A trip on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan is the heart of most Egypt holidays. The big choice is the boat: a classic Nile cruise ship or a dahabiya, a traditional sailing boat. Both visit the great temples. They feel very different.
What is a Nile cruise ship?
A Nile cruise ship is a floating hotel with three to five decks, usually 50 to 80 cabins, a restaurant, a lounge, a bar and a sun deck with a pool. Ships follow a fixed route between Luxor and Aswan, stopping at Esna, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Standards run from simple to five-star luxury.
What is a dahabiya?
A dahabiya is a wooden sailing boat with two large sails, a design the wealthy travellers of the 19th century used to explore the Nile. Today's dahabiyas have 6 to 12 cabins, often with private bathrooms and balconies, and a wide sun deck for living outdoors. They sail with the wind, with a small tug for calm days. They moor at quiet islands and small temples, such as Gebel el-Silsila, that big ships cannot reach.
Side by side
| Nile cruise ship | Dahabiya | |
|---|---|---|
| Guests | 100 to 160 | 12 to 24 |
| Typical route | Luxor to Aswan, 4 nights; Aswan to Luxor, 3 nights | Esna to Aswan, usually 4 to 5 nights |
| Pool | Yes, on most ships | Rarely |
| Stops | Main temples | Main temples plus small sites and islands |
| Atmosphere | Hotel-like, social, evening entertainment | Quiet, personal, like a private yacht |
| Price | From budget to luxury | Generally higher, from mid-range up |
| Best for | First visits, families, shorter trips, tight budgets | Couples, honeymoons, slow travellers, small groups |
Choose a Nile cruise if...
- this is your first trip and you want the classic route in 3 or 4 nights;
- you are travelling with children who will love a pool;
- you want more choice of price and dates;
- you like a lively atmosphere and evening shows.
Choose a dahabiya if...
- you want to escape crowds and see the river as it was 150 years ago;
- you are celebrating a honeymoon or a special occasion;
- you have a group of family or friends and want to book the whole boat;
- you value slow mornings on deck more than a pool and a bar.
What about Lake Nasser?
For a third option, a few ships sail on Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel. It is a remote, peaceful route past Nubian temples that few visitors see, ending with Abu Simbel lit up at night. See our Lake Nasser cruises.
Our advice
There is no wrong choice. For a first visit with a week or less, a good Nile cruise ship gives the best value. If you have more time and want something unforgettable, the dahabiya is worth every pound.
Compare our Nile cruises and dahabiya cruises, or tell us your dates on our Tailor-Made page and we will suggest the right boat for you.
