A Sara Nile Cruise 2026 — Review, Itinerary & Prices | Best Budget Cabin Quality from $599
Overview
Bottom line: The A Sara is the budget Nile cruise ship that punches hardest above its price. At $599 — the same starting price as the King of Thebes and MS Nile Palace — its cabins have UV-protected panoramic windows normally found only on 5-star deluxe ships, private bathrooms with bathtubs rather than shower-only cubicles, a fully equipped gymnasium on board, and a 100% non-smoking policy throughout the entire ship — no designated smoking areas, no exceptions. If you are choosing between Saturday/Wednesday ships and cabin quality matters more than lounge facilities, the A Sara is the smart choice at $599.
A Sara Nile Cruise — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ship Category | Budget 5-Star — Best Cabin Quality at $599 |
| Cabin Windows | UV-protected panoramic windows — same technology as 5-star deluxe ships at $699–$799 |
| Bathroom | Bathtub in every cabin — not shower-only |
| Smoking Policy | 100% non-smoking throughout the entire ship — no exceptions anywhere on board |
| Gymnasium | Fully equipped — free for all guests |
| Route | Luxor to Aswan · Aswan to Luxor |
| Duration | 4 nights / 5 days (from Luxor) · 3 nights / 4 days (from Aswan) |
| Departures | Every Saturday from Luxor · Every Wednesday from Aswan |
| Price From | $599 per person |
| Board Basis | Full board — breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Guide Languages | English · Spanish · German · Portuguese |
| Best For | Non-smokers · travelers wanting bathtub and UV windows at budget price · families with children · gym users · travelers with mobility needs preferring bathtub |
Is the A Sara Nile Cruise Worth It?
Yes — it is the most cabin-quality-focused budget ship on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule. The A Sara's UV panoramic windows are the same heat-filtering technology found on the M/S Nile Paradise ($699) and other 5-star deluxe ships. Its bathtub cabins are what most travelers expect only when paying $699–$899. At $599, you are getting cabin features that ships charging $200 more do not offer.
The tradeoff is direct: the A Sara has fewer onboard social facilities than some competitors at the same price. The MS Nile Palace ($599) has a Jacuzzi and free spa. The King of Thebes ($599) has a reading room and afternoon tea. What the A Sara offers instead is a cleaner, quieter, more refined cabin experience — the one place you return to between every temple and every meal. For non-smokers, families with children, and travelers who spend real time in their cabin rather than in the lounge, the A Sara is the stronger choice at $599.
Who Is the A Sara Best For?
- Non-smokers — the 100% non-smoking policy covers every deck, every lounge, every public area, and every cabin. No shared air with smokers anywhere on the ship. This makes a genuine and immediately noticeable difference to the quality of air in the cabins and on the sun deck.
- Travelers who prioritise cabin comfort over social facilities — UV windows and bathtubs at $599 is exceptional value for the Saturday schedule.
- Families with young children — a clean, non-smoking ship with a pool and full board buffet is the most practical family choice on the Saturday departure.
- Gym users — the fully equipped gymnasium is included at no extra charge, rare in this price category.
- Travelers with back or mobility issues — a bathtub rather than a shower-only cubicle is a meaningful practical comfort after a full day walking temple sites in heat.
Who Should NOT Book the A Sara?
- If a Jacuzzi, sauna, spa, and beauty salon are priorities on the Saturday schedule, the Moon Dance ($699) has the most comprehensive wellness facilities of any Saturday ship.
- If the most spacious standard cabin and suite size matter most, the Kahila ($629) has 22m2 standard cabins and 35m2 suites — the largest on the Saturday schedule at this price.
- If billiards, table tennis, and JAZ brand service standards are a priority, the Jaz Celebrity ($599) has all three at the same price.
