Steigenberger Senator

Steigenberger Senator

Steigenberger Senator
  • Every Thursday From Luxor & Monday From Aswan

Overview

Step aboard the Steigenberger Senator Nile Cruise with Egypt Top Tours and immerse yourself in a world of refined luxury and personalized service. This exclusive 5-star floating haven redefines opulence, blending lavish Oriental design with breathtaking panoramic views of the Nile. Featuring just 16 ultra-luxurious suites, each equipped with premium amenities, the Steigenberger Senator offers a truly intimate and elegant cruising experience.

Savor gourmet cuisine crafted by expert chefs, relax with a signature drink at the Lounge Bar or the Sundeck Pool Bar, and rejuvenate with a soothing massage or a revitalizing Charcoal Sauna. From the moment you step aboard until the final farewell, every detail is tailored to perfection—ensuring your journey on the Steigenberger Senator Nile Cruise is one of unforgettable comfort, indulgence, and timeless memories.

 

QUICK FACTS — STEIGENBERGER SENATOR
Ship Category 5-Star All-Suite Boutique Nile Cruise — JAZ Hotel Group / Steigenberger Brand
Total Suites 17 suites only, with no standard cabins — 6 suites on the upper deck and 11 suites on the main deck
Suite Size 32 m² suites, each with a private outdoor terrace accessible through panoramic sliding windows
Signature Features Private outdoor terrace, champagne on arrival, daily minibar refill, room service, and complimentary refreshments during excursions
Route Luxor → Aswan (4 or 6 nights) | Aswan → Luxor (3 nights)
Departures Every Thursday from Luxor · Every Monday from Aswan
Price from $1749 per person
Board Basis Full board, American breakfast in suite on request, complimentary suite minibar, and complimentary excursion refreshments
Best For Honeymooners, anniversary couples, special occasions, ultra-luxury travelers, privacy seekers, and guests who want one of the most intimate Nile cruise experiences

Is the Steigenberger Senator Worth It?

Yes. The Steigenberger Senator is worth it for travelers who want the most private, intimate, and carefully serviced Nile cruise experience available. This is not a ship to compare with a standard $699 cruise. It is closer in feeling to a luxury boutique hotel that happens to sail between Luxor and Aswan.

With only 17 suites on board, the atmosphere is completely different from larger Nile cruise ships. Service feels personal, the restaurant has the intimacy of a private dining room, and guests are never surrounded by large crowds. The ship is designed for a maximum of 34 guests, which gives the whole experience a quiet, exclusive rhythm.

The private outdoor terrace is one of the Senator’s strongest advantages. Instead of simply looking at the Nile through a window, guests can step outside from their suite and enjoy the river air, sunset views, and passing temples in complete privacy. Champagne on arrival, daily complimentary minibar refill, room service, in-suite American breakfast on request, and excursion refreshments all support the feeling of a fully designed luxury journey.

For honeymooners, anniversary travelers, special occasions, or guests planning a once-in-a-lifetime Nile cruise, the Steigenberger Senator justifies its premium price through privacy, space, service, and atmosphere.

Who Is the Steigenberger Senator Best For?

  • Honeymooners and anniversary couples who want a highly romantic Nile cruise with private terrace space, champagne, room service, and a quiet boutique atmosphere.
  • Travelers celebrating a major occasion, such as a birthday, retirement, anniversary, or once-in-a-lifetime Egypt trip.
  • Ultra-luxury guests who usually stay in 5-star hotels and want a similar level of privacy and service on the Nile.
  • Privacy-focused travelers who prefer a small ship with a maximum of 34 guests instead of a larger cruise environment.
  • Thursday/Monday schedule travelers who want the highest-end cruise option available on that departure pattern.

Who Should Not Book the Steigenberger Senator?

  • Travelers who need a Monday/Friday departure may prefer the MS Terramar, which is another boutique all-suite option on the standard schedule.
  • Guests who need a Friday departure may prefer the MS Mayfair or Esmeralda, both of which offer strong luxury balcony-style experiences.
  • Travelers who want a large sun deck, bigger pool area, and a more social cruise atmosphere may find the Senator too quiet.
  • Guests who are mainly comparing by price may not fully appreciate the value of its boutique scale and private terrace experience.

Egypt Top Tours Expert Assessment

“The Steigenberger Senator sits in a different category from most Nile cruise ships. With only 17 suites, private outdoor terraces, champagne on arrival, room service, and daily complimentary minibar refill, it feels less like a cruise ship and more like a private boutique hotel on the Nile. It is one of our strongest recommendations for honeymooners, anniversary couples, and guests who want the most personal Nile experience possible.”
— Egypt Top Tours Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947

What You Will See — Sites Visited

Luxor East Bank: Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple.

