Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise 2026 — Review, Itinerary & Prices | Bathtub, Tea & Coffee Making & Auto Wake-Up from $629
Overview
Bottom line: The Blue Shadow I is one of the most thoughtfully appointed 5-star Nile cruise ships on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule — and the most carefully detailed ship at $629 for early-rising temple visitors. Its standout cabin features go beyond the standard specification: tea and coffee-making facilities in every cabin (a hotel feature rarely found on Nile cruise ships), an automatic wake-up call service, and an in-house movie programme alongside LCD satellite TV and international direct dialling. Bathtubs in every bathroom. Large panoramic Nile-view windows. The automatic fire alarm system provides safety assurance. At $629, this is a thoughtfully equipped Saturday departure ship for travelers who value the details that make early-morning temple visits genuinely comfortable.
Blue Shadow I — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ship Category | 5-Star Nile Cruise |
| Unique Features | Tea & coffee making facilities in every cabin · automatic wake-up call service |
| Bathroom | Bathtub + shower + hairdryer in every cabin |
| Windows | Large panoramic Nile-view windows in all cabins |
| Route | Luxor to Aswan (4 nights) · Aswan to Luxor (3 nights) |
| Departures | Every Saturday from Luxor · Every Wednesday from Aswan |
| Price From | $629 per person |
| Board Basis | Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) |
| Best For | Early-morning temple visitors · bathtub seekers on Sat/Wed schedule · tea and coffee lovers · travelers who value practical cabin comfort details · Saturday arrivals in Luxor |
Is the Blue Shadow I Worth It?
Yes — especially for early-morning Egyptology visitors on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule at $629. Most 5-star Nile cruise ships at this price have shower-only bathrooms. The Blue Shadow I has bathtubs. It also has something no other ship in Egypt For Travel's Saturday/Wednesday fleet offers: in-room tea and coffee making facilities — meaning you can wake up before a dawn temple visit and make yourself a coffee in your cabin without waiting for the restaurant to open. The automatic wake-up call service ensures you are awake in time for those 06:00 starts at the Valley of the Kings or Karnak Temple. These are small details — but they are the difference between a ship that feels standard and one that feels genuinely prepared for serious Egyptology.
Who Is the Blue Shadow I Best For?
- Early-morning temple visitors who want the practical infrastructure to support 05:30–06:00 starts — the automatic wake-up call and in-cabin coffee combination is uniquely suited to this on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule.
- Bathtub seekers on the Saturday/Wednesday departure who want a bathtub at $629 — not all ships at this price confirm bathtubs.
- Tea and coffee lovers who want hotel-style in-room hot drink making — this feature is rare on Nile cruise ships at any price.
- Saturday arrivals in Luxor whose Friday/Saturday international flights or Cairo weekend make this departure the natural connection.
- Travelers who value safety infrastructure — the automatic fire alarm system is confirmed on the Blue Shadow I.
Who Should NOT Book the Blue Shadow I?
- If a gymnasium on board is important, the Blue Shadow I does not confirm gym facilities. For Saturday/Wednesday ships with a confirmed gym, see the Princess Sarah ($579, Sat/Wed) or Jaz Celebrity ($649, Sat/Wed).
- If larger cabin size is the main priority, the Kahila ($629, Sat/Wed) offers 22 m² standard cabins — a larger specification at the same price point, with a glass-floor restaurant and observation deck as additional distinctions.
- If Jacuzzi, sauna, and a full spa are priorities, the MS Moon Dance ($699, Sat/Wed) is the right upgrade at $70 more, with 2 Jacuzzis, sauna, spa, gym, and beauty salon.
Egypt For Travel Expert Assessment
"The tea and coffee making in the cabin is the detail that experienced Egyptology travelers notice first on the Blue Shadow I. It sounds simple — but on a Nile cruise ship, being able to make a cup of tea in your cabin at 5:30am before a Valley of the Kings dawn visit, without having to call room service or wait for the restaurant, is a genuine comfort. Combined with the bathtub, the automatic wake-up call, and panoramic windows at $629, the Blue Shadow I is a thoughtfully equipped Saturday departure ship for travelers who care about the practical details."
— Egypt For Travel Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947
What You Will See — Sites Visited on the Blue Shadow I
| Location | Sites Visited |
|---|---|
| Luxor East Bank | Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple |
| 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 |
| Aswan | Philae Temple (by motorboat) · Aswan High Dam |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Blue Shadow I different from other $629 Nile cruise ships?
Three features make the Blue Shadow I stand out at $629. First, bathtubs in every bathroom — not all 5-star ships at this price confirm bathtubs. Second, in-room tea and coffee making facilities — the only ship on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule at this price with this feature. This means early-morning hot drinks in your cabin before dawn temple excursions without waiting for the restaurant to open. Third, the automatic wake-up call service — ensuring you are never late for the 06:00 pick-ups that characterise Valley of the Kings and Karnak dawn visits. These details, alongside large panoramic windows, LCD satellite TV, in-house movie programme, electronic safe, mini bar, and international direct dialling, create a cabin experience that feels genuinely hotel-quality at $629.
Is the Blue Shadow I suitable for early-morning temple visitors?
