Acamar Nile Cruise

The short answer

Acamar Nile Cruise is a five-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.

• Cultural
• Photography

Background

The facts

Suited to

Is this for you?

What lingers

• 01Cabin classes: Standard, Deluxe and Suite, with Nile-view windows or private balconies depending on category
• 02Sun deck and pool, with shaded seating and panoramic views while sailing on the Nile
• 03Scheduled shore-excursion program to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings
• 04Full board catering from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with dining room and lounge bar
• 05Embarkation and disembarkation assistance, crew services and port and harbour fees included

Both directions

Where this ship sails

This vessel works more than one stretch of the river. The direction changes the order of the temples, the number of nights and which city you fly out of.

• Aswan to Luxor3 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor to Aswan4 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Luxor round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide
• Aswan round trip7 nights on this shipRead the route guide

The fine print

What's included – and what isn't

Accessibility

Who can join this

The vessel and shore-excursion programme involve uneven terrain, cobblestones, stone steps and narrow tomb passages at sites such as the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Onboard public areas are reached by a short gangway and a small number of steps; many cabins have one or two steps at the doorway. Transfers between pier and shore are on foot over quayside surfaces and, at some landings, short boarding ramps. Wheelchair users should expect limited ramp access at many archaeological sites and uneven ground on shore excursions; wheelchair-accessible cabins are not guaranteed. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and can arrange limited assistance at embarkation and disembarkation and recommend bringing a travel companion or carer if you need continuous mobility support. Please contact us with specific mobility requirements at booking so we can assess feasibility and make practical arrangements.

Before you go

What to pack & wear

– Responsible travel

How we travel here

We arrange shore excursions using modern, air-conditioned coaches for longer transfers and smaller minibuses where narrow roads require them. Onboard, ships typically use municipal water refilling points and provide large water dispensers to reduce single-use plastic bottles; passengers are encouraged to use refillable bottles. Local staff, guides and crew are hired through our Egyptian suppliers, and shore-excursions employ licensed Egyptologists and licensed local drivers, keeping wages and tipping local. We prioritise suppliers who separate waste on board and follow local waste disposal rules at ports. Where community visits are included, fees go directly to registered cooperatives or community-run projects; ask us for current partner names and details when you book. If you have specific sustainability requirements, tell us at enquiry so we can share supplier practices for your sailing dates.

• Licensed local Egyptologists

  ETAA-credentialed, on payroll

• Fair wages on the ground

  Drivers + guides paid above market

• Site preservation

  We follow MoTA visitor caps and no-touch protocols

• Carbon-aware itineraries

  Domestic flights only when train/road is impractical

Asked & answered

Frequent questions

1. 01How long is the Acamar Nile Cruise itinerary?

   Typical Acamar sailings are four nights between Luxor and Aswan; alternate three- and seven-night itineraries exist. Most guests choose the four-night option for the standard Luxor–Aswan route. Exact duration depends on the specific departure date and season; tell us your preferred port (Luxor or Aswan) and we will confirm available sailings.
2. 02Where and when is my cruise pick-up and embarkation?

   Embarkation usually begins at the Nile River terminal in Luxor or the Aswan harbour at 13:00–15:00 on day one. Exact terminal address and local pickup time vary by departure; we confirm these details 7–10 days before travel. Transfers from hotels in city centers are typically 30–60 minutes, depending on distance.
3. 03What is included in the Acamar Nile Cruise price?

   Inclusions commonly cover full-board meals on board, scheduled shore excursions listed in the itinerary, accommodation in your cabin, and local harbour taxes. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and we arrange on-the-ground logistics. Optional extras, premium archaeological tombs, and gratuities are usually not included unless stated otherwise.
4. 04What is not included that I should budget for separately?

   Excluded items commonly include pyramid interiors and premium tombs (Tutankhamun, Seti I), international flights, personal travel insurance, alcoholic drinks off-menu, and crew gratuities. Optional extras such as hot-air balloon flights or private guided excursions are charged separately. We will give a clear exclusions list with your booking confirmation.
5. 05Is the cruise suitable for travelers with limited mobility?

   The Acamar vessel has cabin stairs and gangways; some decks are accessed only by steps, which makes mobility a challenge. Shore visits include uneven stone, sand and short staircases. If you use a mobility aid, tell us before booking so we can assess feasibility and arrange closer pickup or ground-floor cabins where possible.
6. 06Can children travel on the Acamar Nile Cruise and are there child fares?

   Children are welcome; child fares and berth-sharing rules depend on the cabin type and the cruise operator's policy. Families often request interconnecting cabins or a third berth. Safety around the ship's open decks and stairways requires supervision. Tell us ages at enquiry and we will quote the correct child rate and sleeping arrangements.
7. 07What should I wear and bring for daily shore excursions from the cruise?

   Bring lightweight, sun-protective clothing, a wide-brim hat, high-SPF sunscreen, sturdy closed shoes for temples, and a refillable water bottle. Temples and mosques require modest dress: shoulders and knees covered. Evenings can be cooler on the river—pack a light jumper. Carry original ID and a small daypack for essentials.
8. 08Are cameras, tripods or drones allowed during shore visits?

   Still photography is generally permitted at most temples; flash may be restricted inside some museums and tombs. Tripods are often discouraged in busy temple areas and may need prior permission. Drones are subject to strict Egyptian regulations and require permits; they are effectively prohibited for tourist use without official clearance.
9. 09When is the best time of year to sail on the Nile with Acamar?

   The most comfortable months are October–April when daytime temperatures in Luxor and Aswan range from roughly 20–35°C. Summers (May–September) bring high heat, often exceeding 40°C, which increases midday walking difficulty. Shoulder seasons offer cooler mornings for temple visits and clearer air for photography.
10. 10Does the itinerary include a visit to Abu Simbel and how is that arranged?

    Some Acamar itineraries include an Abu Simbel excursion from Aswan; options are an early-morning coach (approx. 3 hours each way) or a short domestic flight. The coach option requires a very early start and a 4–7 hour round trip on excursion day. Let us know if you prefer the flight option so we can check availability.

If plans change

Cancellation

More than 30 days

Full refund less a £50 admin fee

15–30 days

50% refund

Within 14 days

No refund – date changes considered case by case