Egypt For Travel Expert Assessment
"The A Sara is the ship we recommend to guests who call us and say: I want the best cabin possible for $599 on Saturday. The UV windows are the same quality you find on ships costing $200–$300 more. The bathtubs at $599 are exceptional. And the non-smoking policy throughout the ship is something a growing number of travelers — particularly families and health-conscious travelers — specifically request and rarely find at this price. If your priority is the cabin experience rather than the lounge bar, the A Sara wins on Saturday at $599."
— Egypt For Travel Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947
What You Will See — Sites Visited on the A Sara Nile Cruise
| Location | Sites Visited |
|---|---|
| Luxor East Bank | Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Avenue of Sphinxes |
| Luxor West Bank | Valley of the Kings (3 tombs) · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon |
| Edfu | Edfu Temple — arrived by horse-drawn calesh from the dock |
| Kom Ombo | Kom Ombo Temple · Crocodile Museum |
| Aswan | Philae Temple (by motorboat) · Aswan High Dam |
| Schedule: Every Saturday From Luxor & Wednesday From Aswan |
Included
- Meet & greet by our representative at Luxor or Aswan with a name sign
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide throughout all touring days (English, Spanish, German, Portuguese)
- Private air-conditioned vehicle between the ship and every temple
- Full board — breakfast, lunch and dinner on board daily
- All entrance fees: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings (3 tombs), Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Crocodile Museum, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam
- Horse-drawn calesh from Edfu dock to Edfu Temple
- Motorboat to Philae Temple across the Nasser reservoir
- Use of on-board gymnasium (free for all guests)
- All port taxes and service charges
- 24/7 Egypt For Travel WhatsApp support throughout your cruise
Excluded
- International flights to and from Egypt
- Egypt tourist visa — $25 USD per person, paid on arrival at Cairo Airport
- Personal travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Tips and gratuities — Egyptologist guide: $10–15 per person per day · driver: $5–10 per day · cruise crew: $10–15 per person total on final day
- Tomb of Tutankhamun KV62 — approximately $40 per person extra entrance at the Valley of the Kings (not included in the standard 3-tomb ticket)
- Abu Simbel excursion — optional add-on from Aswan, approximately $140 per person by road
- Hot air balloon over Luxor — optional, approximately $120–160 per person; must be pre-arranged at booking
- Alcoholic beverages on board
- Wi-Fi on board (available with charge)
- Any meals not specified in inclusions above
- Personal expenses and shopping
Cruise
A Sara Cabin Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Windows | UV-protected panoramic windows — heat-filtered, full Nile view |
| Bathroom | Bathtub in every cabin · hairdryer |
| Air Conditioning | Individually controlled in every cabin |
| Television | Satellite colour TV |
| Mini Bar | Yes (chargeable) |
| Safe Deposit Box | Individual safe in every cabin |
| Telephone | Direct dial telephone |
| Smoking Policy | 100% non-smoking — entire ship, no exceptions |
A Sara On-Board Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | International buffet — breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Swimming Pool | Outdoor pool on sun deck · sun loungers |
| Gymnasium | Fully equipped — free for all guests |
| Lounge Bar | Main lounge bar · evening entertainment |
| Sun Deck | Open sun deck with panoramic Nile views |
| Gift Shop | Souvenir and gift shop on board |
| Wi-Fi | Available on board (chargeable) |
| Evening Entertainment | Galabia party · belly dancing · Nubian folkloric show |
| Smoking Policy | 100% non-smoking — all decks, all areas, entire ship |
Itinerary:
5 Days - Luxor / Aswan
Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Begin Your Nile Cruise Vacation
Upon your arrival at Luxor Airport or Train Station, our representatives will warmly welcome you and assist in boarding your Nile Cruise. Following a delightful lunch served on board, embark on an awe-inspiring trip to the eastern bank of Luxor along the Nile.
Explore the monumental Karnak Temple, the world's largest ancient religious site. Take your time to leisurely wander through this extensive complex, representing the reigns of numerous pharaohs.