Yes — the Blue Shadow I is one of the best-equipped ships on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule for early-morning Egyptology. The automatic wake-up call service means you set your preferred wake time at reception and the system calls your cabin at that hour — essential for 05:30 starts before Valley of the Kings and Karnak visits at dawn when the sites are near-empty and the light is extraordinary. The in-room tea and coffee making gives you hot drinks in your cabin before the restaurant opens. Egypt For Travel's Egyptologist guides are available from early morning on all departures — the Blue Shadow I's alarm and coffee combination ensures you make the most of that access.
| Schedule: Saturday from Luxor (4 nights) · Wednesday from Aswan (3 nights) |
Included
- Meet and greet by Egypt For Travel representative at Luxor or Aswan Airport/Station with a name sign
- Accommodation on the Blue Shadow I in a panoramic cabin with bathtub
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide throughout all touring days (English, Spanish, German, Portuguese)
- All guided shore excursions — 100% private, not shared group tours
- 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, Philae Temple, Aswan High Dam
- Horse-drawn calesh from Edfu dock to Edfu Temple
- Motorboat to Philae Temple across the reservoir
- Free bottled water during all shore excursions
- All service charges and port taxes
- 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
- Bar drinks and alcoholic beverages on board
- Mini bar (chargeable)
- Personal expenses and shopping
Cruise
Blue Shadow I Cabin Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Tea & Coffee Making | Tea and coffee making facilities in every cabin — a hotel feature rarely found on Nile cruise ships; enables hot drinks in your cabin before dawn excursions without waiting for the restaurant |
| Automatic Wake-Up Call | Automatic wake-up call service — essential for 05:30 starts before Valley of the Kings and Karnak dawn visits |
| Bathroom | Private bathroom with bathtub and shower in every cabin · hairdryer provided |
| Windows | Large panoramic Nile-view windows in every cabin |
| Television | LCD TV with satellite channels in every cabin · in-house movie programme · music system |
| Air Conditioning | Individually controlled air conditioning in every cabin |
| Telephone | Telephone with international direct dialling in every cabin |
| Safe & Mini Bar | Electronic safe deposit box · mini bar in every cabin (chargeable) |
| Internet & Safety | Internet connectivity on board · automatic fire alarm system |
Blue Shadow I On-Board Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | Dining room — full board breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Swimming Pool | Swimming pool · sun deck |
| Lounge & Bar | Lounge bar |
| In-Cabin Service | Automatic wake-up call service · in-cabin tea and coffee making available in every cabin |
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 Blue Shadow I Nile Cruise
The Blue Shadow I is a 5-star Nile cruise ship on the Saturday/Wednesday departure schedule between Luxor and Aswan. Its standout features — tea and coffee making facilities in every cabin, an automatic wake-up call service, and a bathtub in every bathroom — make it one of the most practically prepared ships on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule for early-morning Egyptology at $629. Egypt For Travel holds Egyptian Tourism Authority Licence Category A No. 1947.
Why the Blue Shadow I's Cabin Details Matter for Early-Morning Egyptology
The Valley of the Kings is best visited at 06:00 when the site is near-empty and the desert light is extraordinary. Karnak Temple at dawn, before the tour groups arrive, is a genuinely different experience from a midday visit. To make the most of these conditions, a traveler needs to be awake at 05:30, washed, dressed, and ready for the vehicle by 06:00. The Blue Shadow I is specifically equipped for this: the automatic wake-up call service ensures the cabin telephone rings at the set time without relying on a personal alarm that might not wake you on the first night of the cruise. The in-cabin tea and coffee making facilities mean a hot drink is available immediately upon waking without waiting for the restaurant to open or calling room service. The bathtub allows a proper wash before the day rather than a rushed shower. These three features together — at $629 on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule — create a morning routine that is rare on Nile cruise ships at this price.
Nile Cruise Prices
All Blue Shadow I 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 Blue Shadow I booking is confirmed by Egypt For Travel, rates remain fixed and will not change.
Best Season to Cruise on the Blue Shadow I
| Season | Temperatures | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| October – April (Peak) | 18–28°C in Luxor and Aswan | Best conditions for temple visits. The automatic wake-up call is most appreciated for cold early mornings in November–February before 06:00 Valley of the Kings visits. The in-cabin coffee is particularly valued in cool winter mornings. |
| May – September (Summer) | 35–42°C in Luxor and Aswan | Lower prices and better availability. Temple visits at 06:00 are especially important in summer — the difference in temperature between 06:00 and 10:00 at the Valley of the Kings is significant. The in-cabin coffee and wake-up call serve the same purpose year-round. |
| Christmas & New Year | 18–22°C — perfect | Highest demand. 50% deposit required. Book early for Christmas week Saturday departures. |
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 |
Saturday/Wednesday Ships — Blue Shadow I vs Alternatives
| Ship | From | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Blue Shadow I | $629 | Tea & coffee in cabin · automatic wake-up call · bathtub · panoramic windows — best for early-morning temple visitors |
| Princess Sarah | $579 | Gymnasium on board · Sat/Wed — $50 less, best for fitness on Sat/Wed |
| Kahila | $629 | 22 m² standard cabins · glass-floor restaurant · observation deck — same price, larger cabins and architectural distinction |
| MS Moon Dance | $699 | 2 Jacuzzis · sauna · spa · gym · 8 suites — $70 more, comprehensive wellness package |
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 |
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 Blue Shadow I 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, Philae Temple, and Aswan High Dam. Please note that the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) at the Valley of the Kings requires a separate entrance fee of approximately $40 per person — not included in the standard 3-tomb ticket. 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
- Blue Shadow I 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.
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.
