Esplanade Nile Cruise

Esplanade Nile Cruise

Esplanade Nile Cruise
  • Every Saturday From Luxor & Wednesday From Aswan

Overview

Experience timeless elegance aboard the Esplanade Nile Cruise with Egypt Top Tours. The MS Esplanade Nile Cruise is a 5-star luxury vessel offering refined comfort and sophisticated design across its 55 beautifully appointed cabins and suites. With interiors that blend natural stone and warm earth tones, MS Esplanade provides a calming atmosphere as you sail between Aswan and Luxor. Discover ancient wonders along the Nile while enjoying world-class service, fine dining, and breathtaking views—all seamlessly arranged by Egypt Top Tours.

Quick Facts — Esplanade Nile Cruise

Feature Detail
Defining Feature Intimate 55-cabin luxury vessel with natural stone interiors and warm earth tones creating a tranquil sanctuary on the Nile.
Cabins 55 beautifully appointed cabins and suites
Wellness Swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa with steam room, sauna, and aromatherapy massage services
Entertainment Sun deck with panoramic views, restaurant lounge bar, library with table games, traditional Egyptian Folkloric Show, in-house movie program & music system
Safety & Comfort Wi-Fi internet connection, in-room safe, individually controlled air conditioning, first-aid clinic with doctor on call, laundry & dry cleaning services
Departures Every Saturday from Luxor & every Wednesday from Aswan
Price from Contact for pricing
Best For Discerning travelers seeking refined elegance and personalized service in an intimate setting rather than megaship crowds.

Is the Esplanade Nile Cruise Worth It?

Yes—the Esplanade Nile Cruise delivers genuine luxury without the impersonal scale of larger vessels. Its defining strength lies in the thoughtful design: only 55 cabins mean shorter queues at dining venues, easier access to sun deck seating, and a notably intimate atmosphere where staff quickly learn your name and preferences. This matters significantly for travelers over 55, multigenerational families seeking togetherness, and couples celebrating milestones who value attentive service over novelty amenities.

When compared to peer vessels like the Mövenpick MS Darakum (which carries 150+ guests across multiple decks), the Esplanade Nile Cruise offers far superior tranquility and personalization—though at a similar price point. The Le Fayan Nile Cruise, another boutique option, competes directly on intimacy but operates fewer departures; travelers on fixed schedules will find the Esplanade's Saturday and Wednesday sailings more convenient. The Jaz Viceroy Nile Cruise matches the cabin count but lacks the Esplanade's spa-focused wellness program and orchestrated folkloric entertainment.

The Esplanade Nile Cruise delivers the most value for guests who prioritize peace, personalized attention, and refined ambiance over cutting-edge facilities or large social programming. If you seek a genuine luxury experience rather than a floating resort, this ship justifies its position in Egypt Top Tours' premium portfolio.

Who Is the Esplanade Nile Cruise Best For?

  • Affluent couples and honeymooners seeking romance, privacy, and undivided staff attention on the Nile
  • Mature travelers (55+) who prefer calm refinement over loud entertainment and large group dynamics
  • Multigenerational families wanting elegance without chaos—grandparents, parents, and children traveling together
  • Cultural enthusiasts and Egyptology buffs who value knowledgeable guides and contemplative moments at ancient sites over rushed itineraries

Who Should Not Book the Esplanade Nile Cruise?

  • Budget-conscious travelers seeking rock-bottom pricing should explore the DWA Nile Cruise, which prioritizes cost savings over design refinement
  • Party-oriented groups and young travelers wanting high-energy nightlife should choose the Jaz Regent Nile Cruise, known for livelier social programming
  • Travelers requiring wheelchair accessibility or extensive mobility support should contact Egypt Top Tours to confirm the Esplanade's layout; the Mövenpick MS Sunray offers documented accessible cabin configurations

Egypt Top Tours Expert Assessment

“The Esplanade Nile Cruise's greatest asset is its disciplined restraint: 55 cabins, not 200. This constraint transforms the passenger experience from transactional to relational—your Egyptologist remembers your interest in Ptolemaic architecture, your cabin attendant anticipates your preferences, and you never queue for a sun lounger. For the Luxor-Aswan itinerary, this scale proves invaluable; it allows unhurried mornings at Karnak, intimate access to the Valley of the Kings without bottlenecks, and the rare luxury of meaningful evening conversations with fellow travelers rather than anonymous crowd management. The Esplanade Nile Cruise is ideal for the discerning traveler who understands that ancient Egypt reveals itself only to those moving slowly enough to truly listen.”

