Standard Nile Cruise
A Standard Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan is the cheapest way to enjoy a fully private 5 star Nile cruise, and the most popular budget Nile cruise for travelers who want a complete Egypt Nile trip at the lowest price. Every Standard Nile Cruise includes a private Egyptologist guide, a private air-conditioned vehicle, full board, a private cabin with en-suite bathroom and all entrance fees. WOW Egypt Tours offers 21 Standard Nile Cruises, and cheap Nile cruise prices start from $695 per person, making these the best low cost Nile cruise deals in Egypt.
Our Best Standard Nile River Cruises between Luxor and Aswan suit every kind of traveler, whether you want a budget Nile cruise holiday, a cheap Nile cruise vacation, a Standard Nile cruise tour, an affordable Nile cruise trip or cheap and budget Nile cruise packages. Each all inclusive budget Nile cruise package comes with full board, private sightseeing, private transfers and entrance fees, so your economy Nile cruise vacation has no hidden costs. Popular choices include a family budget Nile cruise holiday, a cheap Nile cruise honeymoon and a budget Egypt tour with Nile cruise.
Choose a Luxor to Aswan Standard Nile Cruise or an Aswan to Luxor Standard Nile Cruise. The 4 day Aswan to Luxor cheap Nile cruise is also known as the 3 night Aswan to Luxor budget Nile cruise, and the 5 day Luxor to Aswan budget Nile cruise is also known as the 4 night Luxor to Aswan cheap Nile cruise. You can book either one as a 4 day 3 night Nile cruise tour or a 5 day 4 night Nile cruise trip, or as an affordable Nile cruise from Cairo with domestic flights included.
At WOW Egypt Tours, every Standard Luxor Aswan Nile Cruise is 100% private. You travel only with your own group or family, with a dedicated private Egyptologist guide and a private cabin on board. No shared groups, no shared guides and no hidden fees. The WOW Team is available 24/7 before, during and after your trip.
Standard Nile cruise packages and cheap Nile cruise deals for 2026, 2027 and 2028 depart every week from Luxor and Aswan. Every Nile cruise budget option on this page sails on a licensed 5 star Standard Nile cruise ship, making these the most affordable Nile cruises in Egypt and the best value Nile cruise holidays on the river.
Nile Cruise Standard Package
Every all inclusive cheap Nile cruise package booked through WOW Egypt Tours is fully inclusive. Here is what is included in all Egypt budget Nile cruise holidays, so you know exactly what you pay for. The cheap Nile cruise price you are quoted is the price you pay, with the following included as standard:
Private Professional Egyptologist Guide
One dedicated private Egyptologist for your group for the full budget Nile cruise tour. Full commentary at every temple, tomb and site on the itinerary. No group tours, no shared guides and no handoffs to local site guides.
Private Modern Air-Conditioned Vehicle
A private air-conditioned vehicle with a dedicated driver for all transfers between the cruise boat and every sightseeing site, available at every port stop.
Private Cabin with En-Suite Bathroom
A private Standard Nile cruise cabin with an en-suite bathroom. Cabin options include double cabins (twin or king bed) and triple cabins for families. Upper deck cabins on selected boats offer the best river views. Cabin size and location vary by 5 star Nile cruise ship.
Full Board on Board
Breakfast, lunch and dinner served on board daily. A full board budget Nile cruise includes fresh Egyptian and international dishes prepared on board, with no additional dining costs. Bottled water is included during tours and transfers.
All Entrance Fees and Tickets
All site admissions on the itinerary are included, from Karnak Temple and the Valley of the Kings to Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam. No surprise costs on arrival.
Private Transfers Throughout
All airport, hotel and cruise boat transfers are included and coordinated by the WOW Team. Internal flights from Cairo to Luxor or Aswan can be added for a complete cheap Nile cruise from Cairo package.
Best Budget Nile Cruise Ships
For travelers seeking the best Standard Nile Cruise, the WOW Team selects 21 of the best budget Nile cruise ships on the river, each chosen for clean comfortable cabins, good on-board meals, a professional crew and reliable daily timing. A cheap Nile cruise Luxor to Aswan or an Aswan to Luxor budget Nile cruise gives you a private cabin, a restaurant with full board, a shaded sun deck and a pool on selected boats. Combined with a private Egyptologist guide, private vehicle and all entrance fees, it makes the cheap Nile cruise trip the best value Nile cruise for a complete Egypt holiday at the lowest price.