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

Nile Stops: Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo Temple · Crocodile Museum.

Aswan: Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk.

Optional Add-Ons: Abu Simbel by flight · Hot air balloon over Luxor · Nubian village felucca.

Suite Facilities

  • 32 m² suite with private outdoor terrace.
  • Panoramic sliding windows that open fully.
  • Individually controlled air conditioning.
  • Entertainment centre with marine satellite TV and video.
  • International direct-dial telephone.
  • In-suite safety box.
  • Fully stocked minibar refilled daily at no additional charge.
  • Complimentary champagne or wine on arrival.
  • Bathrobe, slippers, and personal amenity kit.
  • Departure gift.
  • Room service.
  • American breakfast served in suite on request.

On-Board Facilities

  • Restaurant offering à la carte and buffet dining.
  • Luxurious lounge bar.
  • Rooftop pool and outdoor pool area.
  • Fitness gym.
  • Hairdresser and beauty salon.
  • Sauna.
  • 24-hour reception.
  • Complimentary refreshments on all excursion buses.
  • Lift / elevator.
  • BBQ grill on deck.
  • Laundry and dry-cleaning service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Steigenberger Senator now called the JAZ Elite Senator?

Yes. The Steigenberger Senator has been rebranded by the JAZ Hotel Group as the JAZ Elite Senator. The ship itself, the onboard experience, the crew, and the core specifications remain the same.

Egypt Top Tours may continue referring to the ship as “Steigenberger Senator” because this is still the name many travelers search for online. During booking, the team will confirm that the JAZ Elite Senator and Steigenberger Senator refer to the same cruise ship.

Is champagne on arrival included in the $1,499 price?

Yes. A complimentary bottle of champagne or wine is included in the suite minibar on arrival as part of the standard experience. The minibar is also fully stocked and refilled daily at no additional charge.

This makes the Steigenberger Senator especially strong for honeymooners, anniversary guests, and luxury travelers who want inclusions that feel thoughtful rather than added as paid extras.

What is the difference between the Steigenberger Senator and the MS Terramar?

Both ships are boutique all-suite Nile cruises, but they suit slightly different travelers. The Steigenberger Senator has only 17 suites, private outdoor terraces in every suite, champagne on arrival, daily complimentary minibar refill, room service, and complimentary excursion refreshments.

The MS Terramar starts from $999 and offers 20 suites, a recent renovation, premium bathroom amenities, and a Monday/Friday schedule. Choose the Senator if the private terrace, smaller guest count, and more complete luxury inclusions matter most. Choose the Terramar if the standard Monday/Friday schedule and lower starting price are more important.

What is the Steigenberger Senator sailing schedule?

The Steigenberger Senator sails every Thursday from Luxor and every Monday from Aswan. It offers Luxor to Aswan itineraries of 4 or 6 nights, plus a 3-night Aswan to Luxor programme.

Cruise Facilities

Steigenberger Senator Nile Cruise Facilities

GUEST SUITES:

  • -16 Opulent Suite
  • -All suites are equipped with a private terrace
  • -Suites size is 32 m2
  • SUITE FEATURES:
  • -Adjustable A/C
  • -Marine Satellite
  • -TV
  • -Suites are equipped with private bathrooms, shower cabin, and hairdryer
  • -In cabin safe box
  • -Full stocked minibar refilled daily
  • -Complimentary bottle of local wine upon arrival
  • -Complimentary fruit basket upon arrival
  • -Bathrobe & slipper
  • -Deluxe suite amenities
  • -Departure gift
  • -Tea and coffee tray
  • -Esspresso machine
  • -An array of diverse pastries is provided in suites during cruise sailing


CRUISE INFORMATION:

  • -24 - hour reception
  • -Room Service
  • -Luxurious sundeck with swimming pool & pool bar
  • -Luxurious lounge bar
  • -2 Game tables
  • -Library
  • -Complimentary Wifi
  • -Breakfast and Lunch buffet served in the restaurant
  • -Special A la Carte menu served during dinner
  • -Complimentary refreshments on buses during touristic tours
  • -Beauty salon available upon request *
  • -Gym
  • -Massage*
  • -Charcoal Sauna
  • -Gift shop*
  • -Doctor on call*
  • -Local and International dial-up access*
  • -Laundry service*
  • -Major credit cards accepted
  • -Electric current 220 volts 50 cycles


DINING:

  • -Main Restaurant
  • -Sun Deck


Services marked with (*) are against additional charge.

