Princess Sarah Nile Cruise 2026 — Review, Itinerary & Prices | UV Windows, Gym & Non-Smoking from $579
Overview
Bottom line: The Princess Sarah is the best-equipped ship on the Saturday/Wednesday departure schedule — combining large UV panoramic windows, private bathrooms with bathtubs in every cabin, a fully equipped gymnasium, a dedicated movie channel showing 3 films daily, flat-screen TV with in-house music and video channels, mini bar, room service, a 24-hour medical officer, and high-speed Wi-Fi in one complete 5-star package at $579 per person. The Princess Sarah is the Saturday/Wednesday equivalent of the Monday/Friday Sarah II — same premium cabin DNA, same non-smoking commitment, same UV window and bathtub specification — giving travelers arriving in Egypt on Friday or Saturday the same quality on the day that suits them.
Princess Sarah — Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Ship Category | 5-Star Nile Cruise |
| Cabin Windows | Large UV panoramic windows in every cabin |
| Bathroom | Private bathtub · hairdryer in every cabin |
| Smoking Policy | Non-smoking throughout the ship |
| Entertainment | Flat-screen TV · in-house music & video channels · dedicated movie channel (3 films daily) |
| Gymnasium | Fully equipped gymnasium on board |
| Medical | Doctor available 24 hours on board |
| Route | Luxor to Aswan (4 nights) · Aswan to Luxor (3 nights) |
| Departures | Every Saturday from Luxor · Every Wednesday from Aswan |
| Price From | $579 per person |
| Board Basis | Full board — breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Best For | Non-smokers on Saturday schedule · UV window & bathtub seekers at $579 · gym users · families needing 24-hour doctor · travelers arriving Friday or Saturday |
Is the Princess Sarah Worth It?
Yes — UV windows, bathtub, gymnasium, and non-smoking at $579 on Saturday is exceptional value. The Princess Sarah is the lowest-priced ship on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule offering UV panoramic windows, bathtubs in every cabin, and a full gymnasium simultaneously — a combination normally found only on ships at $629 or above. The 3-film daily movie channel, flat-screen TV, and room service make evenings in the cabin genuinely comfortable. The 24-hour medical officer is a meaningful reassurance for families and older travelers. At $579, the Princess Sarah delivers a cabin experience that competes directly with ships charging $70–$120 more on the same departure day.
Who Is the Princess Sarah Best For?
- Non-smokers who specifically want a clean-air environment — the Princess Sarah's non-smoking policy covers the entire ship, not just selected cabins.
- Travelers arriving in Egypt on Friday or Saturday who want to board a quality ship immediately without waiting for the Monday/Friday schedule.
- Gym users who want a full gymnasium on the Saturday schedule without paying $699 for the MS Moon Dance.
- UV window and bathtub seekers at $579 — no other Saturday/Wednesday ship at $579 or below combines both features.
- Families with children who need 24-hour medical coverage, a non-smoking environment, a swimming pool, and full-board catering.
Who Should NOT Book the Princess Sarah?
- If a Jacuzzi, sauna, or full spa is a priority on the Saturday schedule, the MS Moon Dance ($699) has Jacuzzi suites, sauna, spa, beauty salon, and gymnasium at $120 more.
- If spacious 22m2 standard cabins, a DVD player, or CCTV security are the priority, the Kahila ($629, Saturday/Wednesday) offers the largest cabins in the standard fleet at $50 more.
- If the Monday/Friday departure schedule suits your Egypt itinerary better, the Sarah II ($599, Monday/Friday) shares the same premium cabin specification — UV windows, bathtub, gym, non-smoking — at the same price tier on a different departure day.
Egypt For Travel Expert Assessment
"The Princess Sarah is the sister ship in spirit to the Sarah II on Monday and the Nile Jewel on Thursday. All three share the same premium cabin DNA: UV windows, bathtubs, gym, non-smoking, movie channel, 24-hour doctor. The Princess Sarah brings this combination to the Saturday departure calendar where few ships at $579 can match it. For travelers arriving in Egypt on Friday evening or Saturday morning wanting quality without paying a mid-range price, the Princess Sarah is our first Saturday recommendation."
— Egypt For Travel Operations Team — ETA Category A Licence No. 1947
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Princess Sarah compare to the Sarah II — same specification, different departure days?
The Princess Sarah ($579, Saturday/Wednesday) and the Sarah II ($599, Monday/Friday) share the same premium cabin specification: UV panoramic windows, bathtub, gymnasium, non-smoking throughout, dedicated 3-film movie channel, mini bar, room service, 24-hour doctor, and international telephone. The Sarah II departs every Monday from Luxor and every Friday from Aswan. The Princess Sarah departs every Saturday from Luxor and every Wednesday from Aswan. Both ships deliver the same quality — the choice is purely about which departure day fits your Egypt itinerary.
Is the Princess Sarah gymnasium a full gym or just a few machines?
The Princess Sarah has a fully equipped gymnasium on board, available to all guests, including cardiovascular and strength training equipment for maintaining a fitness routine throughout the cruise. A full gymnasium is genuinely rare at the $579 price point on the Saturday/Wednesday departure schedule — the MS Moon Dance ($699) on the same schedule also has gym facilities, but at $120 more. The Princess Sarah's full gymnasium, combined with UV windows, bathtubs, and a non-smoking environment, makes it the strongest all-round cabin quality ship at its price point on Saturday.
What does non-smoking actually mean on the Princess Sarah?
