M/S Royal Nile Cruise — Review, Itinerary & Prices | Jacuzzi Suites & Sauna
Overview
M/S Royal Nile Cruise 2026 — Honest Review, Itinerary & Prices from $699
Bottom line: The M/S Royal Viking is the most comprehensively equipped ship in Egypt For Travel’s ultra deluxe fleet at $699 — and the clear winner for travelers who want the widest possible range of onboard facilities. While the Steigenberger Minerva excels at brand service standards and the Nile Paradise at cabin quality, the Royal Viking takes a different approach: it packs in everything. Jacuzzi suites. Sauna. Room service until midnight. French windows with balcony rails overlooking the Nile. Nightly entertainment programme. DVD rental. Currency exchange. Postcard mailing. Conference room. And the most spa-oriented cabin in the fleet — the Jacuzzi suite with a bathtub that looks out over the Nile through a window on the wall between the bathroom and the cabin. No other ship at $699 comes close to this range of facilities.
| Quick Facts — M/S Royal Viking | |
|---|---|
| Ship Category | Ultra Deluxe 5-Star Nile Cruise |
| Ship Dimensions | 75m length · 4 decks |
| Signature Features | Jacuzzi suites · sauna · French window with balcony rail · room service to midnight |
| Route | Luxor → Aswan (4 nights) | Aswan → Luxor (3 nights) |
| Departures | Every Monday from Luxor · Every Friday from Aswan |
| Price from | $699 per person |
| Board Basis | Full board + room service until midnight |
| Luxury Level | Ultra Deluxe — Most facilities of any ship in fleet at this price |
| Suite Jacuzzi | Yes — Jacuzzi bath with window overlooking the cabin AND the Nile |
| Entertainment | Nightly programme: folkloric shows, belly dancing, Galabia party, discotheque |
| Best For | Wellness and spa travelers · couples wanting Jacuzzi suite · travelers who want evening entertainment · anyone wanting the most facilities at $699 |
Is the M/S Royal Viking Worth It?
Yes — especially if you want to feel genuinely pampered on the Nile every evening. The Royal Viking’s Jacuzzi suites are unique in the fleet: a Jacuzzi bath with a window between the bathroom and the cabin that simultaneously overlooks the Nile — so you can soak in the Jacuzzi watching the desert pass outside your suite window. Add the sauna, the room service until midnight, the nightly entertainment programme (belly dancing, Galabia party, live music, discotheque), and the French window balcony rail in every standard cabin — and the Royal Viking delivers an evening and after-hours experience that no other $699 ship in the fleet can match. The daytime sightseeing is the same across all ships. The Royal Viking wins on what happens after the temples.
Who Is the M/S Royal Viking Best For?
✓ Wellness and spa travelers who specifically want a sauna, Jacuzzi, and massage service as part of their Nile cruise experience.
✓ Couples celebrating a special occasion for whom the Jacuzzi suite — with its Nile-view window overlooking the bath — is the defining experience they are looking for.
✓ Night owls and entertainment lovers who want a nightly disco, live music, and folkloric shows after the daytime temple excursions.
✓ Travelers who want maximum facilities at $699 without stepping up to the Mayfair at $975.
✓ Groups and social travelers who enjoy a lively onboard atmosphere in the evenings.
✓ Travelers who value room service flexibility — until midnight is genuinely rare on Nile cruise ships.
Who Should NOT Book the M/S Royal Viking?
✗ If UV panoramic cabin windows and bathtub cabins as standard (not just in suites) are your priority, the M/S Nile Paradise at the same $699 price offers these in its Queen Deluxe category, plus a Master Suite with private balcony.
✗ If a private veranda in your cabin as standard — not just a balcony rail — is essential, the M/S Mayfair at $975 is the only ship that delivers this.
✗ If a quiet, contemplative evening atmosphere matters more than entertainment and disco, the Steigenberger Minerva or M/S Nile Paradise offer a more refined and quieter evening atmosphere.
