What are the best Nile River cruises? Our expert guide
From sailing on the ship that once welcomed Agatha Christie to levels of luxury worthy of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh, find the best Nile River cruise for you.
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What to know before you book
The Nile River flows through 11 African countries, but Nile cruises almost always focus exclusively on Egypt. While they operate year-round, be prepared for extreme heat during the summer months, when temperatures often reach the high 30s to low 40s °C. Peak season is from October to April.
Also, you can’t see the Pyramids of Giza (located just outside of Cairo) on a classic Luxor-to-Aswan Nile cruise. Some itineraries, therefore, combine cruises and land tour excursions.
Lastly, check the latest UK government travel advice for Egypt, including information on any areas where travel is not recommended.
What makes a cruise 'the best'?
At World of Cruising, our travel experts curate our 'best for...' guides by focusing on what makes a cruise the right fit for different types of travellers. After all, while a full fortnight on the Nile might slot right into one person's plans, it may be completely undoable for another.
That's why we dig deeper. In this case, we've painstakingly researched different itineraries, ships and tours, considering details large and small, from route and price to onboard pools and pillow menus.
The result? Tailored recommendations that go beyond a one-size-fits-all approach.
Best for affordability: TUI River Cruises
Why this cruise line?
For many travellers, cruising the Nile, past palm-lined riverbanks and sacred temples that have stood for millennia, can feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, reserved exclusively for bucket lists.
That's why it's often a pleasant surprise when cruisers discover how competitively priced a good-quality Nile River cruise can be. Enter TUI River Cruises, which offers remarkable value compared to other options. For less than £1,500 per person, you can stay in a Superior French Balcony cabin aboard a refurbished Nile ship, complete with a swimming pool and entertainment from local performers.
What else makes it special?
A resident Egyptologist is on hand to guide you, adding context and depth to every stop. Shore excursions include extraordinary experiences like exploring the double Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to two gods: Sobek, the ancient Egyptian crocodile deity, and Horus, the falcon-headed protector – just one of many sights you'll see.
Plus, TUI River Cruises offers an extensive selection of departure dates, giving you the flexibility to sail when it suits you best.
How much does it cost?
Seven-night sailings are priced from roughly £1,400 to £2,000 per person (subject to change). This includes direct return flights from Gatwick or Manchester to Luxor.
Learn more about TUI River Cruises.
Best for travellers short on time: Mayfair Cruises
Why this cruise line?
The Nile might be the longest river in the world (depending on who you ask), but that doesn’t mean you need weeks to experience it. If you're short on annual leave, don’t fret – you can see the river’s most famous sites in as little as three days.
Mayfair Cruises, a local boutique line dedicated solely to Nile sailings, has perfected the art of the whirlwind itinerary. Their short but rich sailings from Luxor or Aswan span seven, four, or just three nights. Yet, each one is packed with unforgettable experiences.
A three-night itinerary, for instance, includes several sightseeing excursions – already bundled into the fare – to places like Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Colossi of Memnon. And that’s before you consider add-on extras, such as a hot air balloon ride over Luxor.
What else makes it special?
When you’re not being whisked off to tombs and temples, you can unwind in the serene surrounds of a Mayfair ship, whether that’s by the pool or over a meal that blends international cuisine with local Egyptian flavours.
How much does it cost?
At the time of publication, fares start from around £600 to £800 per person for three nights, based on double occupancy. This excludes flights.
Learn more aboutMayfair Cruises.
Best for an in-depth Nile journey: Riviera Travel
Why this cruise line?
Riviera Travel offers immersive itineraries lasting over a fortnight, giving you time to explore Cairo before sailing all the way to Aswan – without the rush.
Cruise lines sailing this full route are rare. Most skip Cairo altogether or include it as a fly-in, fly-out pre-cruise tour before you begin your sailing from Luxor. With Riviera Travel, you experience the river at a more leisurely pace, seeing a gradual shift in landscape as you go.
The itinerary means you can tick off highlights like the mighty Pyramids of Giza and the enigmatic Sphinx while also venturing to less-visited sites such as Tell el-Amarna, the short-lived capital built by Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti.
There’s more time to dig deeper, too, such as at a papyrus workshop where you’ll learn about ancient Egyptian writing techniques.
What else makes it special?
After exploring Cairo – one of Africa’s biggest cities – the slower rhythm of the river cruise is especially welcome. You can unwind by the pool, browse the library or take afternoon tea while the Nile slips by. There’s a lot to digest, after all.
How much does it cost?
Fares start at around £3,700 per person, though prices can rise depending on the time of year and your choice of cabin. Return flights and transfers are included.
Learn more aboutRiviera Travel.
Best for luxury amenities: Avalon Waterways
Why this cruise line?
