What Is Included on a Nile Cruise? A Full Guide

Before you book a Nile cruise, it pays to know exactly what is — and is not — included. Here is the honest breakdown, from guides who arrange cruises every week.

Usually included

• Your cabin on board for the duration of the cruise.
• Full-board meals — breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• On-board tax and service charges.
• Guided shore excursions with a licensed Egyptologist.
• Some on-board entertainment (varies by ship).

Usually NOT included

• Entrance fees to some temples and tombs.
• Drinks beyond what is stated (usually extra).
• Tips (gratuities) for crew and guides.
• Optional extras: Abu Simbel, the Luxor hot air balloon, spa services.
• Personal expenses and souvenirs.

Why this matters

Budget cruises sometimes strip out guiding and entry fees and charge them on top, which can make a “cheap” cruise more expensive overall. Always read what is included before you compare prices.

What a good cruise includes

Look for: a licensed Egyptologist guide, all the key temples (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae), full-board meals, and clear pricing with no nasty surprises.

Our approach

When you book with us, we tell you exactly what is included and what is not, and we only place guests on boats we would put our own families on.

Read our Nile cruise planning guide, browse our cruises, or ask us for a fully itemised quote.