five day nile cruise

The 15 Best Nile Cruises in Egypt: Luxury Sailing from Luxor to Aswan

If you’re planning a trip to visit Egypt , of course, you’ll have to visit the Nile River! It’s the longest river in the world, spanning 11 different countries, and is incredibly important to Egyptians for both sustenance and transportation. And the best way to see the Nile is from aboard a luxury cruise sailing between the ancient cities of Luxor and Aswan.

But finding the best cruise to fit your travel plans can be difficult. They travel on specific weekly schedules and have a set itinerary – usually 3, 4, or 7 nights. Information and reviews on Booking.com are limited and since most cruises are fairly pricey, it’s important to understand what you’ll be getting for your money.

So we’ve compiled a list of the top 9 Nile River cruises to make planning your vacation in Egypt a breeze. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase or booking through one of our links we may earn a small commission (don’t worry, it’s at no extra cost to you).

The Best Luxury Nile Cruises in Egypt

1. alexander the great nile cruise.

The Alexander the Great Cruise is a gorgeous cruise ship offering a 4-night Nile River cruise that departs every Monday from Luxor, and a 3-night Nile cruise that departs every Friday from Aswan. This Nile cruise even offers a free airport shuttle service!

Everyone on staff is incredibly helpful and attentive. If you’d like to pamper yourself during your Nile cruise you can take advantage of the spa services, including a hot spring bath and various massage treatments. And meals are fabulous, with both traditional and international cuisine options. And you’ll love the various evening entertainment that is fun for the whole family!

This luxury Nile cruise ship has an outdoor pool surrounded by comfortable lounge chairs for spending warm days relaxing in the sun. Rooms are spacious, clean, and well-appointed with a tv, premium bedding, a private bathroom, and a mini-bar. It’s definitely worth upgrading to a room with a balcony so you can enjoy the views from the privacy of your own room.

Guests especially love the guided tours along the banks of the Nile River. They will take you to the sites and explain the history in a way that is interesting and easy to digest.

Check Prices on Hotels.com

2. Sonesta Star Goddess Cruises

The Sonesta Star Goddess Cruise is an ultra-luxurious cruise sailing the Nile River between Luxor and Aswan for 4 or 7 nights leaving each Monday. The ship features plenty of activities for guests onboard, including a swimming pool, fitness center, and a spa with a hot tub and sauna. And with 24-hour room service, you’ll have every amenity available during your cruise.

Bedroom suites are large and comfortable with nice bedding, satellite televisions, bathtubs, and large windows to keep them bright and airy. You can enjoy a glass of wine at sunset on your private balcony overlooking the banks of the Nile.

You’ll love to indulge in a massage, body wrap, or a pedicure during your cruise. There’s nothing quite like relaxing in a spa while gazing out over the Nile!

Take advantage of the onboard shopping to pick up a few Egyptian gifts for your friends back home. The ship has a main dining area, a sun deck, and a lounge with a dance floor for the evening entertainment. They can also arrange your daily tours of the various sites along the Nile.

3. M/S Esplanade Cruise

The M/S Esplanade Cruise is a chic, lavish ship offering 4 or 7-night Nile River cruises each Monday from Luxor, and 3 or 7-night Nile cruises from Aswan each Friday.

The most impressive feature of this Nile River cruise in Egypt is the beautiful outdoor pool which is surrounded by comfortable loungers and day beds. It looks so pristine and inviting and is the perfect place to cool off after a long, hot morning exploring the Egyptian ruins.

The spacious rooms have air conditioning, a flat-screen television set, coffee and tea-making facilities, a desk, a hairdryer, and many amenities you may need during your cruise. Your stay on this luxurious cruise ship also includes 2 bars, a sauna, and a rooftop terrace.

All of the public seating areas are decorated with a creative flair and are a great place to hang out and meet new friends from all over the world!

4. Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise

The Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise offers either a 4-night Nile cruise from Luxor to Aswan, or you can choose to make the trip a 7-day round trip affair! Of course the more nights you can spend on this luxury Nile River cruise line, the better!

The deluxe cabins are about 22 square meters and have two twin beds, large windows and bright, cheery decor. Of course, your room will also be appointed with air conditioning, a flat-screen television set, a minibar, and other amenities you’ll need during your stay. A telephone enabled with international calling is also available in your room.

You’ll appreciate the beautiful outdoor swimming pool, the spacious sun deck, the fitness center, and the sauna and spa facilities. The food is divine and you’ll be treated like royalty by the lovely staff at the Mövenpick. They’ll make your Nile cruise unforgettable!

Check Prices on Booking.com

5. Sonesta Moon Goddess

The Sonesta Moon Goddess Cruise sets sail each Saturday for 3 or 7 nights from Luxor to Aswan. This modern, luxury cruise ship will be your home away from home as you sail down the Nile River, enjoying the sites and sounds from the comfort of your private room.

The cruise ship is outfitted with a gorgeous outdoor swimming pool, a large sun terrace, a fitness center, a relaxing spa, and a bar serving up refreshing cocktails. Enjoy a massage, a facial, or a body scrub while you sip champagne and cruise down the Nile.

The food is delicious and super fresh. The helpful staff can help you in arranging a transfer to and from the airport, as well as any local excursions.

Rooms are simple and classic with comfortable beds, large private bathrooms, plenty of amenities, and private patios. Free toiletries, a tv, a minibar, a private bathroom, and turndown service are just a few of the amenities that you can enjoy. You’ll want to wake up early to catch the sunrise from the comfort of your own room!

6. Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise

The 5-star Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise offers 4-night and 6-night cruises down the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. The friendly staff at the ship tour desk can assist in booking your airport transfer, any daily excursions, and anything else you may need during your stay onboard.

During your Nile cruise, you can take advantage of the fitness center, the terrace with beautiful views of the banks of the Nile, and the lovely spa services which include Thai massage, facials, and body scrubs.