Next, visit the splendid Temple of Luxor, constructed by Amenhotep III and Ramses II, for ceremonial festivities dedicated to the deity Amun. End your day with a delectable dinner served aboard the cruise. Overnight at Luxor.
Day 2: Excursions in Luxor (West Bank attractions)
After a delicious breakfast on board, your knowledgeable tour guide will accompany you to visit the west bank of Luxor. You will embark on an exciting trip to the royal burial ground of 64 pharaohs in the Valley of the Kings, which is also the original resting place of the world-famous boy king Tutankhamun.
Next, you will visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the only pharaoh queen, at Deir-el-Bahari. The temple's design is a unique blend of classical architecture and ancient Egyptian culture, and it boasts stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You will also visit the two gigantic statues of Memnon, which are a true testament to the grandeur of ancient Egyptian art and craftsmanship.
Back to your Nile Cruise. Enjoy a delicious lunch on board the cruise. Sail towards Edfu while enjoying your dinner. You will spend a comfortable and relaxing night on board the cruise in Edfu.
Day 3: Excursions to Temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo
Indulge in a delightful breakfast aboard our Nile cruise before embarking on an enriching journey to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Accompanied by our expert guide, travel in traditional style via a Kalesh (horse cart) ride to explore this magnificent Ptolemaic temple, renowned for its impressive architecture and well-preserved chambers. Enjoy the towering statues of Horus guarding the entrance gate as you immerse yourself in ancient Egyptian history.
Following this captivating visit, savor a delectable lunch on board the cruise while sailing to Kom Ombo. Discover the unique Temple of Sobek and Haroeris. Sail to Aswan. Dinner and overnight in Aswan.
Day 4: Nile Cruise excursions in Aswan
After having breakfast on board the Nile Cruise, your tour guide will join you to start the day in Aswan. You will take a boat ride to the island of Agilkia to visit the Temple of Philae, which is dedicated to the goddess Isis and was rescued from the rising waters caused by the construction of the High Dam. You will marvel at the long colonnades, towers, and reliefs of Philae, including the latest hieroglyphic and demotic descriptions of Egypt.
After the visit, you will have lunch on board the Nile cruise and then have free time to relax and enjoy the facilities on board. Later in the evening, you will have dinner on board the cruise and spend the night in Aswan.
Day 5: Nile Cruise Disembarkation in Aswan
After a delightful breakfast on board the cruise, you will disembark at 08:00 am and be escorted to your transportation by our Egypt For Travel representative. Whether you are departing from Aswan Airport or Aswan train station, we will ensure a smooth and comfortable transfer for you.
4 Days - Aswan / Luxor
Day 1: Boarding On The Nile Cruise / Aswan Day Tour
Your Nile Cruise vacation to ancient Egypt begins as soon as you arrive at Aswan Train Station or Aswan Airport, where an Egypt For Travel representative will greet you. You will then be transferred to your Nile cruise by private air-conditioned vehicle for embarkation in Aswan before lunch. Savor a delicious meal onboard before heading out to explore the wonders of the region.
Your first stop will be the High Dam and the Temple of Philae on Isis Island, where you will be transported back in time to the glory days of ancient Egypt(Kemet Egypt). After Aswan day tour, return to your boat for an exquisite dinner onboard. As the night falls, you will spend the night in Aswan, surrounded by the serene beauty of the Nile River. Trust Egypt For Travel to provide you with an unforgettable journey through time and space, filled with adventure, luxury, and discovery.
Day 2: Explore Kom Ombo Temple and Sail to Edfu
After enjoying a delightful breakfast aboard your Nile cruise, embark on an enriching trip through ancient Egypt. Sail to Kom Ombo while relishing a delectable lunch onboard. Upon arrival, visit the renowned Kom Ombo Temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris. Enjoy the awe-inspiring ancient architecture and delve into the impressive history with your Private tour guide.