Included

  • Meet and be assist by our representatives at the airport or railway station
  • Accommodation on board Steigenberger Senator 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 – Temples & Tranquility

Upon arrival in Aswan, a representative from Egypt Top Tours will meet and transfer you to embark on the elegant Steigenberger Senator Nile Cruise before lunchtime. After settling into your luxurious suite, enjoy lunch onboard. In the afternoon, begin your guided tour with a visit to the massive High Dam—an engineering marvel of modern Egypt. Then sail by motorboat to the enchanting Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. End the day with a stop at the ancient granite quarries to witness the Unfinished Obelisk, a colossal monument left incomplete. Return to the cruise, enjoy a fine dinner, and relax under the stars in Aswan.

Meals Included:

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 2: Kom Ombo & Edfu – Temples of Duality and Protection

Enjoy an early morning sail to Kom Ombo while savoring your breakfast. Upon arrival, explore the fascinating Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to two gods—Sobek, the crocodile deity, and Horus the Elder. After your visit, continue sailing to Edfu while enjoying lunch onboard. In the afternoon, travel by horse carriage to the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the best-preserved temple in Egypt. Its massive pylons and detailed reliefs will take you back in time. In the evening, cruise toward Luxor via Esna. Relax during afternoon tea on the sun deck, then enjoy a cocktail party followed by a festive Galabeya Party after dinner.

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 3: Luxor – The West Bank & East Bank Marvels

Begin the day with breakfast before exploring the legendary West Bank of Luxor. Visit the Valley of the Kings, home to the tombs of Egypt’s greatest Pharaohs, followed by a tour of the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, carved into the cliffs of Deir El Bahari. Stop at the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the cruise for lunch. In the afternoon, head to the East Bank to explore the grandeur of Karnak Temple—Egypt’s largest temple complex—and the elegant Luxor Temple. Conclude the day with dinner onboard and enjoy a belly dance performance and whirling dervish show.

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4: Final Departure from Luxor

Enjoy your final breakfast onboard the Steigenberger Senator Nile Cruise, then disembark. Egypt Top Tours will assist you with your transfer and bid you farewell as you leave with unforgettable memories of Egypt’s ancient splendor.

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
5 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Thursday
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – East Bank Exploration

Begin your journey with embarkation before lunch. After enjoying a welcome meal onboard, set out to explore the East Bank of Luxor with your Egyptologist guide. Walk the vast grounds of Karnak Temple, filled with towering columns, sacred obelisks, and ancient inscriptions. Then visit the elegant Luxor Temple, connected to Karnak by the Avenue of Sphinxes. Return to the cruise for dinner and settle in for your first night aboard.

Meals Included:

  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 2: Luxor West Bank – Temples & Tombs | Sail to Edfu

After breakfast, cross the Nile to discover the splendors of the West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where ancient rulers rest beneath richly decorated tombs, then explore the majestic Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the towering Colossi of Memnon. Return to the cruise for lunch as the Steigenberger Senator begins sailing to Edfu via the Esna Lock. Relax on the sundeck with afternoon tea before enjoying the Captain’s cocktail party and dinner onboard.

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 3: Temples of Edfu & Kom Ombo – Sailing South

Enjoy breakfast before visiting the Temple of Horus in Edfu, a perfectly preserved Ptolemaic temple filled with scenes of divine battles and rituals. Sail to Kom Ombo for lunch onboard. In the afternoon, visit the dual temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to Sobek and Horus the Elder. Learn about ancient medicine, healing, and mummified crocodiles. Continue sailing to Aswan while enjoying a lively Galabeya Party after dinner.

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 4: Aswan – Temples, Gardens & Culture

Start the day with breakfast, followed by a tour of Aswan’s highlights. Visit the High Dam, explore the Unfinished Obelisk in its original quarry, and marvel at the beautiful Philae Temple. Return to the cruise for lunch. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional felucca sail to the Botanical Gardens. The day concludes with dinner and a Nubian Show, celebrating the region’s vibrant heritage.

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
Day 5: Farewell from Aswan

Enjoy your last breakfast onboard the Steigenberger Senator Nile Cruise, then disembark. Egypt Top Tours will assist with your onward travel arrangements as your luxury cruise journey comes to an end.

Meals Included:

  • Breakfast

Prices:

Summer Rates (May- August)

Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 1949 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 1999 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 2779 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 2499 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 2549 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 3549 Per Person In Single Cabin
Winter Rates (Sep- April)

Prices
03 Nights/ 04 Days
$ 2549 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 2599 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 3579 Per Person In Single Cabin
04 Nights/ 05 Days
$ 3149 Per Person In Triple Cabin
$ 3199 Per Person In Double Cabin
$ 4479 Per Person In Single Cabin

Notes:

Steigenberger Senator 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 Senator, our rates remain fixed and may not change.

Steigenberger Senator 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 Senator 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 Senator

Please note that the Steigenberger Senator 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 Senator

• 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.