The large rooms have modern decor and come outfitted with a television set, a minibar (stocked with some free items!), coffee-making facilities, a bidet, bathrobes, and a desk. The beds are so comfortable that you won’t want to get up in the morning!

Be sure to book your stay on the Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise well in advance because this one books up fast!

7. MS Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise

The MS Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise departs from Luxor every Monday for four nights and from Aswan each Friday for three nights. The staff is exceptional and provides you with a 24-hour help desk and room service. 

The cruise also offers multiple packages to make your cruise experience exceptional. The cruise offers Sightseeing, Happiness, Felucca Breakfast, and Honeymoon/Anniversary packages.

The Sightseeing Package includes transfers to sights, such as the High Dam, Karnak Temple, Valley of Kings, Philae Temple, Abu Simbel, and the Luxor Temple in an air-conditioned bus and includes the entrance fee.  

The cruise provides different spacious room types, including standard twin rooms and deluxe king suites. The rooms are nicely furnished and clean, and each morning, you’ll be able to enjoy the yummy breakfast buffet. The cruise is also outfitted with a fitness center, sauna, swimming pool, bar, and restaurant that you can enjoy during your cruise time.

8. Nile Goddess Cruise

The Nile Goddess Cruise offers 4 or 7-night Nile cruises beginning every Monday between Luxor and Aswan. This beautiful ship has classic decor with dark wooden furniture and traditional touches throughout. You’ll forget that you’re on a ship cruising down the Nile River and not in a 5-star resort!

The Nile Goddess features a rooftop pool with plenty of room for lounging in the sun. Also a fitness center, a peaceful spa with a sauna, and even a nightclub. The lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a cocktail at the end of the day, and you’ll love the delicious dishes served for onboard breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The air-conditioned rooms have simple but comfortable decor, a minibar, and a satellite television set. Upgrade to a suite to enjoy a separate seating area and a private balcony.

9. Oberoi Zahra Nile Cruise

The Oberoi Zahra offers luxury 5 or 7-day Nile cruises departing from either Luxor or Aswan. You’ll want to check the sailing calendar on their website for specific dates of embarkation. The service that you’ll receive onboard is absolutely impeccable from the moment that you’re greeted until the time that you leave. Take advantage of the free airport shuttle!

The daily excursions are both fun and informational. And you’ll appreciate that they try to time your arrival to avoid the crowds.

The ship has a large and refreshing outdoor pool and a spa where you can indulge in a relaxing spa. You’ll love the evening entertainment after enjoying a delectable meal in the onboard restaurant. Rooms are well-appointed with a minibar, an electric kettle, a large bathroom, and bathrobes. If you want to really treat yourself, opt for a suite with a private deck and hot tub!

10. Nile Carnival Cruise

The Nile Carnival Cruise departs from Luxor every Thursday and from Aswan every Monday. The staff is super friendly and accommodating, and the rooms are clean and spacious, with nice views of the river. 

The Nile Carnival Cruise features a restaurant and a bar, packed lunches, snack bar, and it offers both a continental and buffet breakfast. The rooms are equipped with a private bathroom, flat-screen TV, and air-conditioning, and there are room, laundry, and ironing services available.

You’ll also be able to relax during your time on board as the cruise has a spa and wellness center that offers massages, beauty services, manicures, and hair treatments. Once you’re done getting pampered, you can enjoy the rooftop swimming pool, hot tub, sun terrace, and game room!

11. Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise

The Jaz Crown Prince Nile Cruise departs from Luxor every Saturday for 4-7 nights and every Wednesday from Aswan for three nights. The cruise has an outdoor swimming pool and sun terrace so you can relax and admire the river views from the deck.

The rooms include standard twin and single cabins with air conditioning, a private bathroom, a flat-screen TV, and a mini-bar. The cruise also offers an optional Sightseeing Package for an additional price that includes a visit to the Karnak and Luxor Temples, Valley of the Kings, the Botanical Garden, and the Abu Simbel Temple, among other sites.

Each morning you can enjoy the breakfast buffet, and every evening, you’ll love having tea time on the sun deck. After dinner at one of the restaurants, you can attend one of the shows or parties, including a belly dance show, a Nubian show, a cocktail party, or the Galabya party, depending on the itinerary. 

12. M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise

The M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise departs from Luxor each Monday for 4-7 nights, and it departs each Friday from Aswan. The cruise features a swimming pool, restaurant, bar, spa, gym, and sun deck. In the evenings, you can attend one of the shows, including belly dancing, Tanoura, and Oriental and Heritage music entertainment.

The rooms on the M/S Esmeralda Nile Cruise include twin cabins, king-sized beds, and presidential suites equipped with an LED TV, a mini bar, air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a safety box. Plus, you can even enjoy a private jacuzzi in the presidential suites!

The Garnet restaurant offers a great breakfast buffet with a good selection, and in the evenings, you can enjoy some delicious International dishes, including Chinese, Italian, Oriental Egyptian, and more. The restaurant is beautiful, and you’ll be able to enjoy your meals with a view of the Nile. 

The cruise’s itinerary will take you to the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut on the West Bank, the Edfu and Kom Ombo temples, the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the unfinished Obelisk.

13. Movenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise

The Movenpick SS Misr Steamer Nile Cruise departs on Mondays from Luxor for 4-7 nights and from Aswan on Fridays for three nights. You’ll immediately enjoy the old-time decor throughout the cruise ship as it was built in 1918 by the British Royal Navy. It was turned into a luxury steamer for King Farouk.

The Movenpick SS Misr Steamer offers four cabin options, including the standard, superior, senior suite, and panorama suite. No matter which cabin you choose for your Nile cruise adventure, you’ll enjoy large and panoramic balconies, air-conditioning, and a private bathroom. Other amenities include a TV, a minibar, and a safety deposit box.