Avalon Waterways provides itineraries that deliver a full sweep of ancient wonders. Passengers find themselves strolling beneath the colossal pillars of temples or enjoying rides on traditional wooden feluccas, which have sailed the Nile for centuries.
However, it’s the experience onboard the ship that truly sets this cruise apart. The MS Farah – meaning ‘happiness’ in Arabic and hosting just 56 cabins and two suites – offers a boutique style of travel.
You’ll find thoughtful touches at every turn: pillow menus, handmade Egyptian sheets, full baths and a gym, sauna and steam room. Cooking classes are led by the chef, while local experts offer deeper insight, and a telescope on the sundeck invites late-night stargazing. There’s also a pool for cooling off – a welcome relief in the summer.
What else makes it special?
The Paulo Coelho-inspired library (a welcome touch for fans of The Alchemist) is a real treat after long shore excursions.
How much does it cost?
Fares begin at £3,500 to £4,000 at the time of writing, though this excludes international flights.
Learn more about Avalon Waterways.
Best for adults-only cruising: Viking Cruises
Why this cruise line?
Viking Cruises caters exclusively to adults, with no guests under 18 allowed on board. The atmosphere is one of refined, low-key luxury, designed for travellers who value comfort, cultural depth and a more serene, adult-oriented experience.
Viking’s Egypt cruise tours sit firmly at the luxury end of the spectrum, offering a truly all-inclusive experience. From return flights to onboard gratuities, enrichment lectures and complimentary shore excursions to UNESCO World Heritage sites, every detail is taken care of.
On a Nile cruise, shore excursions could involve exploring Dendera Temple, joining a guided market tour or visiting Queen Nefertari’s tomb in the Valley of the Queens.
What else makes it special?
Before you even set foot in Egypt, Viking aims to whet your cultural appetite, offering curated book and film recommendations for those who want to immerse themselves in advance.
How much does it cost?
Prices for 12-day itineraries typically start at around £5,500 per person (at the time of writing and dependent on cabin type). This includes flights from London and regional airports.
Learn more about Viking Cruises.
Best for families: Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Why this cruise line?
A Nile cruise might be a voyage for the ages – but not necessarily one for all ages. Itineraries often involve early mornings, either to catch internal flights (such as from Cairo to Luxor) or to tour ancient sites before the heat of the day. These disruptions can impact younger children’s sleep schedules. Exploring museums and historical sites can also involve considerable amounts of walking in hot weather.
However, if your child is at the right age (and of the right temperament), a Nile River cruise could become one of your most memorable family holidays, particularly if you pick your cruise line wisely.
That’s where Uniworld Boutique River Cruises comes in. While other cruise lines do not permit children on Nile cruises or only allow older children, this line welcomes children aged four and above.
On select sailings, it features a thoughtfully designed Generations Family Programme. Once aboard, you’re welcomed by a dedicated family host and child-friendly dining options, as well as a range of tailored events and shore excursions suited to ages four through 17.
What else makes it special?
While Uniworld is family-friendly, it’s also positioned within the luxury cruise category. Guests enjoy lavishly appointed staterooms and special touches, such as a gala reception to welcome you aboard.
What does it cost?
A comprehensive 12-day Cairo-to-Cairo land-and-cruise itinerary typically costs upwards of £5,000 (at the time of writing). This includes flights.
Learn more about Uniworld Boutique River Cruises.
Best for history lovers: Original Travel
Why this cruise line?
On the Steam Ship Sudan – one of the most historic vessels on the Nile today – it can feel like you’re sailing back in time. The authentic steamer was built in the 1880s for the Egyptian royal family before it was transformed into a cruiser in the 1920s.
A decade later, it welcomed Agatha Christie onboard for a cruise that would inspire her genre-defining murder mystery, Death on the Nile.
Original Travel welcomes guests aboard this beautifully restored Belle Époque ship for a cruise unlike any other. Rich woodwork and vintage décor evoke classic river voyages without sacrificing modern comforts.
Of course, this isn’t just a journey into the 20th century. With expert Egyptologists on board, you’ll travel back thousands of years through the ancient world. On a 10-day itinerary, you might explore the Theban Necropolis, visit the Temple of Edfu and try your hand at hieroglyphic writing.
What else makes it special?
Original Travel curates tailor-made itineraries that pair luxury hotel stays with this unforgettable Nile cruise. Its local concierges and expert guides add a personal touch, adjusting tours to travellers' tastes.
What does it cost?
Prices start at around £5,000 for a cruise tour, including international and domestic flights, but can vary significantly based on how the itinerary is tailored.
Learn more about a Steam Ship Sudan cruise.
So there you have it – whether you’re after an adults-only escape, a slow-paced deep dive into history or a whirlwind three-day sail, there’s a Nile cruise to match your style of travel.
