Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya Nile Cruise
An intimate 5-star sail-powered dahabiya with eight cabins, a rooftop terrace, full-board dining, and panoramic Nile views.
At a glance
- Length
- 7 days · 6 nights
- Embarks
- Sun, Thu
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya is a superior Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
At sunrise on the Nile, the lateen sail fills above the deck and the riverbank slips past at walking pace. From the rooftop terrace, you can watch palm groves, village waterwheels, and limestone cliffs change with the light, then settle into the lounge as the captain chooses a quiet stretch of river.
Our Egyptologists bring the ancient landscape into focus during shore visits, from the painted reliefs at Edfu to the columns of Karnak and the tombs of Luxor’s West Bank. The smaller scale keeps the atmosphere calm compared with larger motorized Nile ships. Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, arranges your vessel, shore program, transfers, and local support before you travel.
Background
The facts
Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya is a traditional Nile sailing vessel with eight cabins in total: two suites and six double cabins. Dahabiyas are smaller, wind-powered river craft that typically provide a quieter onboard environment than larger motorised ships. This vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with embarkation and disembarkation handled at those two river ports.
The shore-excursion program typically includes major Upper Egypt monuments such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, Edfu Temple of Horus, Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, and the Valley of the Kings. These sites represent a route along the Nile corridor between Luxor and Aswan, with travel time between the two cities usually covered by river sailing rather than road transport. Standard entrance fees are generally included in organized Egypt cruise arrangements unless otherwise stated; access to premium tombs or pyramid interiors is not relevant to this route.
On board, the vessel provides a rooftop terrace, lounge bar, dining room, and public WiFi subject to local signal. Full board runs from lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day, with water provided at meals. The vessel can be booked as a regular sailing with a minimum of two cabins or as a full private charter.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who prefer a slower-paced Nile experience, especially adults, couples, and small groups who value fewer cabins and a more intimate atmosphere. It also appeals to history-focused visitors who want guided access to Upper Egypt’s key temples and tomb sites without the scale of a large ship.
What lingers
- 01Seven-day sailing between Luxor and Aswan aboard the Royal Cleopatra dahabiya, daytime sails and overnight moorings at riverbanks.
- 02Includes guided visits to Karnak Temple, Luxor East Bank, Luxor West Bank, and the Valley of the Kings.
- 03Stops at Edfu and Kom Ombo with two-hour temple visits; avoids hurried 40-minute cruise-ship layovers.
- 04Aswan itinerary includes Philae Temple and felucca evening sail; optional Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan not included.
- 05We operate this as a licensed Egyptian tour operator; your Cairo or Aswan transfers and local Egyptologist-guides are arranged.
The route
Esna and Aswan
Choose your direction
- Esna → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Esna3 nightsdownstream, with the current
The route
Where this ship sails
The stretch of river this vessel works, and what the sailing is like end to end.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Esna and disembarkation in Aswan.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
5 Days / 4 Nights · Esna to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $956 | $1,013 | $1,070 |
| Suite | $1,541 | $1,671 | $1,801 |
| Single Cabin | $2,061 | $2,256 | $2,451 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Esna
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Double Cabin | $815 | $858 | $901 |
| Suite | $1,254 | $1,351 | $1,449 |
| Single Cabin | $1,644 | $1,790 | $1,936 |
Children 0–5.99 years free · 6–11.99 years pay 50% · 12+ pay full adult price. Children must share a cabin with parents (max 2 per cabin).
Indicative rates only – pricing and cabins fluctuate. Please enquire for live rates on your specific dates.