You can also savor great quality drinks and cocktails at the Dhabiyyat Bar, and the Marasem Restaurant offers gourmet dishes, so you’ll feel like royalty! After you’re done exploring, you can relax on the large sun deck while sipping your favorite drink next to the swimming pool. 

Check prices on Booking.com

14. Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise

The Movenpick MS Sunray Nile Cruise departs from Luxor each Thursday for 4-7 nights, and it departs from Aswan each Monday for three nights. The cruise features elegant and traditional designs, and it is equipped with a swimming pool, a sundeck with a recreational area, and reading and playroom.

You can choose between the standard, superior, and junior or senior suites with panoramic windows for you to see the Nile. All cabins have air-conditioning, a private bathroom with a bathtub and hairdryer, a TV, a minibar, and a safety deposit box. 

You can enjoy your international meals and breakfast buffet at the main restaurants, and the lounge bar offers afternoon tea and cocktails. You can also enjoy snacks and drinks on the sun deck while you take in all the monument views as you cruise down the Nile. 

15. Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise

The Steigenberger Legacy Nile Cruise departs from Luxor on Mondays for 4-7 nights and from Aswan every Friday for three nights. You’ll love the luxurious and modern decor across the cabins and the cruise boat!

The surprisingly stylish rooms are equipped with controllable air-conditioning, a minibar, a safe, a private bathroom, and a balcony with sliding doors that open up to the main and upper decks.

Explore the ship, and you’ll find a restaurant, bar, and lounge, where you can enjoy meals and drinks. The restaurant also offers options for vegetarians, and the staff is very friendly and kind. 

When you’re not taking in the Nile views, you can soak up the sun on the sun deck, splash around in the pool, and sip poolside drinks at the bar. There’s also a souvenir shop, a fitness center, and a beauty salon onboard, so you’ll have everything you need for a comfortable stay!

We hope you have a wonderful cruise down the Nile River!

Want more help planning your trip to Egypt? Check out our favorite travel guides!

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About the Author:

Val grew up in Portland, Oregon but moved to Oahu on a whim back in 2013. She sold her house and all of her belongings and bought a one-way ticket. Since then she’s taken two around-the-world trips and has visited 60-ish countries while living out of a duffel bag. Val started documenting the Wandering Wheatleys travels back in 2013 as a way to update friends and family about her whereabouts and to relay humorous daily interactions. The only readers were her mom and her mother-in-law but that didn’t stop her! These days you’ll find Val dreaming up future trips, creating new travel content, managing a team of amazing travel enthusiasts, and chasing around her two adorable but naughty kids.

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2 thoughts on “the 15 best nile cruises in egypt: luxury sailing from luxor to aswan”.

Many thanks for great information!

Based on the review here, we booked on the Sonesta Moon Goddess March, 2023. We were disappointed. The rooms were indeed classic and comfortable. The carpets in the hall were old and stained. The HVAC systems in the room did not work properly despite engineering’s best efforts. Hot water was often hard to come by. The most disappointing element was the food. This was served buffet style, and almost never maintained hot. It was as if I had returned to my high school cafeteria. The staff were attentive and tried to please.

The review above does not reflect on the current state of affairs.

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Luxor to Aswan

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Visit the Temple of Karnak, built over a thousand years ago
• Attend an Egyptian cooking lesson onboard your ship
• Sail in a felucca, a typical Egyptian sail boat, around Elephantine Island
• Cooking Classes
• River Cruises
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Philae Temple

Full Itinerary

Day 1: luxor | embark.

• 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 2: Karnak Temple and Temple of Khnum

• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: Edfu | Kom Ombo Temples

Day 4: philae temple | felucca sailing, day 5: aswan | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Nile Adventurer

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 30%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 100 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or Amex. Credit Card payments subject to 3% convenience fee and maximum $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Akorn DMC - Terms & Conditions - Akorn

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 4 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 4 Dinners
• 4 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• Taxes and Service Charges
• Full board meal plan - breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner with mineral water, tea and coffee served during meal times
• All sightseeing, guiding and entrance fees as per itinerary
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Drink Packages
• All transfers to/from the boat from airports.
• Any items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls and purchases from the gift shop
• Medical services

We Love to Talk Travel

Why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

MS Salacia Nile Cruise

Our 4-day and 5-day  MS Salacia Nile Cruise  packages are affordable, thrilling, relaxing, and totally unforgettable. The MS Salacia is one of the most popular  Nile cruise ships  currently operating on the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. With three delicious meals a day, world-class amenities, and lots of breathtaking sightseeing with one of our Egyptologist guides, your trip along the Nile will be an experience which you will cherish forever. Enjoy the treasures of the Nile in style with one of our top selling  deluxe Nile River cruises .

Cruises Depart:  Every Mondays from Luxor and every Friday from Aswan

From: US$ 619.00 /person

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Check availability, get tour itinerary, all details, and exact price quote. It's easy, fast, and convenient!

Itinerary 1: 4 day aswan to luxor, day 1 – ms salacia nile cruise embarkation & aswan tour.

When you arrive in Aswan for your MS Salacia Nile cruise one of our tour representatives will meet you at the airport or railway station and then transfer you in one of our deluxe air-conditioned vehicles to board your Nile cruise. Shortly after boarding, lunch will be served, and then a little while later one of our Egyptologist guides will accompany you on a visit to three local attractions: the Aswan High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the ancient Temple of Philae.

After your tour you will return to the vessel where you will have some time for yourself before dinner is served. Enjoy the first night of your MS Salacia Nile cruise on the water at Aswan.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

DAY 2 – Kom Ombo Temple Tour and Overnight near Edfu

At around noon, the MS Salacia will start sailing to Kom Ombo. When you get there, you guide will again accompany you on an excursion, this time to see the Temple of Kom Ombo. This temple is very unique because it was dedicated to two different gods. It is thought to be the only temple of its kind ever built by the ancient Egyptians.