Then, back to your Nile cruise and continue sailing to Edfu. Spend the evening surrounded by the serene beauty of the Nile River as you indulge in a lavish dinner onboard.
Trust us to curate a trip full of unforgettable experiences, adventure, and relaxation.
Day 3: Sail to Edfu& Tour To The East Bank
Embark on a fascinating trip through the wonders of ancient Egypt after indulging in a delectable breakfast onboard your luxurious Nile cruise. Visit the awe-inspiring Temple of Horus in Edfu and discover the secrets of the fascinating mythology of Horus, the god of the sky and kingship. Afterward, sail towards Esna while enjoying a delicious lunch onboard.
Cross the Esna lock and make your way toward Luxor, where you will be captivated by the stunning beauty of the Karnak and Luxor temples on the eastern Bank of Luxor.
Immerse yourself in the rich history and culture of Egypt as our knowledgeable Egyptologists guide you through the temples, sharing fascinating insights and stories along the way.
After a day filled with wonder and exploration, enjoy a splendid dinner onboard your cruise and spend the night at Luxor.
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the magic of ancient Egypt.
Day 4: Explore Luxor's West Bank & Departure
Egypt For Travel ensures a seamless experience for their guests from start to finish. Enjoy breakfast on board the cruise before disembarking at 0800am and meeting your private guide, who will accompany you on a tour of the West Bank. Explore the fascinating Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon with expert guidance.
After the tour, you will be transferred to the Luxor train station or airport for your departure, marking the end of an unforgettable journey through ancient Egypt.
Prices:
Summer Rates (May- August)
Prices
Winter Rates (Sep- April)
Prices
Notes:
About the A Sara Nile Cruise
The A Sara Nile Cruise is a 5-star budget ship operating the Saturday/Wednesday departure schedule between Luxor and Aswan. Its defining position in the Egypt For Travel fleet is clear: it is the ship with the best cabin specification at the $599 price point on Saturday departures. UV-protected panoramic windows, bathtubs in every cabin, a 100% non-smoking policy throughout the entire vessel, and a fully equipped gymnasium are features that most ships charge $150–$250 more to offer. Every shore excursion is operated by a private licensed Egyptologist guide. Egypt For Travel holds Egyptian Tourism Authority Licence Category A No. 1947.
Why the A Sara's Cabin Specification Stands Apart
The A Sara's UV panoramic windows are the single most significant cabin feature in its price category. Standard budget Nile cruise ship windows are smaller portholes or fixed-pane windows that transmit full solar heat, making the cabin temperature difficult to control in summer and the view restricted. The A Sara's UV-filtered glass panels are larger, heat-resistant, and frame the Nile landscape — the passing desert cliffs, Nubian villages, and temple banks — with the same quality of view found on the M/S Nile Paradise and other ships at $699–$799. The bathtub in every cabin is the second differentiator: after a full day walking temple sites in Egyptian heat — the Valley of the Kings at 35°C, the limestone plateau of Deir el-Bahari — a bath rather than a shower is a genuine and meaningful comfort. At $599, no other Saturday ship offers both features together.
Nile Cruise Prices
All A Sara Nile Cruise rates are quoted in US dollars per person per trip. Payments are also accepted in Euro (EUR) and British Pounds (GBP) at the current exchange rate. Prices may vary during Christmas, New Year, and Easter holiday periods. Once your A Sara Nile Cruise booking is confirmed by Egypt For Travel, rates remain fixed and will not change.
