For river-cruise regulars
Nile cruise vs a European river cruise
A Nile cruise is shorter and more intense than a Rhine or Danube cruise. Most sailings last three, four or seven nights between Luxor and Aswan, and the days start early with guided visits to temples and tombs, with sailing in the afternoon and evening. You spend less time wandering ashore on your own, the climate is warm and dry, and ships often moor side by side. In return you see some of the greatest monuments on earth from the comfort of a floating hotel, and you can choose a sailing dahabiya, which has no European equivalent.
The differences
Nile and European river cruises side by side
| Nile | Rhine or Danube | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | Usually 3, 4 or 7 nights | Usually 7 to 15 nights |
| The days | Early starts for temples, sailing in the afternoon | Towns and cities, often at a gentle pace |
| Sightseeing | Guided temple and tomb visits most days, the reason for the trip | Walking tours, with plenty of free time ashore |
| Ashore on your own | Less; most sites are visited with the guide | Often, in towns right by the mooring |
| Weather | Warm to hot and dry; best October to April | Mild, best spring to autumn |
| Boats | Cruise ships of about 50 to 150 guests, and sailing dahabiyas of a dozen or two | River ships of about 100 to 190 guests |
| Moorings | Ships often moor side by side, so you may cross another ship to reach the bank | Usually alone at a quay |
| Included | Full board, and usually guiding and entrance fees | Varies by line; often more included drinks |
Coming from Europe's rivers
Tips for European river-cruise regulars
Choose a smaller ship if you like the calm of European river ships, and a cabin on an upper deck. Expect an Egyptologist rather than a local walking guide, and plan a hotel night in Luxor or Aswan for time on your own. Nile cruise ships run about US$120 to US$1,500 per person per night and dahabiyas about US$140 to US$1,500. See big brands or booking direct, a day on board and which cabin to book.
Asked often
Nile vs European river cruises, answered
- Is a Nile cruise like a European river cruise?
- Partly: you sleep on board and the boat moves between sites. But Nile cruises are shorter, start earlier, include guided temple visits most days, and offer less free time ashore.
- Is a Nile cruise more tiring than a Rhine cruise?
- Usually, because of early starts, heat and walking at the sites. Choose October to April and a ship with a pool and shaded deck for rest.
- Do Nile cruise ships moor side by side?
- Often, in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan. You may walk through another ship's lobby to reach the bank, and the view from a lower cabin can be the next ship.
