Nile cruise line
Oberoi Nile cruises
Oberoi has 2 Nile cruise ships in this directory, sailing the Luxor to Aswan route past the temples of Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo. The fleet runs from 22 to 27 cabins. Itineraries cover 3, 4, 6, 7 night sailings. Compare the boats below on cabins, decks and dining, then enquire on WhatsApp for live dates and rates.
The Oberoi Group is an Indian luxury hotel company, listed through its parent EIH, and its two Egyptian cruisers, Zahra and Philae, are run by its local subsidiary, making it the only Indian-owned operator on the river. Both are small, five-star ships built to a high standard.
Oberoi Hotels & Resorts runs two luxury Nile cruisers between Luxor and Aswan: the Oberoi Zahra (2007, up to 54 guests) and the Oberoi Philae (built 1995, refurbished 2016, up to 44 guests). Both have an 11-metre heated pool, an Oberoi Spa and Egyptologist-led excursions, and both depart on Tuesdays and Saturdays. Agency fares start from about USD 2,815 per person for three nights on the Zahra in summer.
Published rates for both Oberoi ships state a basis we can convert: US$855 to US$938 per person per night (indicative agency rates, checked 2026-08-26).
Oberoi is an Indian luxury hotel group, and its two Nile boats are run like its hotels: few guests, cooking to order and a full spa rather than the buffet-and-disco format of larger Nile ships. Oberoi says its cruisers were ranked first among river cruisers in the Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards 2025 and 2026.
The choice between them comes down to cabin size against newness. The Philae has the largest standard cabins on the route at 36 m², with windows that open. The Zahra is the newer ship, with 26.4 m² standard cabins and larger top suites, including a 115 m² master suite listed on Oberoi's website.
The Oberoi Philae, Luxury Nile Cruiser
An intimate Oberoi cruiser, Luxor to Aswan
The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser
Oberoi comfort on the southern Nile reach
Which Oberoi ship should you choose?
- The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser — Choose the Zahra for the newer ship, more suite options and a cinema. 27 cabins and suites, up to 54 guests.
- The Oberoi Philae, Luxury Nile Cruiser — Choose the Philae for the biggest standard cabins on the Nile (36 m²) and the smallest guest count (44).
Good to know
Oberoi questions, answered
How much is an Oberoi Nile cruise?
Published agency fares for 2026/27 start from about USD 2,815 per person for three nights on the Zahra in summer and about USD 3,420 for four nights on the Philae in summer. High-winter fares for four nights are about USD 4,960 per person on either ship. We quote every sailing live.
Which Oberoi Nile cruise is better, Zahra or Philae?
Neither is better overall. The Philae has larger standard cabins and fewer guests; the Zahra is newer and has larger suites. Both share the same pool size, spa and departure days.
Where do Oberoi Nile cruises start?
Both ships embark at Luxor or Aswan, with departures on Tuesdays and Saturdays according to Oberoi.
Are Oberoi Nile cruises all-inclusive?
Agency packages include full board, excursions with an Egyptologist, entrance fees and transfers. Drinks at the bar and spa treatments are generally charged separately; we list exactly what is included in your quote.
Not sure which Oberoi boat?
Tell us your dates and group size and a real specialist will match you to the right Oberoi sailing, with live availability and the current rate.