On property
What's here
- restaurant
- wifi
- concierge
- rooftop-terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full-board meals: lunch on embarkation day through breakfast on disembarkation day (water with meals)
- Use of public areas: rooftop terrace, lounge and dining room
- WiFi in public areas (subject to local signal)
Not included
- Drinks beyond water with meals
- Crew and guide gratuities
- National park or temple entrance fees where applicable, unless stated at booking
- International or domestic flights to Egypt
- Transfers, visas and personal expenses
Accessibility
Who can join this
This dahabiya involves boarding by a low gangway and moving between decks by a set of 6 to 10 steps in boarding areas and on the boat. Shore excursions include uneven ancient stone, cobbles, soft sand, and temple steps with no lifts at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae and the Valley of the Kings. Wheelchairs cannot be used on board or at most temple sites; a lightweight folding stroller is usable only on flat paved surfaces and not on soft sand or steep ramps. Transfers use standard saloon cars and minibuses with one or two steps. If you have reduced mobility, limited stamina, or require a wheelchair, tell us in advance so we can advise which parts of the itinerary are realistic and arrange additional help where possible. We are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and will meet you on arrival and coordinate local assistance, but do not own the cruise vessel or the sites.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and a photocopy
- Comfortable walking shoes with good grip
- Sun protection: SPF 30+ sunscreen, sunglasses, wide-brim hat
- Lightweight daypack for water, camera, guidebook
- Reusable water bottle (refillable) and basic personal meds
- Adaptor for Egyptian power sockets (Type C and F)
- Small torch or headlamp for uneven steps at dusk
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in natural fabrics
- Covered shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
- A light layer for cool evenings on the Nile
- Non-slip closed shoes for archaeological sites
- A scarf or shawl for sun protection and modesty when needed
Children & families
Children 0 to 5.99 years travel free, 6 to 11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare, children 12 and older pay the full adult price. Children must share a cabin with their parents, maximum one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. The dahabiya layout and boarding steps make strollers impractical for most shore landings; families should expect to carry young children short distances at some sites. High chairs are not standard on these small boats, so request child equipment at booking and we will arrange it where possible.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The Royal Cleopatra dahabiya is a sail-powered style vessel, using lateen sails to reduce engine hours compared with motorised Nile cruisers. On-shore transport arranged for excursions uses air-conditioned minibuses with Euro 4-5 style diesel engines commonly used in Upper Egypt; we prioritize suppliers that maintain vehicles regularly to limit emissions and avoid unnecessary idling. Our on-board provisions are sourced from Luxor markets and local suppliers, with fresh produce bought in Luxor and Aswan towns to support small traders. Shore excursions include smaller landing points that reduce pressure on the congested main quays. For private charters we encourage single-cabin groups to combine activities to reduce repeat transfers. We do not claim carbon neutrality; we report local sourcing and lower engine use as concrete sustainability measures and can provide specific supplier details on request.
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
01What is a dahabiya and how does it differ from a Nile cruise?
A dahabiya is a shallow-draft, traditionally rigged Nile sailing houseboat that offers a slower, smaller-boat experience than large cruise ships. These boats typically moor closer to villages and make shorter, more frequent stops ashore; they have fewer public spaces and fewer passengers than standard river cruise ships. Because the pace is slower, you often spend more time at each site and walk more to reach temples and villages.02What is included in the price for the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya?
Price usually includes cabin accommodation, meals as listed, onboard crew services, and standard archaeological site entrance fees unless we state otherwise. International flights, visa fees, premium tombs and pyramid interiors (e.g., Tutankhamun, Seti I, or Khufu interior), and crew gratuities are normally excluded. We are the operator on the ground, not an aggregator; confirm the exact inclusions on your booking voucher so there are no surprises.03Does a seven-day route typically visit Luxor and Aswan?
A seven-day dahabiya route commonly links Luxor and Aswan, but exact ports of call vary by departure. Confirm the day-by-day itinerary with us before you travel – some departures stop more frequently at village landings, others prioritize longer temple visits. Unlike short 3–4 night cruises, a seven-day dahabiya allows more time ashore and slower transit between sites.04How big are the cabins and what bedding is provided?
Cabins are compact and private, normally offering double or twin beds plus an en-suite bathroom. Storage is limited compared with hotel rooms; soft-sided luggage that fits under a bed or in a small closet works best. Charging points are usually available onboard but may not be 24/7; tell us any specific bedding or cabin-location preferences and we will confirm availability.05Is the Royal Cleopatra Dahabiya suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Dahabiyas have steps, narrow gangways, and uneven surfaces, so they are not suitable for travelers needing full wheelchair access. Crew can provide assistance with boarding and short transfers, but shore landings often require stepping from a small tender or up low riverbanks. If you have reduced mobility, notify us at booking – we are a licensed Egyptian tour operator and will advise realistic options and any additional assistance we can arrange.06What should I pack for a seven-day Nile dahabiya trip?
Pack sun protection, lightweight layered clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a modest-dress option for temples, and a small daypack. Bring sunscreen, a broad-brim hat, sunglasses, a refillable water bottle, insect repellent, prescription medications with copies of prescriptions, and a universal travel adapter; carry small Egyptian pound notes for tips and purchases ashore. Use soft-sided luggage where possible and check with us about recommended luggage size for tender transfers.
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
Product ID: CRU-NIL-952725
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