Nile Cruise: what tours, meals, and services are included?

Nile River cruise: two ways to sail

Before comparing two packages, you need to know what each one covers. The cabin cruise is booked per person: you board a dahabiya shared with other travelers, and the price includes your cabin, the crew and full board. A private charter means booking the whole boat for your group: the included scope is very similar, but you control the pace and who is on board. In both cases, the base rate is identical; guided tours, entrance fees and extras are what drive the variation in final price, and that's where most questions to our customer service come up. We lay out the differences between these two options below.

Sightseeing: what a dahabiya's route does (and doesn't) include

A dahabiya most often sails between Esna and Aswan, a stretch the boat navigates at its own pace with access to remote anchorages that the large cruise ships can't reach. The boat moors near the temple sites, but "calling at a site" doesn't always mean its entrance and the guided tour are included: this is the most frequent point to clear up before you leave. The table below distinguishes what the navigation reaches from what is payable on top.

In short: the dahabiya takes you to the sites of the middle Nile, but the great complexes of Luxor and Abu Simbel are generally offered as land extensions, sometimes charged separately. Always ask for a breakdown of the excursions included and the status of the entrance fees for each temple.

Meals: full board on board

On the vast majority of dahabiyas, full board is included: breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared each day on board by the crew's cook, from fresh produce bought along the stops. The cuisine is generally Egyptian and home-style, with adaptations possible for special diets if you flag them before your trip. Water, tea and coffee are frequently included, while sodas, juices and alcoholic drinks are usually an extra, as alcohol remains of limited availability in Egypt. The exact details vary by boat — confirm them when you book.

The included services and the crew

The price of a Nile cruise includes a full crew at your service throughout the trip: the captain (called reis in Arabic), the sailors, the cook and, depending on the boat, the cabin staff. You get a private en-suite cabin, the boat's communal areas (deck, lounge, terrace) and sailing under sail, with an auxiliary motor or skiff tow on calm days depending on the vessel. Your crew handles all the cruise logistics — itinerary, anchorages and coordination of the stops. Almost always outside the price: the accompanying guide when not included, entrance fees, drinks outside full board and gratuities.

Summary table: included / not included

Here, for a Nile cruise on a dahabiya, is the usual breakdown of the main items. The "to be confirmed" notes flag the points that vary by boat — confirm them at booking.

By the cabin or private charter: what changes

The two options share the same base (cabin, crew, board), but they aren't aimed at the same travelers. The table below sums up the useful differences before you choose.

What about flights, transfers and the visa?

As with all our cruises, Filovent never includes flights in the price of a Nile cruise, nor, unless explicitly stated, the transfers between the airport (Luxor or Aswan) and the boarding point. You book your tickets freely with the airline of your choice, which lets you optimize dates and fares. The Egyptian visa (e-visa) is a traveler formality to plan before you leave. Our concierge service can arrange the airport-to-boat transfer through a local partner: book your flights before confirming the transfers.

Gratuities and customs in Egypt

Gratuities are never included in the price of a Nile cruise, and they hold a particular place in Egypt, where they are part of local custom. As a guide, we recommend allowing around €5 (about $5.50) per night per traveler for the crew, plus a cash tip for your guide if they accompany you. The amount is at your discretion, depending on the length and your satisfaction. Our concierge service can tell you the customs commonly observed on board so you can prepare with peace of mind.

Frequently asked questions about a Nile cruise

How much does a Nile cruise cost?

As a guide, a Nile cruise on a dahabiya starts at around €2,500 (about $2,700) per person for about a week, full board and crew included. The rate varies according to the boat, the season, the length and the package, and a full private charter of the boat comes to considerably more. The best approach is to request a personalized quote from our concierge service.

What is the best time for a Nile cruise?

The most pleasant period generally runs from October to April, when temperatures are more bearable than in high summer. It's also peak season, so book early, especially for school vacations and long weekends.

Are meals included in a Nile cruise?

Yes, full board is included on most dahabiyas, with cuisine prepared on board each day. Budget separately for sodas, juices and alcoholic drinks, generally charged as an extra.

Which tours and which temples are included?

The dahabiya calls along the river at sites such as Edfu, Kom Ombo and Gebel el-Silsila. The great complexes of Luxor (Karnak, Valley of the Kings) and Abu Simbel, on the other hand, are most often offered as extensions, sometimes charged separately.

Is an English-speaking guide included on board?

It depends on the package. Some cruises include an English-speaking Egyptologist guide, others offer one as an option or leave the visits as self-guided. This is a point to have clarified before booking, as it weighs on the final price.

Are the entrance fees to the sites included?

Most often, no: the entrance fees to the temples and archaeological sites are frequently an extra, payable on site or as an option. Ask for a site-by-site breakdown, as the status varies from one package to another.

Are drinks and alcohol included?

Water, tea and coffee are generally included on board. Sodas, juices and alcoholic drinks are usually an extra, as alcohol remains of limited availability in Egypt. The exact scope varies by boat — confirm it when you book.

Are gratuities included?

No, gratuities are never included. In Egypt, it's customary to set aside a cash tip for the crew at the end of the cruise (around €5, about $5.50, per night per traveler), as well as for the guide if they accompany you.

Are flights and transfers included?

No, Filovent never includes flights, and airport transfers only when they are explicitly mentioned. You book your tickets freely, and our concierge service can arrange the transfer through a local partner.

What is the difference between a cabin cruise and a private charter on the Nile?

By the cabin, you book per berth and share the boat with other travelers, ideal for setting off solo or as a couple. With a private charter, you book the whole boat for your group, perfect with family or friends. The included base (cabin, crew, board) remains the same.

Do I need a visa to go on a Nile cruise?

Yes, entry to Egypt requires a visa, to plan before you leave and not included in the cruise price. Check the conditions in force for your nationality with the relevant authorities before booking your flights.

Find out more

To plan your Nile cruise vacation with peace of mind, browse our dedicated pages:

→ Nile cruise: our dahabiyas and our departures along the river;

→ Egypt cruise: all our cruises on the Nile and Lake Nasser;

→ Traditional boat cruise: the charm of dahabiyas and other classic sailboats;

→ River cruise: the principle of sailing along the rivers;

→ Flights and transfers: organizing your arrival all the way to the boat;

→ Provisions and groceries: what is provided on board and what you bring;

→ Visa and e-visa for Egypt: the entry formality to plan before your Nile cruise.

For any question about what is included in your cruise, contact your Filovent advisor or our cruise concierge service at +1 332 378 9848.