Our cheap Nile cruise boats sail on three weekly schedules. On the Saturday from Luxor and Wednesday from Aswan schedule: A Sara, Princess Sarah II, Magic I, Magic II, Blue Shadow III and Nile Quest. On the Monday from Luxor and Friday from Aswan schedule: Princess Sarah, Mojito, Radamis II, Royal Ruby, Royal Esadora, Tower Prestige, Grand Rose, Nile Plaza and Jamila. On the Thursday from Luxor and Monday from Aswan schedule: Lady Carol, Lady Mary, Mahrousa, Semiramis II, Monte Carlo and La Traviata. The WOW Team advises on the right boat for your travel dates, group size and budget. Contact us for availability and current Standard Nile cruise prices for 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Budget Nile Cruise Departure Days
The Standard Nile cruise departure days and schedules are fixed every week in both directions. A cheap Nile cruise from Luxor departs every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. A budget Nile cruise from Aswan departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The 21 boats sail on three weekly schedules: Luxor on Saturday and Aswan on Wednesday, Luxor on Monday and Aswan on Friday, and Luxor on Thursday and Aswan on Monday. With the widest choice of departure days of any category, the WOW Team can fit a budget Nile cruise vacation or cheap Nile cruise tour into almost any travel schedule across 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Every Standard Nile Cruise runs as either a 4 day 3 night Nile cruise from Aswan or a 5 day 4 night Nile cruise from Luxor, both with the same private guide, full board and entrance fees.
The 4 Day Aswan to Luxor Cheap Nile Cruise, also known as the 3 Nights Aswan to Luxor Cheap Nile Cruise, is the most compact budget Nile cruise and the cheapest Nile cruise in Egypt. Whether you are looking for a 4 days Aswan to Luxor budget Nile cruise, a 3 night Aswan to Luxor Standard Nile cruise, a 4 day Nile cruise from Aswan or a 3 night Nile cruise from Aswan, it is the same trip: 4 days and 3 nights on a 5 star Standard Nile cruise boat, with full private sightseeing at the lowest price. Departures every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from Aswan.
The Nile cruise Aswan to Luxor budget program starts in Aswan with private guided visits to the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple. An optional excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples by road or by plane can be arranged before departure. Sailing north, the boat stops at Kom Ombo Temple and Edfu Temple before arriving in Luxor. The East Bank program covers Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, and the West Bank program covers the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. An optional sunrise hot air balloon ride over Luxor is available.
The 4 day cheap Nile cruise price, also listed as the 3 night budget Nile cruise price, starts from $695 per person, making the Aswan to Luxor 4 day Nile cruise and the Aswan to Luxor 3 night Nile cruise the lowest priced way to sail the Nile. Rates vary by season, with different prices for summer, winter, Christmas, New Year and Easter.
The 5 Day Luxor to Aswan Budget Nile Cruise, also known as the 4 Nights Luxor to Aswan Budget Nile Cruise, is the most booked cheap Nile cruise on the route and the best value Standard Nile Cruise. Whether you are looking for a 5 days Luxor to Aswan cheap Nile cruise, a 4 night Luxor to Aswan Standard Nile cruise, a 5 day Nile cruise from Luxor or a 4 night Nile cruise from Luxor, it is the same trip: 5 days and 4 nights with every major site, a fully private program and an extra night on board. Departures every Monday, Thursday and Saturday from Luxor.
The Nile cruise Luxor to Aswan cheap program starts in Luxor with the East Bank covering Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, followed by the West Bank with the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon. An optional sunrise hot air balloon over Luxor is available before the West Bank tour. Sailing south, the boat calls at Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple before arriving in Aswan for the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and Philae Temple. An optional road trip or flight to the Abu Simbel Temples can be added from Aswan.
