MS Nile Premium Cruise 2026 — Review, Itinerary & Prices | 3 Lounges, 4 Suites & 24-hr Room Service from $729
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Overview
Bottom line: The MS Nile Premium is a deluxe Nile cruise ship with a genuinely hotel-quality atmosphere — and one of the most variety-rich social environments of any ship in its price tier. Its 56 staterooms and 4 presidential suites are complemented by three distinct social spaces: a reading room, a TV lounge, and a cocktail lounge — a separation of atmospheres that most Nile cruise ships at any price do not offer. 24-hour room service, daily entertainment shows, a fitness room, plasma TV with marine satellite channels, voicemail telephone, and two complimentary mineral water bottles daily create a hotel-quality daily experience on the Nile. The presidential suites place the Nile Premium in a more premium bracket than most $729 ships. Price from $729 per person.
MS Nile Premium — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ship Category | Deluxe Nile Cruise |
| Total Cabins | 56 staterooms · 4 presidential suites (60 cabins total) |
| 3 Social Spaces | Reading room · TV lounge · cocktail lounge — three distinct atmospheres, each with a separate purpose |
| Room Service | 24 hours throughout the cruise |
| Entertainment | Daily entertainment shows throughout the cruise |
| Cabin TV | Plasma TV with marine satellite channels in every cabin |
| Complimentary Daily | 2 mineral water bottles per person daily |
| Route | Luxor to Aswan (4 nights) · Aswan to Luxor (3 nights) |
| Departures | Every Monday from Luxor · Every Friday from Aswan |
| Price From | $729 per person |
| Board Basis | Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) · 24-hour room service available |
| Best For | Presidential suite seekers at $729 · 24-hour room service travelers · readers wanting a dedicated quiet lounge · daily entertainment enthusiasts · travelers who value distinct social atmospheres between temples |
Is the MS Nile Premium Worth It?
Yes — three distinct lounge environments, 4 presidential suites, and 24-hour room service at $729 is exceptional value. Most Nile cruise ships at $729 have a single combined lounge-bar and standard cabin categories only. The Nile Premium has three separate social spaces — reading room, TV lounge, and cocktail lounge — each with a distinct atmosphere and purpose. The 4 presidential suites place it in a different category from most $729 competitors. The 24-hour room service means food and drink flexibility at any hour of the day or night. The daily entertainment shows, plasma TV with marine satellite, voicemail telephone, and two complimentary water bottles daily create a genuinely hotel-quality daily rhythm that justifies the $729 price.
Who Is the MS Nile Premium Best For?
- Presidential suite seekers at $729 — 4 presidential suites available, larger and more lavish than the 56 standard staterooms, at a competitive price for the deluxe tier.
- Travelers who value three distinct lounge atmospheres — the reading room for quiet afternoons, the TV lounge for evening films and news, and the cocktail lounge for social drinks and conversation. Most ships at any price offer only a single combined lounge-bar.
- 24-hour room service users who want meal and drink flexibility throughout the day and night — whether for an early cabin breakfast before a 06:30 temple departure or a late supper after an evening outing.
- Book lovers and researchers who want a dedicated quiet reading room for preparation and study between temple visits — rare on Nile cruise ships at any price.
- Daily entertainment enthusiasts who want entertainment shows every day of the cruise, not only on special evenings.
Who Should NOT Book the MS Nile Premium?
- If UV panoramic windows and a bathtub in every standard stateroom are the priority — the M/S Nile Paradise ($699, Mon/Fri) delivers both in its standard Queen Deluxe cabins, along with a Master Suite private balcony, at $30 less than the Nile Premium. The trade-off is no 24-hour room service and no three-lounge separation.
- If a steam bath and sauna are the wellness priority at a lower price, the Crown Empress ($649, Deluxe, Mon/Fri) offers both at $80 less than the Nile Premium.
- If a private balcony or veranda in every cabin (not only presidential suites) is essential, the M/S Mayfair ($999, Mon/Fri) delivers private balconies across all cabin categories as an ultra-deluxe step up.
Egypt For Travel Expert Assessment
"The Nile Premium's three lounge spaces are the feature that stands out in every comparison at $729. A reading room for the quiet hour before dinner, a TV lounge for the evening film, and a cocktail lounge for drinks and conversation — this is hotel thinking applied to a river cruise ship. Most ships at $729 have one combined lounge-bar. The 4 presidential suites and 24-hour room service reinforce the hotel-quality philosophy. For travelers who care about how they spend their time between temples — not just the temples themselves — the Nile Premium creates a more civilised daily rhythm than most alternatives at this price."
