Different Types of Nile Cruise Ships: Which to Choose

When you search for a Nile cruise tour in Egypt, you may find pictures of diverse types of ships sailing on the river. So, which is the best Nile cruise ship and how should you choose the one that suits you best? Below is a brief comparison for you to make things easier.

Main Types of Nile Cruise Ships

Luxury Nile Cruise Ship

Elite Suite of Sonesta St. George Nile Cruise Ship

Among all the types of ships on the Nile, the luxury cruise ships can offer the most comfortable travel experiences. Think of it as a 5-star floating hotel sailing on the river. Honestly, some of the ultra-luxury ones might even be much better than some of the 5-star hotels on land.

You may expect spacious rooms with private balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and cozy seating areas where you can sip your morning coffee while watching the lush riverbanks drift by. Some suites even come with walk-in closets and Jacuzzi bathtubs.

Most luxury ships have several decks, a sundeck with a swimming pool, and facilities like fine-dining restaurants, spas, gyms, or even small libraries. To make your trip more enjoyable, many also organize fun activities such as traditional dance shows or Egyptian cooking classes.

These ships truly do their best to let you soak in luxury while sailing along the Nile. Of course, such comfort comes at a higher cost. But as the saying goes, you get what you pay for.

Popular Choices of Luxury Nile Cruise Ships:

• Sonesta St. George
• Historia Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise
• Oberoi Zahra
• Sanctuary Sun Boat IV

Standard Nile Cruise Ship

Cabin with Balcony of MS Concerto II

If you are after the best value for your money, a standard Nile cruise ship is a great choice. By the way, it is also the most popular option among our customers.

These ships might not have the sparkle of luxury ones, but they still offer a comfortable and enjoyable way to sail between Luxor and Aswan. Cabins are smaller and simpler but also come with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and windows or balconies overlooking the Nile. Meals are usually buffet-style, featuring a nice mix of Egyptian and international dishes. Most ships have a sundeck with loungers, a small pool, and a bar where you can unwind after sightseeing.

Standard Nile cruises range from 2-star to 5-star, giving you plenty of choices. That said, I wouldn't recommend anything below a 4-star ship, as facilities can be basic, and cleanliness sometimes falls short. Also, don't rely only on the star rating. Some older ships still carry their 5-star label from the Ministry of Tourism, but in reality, now feel closer to 3 or 4 stars. My tip is to research the latest reviews or ask your travel expert before making a reservation.

Popular Choices of Standard Nile Cruise Ships:

5-Star Ships	4-Star Ships
Movenpick MS Sun Ray MS Tosca Steigenberger Regency M/S Nile Premium MS Concerto II	MS Blue Shadow I MS Blue Shadow II Kahila Nile Cruise Jamila Nile Cruise

Dahabiya

Dahabiya

Dahabiyas are traditional Egyptian wooden sailboats once used by nobles to travel the Nile in style. Today, they still carry that same charming, old-world atmosphere.

Unlike large cruise ships, a dahabiya usually hosts only 10 to 20 guests, offering a much more private and peaceful experience. If you are looking for something quieter, more personal, and truly authentic, this could be your perfect choice.

Most dahabiyas feature around 10 beautifully decorated cabins, including one or two suites. Meals are freshly prepared by the onboard chef and often served on the open deck. While most traditional dahabiyas don't have modern facilities like pools or gyms, that simplicity is part of their charm.

Powered mainly by the wind, dahabiyas sail smoothly and quietly. I mean, you can sleep peacefully without the hum of engines. Their routes also slightly differ from regular Nile cruise itineraries. They will take you to some small villages and hidden temples that larger ships can't access.

If you plan to book a dahabiya, go for a suite instead of a standard cabin. The extra space and views can shift your experience to the next level. Just note that Dahabiya departures depend on the minimum number of cabin bookings. If that number isn’t met, the sailing may be canceled or rescheduled.

I do not list specific Dahabiya names here because their operation and schedules change frequently. Also, they vary in style and cost, so it's best to consult a reliable travel expert (like Odynovo!) for the most up-to-date and reliable options.