The 5 day budget Nile cruise price, also listed as the 4 night cheap Nile cruise price, starts from $794 per person, so the Luxor to Aswan 5 day Nile cruise and the Luxor to Aswan 4 night Nile cruise give you more time on the river at an affordable price. Rates vary by season, with different prices for summer, winter, Christmas, New Year and Easter, and availability runs through 2026, 2027 and 2028.
Egypt Tour Packages with Budget Nile Cruise
A cheap Nile cruise holiday pairs perfectly with more of Egypt before or after your time on the river. Combine your budget Nile cruise with an Egypt tour package to see more of the country in one affordable Egypt vacation. The WOW Team can build complete Egypt tour packages with Nile cruise by duration, or budget Nile cruise vacation packages by category, including family, honeymoon, classic and group options, combined with any of the following:
Cairo and the Pyramids
Add nights in Cairo before or after your cruise to visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Great Sphinx, the Egyptian Museum and the Khan el-Khalili bazaar. A domestic flight connects Cairo to Luxor or Aswan in about one hour, turning your trip into a complete Cairo and cheap Nile cruise package, also called a Cairo to Luxor budget Nile cruise or a Cairo to Aswan cheap Nile cruise.
Alexandria
Combine your cruise with a private tour of Alexandria, visiting the Catacombs of Kom el-Shoqafa, the Citadel of Qaitbay, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Montaza Palace gardens, as a day trip from Cairo or an overnight extension.
Hurghada and the Red Sea
A short domestic flight or private road transfer connects Hurghada to Luxor, making it easy to combine an affordable Nile cruise and Red Sea holiday in one Egypt vacation.
Extra Nights in Luxor
Add extra nights in Luxor to cover more West Bank sites, including the Valley of the Queens, the Tombs of the Nobles, the Ramesseum and Medinet Habu, or to enjoy a sunrise hot air balloon ride and the Karnak Sound and Light Show at a slower pace.
Extra Nights in Aswan
Add extra nights in Aswan to visit Elephantine Island, Kitchener's Island botanical garden, the Philae Sound and Light Show and the Nubian villages on the west bank of the Nile.
Abu Simbel Overnight Extension
Add a private overnight stay at Abu Simbel for a late afternoon temple visit, the Sound and Light Show after dark, and an early morning return visit before day visitors arrive.
Nile Cruise Standard vs Deluxe vs Luxury
Every Luxor Aswan Nile Cruise falls into one of four categories: Standard, Deluxe, Ultra Deluxe and Luxury, and comparing a cheap Nile cruise vs Deluxe, Ultra Deluxe and Luxury Nile cruise is simple. All four include the same private Egyptologist guide, private vehicle, full board and entrance fees, so the difference is entirely the ship.
Nile cruise standard vs deluxe: A Standard Nile Cruise is the lowest priced option. A Deluxe Nile Cruise gives you larger cabins with balconies, better dining, more deck space and a swimming pool on most ships, at a higher price.
Standard vs luxury Nile cruises: A Luxury Nile Cruise adds suites, fine dining and the highest level of service, at a much higher price. A budget Nile cruise covers the same temples with the same private guide for far less, which is why it is the most popular affordable 5 star Nile cruise.
Standard vs ultra deluxe Nile cruises: Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruises sit between Deluxe and Luxury, with bigger cabins and more elegant public areas. If your priority is seeing the most sites at the lowest price, the Standard category is the right choice.
Budget Nile Cruise Packages 2026, 2027 and 2028
Cheap Nile cruise 2026, 2027 and 2028 departures of our Standard Nile Cruises Egypt program run year round on 21 budget Nile cruise boats, with fixed weekly schedules in both directions. The WOW Team confirms availability, secures your cabin and sends a clear, itemized quote for your cheap Egypt Nile cruise package with no obligation. Browse Egypt tour packages by duration or Egypt travel packages by category to plan the rest of your trip. All Egypt budget Nile cruise packages for 2026, 2027 and 2028 are fully private and fully inclusive.
Standard Nile Cruise FAQs
These budget Nile cruise frequently asked questions cover prices, routes, cabins, facilities and booking for our cheap Standard Nile Cruises between Luxor and Aswan.
How long is a Standard Nile Cruise?