— 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 · Crocodile Mummification Museum.

Aswan: Philae Temple · High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Esplanade Nile Cruise's spa and wellness program different from other luxury Nile ships?
The Esplanade Nile Cruise integrates its spa into the cruise experience rather than treating it as an add-on; aromatherapy massage, steam, and sauna are available during your voyage, and the intimate passenger count means appointments are rarely overbooked. Combined with the Jacuzzi and open-air pool, this creates genuine opportunity for relaxation between sightseeing days—something larger vessels cannot deliver with the same unhurried service quality.

How does the Esplanade Nile Cruise compare to the Le Fayan Nile Cruise in terms of departure flexibility and availability?
The Esplanade Nile Cruise operates twice weekly (Saturday from Luxor, Wednesday from Aswan), providing more departure options than many competitors. The Le Fayan, while equally boutique, has fewer scheduled sailings per month, making the Esplanade more flexible for travelers with fixed holiday dates. Contact Egypt Top Tours to confirm your preferred departure week, as premium itineraries book early.

Are all meals included, and can the cruise accommodate dietary restrictions given its smaller passenger base?
Yes—all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) are included throughout your 4- or 5-day itinerary. The onboard restaurant benefits from the Esplanade Nile Cruise's intimate size; notify Egypt Top Tours of dietary requirements at booking, and the galley staff will prepare customized meals rather than generic alternatives. Bottled water and tea/coffee facilities in your cabin are also included.

Cruise Facilities

MS Esplanade Cruise Facilities

  • Swimming pool and Jacuzzi
  • Spa - steam and sauna with aromatherapy and massage
  • Swimming pool bar
  • Restaurant
  • Lounge bar
  • Library, table games and business corner
  • Boutique, gift shop and hairdresser
  • First-aid clinic with medical service on call
  • Egyptologist
  • Laundry and dry cleaning
  • Large panoramic opening windows
  • Cabins are fully air conditioned with individual control
  • LED televisions sets & satellite channels
  • Tea & coffee making facilities
  • In-room safe & mini bar
  • In-house movie program & music system
  • Internet connection
  • Telephones with international direct dial
  • All bathrooms feature bath tubs and hair dryers

Included

  • Meet and be assist by our representatives at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board Esplanade 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 Wednesday
Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – Exploring the Southern Highlights

Begin your luxury journey aboard MS Esplanade Nile Cruise with a warm welcome from our Egypt Top Tours representative at Aswan Airport or train station. You’ll be transferred in a private air-conditioned vehicle to the cruise ship, where you’ll check in before noon.

Enjoy your first delicious lunch onboard as you settle into your elegantly designed cabin. In the afternoon, embark on a guided visit to three of Aswan’s most iconic sites. Start with the High Dam, a monumental feat of modern engineering built to control the Nile's annual flooding. Continue by motorboat to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis and beautifully relocated to Agilkia Island. End your day at the Unfinished Obelisk, showcasing ancient Egyptian stone-cutting techniques.

Return to MS Esplanade for dinner and a relaxed evening in Aswan.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

 

Note: If you arrive early, we’ll begin sightseeing right away so you won’t wait at the lobby until check-in.

Day 2: Temples of Kom Ombo & Edfu – Sailing the Nile

After breakfast onboard MS Esplanade Nile Cruise, sail toward Kom Ombo, where you’ll visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple. Dedicated to two gods—Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed deity—the temple is symmetrically divided between the two deities. A short visit to the Crocodile Mummification Museum nearby adds an extra layer of intrigue.

Continue sailing to Edfu, enjoying lunch on the sun deck while passing charming riverside scenes. Upon arrival, a horse-drawn carriage will transport you to the Temple of Horus, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples from the Ptolemaic period.

