Nile Cruise or Dahabiya: Which Should You Choose?

Sailing between Luxor and Aswan is one of the great journeys of the world. There are two main ways to do it: a five-star cruise ship or a dahabiya, a traditional sailing boat with just a few cabins.

Five-star Nile cruise ships

• Usually 3, 4 or 7 nights between Luxor and Aswan.
• Pool, sun deck, restaurant and entertainment on board.
• Visits to all the major temples with a guide.
• The best value way to cruise the Nile.

Dahabiyas

• Small sailing boats with around eight to twelve cabins.
• Quiet moorings at islands and villages that big ships pass by.
• More personal service and gourmet meals.
• Higher price, and departures are less frequent – book early.

Which one is right for you?

Choose a cruise ship if you want comfort, good value and a classic itinerary. Choose a dahabiya if you are celebrating, love slow travel or want the Nile to feel like it did a century ago. Families with children usually enjoy the pool on a cruise ship; couples on honeymoon often prefer a dahabiya.