Egypt For Travel Expert Assessment
“The Royal Viking is the ship our operations team books for themselves when they travel the Nile. The Jacuzzi suite with the Nile-view window between the bathroom and the cabin is genuinely extraordinary — there is no other experience like it on the river. The nightly entertainment programme is the most consistently programmed in the fleet. And room service until midnight means the evening is entirely yours — dinner on deck, a show, a drink at the salon bar, then room service at 11pm if you want it. At $699, the Royal Viking is the best overall Nile cruise value for travelers who want to be thoroughly looked after in the evenings.”
— Egypt For Travel Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947
What You Will See — 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.
Nile Stops: Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo Temple.
Aswan: Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam ·
Royal Viking vs $699 Ultra Deluxe Ships
| Ship | Price | Key Difference vs Royal Viking |
|---|---|---|
| M/S Nile Paradise | $699 | UV windows, bathtubs in all cabins, balcony suite. No Jacuzzi/sauna. |
| Steigenberger Minerva | $699 | Brand standards, beauty salon, meeting room. No Jacuzzi/sauna/midnight room service. |
| M/S Royal Viking | $699 | Jacuzzi suites, sauna, midnight room service, nightly entertainment. Most facilities. |
| M/S Mayfair | $975 | Private veranda in EVERY cabin as standard. Award-winning flagship. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the M/S Royal Viking have a Jacuzzi and sauna?
Yes — the M/S Royal Viking is one of the very few Nile cruise ships with both a Jacuzzi and a sauna on board. The Jacuzzi is available in the ship’s suite category — the suite bathroom has a Jacuzzi bathtub with a window that looks out through the cabin wall and directly over the Nile outside. It is an extraordinarily rare feature on any Nile cruise ship and impossible to describe adequately until you are in it. The sauna is available to all guests and is particularly popular after long temple excursion days when muscles need recovery. Massage services are also available on board. No other ship in Egypt For Travel’s fleet at $699 combines Jacuzzi, sauna, and massage services in the same package.
What is the nightly entertainment like on the Royal Viking?
The M/S Royal Viking has the most consistently programmed nightly entertainment schedule of any ultra deluxe ship in Egypt For Travel’s fleet. Every evening typically includes one or more of: a traditional Egyptian folkloric show with live music and dance; a professional belly dancing performance; the beloved Galabia party night where guests dress in traditional Egyptian robes; and a nightly discotheque in the lounge for guests who want to continue into the late evening. The ship also has a salon bar for quieter drinks and conversation, sun deck bars for evening Nile watching, and room service until midnight so the evening structure is entirely flexible. DVD movie rental is also available for quieter evenings in the cabin. The Royal Viking is the clear choice for travelers who want a lively, sociable, and well-entertained onboard atmosphere every night of the cruise.
What is the French window with balcony rail on the Royal Viking?
The French window with balcony rail in every standard cabin on the M/S Royal Viking is a full-height floor-to-ceiling window that opens outward, with a rail across the opening that allows you to stand against it and experience the open Nile air while looking out over the river. It is not an enclosed private veranda — that is only available in the M/S Mayfair at $975 — but it gives you direct outdoor air access and panoramic Nile views from a standing position inside your cabin. On the southbound journey sailing toward Aswan as the desert narrows and the cliffs close in around the river, standing at your French window as the scenery unfolds is one of the defining Royal Viking experiences. The sitting area adjacent to the large picture window in every cabin provides an additional comfortable Nile-watching position without needing to open the window.
