Iberotel Amara Nile Cruise 2026 — Review, Itinerary & Prices | JAZ Most Intimate Ship
Overview
Bottom line: The Iberotel Amara is the most intimate ship in the JAZ Hotel Group's Nile cruise fleet — carrying just 29 cabins in total compared to 50 on the Iberotel Helio and 70–77 on most other 5-star ships. That small passenger count creates a genuinely different onboard atmosphere: quieter dining, an uncrowded sun deck, crew who know your name from Day 1. The Amara's 28m2 suites are the largest in the JAZ Amara/Helio tier. Two dedicated single cabins make it one of the very few Nile cruise ships that specifically accommodates solo travelers. A beauty salon, doctor on board, two-level sun deck with pool bar, and full JAZ Hotel Group service standards complete the picture. Departing every Thursday from Luxor and every Monday from Aswan, from $619 per person.
Iberotel Amara Nile Cruise — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ship Category | Boutique 5-Star — JAZ Hotel Group — Most Intimate JAZ Ship |
| Also Known As | JAZ Al Qassida — same ship listed in JAZ Group booking systems |
| Total Cabins | 29 total — 25 double cabins · 2 single cabins · 2 suites (28m2) |
| Suite Size | 28m2 — largest suite in the JAZ Amara/Helio tier |
| Single Cabins | 2 dedicated single-occupancy cabins — rare feature on any Nile cruise ship |
| Sun Deck | Two-level sun deck — lower pool deck with swimming pool and pool bar · upper observation level |
| Beauty Salon | Yes — available upon request |
| Medical | Doctor on board throughout the cruise |
| Route | Luxor to Aswan · Aswan to Luxor |
| Duration | 4 nights / 5 days (from Luxor) · 3 nights / 4 days (from Aswan) |
| Departures | Every Thursday from Luxor · Every Monday from Aswan |
| Price From | $619 per person |
| Board Basis | Full board — breakfast, lunch and dinner daily · halal and vegetarian options |
| Guide Languages | English · Spanish · German · Portuguese |
| Best For | Couples wanting quiet and intimacy · solo travelers (2 dedicated single cabins) · honeymooners (28m2 suite at $619) · repeat Nile cruise travelers wanting smaller ship · anyone who wants JAZ standards in the most intimate configuration |
Is the Iberotel Amara Worth It?
Yes — if the quality of your evenings and the quietness of the ship matter as much as the daytime temples. With only 29 cabins, the Amara carries fewer than 60 passengers at full capacity. The difference in atmosphere compared to a 70-cabin ship is immediate and real: the restaurant is never rushed, the sun deck always has space, and the crew have the capacity to be genuinely attentive rather than efficiently managing large numbers. For couples who want a quiet, intimate cruise rather than a sociable group experience, and for solo travelers who want to meet other guests in a naturally convivial small-ship setting, the Amara is the standout JAZ choice on the Thursday/Monday schedule.
The 28m2 suites at $619 starting price are genuinely impressive value — on most ships, suites of this size require paying $200–$400 more per person. Two dedicated single cabins make the Amara one of the few Nile cruise ships that treats solo travel as a first-class option rather than an afterthought. The beauty salon, doctor on board, and full JAZ service standards across housekeeping, food safety, and crew training complete a ship that delivers more than its price suggests.
Who Is the Iberotel Amara Best For?
- Couples wanting genuine quiet and intimacy on the Nile rather than the sociable atmosphere of a larger motor cruise ship — fewer than 60 passengers at full capacity creates a fundamentally different experience.
- Solo travelers — 2 dedicated single cabins available, priced for single occupancy without a supplement. The Amara is one of the very few Nile cruise ships designed to accommodate solo travelers as a genuine market rather than an inconvenient exception.
- Honeymooners who want the 28m2 suite in a boutique intimate setting at a price below the ultra-deluxe ships.
- Repeat Nile cruise travelers who have been on larger ships and specifically want a smaller, quieter vessel on their return visit.
- Travelers who value JAZ brand standards in the most intimate available configuration on the Thursday/Monday schedule.
Who Should NOT Book the Iberotel Amara?