After returning to the cruise, unwind with an onboard dinner followed by a traditional Egyptian Folkloric Show hosted by the MS Esplanade staff.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Luxor West Bank – Ancient Tombs and Temples

Enjoy breakfast with Nile views before venturing to Luxor’s West Bank, a treasure trove of ancient history. Explore the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs like Ramses and Tutankhamun were laid to rest in richly decorated tombs. Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel nestled against the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari. Finally, stand before the Colossi of Memnon, the twin statues guarding the ruins of Amenhotep III’s mortuary temple.

Return to MS Esplanade for lunch and enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. Dinner and overnight stay onboard in Luxor.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Luxor East Bank – Disembarkation and Grand Temples

Following breakfast, check out from MS Esplanade Nile Cruise and begin your final exploration of Luxor’s East Bank. Visit the monumental Karnak Temple Complex, the largest religious structure ever built. Walk among its forest of columns and sacred halls that once echoed with the voices of pharaohs. Then, proceed to the Luxor Temple, elegantly lit by the morning sun and linked to Karnak by the legendary Avenue of Sphinxes.

After your tour, you'll be transferred to your hotel or the airport by Egypt Top Tours, marking the end of your unforgettable Nile cruise journey.

Meals Included: Breakfast

5 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Saturday
Day 1: Welcome to Luxor – East Bank Discovery

Upon boarding MS Esplanade Nile Cruise in Luxor before lunch, you'll be warmly greeted by our Egypt Top Tours team. Settle into your luxurious cabin and enjoy your first gourmet meal onboard.

In the afternoon, explore the iconic Karnak Temple Complex, one of the most magnificent temple ruins in the world, home to towering columns, sacred lakes, and ancient obelisks. Continue to the elegant Luxor Temple, glowing in the golden hues of dusk.

Return to the cruise for tea on the sun deck, followed by dinner and an overnight stay in Luxor.

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

Day 2: Luxor West Bank – Sailing to Esna

Begin your day with a rich breakfast before crossing the Nile to Luxor’s West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, with its richly decorated tombs, and then move to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most unique architectural achievements. End your tour at the Colossi of Memnon.

Enjoy lunch onboard MS Esplanade as it begins sailing toward Esna. Pass through the Esna Lock, a fascinating engineering checkpoint. Enjoy dinner and overnight onboard as you cruise south.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Optional: Take to the skies at sunrise with a magical hot air balloon ride over Luxor (available at an extra cost).

Day 3: Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo – Nile Wonders

Arrive in Edfu and ride in a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus, one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Egypt. Its massive pylon and colorful inscriptions reveal tales of power and divine protection.

Return to MS Esplanade Nile Cruise and sail to Kom Ombo. Visit the temple honoring Sobek and Horus the Elder, featuring twin sanctuaries and fascinating carvings of ancient surgical tools. Stop by the Crocodile Mummification Museum before returning to the cruise for dinner and overnight sailing to Aswan.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Aswan – Engineering Marvels and Island Temples

After breakfast, begin your tour in Aswan with a visit to the modern High Dam, offering views of the massive Lake Nasser. Then, take a short boat ride to the romantic Philae Temple, relocated to Agilkia Island and dedicated to the goddess Isis. Conclude at the Unfinished Obelisk, revealing how these monoliths were carved from solid granite.

Return to MS Esplanade for lunch. The afternoon is yours to relax, with optional excursions like a felucca sail or a visit to a traditional Nubian village. Dinner and cultural entertainment onboard.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Farewell from Aswan – Optional Abu Simbel Tour

After breakfast, disembark in Aswan. For those seeking more adventure, you can opt for a trip to Abu Simbel Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site carved directly into sandstone cliffs by Ramses II.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Prices:

Summer Rates (May- August)

Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 999 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1049 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1449 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 1249 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1279 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1779 Per Person In Single Cabin
Winter Rates (Sep- April)

Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 1199 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1249 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 1749 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 1499 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1549 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 2179 Per Person In Single Cabin

Notes:

Esplanade 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 Esplanade Nile Cruise, our rates remain fixed and may not change.

Esplanade 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.

Esplanade 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 Esplanade Nile Cruise

Please note that the 4 Day 3 Night Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor 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 Esplanade 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.