Cruise Luxor to Aswan
Nile Cruise on the Cheap
Floating along the Nile in a high end cruise boat is the quintessential way to explore Egypt, and indeed millions travel between upper and lower Egypt each year in exactly this fashion.
A quick Google search will identify numerous all inclusive packages for a seven night cruise costing the best part of 1000€.
But for the independent, adventure traveller, cruising the Nile need not necessarily be expensive.
A classic, more cost effective alternative is to travel between Luxor and Aswan by boat. The journey takes just three days and two nights and makes stops for excursion at both Kom Ombo and Edfu Temple.
You can still travel in style, but the reduced length of time reduces expenditure and after all, who wants to spend seven days on a cruise anyway?
Typically all meals are included and guests are housed in private, comfortable en suite rooms. All boats have a bar, sun bathing area and pool.
There are a number of ways to organise your cruise from Luxor and Aswan.
Book online before you go - As mentioned there are no shortage of companies on the net offering Nile Cruises, ranging from the super decadent to the moderately lavish.
If you fancy something a little more low key with fellow adventure travellers try booking through an established adventure travel tour operator rather than the cruise companies that top the google search rankings.
Book locally through an established agent – Booking direct in Luxor with Thomas Cook or another travel agent will certainly keep the costs down a little and means you can actually see the ship in question before you book aboard.
Book through a hotel – All hotels have links with cruise boats and typically the cheaper hotels offer cheaper packages. $50 per day is a typical fee through a mid range/budget hotel in Luxor and Aswan.
Cut out all the middle men - and just walk aboard any floating hotel you see along the Nile in Luxor or Aswan.
All boats have a reception in the main lobby where you can enquire about prices and departures. I did this last year and secured an all inclusive trip on a boat with a pool for 35$ per day. You may have to visit a number of boats to find a deal like that but they are out there.
This method is best avoided in peak season when boats are usually pretty full. If you are travelling during this period and you have your heart set, best to pre book.
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