- If availability and departure flexibility are the priority, the Iberotel Helio ($579, Monday/Friday) has 50 cabins and more scheduling options within the JAZ fleet on the standard Monday schedule.
- If UV panoramic windows and bathtub cabins in the standard cabin are the priority, the Nile Jewel ($599, Thursday/Monday) has both on the same departure schedule at $20 less.
- If a Jacuzzi, sauna, or full spa facility matters more than intimacy and suite space, the M/S Nile Paradise ($699, Monday/Friday) offers deluxe facilities at $80 more on the Monday schedule.
Egypt For Travel Expert Assessment
"The Amara is the ship we recommend to couples who specifically ask for quiet. With 29 cabins at full occupancy you have at most 50–55 fellow passengers — fewer than a single departure deck of a large cruise liner. The 28m2 suites are genuinely spacious, the crew attention is excellent, and the JAZ service standard means the food and housekeeping are consistent every day. For solo travelers, the two dedicated single cabins make the Amara one of the most thoughtful solo travel choices on the Nile — and they book out before any other cabin category in peak season."
— Egypt For Travel Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947
Is the Iberotel Amara the Same as the JAZ Al Qassida?
Yes — Iberotel Amara and JAZ Al Qassida are the same ship. The vessel was originally branded as Iberotel Amara and appears under the JAZ Al Qassida name in JAZ Group booking systems and on the jazcruises.com website. When booking through Egypt For Travel, you receive JAZ service standards combined with private licensed Egyptologist guides — not the shared group excursions that JAZ's own direct bookings provide.
What You Will See — Sites Visited on the Iberotel Amara
| 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 Thursday From Luxor & Monday From Aswan |
Included
- Meet & greet 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 · halal and vegetarian options available
- 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
- Doctor on board throughout the cruise
- 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 (free limited Wi-Fi available)
- Beauty salon (available on request — chargeable)
- Massage services (chargeable)
- Any meals not specified in inclusions above
- Personal expenses and shopping
Cruise
Iberotel Amara Cabin Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cabin Types | 25 double cabins · 2 single cabins · 2 suites (28m2) — 29 total |
| Windows | Large panoramic Nile-view windows in all cabins and suites |
| Bathroom | Private bathroom with shower · hairdryer |
| Air Conditioning | Individually controlled in every cabin |
| Television | Marine satellite TV in all cabins |
| Mini Bar | Yes (chargeable) |
| Safe Deposit Box | In-cabin safe in every cabin |
| Suites | 2 suites at 28m2 — largest in the JAZ Amara/Helio tier · all standard cabin amenities plus extra living space |
| Single Cabins | 2 dedicated single-occupancy cabins — priced for solo travelers · book early in peak season |
| JAZ Standards | JAZ Hotel Group housekeeping and service standards applied throughout |
Iberotel Amara On-Board Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | International buffet — breakfast, lunch and dinner daily · halal and vegetarian options · JAZ food standards |
| Two-Level Sun Deck | Lower pool deck — swimming pool and pool bar · Upper observation level — panoramic Nile views of both banks simultaneously |
| Swimming Pool | Outdoor pool on lower sun deck · pool bar |
| Fitness Equipment | On-deck fitness equipment for guest use |
| Beauty Salon | Available upon request (chargeable) |
| Massage | Massage services available (chargeable) |
| Medical | Doctor on board throughout the cruise |
| Lounge Bar | Main lounge bar · sun deck bar |
| 24-Hour Reception | 24-hour front desk and room service |
| Wi-Fi | Free limited Wi-Fi on board |
| Laundry | Laundry service available (chargeable) |
| Gift Shop | On-board gift and souvenir shop |
| Evening Entertainment | Galabia party · belly dancing · Nubian folkloric show |
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 Iberotel Amara Nile Cruise
The Iberotel Amara — also listed as JAZ Al Qassida in JAZ Group booking systems — is the most intimate ship in the JAZ Hotel Group's Nile cruise portfolio. With only 29 cabins (25 double, 2 single, 2 suites at 28m2), the Amara carries fewer than 60 passengers at full capacity on the Thursday/Monday departure schedule between Luxor and Aswan. The two-level sun deck, doctor on board, beauty salon, room service, free limited Wi-Fi, laundry service, and full JAZ Hotel Group service standards distinguish it from most ships at this price. Every shore excursion is operated by Egypt For Travel with a private licensed Egyptologist guide in the guest's chosen language — not the shared group excursions provided through JAZ's own direct booking channel. Egypt For Travel holds Egyptian Tourism Authority Licence Category A No. 1947.
