The Royal Princess Nile Cruise offers a luxurious and immersive way to experience the history and culture of ancient Egypt. Navigating the legendary Nile River, this cruise provides guests with the opportunity to explore iconic sites and attractions in comfort and style. From the bustling cities to the serene riverbanks, a Nile cruise is an unforgettable journey through time.
Map of the Nile River showcasing key cities and landmarks.
The Royal Princess Nile Cruise Experience
The Royal Princess Nile Cruise is characterized by its classic style and offers an effective level of excellent service for guests. This five-star super deluxe floating hotel ensures a comfortable and enriching experience as you sail between Luxor and Aswan, enjoying the tourist attractions along the way.
The duration of the Royal Princess Nile Cruise can vary, but most itineraries last between 3 to 7 nights. The longer cruises often cover more destinations and include additional guided tours to famous sites such as the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple. Common stops on the Royal Princess Nile Cruise itinerary include cities like Luxor, Aswan, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and sometimes even Cairo. Each stop offers unique historical sites and attractions, allowing you to experience the rich cultural heritage of Egypt.
Onboard Amenities and Features
The Royal Princess typically offers a variety of amenities, including comfortable cabins with modern facilities, dining options that serve both local and international cuisine, a swimming pool, a spa, fitness center, and entertainment programs such as traditional music and dance performances.
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- Swimming Pool & Jacuzzi: The deck features a swimming pool, jacuzzi, shower, and bar. Pool towels, chairs, and tables are provided free of charge.
- Outdoor Gym: An outdoor gym is available on the sun deck for those who wish to stay active.
- Dining: The Royal Princess restaurant serves an open buffet with international dishes.
- Entertainment: Enjoy onboard oriental performances such as Tannoura and Belly Dance.
What I Wish I'd Know BEFORE Doing My Nile River Cruise!
Itinerary Highlights: Luxor and Aswan
Your journey begins with embarkation before lunch, setting the stage for an unforgettable exploration of ancient wonders.
Luxor
Luxor, often called the "world's greatest open-air museum," is a treasure trove of ancient Egyptian history.
- Karnak Temple: The largest religious site in the ancient world, dedicated to Amun-Re. A vast religious complex covering over 100 hectares. Walk along the grand Avenue of Ram-Headed Sphinxes leading to the imposing First Pylon, then explore the legendary Hypostyle Hall, home to 134 towering columns, each richly inscribed with hieroglyphs.
- Luxor Temple: Located in the heart of the city, this temple glows in the golden hour. Gracefully lit by the afternoon sun, Luxor Temple was a center of divine rejuvenation. Return to the boat for tea time and relaxation on the sun deck.
- Valley of the Kings: Explore the royal tombs of ancient pharaohs hidden in the desert hills. Enter the hidden world of the Pharaohs. You'll visit three royal tombs, each carved deep into the Theban cliffs and painted with vibrant scenes of the afterlife.
- Hatshepsut Temple: An architectural wonder built into the limestone cliffs at Deir el-Bahari.
- Colossi of Memnon: Two imposing statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III, once guarding a grand temple long lost to time. Return to the cruise for lunch on board.
- Esna Lock: Begin sailing south toward Esna, passing charming villages and green riverbanks. Experience passing through the Esna Lock.
- Hot Air Balloon Ride: Experience the magic of Luxor from above with an early morning hot air balloon ride. As the sun rises over the Nile, you'll float gently above the Valley of the Kings, temples, and farmlands, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of ancient Thebes bathed in golden light.
Edfu and Kom Ombo
Sailing from Luxor, the cruise continues to Edfu and Kom Ombo, each offering unique temple experiences.
- Temple of Horus in Edfu: The most completely preserved temple of the ancient world. Built during the Ptolemaic period, it celebrates Horus, the falcon-headed god of kingship and protection. Transfer by carriage from the marina and visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu.
- Temple of Kom Ombo: A rare dual-deity temple, perfectly symmetrical and mirrored. One half honors Sobek, the crocodile god, protector of the Nile; the other is dedicated to Horus the Elder, god of kingship and the sky. Visit the unique twin temple dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder.
Aswan
Aswan, known for its Nubian culture and stunning landscapes, offers a different perspective on ancient Egypt.
- Aswan High Dam: A modern engineering masterpiece that tamed the mighty Nile, providing electricity and irrigation to millions. Visit this monumental structure that controls the Nile's flow and provides electricity to Egypt. Aswan High Dam is a rock-fill dam located at the northern border between Egypt and Sudan. The dam is fed by the River Nile and the reservoir forms Lake Nasser. Construction for the project began in 1960 and was completed in 1968.
- Temple of Philae: A magical complex located on Agilkia Island, accessible only by boat. Dedicated to Isis, goddess of love and magic, this temple was meticulously relocated stone by stone during the UNESCO rescue project. Reach this beautiful temple dedicated to the goddess Isis by motorboat. To get acquainted with the culture of Aswan, visit The High Dam, then enjoy a visit to the Temple of Philae, which belongs to two pharaonic gods Isis and Hathor.
- Unfinished Obelisk: Explore the ancient granite quarries and see the largest obelisk ever attempted, still lying in situ. Aswan was the source of ancient Egypt’s finest granite, used to make statues and embellish temples, pyramids, and obelisks. The large unfinished obelisk in the Northern Quarries has provided valuable insight into how these monuments were created, although the full construction process is still not entirely clear. Three sides of the shaft, nearly 42m long, were completed except for the inscriptions.
- Nubian Village: Discover the colorful world of the Nubian people with a visit to one of Aswan's traditional villages. Accessible by boat along the Nile, you'll explore charming mud-brick homes painted in vibrant colors, meet friendly locals, and learn about Nubian customs, music, and lifestyle.
- Abu Simbel: An early morning excursion to Abu Simbel takes you to one of Egypt's most awe-inspiring sites. These monumental temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari are carved directly into the rock and face the rising sun. Explore the grand temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari, carved into a sandstone cliff.
Practical Information for Your Cruise
What to Pack
When packing for your cruise, consider bringing lightweight and breathable clothing suitable for warm weather, comfortable shoes for excursions, swimwear, and a hat or sunglasses for sun protection. Additionally, a light jacket may be useful for cooler evenings. Don’t forget your camera to capture the stunning scenery!
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Meals and Dining
Yes, most Royal Princess Nile Cruise packages include meals. Guests can expect buffet-style breakfasts, lunches, and dinners, featuring a mix of local Egyptian dishes and international cuisine. Some cruises may also offer themed dinner nights or special dining experiences.
| Meal | Description |
|---|---|
| Breakfast | Buffet-style with a variety of options |
| Lunch | Mix of local Egyptian and international cuisine |
| Dinner | Themed dinner nights and special dining experiences |
Safety and Security
Yes, the Royal Princess Nile Cruise generally operates in a safe environment. The cruise lines prioritize the safety and security of their guests, and thorough safety measures are in place. However, it’s always advisable to stay updated on local travel advisories and follow the guidance of your tour operators.
Booking in Advance
It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, to secure your desired travel dates and accommodations. Reservations should be made as early as possible to book the desired Nile cruise, spaces will be secured upon receiving a deposit of 25 %, and during the Christmas and New Year holidays, the required deposit is 50%. This deposit forms part of your final payment.
A picturesque view of a Nile River cruise.
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