Once everyone is back on board the boat, it will then sail to Edfu. This night of your MS Salacia Nile cruise will be spent on the water at Edfu.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

DAY 3 – Horus Temple and Overnight at Edfu

After breakfast our guide will take you to see Edfu Temple, also known as the Temple of Horus. This is one of the biggest cult temples ever built by the Egyptians. It is also the best-preserved ancient temple in the country.

There is no other sightseeing today so you will have the remainder of the day to enjoy as you wish while you are sailing to Luxor. There will be a delightful Belly Dance Show shortly after dinner  today. The last night of your MS Salacia Nile cruise will be spent on the water at Luxor.

DAY 4 – Cruise Disembarkation and Luxor Tour

Your Nile cruise has come to an end, but not before you have had some breakfast. After breakfast, it will be time for check-out and disembarkation and then your guide will accompany you on a visit to a few more ancient attractions. Your tour today begins on the East Bank with a visit to the ancient Karnak Temple complex and Luxor Temple. Next, you will head to the West Bank to visit the Valley of Kings. This was an ancient royal necropolis and is home to more than 60 tombs. Tutankhamun’s tomb is also located here. From here you will visit the majestic mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut and also the Colossi of Memnon

After your tour, we will then drop you off at Luxor Airport or at the train station for your departure.

Meals Included: Breakfast

Itinerary 2: 5 DAY FROM LUXOR TO ASWAN

Day 1 – ms salacia nile cruise embarkation and east bank tour.

When you arrive in Luxor for your MS Salacia Nile cruise, one of our tour representatives will meet you and take you to board the Salacia for your 5-Star cruise on the River Nile. Soon after you have boarded, you will have lunch and then you will be taken to see Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple, both of which are located on Luxor’s East Bank.

After your tour, you willl return to the vessel and you will have the rest of the day to enjy as you wish. Enjoy dinner and a good night’s rest on the water at Luxor.

DAY 2 –West Bank Tour and Cruise to Edfu

Short after breakfast our guide will accompany you on a visit to the West Bank. During this tour you will visit Valley of te Kings, an ancient royal burial ground with more than 60 ancient tombs. You will also visit Hatshepsut Temple, one of the grandest temples ever built by the ancient Egyptians.

After your tour you will return to the boat and it will then start sailing to Edfu via Esna. Enjoy lunch, afternoon tea and dinner on the vessel and have another good sleep on the water, this time at Edfu.

DAY 3 – Temple of Horus, Temple of Kom Ombo, and Overnight at Aswan

After breakfast today, you will be taken to see Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple, the Temple of Horus. Following your tour, you will head back to the boat and it will start sailing to Kom Ombo. Enjoy lunch aboard the vessel, and then it will be time for your visit to the ancient Kom Ombo Temple. This is a unique twin-temple complex that was dedicated to two different gods: Sobek the crocodile god and Horus the falcon-headed god.

Once everyone is back on board the Salacia, it will then sail on to Aswan. Dinner will be served at the usual time and this night of your MS Salacia Nile cruise will be spent on the water at Aswan.

DAY 4 – Aswan Sightseeing and Leisure Time

Enjoy your breakfast on the boat and then you will be taken to see three popular tourist attractions: the Aswan High Dam, the ancient Philae Temple, and the giant Unfinished Obelisk. After your tour, you will head back to the ship and then you will have the rest of the day to yourself. Lunch, afternoon tea and dinner will all be served at the usual times, and you will spend the final night of your MS Salacia Nile cruise on the water at Aswan

DAY 5 – Disembarkation – MS Salacia Nile Cruise Ends

Enjoy breakfast on the ship, and then it will be time for you to check-out and disembark. Your  cruise on the River Nile has come to an end, so we will now transfer you to the airport or railway station for your departure.

What is included in your MS Salacia Nile Cruise

• Meet, greet and assist service upon arrival and departure
• Customer service support throughout the duration of your MS Salacia Nile Cruise
• All transfers in modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicles
• Accommodation aboard the 5-Star MS Salacia Nile cruise ship on full board basis
• All tours and excursions mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance fees for all the attractions mentioned in the itinerary
• English speaking tour guide for all tours mentioned in the itinerary
• All service charges and taxes

What is NOT included in your MS Salacia Nile Cruise

• Optional activities and tours
• Personal expenses

SHIP FEATURES

Accommodation.

• 1 Master Suite: (Approx. 65 Square meters, 5 full Size Windows, Separate Bedroom, Double Bed, Separate Lounge, Dining Area, Bar, Two W.C).
• 18 Royal Suites (6 with Large Beds and 12 with Twin Beds), Approx. 28 Square meters each with two full Size Windows One Bed Room, Lounge Area and Two W.C.
• 9 Stateroom Suites (Large Bed), Approx. 21 Square meters, 2 full Size Windows, One Bed Room, Lounge Area, and One W.C.
• 3 Proper Single Staterooms, Approx. 15 Square meters with one full size window, One room, One Large Single Bed, chair and One W.C.

Guest Suite Facilities

• Individually Controlled Air Conditioning
• LCD T.V with Satellite Channels.
• Mini-Bar with daily complimentary mineral water and soft drinks.
• Complimentary Fruit basket & Biscuits/Chocolates upon arrival.
• Stationary.
• Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel, Soap and Bathrobes.

Cruise Facilities & Services

• Oasis Lounge and bar (Main Lounge with dance floor featuring local shows).
• The Atrium Lounge and Bar (Casual Lounge).
• The Chart Lounge & Library (Reading Lounge & Library).
• Palm Court Restaurant (Main Restaurant).
• Sahara Terrace Café.
• The Temple SPA (Including Gym Area, Sauna, Jacuzzi, Steam Bath and Massage Room).
• The Lido Health Club (Including Sauna and Jacuzzi, situated on Lido Terrace).
• The Lido Terrace (Swimming Pool, Bar and Shaded Sundeck).
• The Sahara Terrace Sundeck.
• Ship Photographer and Galabeya Kiosk.
• Room service, Laundry service.
• Complimentary Standard Wi-Fi.