Why 29 Cabins Changes Everything on This Ship
The number that defines the Iberotel Amara is 29. At full capacity, this ship carries fewer than 60 passengers — a number that fundamentally changes the onboard experience compared to any ship with 50, 70, or 77 cabins. In the restaurant, there are no queues and no pressure on seating. On the sun deck, there is always a lounger free in the shade and another in the sun. At the bar, the crew know what you drink before you ask. In the corridors of the Valley of the Kings, the Amara's group is small enough that your guide speaks at a normal volume and everyone can hear. On a standard Nile cruise ship with 70 cabins — carrying 120–140 passengers — the restaurant has three seatings, the sun deck is crowded by 10am, and the guide uses a microphone and earpiece system because the group is too large for a normal voice. The Amara is a qualitatively different experience. The temples are identical. The ship is not.
The Thursday Departure Advantage
The Iberotel Amara departs every Thursday from Luxor — one of only a small number of ships in Egypt For Travel's fleet on the Thursday schedule. This is a specific practical advantage for a common Egypt itinerary: fly into Cairo on Tuesday, spend Wednesday at the Pyramids of Giza and the Grand Egyptian Museum, fly to Luxor Thursday morning, and board the Amara the same afternoon. No lost day. No overnight wait for a Monday ship. The Monday Aswan departure is equally well-positioned: if you arrive in Aswan from Abu Simbel on Sunday or end a Red Sea stay on Sunday, the Monday morning embarkation from Aswan is timed precisely.
Nile Cruise Prices
All Iberotel Amara 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 Iberotel Amara booking is confirmed by Egypt For Travel, rates remain fixed and will not change. Starting from $619 per person, the Amara's 28m2 suites represent exceptional suite value on the Thursday schedule — book early as both suites and both single cabins sell out before double cabins in peak season.
Best Season to Cruise on the Iberotel Amara
| Season | Temperatures | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| October – April (Peak) | 18–28°C in Luxor and Aswan | Best conditions. The Amara's small passenger count is most noticeable in peak season when larger ships feel crowded and the Amara does not. Book suites and single cabins 2–3 months ahead for December–February. |
| May – September (Summer) | 35–42°C in Luxor and Aswan | Lower prices and better availability. All temple visits at 06:30 before midday heat. The uncrowded pool deck is particularly valuable in summer heat. |
| Christmas & New Year | 18–22°C — perfect | Highest demand. Higher prices. 50% deposit required. Book 3 months ahead for the Amara — suites and singles sell out first. |
Departure Schedule
| Departure | Day | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxor | Every Thursday | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Luxor → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan |
| Aswan | Every Monday | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor |
Choosing Between Thursday/Monday Ships — Iberotel Amara vs Competitors
Four ships depart Thursday from Luxor on the 2026 schedule. The Iberotel Amara is the only JAZ Group ship on this schedule and the most intimate of all options:
| Ship | From | Best Feature — Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Nile Jewel | $599 | UV panoramic windows · bathtub · non-smoking · gym · 24-hour doctor — $20 less |
| Semiramis II | $599 | Bathtub · BBQ deck · free Wi-Fi · panoramic windows — $20 less |
| Iberotel Amara | $619 | Most intimate ship (29 cabins) · JAZ brand · 28m2 suites · 2 single cabins · beauty salon · doctor on board |
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 family cabin availability — the Amara's 29-cabin capacity means it fills faster than larger ships in peak season.
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 Iberotel Amara 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 for all guests.
Tipping Guide
- Egyptologist guide: $10–15 per person per day
- Private driver: $5–10 per person per day
- Iberotel Amara 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. The Iberotel Amara has a doctor on board throughout the cruise. As a 29-cabin ship with limited availability, cancellation insurance is particularly valuable — if you need to cancel a peak-season Amara booking close to departure, the no-refund policy applies within 14 days.
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.