Ready to book the Royal Viking? Jacuzzi suites book out early in peak season. WhatsApp us now to check availability. We respond within 2 hours. ETA Category A Licence No. 1947.
| Schedule: Monday from Luxor (4 nights) · Friday from Aswan (3 nights) |
Cruise
On-Board Facilities
| ✓ Restaurant (international buffet cuisine, full board) | ✓ Lounge bar and discotheque |
| ✓ Salon bar | ✓ Sun deck with outdoor swimming pool & bar service |
| ✓ Gym equipment | ✓ Sauna room |
| ✓ Massage service | ✓ Boutique and gift shop |
| ✓ Conference room | ✓ Internet connection on board |
| ✓ Nightly entertainment: belly dancing, Galabia party, folkloric show, discotheque | ✓ Room service until midnight |
| ✓ Laundry and concierge service | ✓ Medical service on board |
| ✓ Currency exchange | ✓ DVD movie rental |
| ✓ Postcard mailing service · International telephone and fax · 4 decks | |
Cabin Facilities
| ✓ French window with panoramic balcony rail and Nile view | ✓ Sitting area adjacent to large picture window |
| ✓ Elegant wooden panelling and artwork | ✓ LCD TV with satellite channels |
| ✓ Private bathroom: shower, bathtub, stainless steel sink, hairdryer, shaving kit & amenities | ✓ Mini fridge |
| ✓ Safe deposit box | ✓ Dressing table with fold-in mirror |
| ✓ Suites additionally: Jacuzzi bath with window overlooking cabin & Nile · personalized stationery · “Bon Voyage” wine · fresh fruit · concierge service | |
Included
- Meet & greet by our representative at Luxor or Aswan with a name sign
- Accommodation on M/S Royal Viking in your chosen cabin or suite with French window Nile view
- Full board: buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily on board
- Room service available until midnight throughout the cruise
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide in English, Spanish, German or Portuguese
- All guided shore excursions (100% private)
- Entrance fees: Valley of the Kings (3 tombs) · Temple of Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk
- Nightly entertainment programme throughout the cruise
- Free internet connection on board
- Free bottled water during all shore excursions
- All service charges and taxes
Excluded
- International flights to/from Egypt
- Egypt entry visa ($25 USD)
- Cairo hotel nights and domestic flights (available as add-on)
- Optional extras: Tutankhamun’s tomb · hot air balloon over Luxor · Sound & Light Show
- Massage service · laundry · DVD rental · currency exchange fees · bar drinks
- Tips for guide and ship crew (optional but appreciated)
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.
Prices:
Summer Rates (May- August)
Prices
Winter Rates (Sep- April)
Prices
Notes:
M/S Royal Viking Nile Cruise — Prices & Booking 2026
All prices per person in USD. EUR and GBP accepted. Every Monday from Luxor (4 nights) and every Friday from Aswan (3 nights). Jacuzzi suites book out first in peak season — enquire early. Confirmed rates guaranteed.
Royal Viking vs Steigenberger Minerva — Same Price, Different Priorities
Both ships are ultra deluxe at $699. The Royal Viking wins on: Jacuzzi suite, sauna, massage, room service to midnight, nightly entertainment, French window balcony rail, currency exchange, DVD rental, and postcard mailing. The Steigenberger Minerva wins on: brand service standards, beauty salon, gymnasium, video-on-demand, and a dedicated meeting room. If your evenings on the Nile are about wellness and entertainment — choose the Royal Viking. If they are about brand consistency and specific business facilities — choose the Minerva.
Best Season & Booking Advice
October–April: Best temperatures. Jacuzzi suites book 6–10 weeks ahead. Standard cabins 4–6 weeks.
May–September: Lower prices, more availability. Heat-intensive daytime sightseeing.
Christmas & New Year: 50% deposit. Book 3 months ahead. Galabia party on New Year’s Eve is a particularly memorable event on this ship.
Departure Schedule & Policy
| 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 |
Children: 0–2 free · 2–6 = 25% · 6–12 = 50% · 12+ = full rate.
Deposit: 25% standard / 50% peak. Balance one week before or cash on boarding. Installments available.
Cancellation: 61+ = 10% · 31–60 = 20% · 15–30 = 50% · 1–14 = 100%.
Tipping: Optional. $5–10/day guide · $15–20 per person ship crew.
Egypt For Travel — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947 — WhatsApp: +20 155 555 2466