Select your preferences

Prices for our MS Salacia Nile cruise packages are quoted per person in US$ and are valid until the 30th of September 2023, except during the Christmas, New Year and Easter holidays.

• Nile River Cruise - Egypt Nile Cruise 2024/2025
• Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruises

Deluxe Nile Cruises

Boarding a cruise is a wonderful experience but boarding a Luxor & Aswan Nile Cruise is a life-changing experience. Sail on the bloodstream of Egypt and feel the soul of Egypt with our Egypt Nile cruise packages. Begin your journey to discover all the hidden secrets of the ancient civilization in Luxor and Aswan. Our entire Egypt Nile cruise packages are customized by a professional travel consultant to make your Nile cruise holidays as epic as possible. We have a variety of Luxor and Aswan Nile cruises to Karnak temple, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, Abu Simbel temple of the great pharaoh King Ramses II, Valley of the Kings, and other breathtaking monuments. All of our Luxor & Aswan Nile cruises are joined by a professional Egyptologist tour guides and accommodating at 5* deluxe Nile Cruises to get the most luxuries Nile cruise ever. Don’t miss this opportunity to sail through the heart of Egypt. Book us now! Check also, our Egypt tour packages if you want to combine your Egypt tours to Cairo and Hurghada with Nile cruises.

Al Hambra Nile Cruise

MS Royal La Terrasse Nile Cruise

Salima Nile Cruise

Blue Shadow Nile Cruise

Farida Nile Cruise

MS Salacia Nile cruise

Moon Dance Nile Cruise

Alyssa Nile Cruise

H/S Kon Tiki Nile Cruise

M/S Nile Style Nile Cruise

Iberotel Crown Emperor Nile Cruise

Iberotel Crown Empress cruise

Concerto Nile Cruise

Sabena Al Jamila Nile Cruise

Al Kahila Nile Cruise

Esmeralda Nile Cruise

MS Radamis I Nile Cruise

Nile Premium Nile cruise

MS Medea Nile Cruise

Crown Prince Nile Cruise

MS Nile Goddess Nile Cruise

Jaz Crown Jewel Nile Cruise

Nile river cruises (faqs):, what is the duration of nile river cruises vacation.

In Egypt, you can have a truly special experience to sail via the longest river in the world which is called "The Nile River". To have such an exceptional tour, you need to get on the board of a Nile cruise putting in mind that there are tens of different Nile Cruises from different categories. The most recommended Nile cruise categories in Egypt are the 5* and the 5* High Deluxe category. Prices differ from a cruise to another based on the facilities on each cruise and the time you would like to visit Egypt in and to check the best possible Nile River Cruise with the different guided prices, kindly check our best suggested

What is the Weather is Like?

The temperature in Egypt ranges from 37c to 14 c. Summer in Egypt is somehow hot and winter is cool and mild but sometimes it becomes cold at night. The average of low temperatures vary from 9.5 °C in the wintertime to 23 °C in the summertime and average high temperatures vary from 17 °C in the wintertime to 32 °C in the summertime. The temperature is moderate all along the coasts.

What should I wear in Nile Cruise?

Dress not just for the heat, but for the culture. This is a conservative, Muslim culture and should be respected accordingly. Women should refrain from wearing short shorts, see-through clothing or swimwear when on shore excursions. In mosques, for example, women and men should wear clothing that covers both their legs and upper arms.

What is the Best Time for Nile River Cruise in Egypt?

When it comes to choosing the best and the most suitable time to have a perfect Nile river cruise vacation, you will find that the period from the end of October till the middle of April is the best season ever to plan your Nile river cruise vacation in. You can choose any time between the mentioned period to have your vacation at but kindly notice that Easter and Christmas seasons in Egypt are considered the peaked seasons and prices get higher during those seasons that any other period during the whole year so kindly put this in mind while planning your marvelous Nile River Cruise vacation in the land of Pharaohs, however, you will get the most incomparable affordable tour prices from our side to enjoy the true concept of having an imaginary holiday.

What are the Best Prices for Nile River Cruise?

What are the types of egypt’s nile river cruises.

There are two types of Nile cruises in Egypt, the first one is the private Nile river cruises also known as "Dahabiya" which has about 10 cabins and the standard, more common group, Nile river cruise which has about 150 cabins equipped with everything a traveler could need.

What're the Facilities on the Nile River Cruise?

The Nile river cruise is basically a fully equipped floating hotel which holds sun deck, a full entertaining center, an inner swimming pool, lounge bar, discotheque, a marvelous restaurant, a spa, beauty center, a laundry, and gift shops and a safe deposit box, and everything you would expect from a hotel.

What’re the Top Attractions to Visit Through a Nile River Cruise?

The Nile River Cruise sails between the two heavenly cities of Luxor and Aswan or vice versa where everyone can explore the divine Karnak temples Complex, the legendary Valley of the Kings, the mesmerizing Hatshepsut temple, the unique Kom Ombo temple the majestic Philae temple, the glorious Edfu temple, the Great unfinished obelisk, and various more.

What are the Best Activities to Do in Egypt?

The best activity is by far boarding a Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan or Vise Versa. Witness the beauty of Egypt from a hot balloon or a plane and try all the delicious Egyptian cuisines and drinks plus shopping in old Cairo. Explore the allure and wonders of the red sea in the magical city resorts of Egypt like Hurghada and many more by diving and snorkeling in the marine life or Hurghada. Behold the mesmerizing western desert by a safari trip under the heavenly Egyptian skies.

