Magic I Nile Cruise
A 5-star Nile cruiser with a shaded sun deck, lounge bar, full-board dining, and cabins with Nile views or balconies.
At a glance
- Length
- 4 days · 3 nights
- Embarks
- Mon, Fri
- Board
- Full Board
- Class
- 5-star
The short answer
Magic I Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile cruise vessel arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt.
02Overview
A first look
Morning light catches the Nile beyond Luxor as Magic I Nile Cruise leaves the riverbank, with the water moving quietly past the sun deck and Nile-facing cabins. From a shaded seat, you can watch villages and cultivated fields pass by, then join shore excursions to Karnak, Luxor Temple, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, and the Valley of the Kings.
The lounge bar and dining room give the sailing days an unhurried rhythm, while full-board meals are served from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast. The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan. We arrange your cabin, embarkation details, and shore-excursion coordination with our licensed Egyptian tour operator team.
Background
The facts
Magic I Nile Cruise is a 5-star Nile river vessel used for sailing between Luxor and Aswan on the Nile, with embarkation and disembarkation in those two cities. It is arranged by Discovery Tours Egypt, a licensed Egyptian tour operator, while the cruise line provides the vessel and onboard services.
The ship’s accommodation includes cabin categories from Standard to Suite, with Nile-facing windows or balconies where specified. Public areas typically include a sun deck for outdoor viewing, a lounge bar for evening use, and a dining room where full-board meals are served from embarkation lunch through disembarkation breakfast.
The onboard shore-excursion program usually includes the major sites linked to Upper Egypt’s cruise corridor: Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple on the Luxor side, Edfu Temple (Temple of Horus), Kom Ombo Temple, Philae Temple on Agilkia Island near Aswan, and the Valley of the Kings on the West Bank of Luxor. These monuments span Pharaonic, Ptolemaic, and Roman periods, with the route connecting river crossings and temple sites over several sailing days.
The vessel sails weekly in both directions between Luxor and Aswan, with alternate sailing days and shore visits depending on the cruise direction and schedule. Standard entrance fees for included sightseeing are generally covered unless a specific premium site or extra is stated separately; pyramid interiors, premium tombs, and gratuities are normally excluded unless requested.
Suited to
Is this for you?
Yes, if
- This cruise suits travelers who want a structured Nile journey with guided temple visits, comfortable cabins, and a straightforward full-board setup. It is especially relevant for first-time visitors, couples, and history-focused travelers who prefer a private or semi-independent travel style with logistics arranged in advance.
What lingers
- 014-day Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan, calling at Karnak, Luxor West Bank, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Philae.
- 02Our Egyptologist conducts guided tours at Karnak and Luxor Temples, focusing on timelines and architectural phases.
- 03We schedule two-hour visits at Edfu and Kom Ombo to avoid the 40-minute rush typical from day cruise boats.
- 04Aswan stop includes Philae Temple and High Dam briefings; Abu Simbel flight transfers available on request and separate cost.
- 05All meals onboard, Nile-view private cabins, 24-hour reception; we provide local licensed Egyptian tour operator support throughout.
The route
Luxor and Aswan
- EdfuThe Temple of Horus
- Kom OmboThe Temple of Sobek
Choose your direction
- Luxor → Aswan4 nightsupstream, against the current
- Aswan → Luxor3 nightsdownstream, with the current
- Round-trip7 nightsreturn to Luxor or Aswan
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.
At sea
Detailed itinerary
Based on embarkation from Aswan and disembarkation in Luxor.
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
Cabin pricing
Pricing & seasonal rates
Per person in USD, based on cabin sharing. Single supplements apply. Holiday surcharges apply at Christmas, New Year & Easter.
8 Days / 7 Nights · Luxor to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,818 | $2,128 | $2,437 |
| Double Cabin | $945 | $1,036 | $1,127 |
| Triple Cabin | $824 | $884 | $945 |
5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,208 | $1,385 | $1,562 |
| Double Cabin | $709 | $761 | $813 |
| Triple Cabin | $640 | $674 | $709 |
4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,004 | $1,137 | $1,269 |
| Double Cabin | $630 | $669 | $708 |
| Triple Cabin | $578 | $604 | $630 |
8 Days / 7 Nights · Aswan to Aswan
| Cabin | Low | High | Peak |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single Cabin | $1,832 | $2,141 | $2,451 |
| Double Cabin | $958 | $1,049 | $1,140 |
| Triple Cabin | $837 | $898 | $958 |
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
- parking
- gym
- non-smoking
- air-conditioning
- restaurant
- room-service
- wifi
- pool
- bar
- garden
- rooftop-terrace
The fine print
What's included – and what isn't
Included
- Full Board: breakfast, lunch and dinner served aboard (from embarkation lunch to disembarkation breakfast)
- Accommodation aboard the vessel in the booked cabin class
- Use of public areas: sun deck, lounge bar and dining room
- Daily cabin housekeeping
Not included
- Drinks beyond still water with meals (beverages typically charged separately)
- Gratuities for crew and local guides unless explicitly requested
- Premium cabin upgrades or suite supplements
- Entrance fees for sites and tombs not explicitly stated as included
- International flights, visas and travel insurance
Accessibility
Who can join this
The vessel and shore excursions require moderate mobility. Expect uneven stone surfaces, temple steps, and cobbled paths at Karnak, Luxor Temple, Kom Ombo, Edfu and the Valley of the Kings. Onboard public areas are reached by steps between decks; many Nile cruisers do not have elevators to all decks. Cabins on the main deck are easiest to reach, while upper-deck cabins often require climbing stairs. Embarkation and disembarkation involve short gangways; our local team provides physical assistance on request but cannot guarantee full wheelchair ramp access at all quays. If you use a wheelchair or have limited mobility, tell us when you book so we can recommend suitable cabin locations, confirm shore-excursion accessibility, and arrange extra help at ports where possible. Service animals are not routinely accommodated onboard unless pre-arranged and approved in writing.
