
All breakfasts, lunches, & dinners are included on board; all entrance fees to mentioned sites (Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Philae, Kom Ombo, Edfu, etc.) are pre-paid; private air-conditioned transfers, bottled water, service charges, & taxes are included. Optional excursions (hot air balloon rides, Nubian village visits) & personal spending (gift shop, specialty drinks beyond included water) are not included, but the core itinerary has no hidden surcharges.

Cruise Facilities

MS DWA Cruise Facilities

Accommodation

  • 36 elegantly designed standard rooms
  • 5 luxurious suites with enhanced space and views
  • Air conditioning & heating
  • Private bathrooms with hairdryer
  • Safe box, minibar, phone, TV
  • Free Wi-Fi (fair use)
  • Connected rooms available
  • Daily housekeeping & laundry service

Dining & Lounges

  • Heset Restaurant – gourmet Egyptian & international cuisine with panoramic Nile views
  • Hat-Hor Lounge – stylish social lounge for relaxation
  • Bar & lounge service throughout the cruise

Sun Deck & Wellness

  • Ra Sun Deck with swimming pool & shaded seating
  • Horus Shaded Sundeck for relaxing Nile views
  • Sekhmet Spa – wellness treatments & relaxation area
  • Khonsu Gym – fully equipped fitness space

Entertainment & Services

  • Evening entertainment & cultural shows
  • 24-hour reception & attentive cruise staff
  • Modern safety systems & smooth sailing experience

Included

  • Meet and be assist by our representatives at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board DWA 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 Friday
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – Philae & Unfinished Obelisk

Upon arrival in Aswan, you’ll be met and assisted before transferring to the DWA Nile Cruise for embarkation. After settling into your cabin, enjoy lunch on board while taking in your first Nile views. In the afternoon, begin your journey into ancient Egypt with a guided visit to Philae Temple, beautifully set on an island and dedicated to Goddess Isis. Continue to the Unfinished Obelisk, revealing fascinating insights into ancient stone-working techniques. Return to the ship for dinner and a peaceful overnight in Aswan.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Philae Temple
  • Exploring the Unfinished Obelisk

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner


Overnight: Aswan

Day 2: Kom Ombo Temple – Sailing to Esna

Enjoy breakfast as the cruise sails north toward Kom Ombo. Disembark to explore the remarkable Kom Ombo Temple, uniquely dedicated to two gods—Sobek and Horus. Back on board, savor lunch and afternoon tea while sailing toward Esna, watching riverside life unfold along the banks. Dinner is served on board as the ship docks for the night.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Kom Ombo Temple

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Esna

Day 3: Esna Temple – Luxor East Bank

After breakfast, visit Esna Temple, famous for its beautifully preserved astronomical ceiling. Continue sailing to Luxor and enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the majestic East Bank of Luxor, including the vast Karnak Temple Complex and the elegant Luxor Temple. Return to the ship for dinner and enjoy an evening belly dance show.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Esna Temple
  • Exploring Karnak Temple
  • Touring Luxor Temple

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Luxor

Day 4: Luxor West Bank – Disembarkation

After breakfast, disembark and begin a guided tour of Luxor’s legendary West Bank. Explore the Valley of the Kings, burial ground of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, followed by the stunning Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Transfer to Luxor Airport or railway station to conclude your journey.

Included Activities:

  • Touring the Valley of the Kings
  • Visiting the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Meals Included: Breakfast

5 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Monday
Day 1: Luxor East Bank – Embarkation

Meet and assist upon arrival in Luxor, then transfer to embark MS DWA before lunch. After settling in, enjoy lunch on board followed by a guided tour of Luxor’s East Bank, visiting Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. Dinner on board and overnight in Luxor.

Included Activities:

  • Exploring Karnak Temple
  • Visiting Luxor Temple

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Luxor

Day 2: Luxor West Bank – Sailing to Esna

After breakfast, explore the West Bank of Luxor, including the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Return to the cruise for lunch as the ship sails toward Esna via the lock. Afternoon tea and dinner on board.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting the Valley of the Kings
  • Touring the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Esna

Day 3: Edfu & Kom Ombo

Begin with breakfast before visiting Edfu Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to Horus. Continue sailing toward Kom Ombo, enjoying lunch and afternoon tea on board. Visit the distinctive Kom Ombo Temple before sailing onward to Aswan. Dinner on board.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Edfu Temple
  • Exploring Kom Ombo Temple

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aswan

Day 4: Aswan Highlights

After breakfast, explore Aswan’s iconic landmarks including Philae Temple and the Unfinished Obelisk. Enjoy lunch and afternoon tea on board, followed by dinner and a relaxing final night in Aswan.

Included Activities:

  • Visiting Philae Temple
  • Exploring the Unfinished Obelisk

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Overnight: Aswan

Day 5: Disembarkation in Aswan

Enjoy a relaxed final morning on board the DWA Nile Cruise as you savor your last breakfast while taking in the peaceful views of the Nile. After breakfast, check out and say farewell to the attentive crew who have made your journey along the river truly memorable. You will then be assisted with disembarkation and transferred comfortably to Aswan Airport or the railway station, marking the end of your unforgettable Nile voyage with Egypt Top Tours.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prices:

Summer Rates (May- August)

Summer Rates (May- August)


Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 999 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1249 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1879 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 1249 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1549 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 2399 Per Person In Single Cabin
Winter Rates (Sep- April)

Winter Rates (Sep- April)


Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 1299 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1549 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 2499 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 1649 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1979 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 3249 Per Person In Single Cabin

Notes:

MS DWA 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 MS DWA, our rates remain fixed and may not change.

MS DWA 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.

DWA Nile 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 MS DWA

Please note that the MS DWA Nile 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 DWA 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.