— Egypt For Travel Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947
MS Nile Premium vs Alternatives in the Deluxe Monday/Friday Tier
| Ship | From | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| MS Nile Premium | $729 | 3 lounge spaces · 24-hr room service · 4 presidential suites · daily shows · plasma satellite TV · 2 free water bottles daily — most hotel-like rhythm in its tier |
| M/S Nile Paradise | $699 | UV windows + bathtubs in all standard cabins · Master Suite private balcony — best base cabin quality Mon/Fri at $699 |
| Crown Empress | $649 | Steam bath & sauna · Deluxe — best for wellness at lower price |
| Steigenberger Minerva | $749 | Steigenberger brand · beauty salon · meeting room — luxury brand step up |
| M/S Mayfair | $999 | Private balcony in every cabin category — ultra-deluxe step up |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the three lounge spaces on the MS Nile Premium?
The MS Nile Premium has three separate social and leisure spaces that give the ship a more varied daily atmosphere than the single combined lounge-bar found on most Nile cruise ships. The reading room is a quiet, comfortable space for reading, writing, or relaxing away from background noise — particularly valued in the afternoon hours between morning temple excursions and evening dinner. The TV lounge has a screen for communal viewing of films and news — popular in the evenings when guests want to wind down. The cocktail lounge is the evening social heart of the ship — designed for drinks and conversation in an atmosphere specifically intended for socialising rather than the general-purpose lounge-bar format. Together, these three spaces give each part of the day its own appropriate environment — something even ships at $750–$850 do not always provide.
Are the 4 presidential suites significantly better than the staterooms?
Yes — the 4 presidential suites on the MS Nile Premium offer more space, a more lavish interior, and a higher-end cabin experience than the 56 standard staterooms. At $729 starting price, presidential suites on the Nile Premium represent strong value — most ships with presidential suites charge more. With only 4 suites available, they sell out well ahead of standard staterooms in peak season (October–April). Contact Egypt For Travel as early as possible to check suite availability for your preferred Monday departure date.
What does 24-hour room service mean practically on a Nile cruise?
The MS Nile Premium's 24-hour room service means meals and beverages can be ordered to your cabin at any time — not restricted to the restaurant's set meal sittings. This is particularly valuable for: early risers who want a cabin breakfast before a 06:30 temple departure without waiting for the restaurant to open; guests returning from a late evening outing in Luxor who want a supper; or travelers who simply prefer to dine privately in their cabin on certain evenings. The 24-hour service is a genuine operational commitment and complements the cocktail lounge's bar service to make the Nile Premium one of the most flexible dining and service ships in the $729 price range.
What You Will See — Sites Visited on the MS Nile Premium
| 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 |
| Schedule: Monday from Luxor (4 nights / 5 days) · Friday from Aswan (3 nights / 4 days) |
Included
- Meet and greet by Egypt For Travel representative at Luxor or Aswan Airport/Station with a name sign
- Accommodation on the MS Nile Premium in chosen stateroom or presidential suite
- 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 (24-hour room service also available)
- 2 complimentary mineral water bottles per person daily
- Daily entertainment shows throughout the cruise
- 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
- Internet access on board
- 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
- Cocktail lounge and bar drinks · alcoholic beverages on board
- Mini bar (chargeable)
- Laundry service (chargeable)
- Personal expenses and shopping
Cruise
MS Nile Premium Cabin Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cabin Configuration | 56 standard staterooms · 4 presidential suites — 60 cabins total. Suite availability is limited; contact Egypt For Travel early |
| Window | Large panoramic window in every standard stateroom |
| Television | Plasma TV with marine satellite channels in every cabin — including news and international channels while sailing on the Nile |
| Air Conditioning | Individually controlled air conditioning in every cabin |
| Telephone | Telephone with voicemail in every cabin |
| Music System | In-cabin music system in every cabin |
| Complimentary Water | 2 complimentary mineral water bottles per person daily in every cabin |
| Mini Bar & Hairdryer | Mini bar (chargeable) · hairdryer in every cabin |
| Safe Deposit Box | In-cabin safe deposit box in every cabin |
MS Nile Premium On-Board Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Reading Room | Dedicated quiet reading room — a separate space for reading, writing or relaxing away from background noise; rare on Nile cruise ships at this price |
| TV Lounge | Dedicated TV lounge — communal screen for films and news; separate from the cocktail lounge so both spaces can coexist simultaneously |
| Cocktail Lounge & Bar | Cocktail lounge — the evening social heart of the ship, designed for drinks and conversation |
| 24-Hour Room Service | 24-hour room service throughout the cruise — meals and beverages to your cabin at any time, day or night |
| Entertainment | Daily entertainment shows throughout the cruise |
| Restaurant | Large restaurant — full board breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Swimming Pool | Swimming pool · sun deck |
| Fitness Room | Fitness room on board |
| Internet & Service | Internet access on board · laundry service (chargeable) |
Itinerary:
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.
