Ship comparison
Oberoi Zahra vs Sonesta St George: which to choose?
Choose the Oberoi Zahra for the most exclusive trip: 54 guests, cabins of 26.4 m², terrace suites with private heated whirlpools and polished service, sailing Tuesdays from Luxor and Saturdays from Aswan. ChooseSonesta St George for a grand five-star ship of 114 guests with an oversize pool, a full spa and nightly entertainment, sailing Mondays from Luxor and Fridays from Aswan, at a much lower price for the same dates.
The facts
Oberoi Zahra and Sonesta St George side by side
| Oberoi Zahra | Sonesta St George | |
|---|---|---|
| Built | 2007 | 2011 |
| Cabins | 27: Luxury Cabins of 26.4 m², suites of 50 to 115 m² | 57: 47 Deluxe Cabins and 10 suites |
| Guests | Up to 54 | Up to 114 |
| Size | 72 m, five decks | 75 m, five 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 round trip |
| Pool | Temperature-controlled 11 m pool | Oversize pool with a shallow extension, and a jacuzzi |
| Spa and gym | Oberoi Spa with four therapy rooms; 24-hour fitness centre | Spa with massage, sauna and steam bath; gym and jogging track |
| Evenings | Club Lounge with live music and Nubian performances; cinema | Lounge with dance floor and nightly entertainment; piano bar |
| Wi-Fi | Free high-speed, up to four devices per cabin | Free |
| 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.
Sonesta St George guests single out a crew that fixes problems quickly, comfortable beds and table-served dinners with a new menu each night. Worth knowing: the decor is grand and ornate, which some love and others find a lot.
Our view
Which to choose
| If you want | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The most exclusive trip | Oberoi Zahra | Only 54 guests, and terrace suites with private heated whirlpools. |
| Value | Sonesta St George | For the same dates it usually costs much less. |
| A family | Sonesta St George | A big pool with a shallow end and lively evenings. |
| Dendera on a week's cruise | Oberoi Zahra | Its seven-night sailing adds Qena and Dendera. |
| A honeymoon | Oberoi Zahra | Small, polished and quiet, with suites for a special occasion. |
Nile cruise ships run about US$120 to US$1,500 per person per night, depending on the boat, cabin and season. See also Historia vs the Oberoi Zahra and Historia vs Sonesta St George.
Asked often
Oberoi Zahra and Sonesta St George, answered
- Is the Oberoi Zahra better than Sonesta St George?
- For exclusivity and service, yes: 54 guests against 114, and suites with private whirlpools. Sonesta St George is livelier, has a bigger pool and costs much less for the same dates.
- What days do they sail?
- The Oberoi Zahra leaves Luxor on Tuesdays and Aswan on Saturdays. Sonesta St George leaves Luxor on Mondays and Aswan on Fridays.
- Which is better for a family?
- Sonesta St George, for its large pool with a shallow end and evening entertainment.