Best Season to Cruise on the A Sara
| Season | Temperatures | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| October – April (Peak) | 18–28°C in Luxor and Aswan | Best conditions for temple visits. Comfortable mornings. Clearest light for photography. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for preferred cabin categories. |
| May – September (Summer) | 35–42°C in Luxor and Aswan | Lower prices and better availability. All temple visits at 06:30 to finish before midday heat. The A Sara's UV windows keep cabins significantly cooler than standard glass in summer — a practical advantage specific to this ship. |
| Christmas & New Year | 18–22°C — perfect | Highest demand. Higher prices. 50% deposit required. Book 2–3 months ahead minimum. |
Departure Schedule
| Departure | Day | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxor | Every Saturday | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Luxor → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan |
| Aswan | Every Wednesday | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor |
Choosing Between Saturday/Wednesday Ships — A Sara vs Competitors
Six ships depart Saturday from Luxor on the 2026 schedule. Your choice depends on what matters most inside the cabin and on deck:
| Ship | From | Key Difference — Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Sarah | $579 | UV windows · bathtub · gym · non-smoking · 24-hour doctor on board · $20 less |
| A Sara Nile Cruise | $599 | UV panoramic windows · bathtub · 100% non-smoking entire ship · gym — best cabin specification at $599 |
| MS Nile Palace | $599 | Jacuzzi on sun deck · free spa, sauna and Turkish bath · 75 cabins · family cabins available |
| Kahila Nile Cruise | $629 | Largest standard cabin 22m2 · 35m2 suites · DVD player · CCTV security · fire alarm every cabin |
| Moon Dance | $699 | Full wellness: Jacuzzi · sauna · spa · gym · beauty salon — best facilities on Saturday schedule |
Nile Cruise Children Policy
| Age | Rate | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 0 – 1.99 years | Free of charge | Sharing cabin with parents · no extra bed |
| 2 – 5.99 years | 25% of adult rate | Sharing parents' cabin |
| 6 – 11.99 years | 50% of adult rate | Sharing parents' cabin |
| 12 years and above | Full adult rate | Considered adult for pricing purposes |
If your tour package includes airfare, additional charges for children may apply. Contact Egypt For Travel to confirm your specific family pricing at booking.
Payment and Deposit Policy
| Period | Deposit Required |
|---|---|
| Standard booking (all dates) | 25% of total price |
| Christmas, New Year and Easter departures | 50% of total price |
The deposit is deducted from the final balance. The remaining amount can be settled up to one week before your arrival date, or in cash upon boarding. An installment plan over 6, 9, or 12 months is available — contact Egypt For Travel to confirm terms.
Entry Tickets Note
The A Sara Nile Cruise package includes entrance fees to all standard sites: Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings (standard 3-tomb ticket), Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Crocodile Museum, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam, and Unfinished Obelisk. Please note that entry to special archaeological sites is not included, specifically the interior of the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) at the Valley of the Kings, which requires a separate entrance fee of approximately $40 per person. Your Egyptologist guide advises on the day.
Cancellation Policy
| Notice Before Departure | Cancellation Charge |
|---|---|
| 61 days or more | 10% of total price |
| 31 – 60 days | 20% of total price |
| 15 – 30 days | 50% of total price |
| 1 – 14 days | 100% of total price (no refund) |
Christmas, New Year and Easter departures: specific cancellation terms apply and are confirmed at booking. Travel insurance is strongly recommended.
Tipping Guide
- Egyptologist guide: $10–15 per person per day
- Private driver: $5–10 per person per day
- A Sara cruise crew: $10–15 per person total, paid on the final day
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical expenses, emergency evacuation, trip cancellation, and personal liability is strongly recommended for all guests. Egypt For Travel does not sell travel insurance but can advise on suitable policies at booking. All temple sites involve walking on uneven ground — comfortable closed-toe shoes are essential.
About Egypt For Travel
Egypt For Travel — Egypt Today Travel Group
Egyptian Tourism Authority Licence Category A No. 1947
39 Zohair Sabry Street, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
WhatsApp: +20 155 555 2466
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.egyptfortravel.com
Our team responds to all inquiries within 2 hours during business hours (Cairo time, GMT+2).
Partner brands: Around Egypt Tours · Egypt Top Tours · Best Nile Cruises
All tours and cruises operated directly — not subcontracted.