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.
Prices:
Summer Rates (May- August)
Prices
Winter Rates (Sep- April)
Prices
Notes:
About the MS Nile Premium Cruise
The MS Nile Premium is a deluxe Nile cruise ship on the Monday/Friday departure schedule between Luxor and Aswan. With 56 staterooms and 4 presidential suites, three distinct social spaces (reading room, TV lounge, and cocktail lounge), 24-hour room service throughout, daily entertainment shows, plasma TV with marine satellite channels, voicemail telephone, and two complimentary mineral water bottles daily — the Nile Premium delivers a hotel-quality daily rhythm that most ships at any price do not match. Egypt For Travel holds Egyptian Tourism Authority Licence Category A No. 1947.
Why the Nile Premium's Three Lounge Spaces Are the Right Choice at $729
The standard Nile cruise ship at $729 has a single combined lounge-bar. Every guest uses the same space for every activity — reading, watching television, socialising, having a drink. The MS Nile Premium makes a different choice: a reading room where there is no background noise from a television or bar; a TV lounge where guests can watch films and news without disturbing those who want quiet; and a cocktail lounge specifically designed for social drinking and conversation. These three spaces allow the ship to serve very different needs simultaneously — the solo traveler reading about Karnak Temple in the afternoon can be in the same ship as the couple having drinks and conversation in the cocktail lounge, without one disturbing the other. This is what hotel design achieves on land, and what the Nile Premium achieves on the river. Combined with 24-hour room service, plasma satellite TV in every cabin, voicemail telephone, daily entertainment shows, and two complimentary water bottles per person per day — the Nile Premium creates a daily experience more closely resembling a 4-star hotel than a standard river cruise.
Nile Cruise Prices
All MS Nile Premium 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. Presidential suite cabins (4 available per departure) book significantly ahead of standard staterooms — contact Egypt For Travel early to confirm suite availability for your preferred departure date. Once your MS Nile Premium booking is confirmed by Egypt For Travel, rates remain fixed and will not change.
Best Season to Cruise on the MS Nile Premium
| Season | Temperatures | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| October – April (Peak) | 18–28°C in Luxor and Aswan | Best conditions for temple visits. The reading room is most used in the cool afternoons of November–February when preparation for the next day's temples is pleasurable. The cocktail lounge is a natural social point on cool evenings. Book presidential suites 4–8 weeks ahead in peak season. |
| May – September (Summer) | 35–42°C in Luxor and Aswan | Lower prices and better availability. Temple visits at 06:30 before midday heat. The 24-hour room service is most appreciated in summer for early cabin breakfasts before 06:30 departures. The reading room is popular in the heat of midday. Better presidential suite availability than peak season. |
| Christmas & New Year | 18–22°C — perfect | Highest demand. 50% deposit required. The Nile Premium's hotel-quality atmosphere and three lounge spaces make it well-suited to celebratory holiday sailings. Presidential suites for Christmas week book 3–4 months ahead. Book early. |
Departure Schedule
| Departure | Day | Duration | Route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Luxor | Every Monday | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Luxor → Edfu → Kom Ombo → Aswan |
| Aswan | Every Friday | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Aswan → Kom Ombo → Edfu → Luxor |
Monday/Friday Deluxe Ships — MS Nile Premium vs Alternatives
| Ship | From | Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| MS Nile Premium | $729 | 3 lounges · 24-hr room service · 4 suites · daily shows · plasma satellite TV · 2 free water bottles daily — most hotel-like daily experience |
| M/S Nile Paradise | $699 | UV windows + bathtubs in all standard cabins · Master Suite balcony — $30 less, best base cabin quality Mon/Fri |
| Crown Empress | $649 | Steam bath & sauna · Deluxe — $80 less, best for wellness at lower price |
| Steigenberger Minerva | $749 | Steigenberger brand · beauty salon · meeting room — $20 more, luxury brand step up |
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 MS Nile Premium 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
- MS Nile Premium 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.