A Standard Nile Cruise runs for either 4 days/3 nights or 5 days/4 nights, depending on the direction of travel. The 4 Days/3 Nights Aswan to Luxor cheap Nile cruise departs from Aswan every Monday, Wednesday and Friday and sails north to Luxor. The 5 Days/4 Nights Luxor to Aswan budget Nile cruise departs from Luxor every Monday, Thursday and Saturday and sails south to Aswan. Both itineraries visit the same core temples and monuments along the Nile River Valley, and the longer itinerary allows a more relaxed pace between sites.
What sites are visited on a budget Nile Cruise?
The Standard Nile Cruise visits Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, the Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Horus at Edfu, the Temple of Kom Ombo, Philae Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Aswan High Dam. An Abu Simbel excursion and more Luxor or Aswan sites can be added as optional extras.
Is a Standard Nile Cruise a 5 star Nile cruise?
Yes. Every boat in our Standard program is a licensed 5 star Standard Nile cruise boat. Within the 5 star rating, Nile cruise ships are grouped into Standard, Deluxe, Ultra Deluxe and Luxury categories. A Standard Nile Cruise offers comfortable private cabins, full board and a sun deck at the lowest price, while a Deluxe Nile Cruise, an Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruise or a Luxury Nile Cruise costs more for larger cabins and more facilities.
What is the difference between standard and deluxe Nile cruises?
The difference is the ship. A Deluxe Nile Cruise offers larger cabins with balconies, upgraded dining, more deck space and a pool on most ships, at a mid-range price. A Standard Nile Cruise offers comfortable private cabins, full board and a sun deck at the lowest price. Both include the same private Egyptologist guide, private vehicle, full board, entrance fees and the same temples.
Is this the cheapest Nile cruise available?
Yes. A Standard Nile Cruise is the cheapest fully private Nile cruise in Egypt, with budget Nile cruise prices from $695 per person. Even at the lowest price, every cheap Nile cruise on our program includes a private Egyptologist guide, private vehicle, full board and all entrance fees, with no shared group tours at any point.
Is a Standard Nile Cruise different from a Dahabiya Nile Cruise?
Yes, they are very different experiences. A Standard Nile Cruise is a 5 star motorized ship with more guests, a fixed weekly schedule and stops at the main cruise moorings in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. A Dahabiya Nile Cruise is a traditional sailing boat with only a handful of guests, mooring at quiet islands and villages and moving at a slower pace. Both include the same private Egyptologist guide, private air-conditioned vehicle, full board and all entrance fees. Many travelers choose to combine both for the full Nile experience.
How much does a budget Nile Cruise cost?
Standard Nile cruise rates start from $695 per person on the 4 Days/3 Nights Aswan to Luxor itinerary and from $794 per person on the budget 5 day Nile cruise from Luxor. Standard Nile cruise prices depend on the cabin type, season, departure schedule and boat, with higher rates at Christmas, New Year and Easter. All prices include a Private Professional Egyptologist Guide, private transfers, full board and all entrance fees. There are no hidden costs.
What is included in a Standard Nile Cruise package?
Every Standard Nile Cruise package through WOW Egypt Tours includes a Private Professional Egyptologist Guide for all temple and site visits and a private air-conditioned vehicle and driver for all transfers. It also includes full-board accommodation with breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, a private cabin with en-suite bathroom, and all entrance fees to every site on the itinerary. Bottled water during tours and transfers, and all service charges and taxes, are included too. Domestic flights between Cairo, Luxor and Aswan can be added when required. There are no hidden costs.
What is the best value Nile cruise?
For travelers on a budget, a Standard Nile Cruise is the best value Nile cruise in Egypt available, with the same private guide and the same temples as the higher categories at the lowest price. The 5 day Luxor to Aswan Standard Nile Cruise is the most popular choice. The cheap 4 day Nile cruise from Aswan is the lowest priced option.
How many Standard Nile Cruise boats are available and what are the departure days?