What are Egypt Festival and Public Holidays?

There are a lot of public holidays in Egypt too many to count either religious or nation, the most important festivals are the holy month of Ramadan which ends with Eid Al Fitr, Christmas and new years eve.

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5 Day Nile Cruise from Hurghada

Book our 5-Star Nile Cruise from Hurghada and follow in the footsteps of pharaohs. Cruise the Nile in style from Luxor to Aswan. These classic Hurghada tours feature the best historical sites in Luxor, including Karnak, Hatshepsut Temple, Valley of the Kings and more. Enjoy onshore excursions at Edfu and Kom Ombo, then visit even more great sites in Aswan before returning to Hurghada. With world-class accommodation and expert guides accompanying you on tours, all of our Nile cruises guarantee a travel experience which is not soon forgotten.

Notes: Tours Run: Every Monday / Type of Tour: Group / Duration: 5 Days / Departure Time: About 07h00

Nile Cruise from Hurghada

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Day 1 – Nile Cruise from Hurghada Begins

On the day your 4-night Nile cruise from Hurghada is set to begin, one of our tour representatives will meet you at your hotel at about 07h00. You will then be driven to Luxor in one of our clean and modern air-conditioned vehicles. The journey from Hurghada to Luxor takes roughly 4 hours. Free bottled water will be available to you in the vehicle. If you need to use the rest room or you want to buy some refreshments along the way, just let your driver know.

Your actual Nile Cruise from Hurghada begins short after you arrive in Luxor. You will be driven directly to the port area where you will be boarding your cruise. After boarding and checking in, you will have some free time to settle in. At around 13h00 you will be able to enjoy your first good lunch on the boat.

Shortly after lunch, you will disembark with other members of your tour group, and then you will go visit the two most famous ancient attractions on Luxor’s East Bank, the beautiful Luxor Temple, and the vast Karnak Temple complex which was essentially once an entire city of temples that formed over a period of more than 2,000 years.

After your tour, return to the ship and enjoy some afternoon tea and an authentic Egyptian Belly Dance Show. Dinner will be served in the evening and then you will have the rest of the night to yourself. Enjoy some dancing in the ship’s disco, or simply relax and unwind.

The first night of your Nile cruise from Hurghada will be spent on the water at Luxor.

Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner

Day 2 – Luxor West Bank Tour and Cruise to Esna

Begin the second day of your MS Salacia Nile Cruise from Hurghada with a nice breakfast on the water at Luxor, and then you will head to the Luxor West Bank with your small group and your guide to see another 3 wonderful ancient sites, starting with Valley of the Kings.

Valley of the Kings was a royal necropolis where pharaohs and certain influential nobles of the New Kingdom were laid to rest in rock-cut tombs. Some of these consist only of a simple burial chamber, while others a complex maze of chambers and passageways. Like the pyramids, nearly all of the tombs were raided and looted in antiquity, with Tutankhamen’s tomb being one of the only ones which was discovered still sealed, with everything still inside, including his mummy.

Next, you will visit the ancient rock-cut mortuary Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a vast complex that was constructed by the same workers who constructed and decorated the tombs at Valley of the Kings. You will also visit the huge Colossi of Memnon on your way back to your cruise ship.

There are no further tours or excursions today, so once you have had your lunch, you will be free to enjoy the rest of your day as you wish while you sail to Esna. Enjoy afternoon tea at the regular time, and today there will also be a Captain’s Welcome cocktail party shortly before dinner. The ship’s disco will once again be open in the evening, and you will spend this night of your Nile cruise from Hurghada on the water at Esna.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Day 3 – Edfu Temple and Kom Omb Temple Excursions

Enjoy breakfast on board the ship while sailing to Edfu. Shortly after arriving at Edfu, your guide will take you and your group to see Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temple, the Temple of Horus at Edfu. This remarkable temple was discovered after having been buried under the desert sand for more than 2,000 years.

Enjoy lunch back on the boat while sailing to Kom Ombo where you will enjoy another excursion. Have afternoon tea at the usual time, and then you will be taken to see Kom Ombo Temple which was dedicated to two different gods, Sobek and Haeroris.

Enjoy another good dinner on board the ship in the evening. Instead of an on board disco, tonight there will be a thoroughly enjoyable Galabya Party. This night of your Nile cruise from Hurghada will be spent on the water at Kom Ombo.

Day 4 – Cruise to Aswan and Aswan Tour

Enjoy breakfast on board your Nile cruise while sailing to Aswan. On arrival in Aswan, you will have the opportunity to enjoy an optional tour to the famous Abu Simbel Temples. This is an “optional” tour and is therefore not included in the price of our Nile Cruise from Hurghada package.

If you choose not to visit Abu Simbel, then you will have the remainder of the day to yourself to enjoy as you wish. Afternoon tea and dinner will both be served at the usual times. For entertainment tonight, there will be an authentic Nubian Folkloric Show on the ship. Enjoy the last night of your Nile cruise from Hurghada on the water at Aswan.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5 – Disembarkation, Aswan Tour and Transfer to Hurghada

Enjoy a last good breakfast on the ship, and then it will be time for you to check-out and disembark. After you have disembarked, it will be time for your Aswan tour. First you will visit the remarkable Aswan High Dam which gave birth to Lake Nasser after construction of the dam was completed.

Next, you will head to the ancient granite quarries to see the gigantic Unfinished Obelisk. From here you will then be taken to see the ancient Temple of Philae that was dedicated to two goddesses, Hathor and Isis. This amazing temple once stood on a small island which now lies beneath the water of Lake Nasser. The temple was painstakingly moved in entirety to its current location on higher ground.

After you have finished exploring the temple, you will begin making your way back to Hurghada. The journey from Aswan to Hurghada takes roughly 7 hours. As usual, free bottled water will be available in the vehicle, and your driver will be happy to stop along the way if you need to.

