Ship comparison
Oberoi Zahra vs Jaz Regent: which to choose?
Choose the Oberoi Zahra for the most exclusive trip on the Nile: 54 guests, cabins of 26.4 m², terrace suites with private heated whirlpools, a full spa and a lift, sailing Tuesdays from Luxor and Saturdays from Aswan. Choose Jaz Regent for a modern five-star ship refurbished in 2022, with 23 balcony suites of 38 m², a pool bar and two single cabins, sailing Mondays from Luxor and Fridays from Aswan, at a much lower price for the same dates.
The facts
Oberoi Zahra and Jaz Regent side by side
| Oberoi Zahra | Jaz Regent | |
|---|---|---|
| Built or refurbished | Built 2007 | Refurbished 2022 |
| Cabins | 27: Luxury Cabins of 26.4 m², suites of 50 to 115 m² with private heated whirlpools | 56: 23 suites of 38 m² with a private balcony, 31 doubles of 19 m², 2 singles |
| Guests | Up to 54 | Up to 90 |
| Size | 72 m, five decks | 72 m, three decks |
| Departures | Tue from Luxor (4 nights), Sat from Aswan (3 nights); 7 nights adds Dendera | Mon from Luxor (4 nights), Fri from Aswan (3 nights); 7-night options |
| Pool | Temperature-controlled 11 m pool | Pool with a pool bar |
| Spa and gym | Oberoi Spa with four therapy rooms; 24-hour fitness centre | Massage room, beauty salon, sauna and gym |
| Evenings | Club Lounge with live music and Nubian performances; cinema; 24-hour library and cigar lounge | Bar lounge |
| Wi-Fi | Free high-speed, up to four devices per cabin | Available, weak while sailing |
| Access | Lift between decks | Ask about access |
The guest view
What guests say about each
Oberoi Zahra guests praise Egyptologist guides who shape each visit around the group, a crew that remembers names, and timings that reach the sites ahead of the coach groups. Worth knowing: ask for an upper-deck cabin on the river side, as lower or dock-side cabins can hear engine noise or face the quay.
Jaz Regent guests describe a modern, clean and tastefully decorated ship with a warm crew and a wide choice at meals, and it draws better comments than the older ships in its fleet. Worth knowing: Wi-Fi is weak, so an eSIM helps, and Tutankhamun's tomb and Abu Simbel are usually paid extras.
Our view
Which to choose
| If you want | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The most exclusive trip | Oberoi Zahra | Only 54 guests, and polished service from guides who shape each visit around the group. |
| A balcony for less | Jaz Regent | 23 suites of 38 m² with a private balcony, at a much lower price. |
| Value | Jaz Regent | For the same dates it usually costs far less than the Zahra. |
| Travelling alone | Jaz Regent | Two single cabins, so a solo traveller need not pay for a double. |
| A honeymoon or big occasion | Oberoi Zahra | Terrace suites with a private heated whirlpool. |
| Dendera on a week's cruise | Oberoi Zahra | Its seven-night sailing adds Qena and Dendera. |
| Limited mobility | Oberoi Zahra | It has a lift between decks. |
Nile cruise ships run about US$120 to US$1,500 per person per night, depending on the boat, cabin and season. See also Oberoi Zahra vs Sonesta St George and Historia vs Jaz Regent.
Asked often
Oberoi Zahra and Jaz Regent, answered
- Is the Oberoi Zahra worth the extra over Jaz Regent?
- If service, space and a small group matter most, yes: 54 guests against 90, a full spa and suites with private whirlpools. If you mainly want a comfortable modern cabin with a balcony, Jaz Regent gives you that for much less.
- What days do they sail?
- The Oberoi Zahra leaves Luxor on Tuesdays and Aswan on Saturdays. Jaz Regent leaves Luxor on Mondays and Aswan on Fridays.
- Which has balconies?
- Jaz Regent's 23 suites have private balconies. On the Oberoi Zahra the Luxury Cabins have large windows, and the suites have terraces with a private heated whirlpool.
- Which is better for a solo traveller?
- Jaz Regent, which has two single cabins. The Oberoi Zahra has no single cabins, so a solo traveller books a double.