WOW Egypt Tours offers 21 Standard Nile Cruise boats on three fixed weekly schedules: 6 boats on the Saturday and Wednesday schedule, 9 on the Monday and Friday schedule, and 6 on the Thursday and Monday schedule. A budget Nile cruise from Luxor departs every Monday, Thursday and Saturday. A cheap Nile cruise from Aswan departs every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. The WOW Team advises on the best budget Nile cruise boat and schedule for your travel dates, group size and budget.
Is a Standard Nile Cruise suitable for families and children?
Yes. Standard boats offer triple cabins suited to families with children, full-board dining and a structured daily schedule with shore visits spread across the itinerary. The WOW Team advises on child pricing and cabin sharing options for your travel dates. Children aged 2 to 5 are charged a reduced rate, and children under 2 travel free when sharing a cabin with parents. A family cheap Nile cruise vacation can also be combined with Cairo or the Red Sea.
Is a Standard Nile Cruise suitable for couples and honeymooners?
Yes. Standard boats offer cabins for couples and solo travelers, and the daily sightseeing is private throughout, with no shared group tours. A budget Nile cruise honeymoon is one of the most popular cheap Egypt honeymoon experiences. The WOW Team can arrange birthday, anniversary or honeymoon surprises when requested at booking.
Do Standard Nile Cruise boats have WiFi, air conditioning and private bathrooms?
Yes. Every Standard Nile Cruise boat offers air conditioning in all cabins, a private en-suite bathroom with shower and a shaded sun deck. WiFi and swimming pools are available on selected boats. The WOW Team confirms the on-board facilities of your boat when arranging your booking.
What is the food like on a Standard Nile Cruise?
All meals are served on a full-board basis: breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Menus combine Egyptian and international dishes using fresh local ingredients. Vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free meals can be arranged when requested at booking. Bottled water is included during tours and transfers.
When is the best time to take a Standard Nile Cruise?
Standard Nile Cruises depart year round. The most comfortable months are October through April, when temperatures along the Nile are mild and ideal for sightseeing. May through September brings intense heat in Upper Egypt, but cruises still operate, the sites are far less crowded and summer rates are often the cheapest Nile cruise prices of the year. Christmas, New Year and Easter are peak periods with higher prices and earlier booking requirements.
Do I need to book a Standard Nile Cruise in advance?
Yes. Standard Nile Cruise boats run on fixed weekly schedules, and cabins sell out several weeks ahead in peak seasons, including October to April, Christmas, New Year and Easter. The WOW Team recommends booking as early as possible to secure your preferred cabin and departure date. Send your travel dates for 2026, 2027 or 2028, and the team will confirm availability and hold your cabin promptly.
How do I book a Standard Nile Cruise and how does payment work?
Send the WOW Team your travel dates, group size and preferred cabin type through the contact page, WhatsApp or email. Availability is confirmed promptly, and a 25% deposit secures your cabin, guide, transfers and sightseeing. The remaining balance can be paid in full or in installments, no later than 7 days before the cruise date. An official invoice is issued for every payment, and cancellation more than 75 days before the cruise date is free.
Can I add Abu Simbel to a Standard Nile Cruise?
Yes. A private day trip or overnight stay at the Abu Simbel Temples can be added to any Standard Nile Cruise from Aswan, by road or by flight. You can also combine your cruise with a Lake Nasser Cruise to reach Abu Simbel by water. The WOW Team coordinates the full itinerary from Luxor to Abu Simbel as one seamless package.
Can I book a cheap Nile Cruise from Cairo or combine it with other Egypt destinations?
Yes. A budget Nile cruise from Cairo adds domestic flights and transfers, so a Standard Nile cruise from Cairo or a low cost Nile cruise tour from Cairo is easy to arrange. You can also include Cairo and the Pyramids, Alexandria, Hurghada and the Red Sea, or extra nights in Luxor and Aswan. The WOW Team builds complete Egypt tours with a cheap Nile cruise, connecting every destination with private transfers and domestic flights.
What should I pack for a Standard Nile Cruise?
Bring your passport, comfortable walking shoes for temple visits, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, light breathable clothing for daytime, a light jacket or sweater for evenings on the river between October and April, swimwear for the pool on selected boats, personal medication, and some cash for personal expenses or optional tipping. Laundry service is available on selected boats.