Before you go
What to pack & wear
What to bring
- Valid passport and any required visas
- Lightweight daypack for shore excursions
- Comfortable walking shoes with grip
- Sun protection: hat, sunglasses, sunscreen SPF30+
- Reusable water bottle
- Personal medication and a small first-aid kit
- Plug adapter (Egypt uses Type C and F sockets)
What to wear
- Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing for hot days
- Long sleeves or a shawl for sun and temple modesty
- Covered shoulders and knees for mosques and some temples
- A light jacket for evenings on the Nile
- Sturdy closed-toe shoes for archaeological sites
Children & families
Children 0–5.99 years travel free; children 6–11.99 years pay 50% of the adult fare; children 12 years and older pay the full adult fare. Children must share a cabin with their parents, with a maximum of one child per cabin; two or more children require their own cabin. Strollers are practical on the vessel but can be difficult to use at some archaeological sites because of uneven ground and steps. Cruise public areas and dining rooms are family-friendly, but high chairs and child-specific equipment vary by cruise supplier and must be requested in advance.
Location
On the map
– Responsible travel
How we travel here
The vessel is a diesel-powered Nile cruiser, and daily sailing and hotel services rely on conventional marine and coach transport for shore excursions. Shore transfers and excursions typically use air-conditioned coaches with local driver-guides contracted per sailing. We work with locally based Egyptian crew, Egyptologists, and shore suppliers to keep economic benefit in the communities visited; excursions are booked with small, registered local companies where possible. Onboard waste is separated for disposal at port facilities and linens are reused on request to reduce water and detergent use. Guests who bring reusable water bottles help reduce single-use plastic; bottled drinking water is provided for safety but we encourage minimizing plastic by refilling from supplied jugs. If you have specific sustainability requirements, tell us at booking so we can pass them to the cruise supplier and local partners.
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's included on a 4-day Nile cruise aboard MS Magic I?
The cruise price typically covers cabin accommodation, all onboard meals, and scheduled shore excursions. Standard site entrance fees are included unless stated otherwise; premium extras such as the Khufu pyramid interior, Tutankhamun tomb, and personal gratuities are usually excluded. Compared with land-based day tours, a 4-day cruise reduces hotel changes and carries your luggage between visits. We confirm the full inclusions and any optional add-ons at booking.02How do I join MS Magic I – can you arrange transfers from Cairo or Luxor?
We arrange airport or hotel transfers and meet‑and‑assist services to join the ship in port. As a licensed Egyptian tour operator we coordinate exact embarkation and disembarkation times with the ship operator and send e‑tickets with meeting instructions. If you arrive into Cairo we can book the domestic flight to Luxor/Aswan and overnight hotels as needed. Tell us your flight details and we will propose the smoothest connection.03What are the cabins like on MS Magic I and can I request a specific deck?
MS Magic I typically offers cabins with private bathrooms and air conditioning; we will confirm the cabin specification at booking. Deck location affects cabin size, window type, and proximity to public areas; we can request a higher or lower‑deck cabin and will send the deck plan. Single‑occupancy and triple cabins vary – ask for exact measurements and bedding arrangements before you confirm.04Are Wi‑Fi and mobile signal reliable on board the Nile cruise?
Wi‑Fi service is usually available on Nile cruise ships but signal strength varies along the river. Signal can drop between Luxor and Aswan; for large uploads or video calls plan on using hotel Wi‑Fi in towns. We can arrange a local SIM card on arrival or advise eSIM options and roaming costs so you have connectivity strategies before travel.05Do I need to bring cash, and what is the tipping policy on MS Magic I?
Bring Egyptian pounds for onboard extras, local purchases, and tipping; card acceptance is limited at small shops. Tipping is customary for crew, guides, and drivers; many guests prefer a single pooled crew tip in cash. We will state our suggested gratuity guidance at booking and can pre‑collect tips if you prefer a cash‑free solution.06Is MS Magic I suitable for travelers with limited mobility?
Mobility access on Nile motor cruisers is limited and often involves narrow gangways and steps. MS Magic I's exact accessibility varies by cabin and boarding point; tell us your mobility needs and we will confirm cabin location, boarding arrangements, and any necessary assistance before you book. Expect uneven surfaces at archaeological sites, temple staircases, and occasional soft sand at landings – these can restrict independent mobility without a helper.
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-041229
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