M/S Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise from Aswan to Luxor

Traveling along the Nile has long been a dream for many, and a cruise aboard the Sonesta Moon Goddess offers an indulgent way to see some of Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites. This 4-day journey, rated a perfect 5 out of 5 based on three reviews, combines luxurious accommodations with expertly guided excursions, making it both comfortable and enriching.

What really makes this cruise stand out? First, its luxury five-star setting with spacious cabins and private balconies. Second, the itinerary covers some of Egypt’s most famous temples and tombs, with knowledgeable guides providing context and stories. Third, the onboard entertainment, including local shows and a Galabia party, ensures you experience Egyptian culture in a lively way.

However, a possible consideration is the schedule’s early starts, especially on Day 3 when the early morning departure to Luxor begins at 3:30 am. This means you’ll need good stamina for these long days of exploration.

This cruise is ideal for travelers seeking a luxurious, historically rich experience with a touch of Egyptian culture, perfect for those who enjoy comfortable travel with guided insights. It’s especially suited for history buffs, couples, or small groups wanting a high-end journey through Egypt’s ancient heart.

Key Points

• Luxury Experience: 49 elegant cabins with private balconies and 4 presidential suites ensure comfort.
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides accompany all excursions, enriching your understanding of Egypt’s sites.
• Well-Planned Itinerary: Visits to iconic temples and tombs, with a balance of sightseeing and leisure.
• Authentic Culture: Onboard entertainment like Nubian shows and Galabia parties bring local culture to life.
• Value for Money: The $1,650 price includes full board, guided excursions, entrance fees, and transfers.
• Customer Praise: Excellent reviews highlight attentive staff and memorable experiences.

A Closer Look at the Experience

The Luxurious Setting on Board

The Sonesta Moon Goddess puts a premium on comfort. With 49 cabins featuring sliding glass doors opening onto private balconies, you’ll enjoy unobstructed views of the Nile from your room. The four presidential suites with exclusive lounges elevate the experience, making it perfect for travelers who want to unwind in style after a day exploring ancient temples.

Guests on board consistently praise the service and amenities, noting that the cruise feels more like a boutique hotel afloat. The restaurant offers full board with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included — providing a variety of well-prepared meals that cater to different tastes. The afternoon tea served during the day adds a British touch to the leisurely pace.

Day 1: Aswan and Philae Temple

Your journey begins with embarkation at noon, giving you time to settle into your luxurious cabin before a delightful lunch. The first stop is the Philae Temple, one of Egypt’s most picturesque sites, dedicated to the goddess Isis. The guide’s insights bring the site’s mythological significance to life, adding depth to your visit.

Post-visit, there’s a serene sail on the Nile via motorboat, which provides a relaxing way to see the river in a calm, beautiful setting. The evening features a Captain’s welcome cocktail and a Nubian show, offering an energetic introduction to Egyptian culture. The night is spent onboard in Aswan, with many guests noting how the staff’s hospitality makes the experience feel warm and personal.

Day 2: Kom Ombo and Edfu

This day is packed with visits to two notable temples. Early morning sailing towards Kom Ombo starts with a breakfast onboard, followed by exploration of the dual Temple of Sobek and Haeroris. The fact that this site is dedicated to two gods makes it visually interesting and historically unique.

Later, the cruise continues to Edfu, home to the well-preserved Edfu Temple. Guided tours here are highly valued; one reviewer appreciated the knowledgeable guides, describing them as the highlight of the trip. The temple’s impressive size and detailed hieroglyphs make it a must-see, and the lunch on board provides a nice break before more sightseeing.

The evening features a Galabia party, a lively event with music and dance, giving a fun, authentic vibe to the cruise. The friendly crew and festive atmosphere make it a memorable highlight.

Day 3: Luxor and the West Bank

An early start at 3:30 am might seem daunting, but it’s part of the adventure. The goal is to reach Luxor in time for sunrise, ready to explore the Valley of the Kings and Queens. Here, the guide’s expertise is again highlighted, providing context that turns tomb visits into stories of pharaohs, queens, and their secret chambers.

Next, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon round out the morning’s sightseeing. Guests note that the guides are very knowledgeable, making these sites more meaningful. After a lunch and afternoon tea onboard, the evening features a belly dancer performance, adding an entertaining cultural touch.

Day 4: Luxor’s East Bank

The cruise wraps up with visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, both impressive and sprawling sites. The zodiacal light of morning and the grand scale of these temples leave many guests in awe. Disembarkation occurs after breakfast, ending this memorable voyage.

The Value and Practicalities

Priced at $1,650 per person, this cruise offers excellent value considering the luxury accommodations, guided excursions, all entrance fees, and transfers included. The onboard service has earned high praise, with guests noting the attentiveness of the staff and the ability of guides to make Egypt’s history engaging and accessible.

The group size is capped at 15 travelers, fostering an intimate atmosphere where you can ask questions and connect with fellow travelers. The tour’s full board arrangement means fewer worries about meal planning, and the included entertainment adds a fun cultural layer to your trip.

Transportation & Comfort

All transfers are handled in modern, air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring comfort from the moment you arrive in Egypt to your departure. The schedule’s early starts might require some extra energy, but they maximize sightseeing time and allow you to avoid the daytime heat.

Considerations

The early morning departure on Day 3 requires good stamina but rewards travelers with fewer crowds and better lighting for photos. Also, the tour involves a fair amount of walking and outdoor exposure, so comfortable shoes and sun protection are recommended.

Authentic Experiences from Other Travelers

Multiple reviewers highlight the knowledgeable guides as a standout feature, with one noting that their guide “made sure all our needs were met during every meal,” emphasizing the personalized service. Others appreciated the professional staff and the stylish, modern cabins that made the journey luxurious yet authentic.

One traveler compared the cruise to stepping back into the era of Hercule Poirot, praising the professional and caring staff. The onboard entertainment, like the Nubian show and Galabia party, consistently received praise for adding fun, cultural moments to the trip.

The Sum Up

The M/S Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise offers a high-end way to explore Egypt’s most famous sights without sacrificing comfort or authenticity. From the spacious cabins and attentive staff to the expertly guided excursions, it provides a seamless experience of culture and history in style.

This cruise is perfect for those who want a luxurious, hassle-free journey with a focus on immersive, guided sightseeing. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who appreciate good service, beautiful surroundings, and a touch of Egyptian culture through onboard entertainment.

While the early mornings might not suit everyone, the overall experience — combining comfort, expert guides, and iconic sights — makes this cruise a standout choice for a memorable Egyptian adventure.

FAQs

Is pickup offered for this cruise?
Yes, the tour includes a pickup service, making your arrival and departure smooth and stress-free.

What is included in the price?
The price covers transfers, accommodation on the cruise, full board meals, guided excursions with entrance fees, all service charges, and taxes.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews highlight the guides as very knowledgeable, helping travelers understand the significance of each site.

How many days does the cruise last?
The cruise lasts approximately four days, with a detailed itinerary covering major sites along the Nile.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and it’s ideal for those seeking a luxurious, culturally rich experience. Group size is limited to 15 for an intimate atmosphere.

What entertainment is included onboard?
Guests can enjoy Nubian shows, Galabia parties, and belly dancing, adding cultural entertainment to the journey.

What about the early starts?
Day 3 involves an early departure at 3:30 am to maximize sightseeing time, which might require good stamina.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund.

What should I pack?
Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and light clothing are recommended for the outdoor excursions, especially during the early mornings and afternoons in the sun.

This detailed review hopefully helps you decide whether the Sonesta Moon Goddess is the perfect way for you to experience Egypt’s treasures in luxury and style.