Felucca

Felucca Ride at Sunset

A felucca is the simplest and most traditional way to sail the Nile. It is a small wooden sailboat that has been used for thousands of years. Now, it remains one of the most iconic sights on the river, especially in Aswan.

Unlike cruise ships or dahabiyas, a felucca doesn't have cabins, private bathrooms, or fancy dining rooms. You will be sitting (and sometimes sleeping) on deck cushions under a canvas canopy, feeling the breeze and listening to the gentle splash of water as you sail. It's a back-to-basics experience, more about atmosphere than comfort.

Feluccas are only suitable for short trips, usually lasting from a few hours to half a day. While some adventurous travelers do opt for overnight journeys, I wouldn't recommend it. As I mentioned, there are no onboard facilities, and after dark, you will likely be battling countless mosquitoes.

Anyway, I have to say nothing beats the charm of watching the sunset over the Nile from a quiet felucca. It must be one of the most unforgettable moments of your Egypt tour. If you'd like to experience it, ask your cruise ship about optional felucca rides or have your tour operator arrange one for you before or after your Nile cruise in Aswan.

Key Differences at a Glance

Cruise Type	Guest Capacity	Cost Range	Comfort & Facilities	Ideal For
Luxury	100-150	USD 500-1200 (per person per night)	Spacious rooms with private balconies, fine dining, pool, spa, gym, and entertainment	Travelers who want high-end comfort and full amenities
Standard	80-120	USD 150-400 (per person per night)	Wide range of cabins, buffet meals, small pool, and bar	Travelers seeking good value and comfort
Dahabiya	10-20	USD 250-500 (per person per night)	Quiet sailing, elegant decorated cozy cabins, open-deck dining; limited modern facilities	Couples, families, or small groups wanting a slower, authentic experience
Felucca	4-10	USD 60-150 (per person per sailing)	Basic wooden sailboat, no cabins or bathrooms	Short-experience or adventure seekers
Note: The cost ranges are for reference only, as prices can vary depending on factors such as booking time, travel dates, cabin class and location, and the ship itself. Rates during Egypt's public holidays or festivals like Christmas and New Year are usually about 20-30% higher than regular winter days.

Quick Tips to Pick the Right Nile Cruise

Know your vibe:

• Luxury = comfort & elegance.
• Standard = balance value & comfort.
• Dahabiya = peace & privacy.
• Felucca = short & adventurous. (Can be combined with each of former options)

Don't trust the stars; ask about renovations:

A "5-star" ship from years ago might now feel like a 3-star. Always check the latest reviews and photos. Newer or recently refurbished ships mean cleaner cabins and smoother sailing.

FAQs

Do safety standards vary by ship category?

Not really. Though newer luxury ships might have more modern setups and shinier gear, every licensed Nile cruise ship must meet the safety rules set by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and River Transport Authority. They all have life jackets, fire systems, emergency checks, the whole deal. So, the key to staying safe is to book with a trusted company.

Does a child need to pay for the Nile cruise tour if stay with parents?

It depends on the cruise company and the child's age, but here is a general idea:

• Infants (0-2 years old): Usually free of charge when sharing the same cabin with parents.
• Children (3-11 years old): Most Nile cruises offer discounted rates, typically 50% off the adult price.
• Teenagers (12 years and above): Usually charged at the full adult rate.

Tip: Each cruise operator has its own policy, so it is best to confirm at the time of booking. If you’re booking your Egypt tour with Odynovo, we can help check child policies for your specific cruise ship and suggest the most family-friendly options as well as the itinerary.

French balcony or step-out balcoy: what's the differences?

A French balcony has floor-to-ceiling windows that open inward. A step-out balcony has a small outdoor space where you can sip your drink and wave at passing boats. About 90% of ships have French balconies because space is limited, while a few luxury vessels offer step-out options for that extra indulgence.

Do Nile cruise ships serve alcohol?

Except for felucca, most of the cruise ships on the Nile do serve alcohol! You can order local wine, beer, or cocktails at the onboard bar or restaurant. Just keep in mind that imported drinks are pricier, and availability may vary.