When you arrive in Hurghada, you will be driven directly to your hotel, and then your Nile Cruise from Hurghada will officially be over

Meals Included: Breakfast

What is included in our 5 Day Nile Cruises from Hurghada holiday:

• Transfers from Hurghada to Luxor and Aswan to Hurghada by deluxe vehicle
• Accommodation onboard 5 star Nile Cruise with full board
• Meet and greet service upon arrival and departure
• Assistance of our Customer Service during your Nile cruise from Hurghada
• All excursions mentioned in the itinerary
• Entrance fees to all sights as per itinerary
• Expert English-speaking Tour Guide for all Nile Cruise tours and shore excursions
• Service charges and all applicable taxes – the price you see is the price you pay

What is not included in your 5 Day Nile Cruise package :

• Pre-Arrival and Post-Departure Travel – Tour price does not include travel to Luxor or onward travel from Aswan.
• Tipping – Tour price does not include money for tipping guides, waitresses, waiters, and etc. Tipping is not required or expected, but always appreciated if you feel it is well-deserved.

Nile Cruise (Gold Plan)

• Radamis Nile Cruise

Contact us for the most up-to-date prices.

Nile Cruise (Diamond Plan)

• Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise (5-Star)

Hurghada Tours & Excursions

Didn’t find the Hurghada tour you were looking for? Find more 5-day / 4-night Nile cruises here or see other Nile Cruise from Hurghada alternatives below .

2 Day Trips to Cairo and Luxor from Hurghada

2 Day Cairo Tour from Hurghada

Tour to Cairo from Hurghada by Plane

Day Trip from Hurghada to Cairo by Car

Luxor Day Trip from Hurghada

8 Hour Snorkeling Paradise Island, Hurghada Package

8 Hour Mahmya Island Snorkeling

8 Hour Giftun Island Snorkeling Trip

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Last Updated on February 26, 2024

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Home / DAY TOURS / Cairo Tours & Excursions / 5-Day Nile Cruise From Cairo

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5 Days / 4 Nights

5-Day Nile Cruise From Cairo

Enjoy the majestic river Nile in style for 4 Night 5 Day Nile Cruise from Cairo sailing up the Nile River from Luxor to Aswan. A Nile river cruise is one of the most popular ways to see the wealth of archaeological treasures and cultural attractions Upper Egypt has to offer. It’s a cruise that brings Egypt’s 5,000-year history to life.

Explore the complex of Karnak Temples, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Edfu Temple, Kom-ombo Temple, the Unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam, and Philae Temple.

Nile River Cruise is a dream of a life time and you have been waiting to explore the history of Egypt across the serene Nile. This is your chance as Nile Holiday presents the best Nile Cruise packages ever!

Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure

Assistance of our personnel during your stay and excursions

All transfers by a modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle

Return flight tickets from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan to Cairo

4 Night accommodation on board 5 star cruise on full board basis

Accommodation on board 5 star cruise on full board basis

All Nile Cruise excursions as mentioned in the itinerary

Entrance fees to all sights between Aswan and Luxor

English-speaking tour guide during your excursions

All service charges and taxes

Any extras not mentioned in the itinerary

Tour Itinerary

– Pick you up from your hotel in Cairo

– Transfer to Cairo international airport to fly to Luxor

– Visit Luxor East Bank Sights (the Karnak and Luxor Temples).

– Transfer to embark your Nile Cruise before lunch.

– Lunch on board.

– Free time on board

– Sound & Light show at Karnak temple ( Optional )

– Dinner on Board

Overnight abroad Your Nile Cruise in Luxor.

– Sunrise Hotairballoon ride ( Optional )

– Breakfast on board.

– Visit Luxor West Bank (Valley of the Kings, Temple of Queen Hatshepsut & Colossi of Memnon).

– Sail to Edfu via Esna.

– Afternoon tea during sailing to Edfu.

– Dinner on board.

Overnight abroad Your Nile Cruise in Edfu.

– Visit the Temple of Horus at Edfu.

– Sailing to Kom Ombo

– Afternoon tea during sailing to Kom Ombo.

– Visit the double temple shared by two gods Sobek and Haeroris at Kom-ombo.

– Sailing to Aswan.

– Oriental Dinner on board.

– Oriental Show “Galabia Party”.

Overnight abroad your Nile Cruise in Aswan.

– Visit the unfinished Obelisk, Aswan High Dam & Temple of Philae.

– Felucca ride on the Nile in Aswan.

– Nubian village trip by Motor boat ( Optional )

– Nubian Folkloric show.

Overnight abroad Your Nile Cruise in Aswan.

– Disembarkation after breakfast.

– Abu Simbel temple tour by ac Vehicle ( Optional )

– Transfer to Aswan international airport to fly to Cairo

– Pick you up and transfer to your hotel in Cairo

• Itinerary may change in sequence but not in visits without prior notice

• Arrive to Luxor in the morning & Depart from Aswan in the day 5 after-noon (after 12:00pm).

• Tour price currency is set to US Dollars per person per trip and can be paid in US$, Euro, GBP or EGP.

• Cancellation : Nile Holiday does not charge a cancellation fee for any cancelation due to ‘force majeure’ reasons such as volcanoes, earthquakes, or reasons beyond control.

• Additionally, there are cancellation fees on all domestic flights within Egypt. If you cancel a tour at any time, you will be subject to any fees according to the airline’s cancellation policy.

Children policy: –

• Child (0 – 01.99) free of Charge

• Child (2 – 05.99) Pay 25 % from the tour price

• Child (6 – 11.99) Pay 50 % from the tour price

• 12+ Pay full tour price as per adult person

• Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents (Maximum 1 Child sharing parent’s room).

• If your tour includes airfare, additional charges for your children may apply.