The Princess Sarah applies a non-smoking policy throughout the ship including all cabins. This is a meaningful distinction: many Nile cruise ships designate smoking permitted in some outdoor areas or in the lounge bar. On the Princess Sarah, guests who smoke are asked to do so off-ship during port stops. For non-smokers who are sensitive to cigarette odour — particularly in shared indoor spaces like the restaurant and lounge — this is one of the most consistently cited reasons for choosing the Princess Sarah over other ships at a similar price point.
What You Will See — Sites Visited on the Princess Sarah
| 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 · Crocodile Museum |
| Aswan | Philae Temple (by motorboat) · Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk |
| Schedule: Saturday from Luxor (4 nights / 5 days) · Wednesday from Aswan (3 nights / 4 days) |
Included
- Meet & greet at Luxor or Aswan by our representative with a name sign
- Accommodation on Princess Sarah in a non-smoking cabin with UV panoramic windows and bathtub
- Full board: buffet breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily on board
- Private licensed Egyptologist guide in English, Spanish, German or Portuguese
- All guided shore excursions (100% private — not shared group tours)
- 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
- High-speed Wi-Fi on board throughout
- Free bottled water during all shore excursions
- All service charges and taxes
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
- Mini bar and room service charges (chargeable)
- Laundry service (chargeable)
- Personal expenses and shopping
Cruise
Princess Sarah Cabin Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Windows | Large UV panoramic windows in every cabin — heat-filtered, full Nile view |
| Bathroom | Private bathtub · hairdryer in every cabin |
| Smoking Policy | Non-smoking throughout the entire ship |
| Television | Flat-screen TV · in-house music & video channels · dedicated movie channel (3 films daily) |
| Air Conditioning | Individually controlled air conditioning in every cabin |
| Mini Bar & Room Service | Mini bar in every cabin (chargeable) · room service available |
| Safe Deposit Box | In-cabin safe deposit box |
| Telephone | International telephone in every cabin |
| Wi-Fi | High-speed Wi-Fi in every cabin and throughout the ship |
Princess Sarah On-Board Facilities
| Facility | Detail |
|---|---|
| Restaurant | International cuisine — full board open buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner daily |
| Swimming Pool | Outdoor swimming pool · sun deck |
| Gymnasium | Fully equipped gymnasium — cardiovascular and strength training equipment |
| Medical | Doctor available 24 hours on board throughout the cruise |
| Wi-Fi | High-speed Wi-Fi throughout the ship |
| Laundry | Laundry and daily housekeeping services (chargeable) |
| Gift Shop | Gift shop for souvenirs and personal items |
| Reception | 24-hour front desk · international telephone system · all major credit cards accepted |
| Smoking Policy | Non-smoking throughout the 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 Princess Sarah Nile Cruise
The Princess Sarah is a 5-star Nile cruise ship operating the Saturday/Wednesday departure schedule between Luxor and Aswan. It is Egypt For Travel's primary recommendation for guests who need a Saturday or Wednesday departure and want UV panoramic windows, bathtubs, a full gymnasium, and a non-smoking environment at a price that does not require the deluxe tier. The ship shares its core cabin specification with the Sarah II (Monday/Friday) and the Nile Jewel (Thursday). All shore excursions are operated by a private licensed Egyptologist guide. Egypt For Travel holds Egyptian Tourism Authority Licence Category A No. 1947.
Why the Non-Smoking Policy Makes a Difference
Most Nile cruise ships at this price point permit smoking in outdoor areas and, in some cases, in the lounge bar and designated cabin balconies. The Princess Sarah applies a non-smoking policy throughout the entire ship. For guests who are sensitive to tobacco smoke — or who are traveling with children or elderly relatives — this is a meaningful distinction that affects comfort in the restaurant, the lounge area, and at the pool deck. The Princess Sarah consistently receives specific positive comments from non-smoking guests about the quality of air in shared spaces, which is not a feature available on most comparable ships at $579 on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule.
Nile Cruise Prices
All Princess Sarah 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 Princess Sarah booking is confirmed by Egypt For Travel, rates remain fixed and will not change. The Princess Sarah starts from $579 per person — making it the lowest-priced ship on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule offering UV windows, bathtubs, and a full gymnasium in a single package.
Best Season to Cruise on the Princess Sarah
| Season | Temperatures | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| October – April (Peak) | 18–28°C in Luxor and Aswan | Best conditions. UV windows at their most dramatic in winter light. Non-smoking policy especially appreciated in cool evenings when guests linger in the lounge. Book 4–8 weeks ahead for peak dates. |
| May – September (Summer) | 35–42°C in Luxor and Aswan | Lower prices and better availability. UV windows provide genuine thermal benefit in summer. All temple visits at 06:30 before midday heat. Pool is the most-used facility in summer. |
| Christmas & New Year | 18–22°C — perfect | High demand. 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
The Princess Sarah at $579 is the lowest-priced ship on the Saturday/Wednesday schedule offering UV windows, bathtubs, and a full gymnasium:
| Ship | From | Best Feature — Why Choose It |
|---|---|---|
| Princess Sarah | $579 | UV windows · bathtub every cabin · full gym · non-smoking throughout — best value Saturday ship |
| Kahila | $629 | Largest cabins 22m2 & 35m2 suites · DVD player · CCTV security — $50 more |
| Jaz Celebrity | $649 | JAZ brand · sliding panoramic windows · billiards · table tennis — $70 more |
| MS Moon Dance | $699 | Jacuzzi suites · sauna · spa · beauty salon · gym — $120 more |
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 configuration 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 Princess Sarah 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 the Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) at the Valley of the Kings requires a separate entrance fee of approximately $40 per person — this is 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
- Princess Sarah 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 Princess Sarah has a doctor available 24 hours on board throughout the cruise.
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.
