Dahabiya comparison
Iris vs Lazuli Karnak: which to choose?
Choose Iris for space and facilities: a new boat for up to 36 guests, deluxe cabins of 20 m² with panoramic windows, a heated pool and a jacuzzi, sailing Mondays from Luxor and Fridays from Aswan. Choose Lazuli Karnak for a more intimate boat of 20 guests with a jacuzzi, a private Egyptologist included, three departures a week from Esna and Aswan, and free travel for children under six. Both cost about the same per night.
The facts
Iris and Lazuli Karnak side by side
| Iris | Lazuli Karnak | |
|---|---|---|
| Built | 2025 | 2022 |
| Size | 17 cabins and suites, up to 36 guests, three decks | 10 cabins, up to 20 guests, two decks |
| Cabins | Deluxe cabins of 20 m² with panoramic sliding windows; suites of 29 to 40 m², some with a veranda; one single cabin | 8 standard cabins of about 9.5 m² and 2 panoramic suites of about 12.6 m² |
| Departures | Mondays from Luxor (4 nights), Fridays from Aswan (3 nights) | Sundays and Mondays from Esna, Fridays from Aswan |
| On deck | Heated pool and jacuzzi, gym and yoga | Jacuzzi on the upper deck |
| Guide | Guided visits | Private Egyptologist included |
| Drinks | No alcohol sold on board; bring your own | Soft drinks included; alcohol extra |
| Children | Ask the boat | Under six free, six to eleven at a child rate |
| Season | All year; best October to April | All year |
The guest view
What guests say about each
Iris guests describe a quiet boat with no engine hum, small groups on shore and housekeeping twice a day. Worth knowing: no alcohol is sold, so bring your own, and on a full week some found the menu began to repeat.
Lazuli Karnak is a smaller, newer-style dahabiya with compact cabins and open-air dining on deck under canvas or the stars; its private Egyptologist and soft drinks are part of the price.
Our view
Which to choose
| If you want | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Bigger cabins | Iris | Deluxe cabins of 20 m² against about 9.5 m² on Lazuli Karnak. |
| A swimming pool | Iris | A heated pool as well as a jacuzzi. |
| A drink at the bar | Lazuli Karnak | Iris sells no alcohol. |
| Young children | Lazuli Karnak | Under-sixes travel free. |
| Travelling alone | Iris | It has a single cabin. |
| More departure days | Lazuli Karnak | Three departures a week. |
Dahabiyas run about US$140 to US$1,500 per person per night. See also Iris vs Akhnaton and Lazuli vs Loulia.
Asked often
Iris and Lazuli Karnak, answered
- Is Iris or Lazuli Karnak better?
- Iris has bigger cabins, a heated pool and a single cabin. Lazuli Karnak is smaller and more intimate, includes a private Egyptologist, sails three times a week and suits young children.
- How many guests do Iris and Lazuli Karnak carry?
- Iris carries up to 36 guests in 17 cabins and suites. Lazuli Karnak carries up to 20 in 10 cabins.
- Can you drink alcohol on Iris or Lazuli Karnak?
- Iris sells no alcohol, so guests bring their own. On Lazuli Karnak, alcohol is available at extra cost.