US $ 695 Per person in Double Room

US $ 775 Per person in Single Room

US $ 895 One Person Traveling Alone

US $ 745 Per person in Double Room

US $ 845 Per person in Single Room

US $ 950 One Person Traveling Alone

Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person per trip and valid until September 30th, 2021, except during Christmas, New Year & Easter holidays.

Child (0 – 05.99) free of Charge

Child (6 - 11.99) Pay 50 % from the tour price

2 children (0 – 11.99) in 1 cabin will be one single cabin price

12+ Pay full tour price as per adult person

Children policy is applied to children who share rooms with their parents (Maximum 1 Child sharing parent's room).

Arrival Time: If your arrival time to Luxor is so early, so we will start the tour direct upon arrival as the cruise check in time at 12:00 and we don’t want our guest waste their time waiting at the lobby for check in.

Check out: The majority of Nile Cruise check out Time is at 8:00 am, Just after Breakfast. They have to clean the cabins before other guests come to check in.

Dress code: Lightweight and informal summer clothes are the norm of the day, with shorts and t-shirts being acceptable. In the evening, informal smart / casual attire is expected.

From : $ 695

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17 of the best Nile cruises for 2024

Pyramids, desert tombs and secrets that span millennia – a voyage along the world’s longest river reveals the best of egypt past and present. but which is the best nile cruise for you.

S ailing through timeless landscapes on a cruise is the best way to see the River Nile. It’s one of the richest destinations on earth and has long enticed and seduced travellers, from pharaohs and prophets to modern-day adventurers, to say nothing of fictional Agatha Christie characters. Sailing on the world’s longest river, which flows through 11 African countries for 4,100 miles before spilling out into the Mediterranean, is a breathtaking experience, and there are more cruise lines plying the Nile than ever.

So which one to take? The majority of itineraries cover the Upper Nile — a section of the river in southern Egypt known for the country’s most impressive and important ruins and archaeological discoveries, such as the Valley of the Kings in Luxor — and end some 150 miles downstream in Aswan. The trick is to find the right way to explore this amazing river, whether that’s aboard a brand new riverboat, a restored paddle steamer or a luxury dahabiya modelled on a traditional sailing boat. Here are the best Nile cruises.

Main photo: traditional felucca boats on the Nile at Luxor (Getty Images)

1. MS Darakum, book via Riviera Travel

Best for watching the world go by Those who like to take the long route and stay on a boat for the duration of their Egyptian adventure in Egypt will enjoy a cruise on the 52-cabin MS Darakum. Thanks to its very low draft, it is one of the very few vessels that can sail from Cairo to Luxor. After an intoxicating few days in the capital, exploring its markets, mosques and ancient wonders, it’s time to travel south. The beauty of covering a much longer distance than a traditional Nile cruise is the extra time it allows to simply sit and watch the world go by. Riviera Travel’s Wonders of the Nile itinerary is sprinkled with long and leisurely sailing days where there’s little to do except relax on the sun deck and gaze out at the small farms and date plantations, before retreating inside to attend the fascinating onboard lectures.

Passengers 104 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

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2. MS Movenpick Royal Lily or Royal Lotus, book via Exodus

Best for ticking off the sights All of Egypt’s most significant sites are given adequate attention on Exodus’ nine-day premium Nile cruise. After time in Cairo and a short flight to Luxor, it’s time to board for a voyage through 7,000 years of history. The traditional-style ships include large royal suites and very high levels of service and comfort throughout. As well as all the usual big hitters, there are plenty of offbeat options that make this an eye-opening choice for the curiously minded traveller. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit the impressive seventh-century St Simeon Monastery, the nearby traditional Nubian village and the chance to see Cleopatra’s unfinished obelisk.

Passengers 126 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price ££

3. MS Nile Plaza, book via Titan Travel

Best for cruising in style The MS Nile Plaza first took to the water in 1990 but was refurbished a few years ago to modernise the onboard amenities and bring a new lease of life to the decor. The interiors, including the 55 spacious cabins, are tasteful, with rich wooden panels and neutral tones broken up by art deco-inspired light fixtures and calming house plants. Titan Travel’s eight-day Egypt’s Timeless Riches trip includes a voyage on the four-star MS Nile Plaza, starting and ending in Luxor. It begins in spectacular style with visits to the Valley of the Kings and Valley of the Queens before setting sail to Edfu and onwards to Aswan.

Passengers 110 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price ££

4. Oberoi Zahra, book via Hotels.com

Best for maxed-out luxury Devotees of the namesake hotel chain can enjoy the brand’s luxury on the water aboard the plushest boat on the Nile. The modern and minimalist Oberoi Zahra enjoys prime position at its private mooring spot on the banks of the corniche in Aswan. Its elevated approach doesn’t end there. As well as offering trips to the temples of Edfu and the island of El Nabatat on itineraries that include a four-day trip from Luxor, the boat has plenty to keep guests entertained, from a library and games room to a gym and open-air pool. At night, astrology lectures reveal how the night sky influenced life in Egypt in the past. The 27 cabins are tasteful, and decorated in a natural colour palette; both of the suites have a private terrace and a hot tub.

Passengers 54 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N (minimum age is 12) Price £££

5. Sanctuary Zein Nile Chateau, book via Sanctuary Retreats

Best for families and groups of friends This 164ft-long traditional dahabiya sailing boat may be small but it is perfectly packaged. The first of its kind on the Nile, it is available through Sanctuary Retreats for private charter with personalised week-long itineraries to suit specific interests. This cruise is a great option for families or groups of friends looking for privacy and flexibility. On board there is a heated plunge pool and six individually designed cabins influenced by the country’s culture, geography and heritage, including the white Farouk Suite on the upper deck, where the decor is inspired by Egyptian royalty. Guides can be arranged according to guests’ interests — from food to history.

Passengers 12 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over ten) Price £££

sanctuaryretreats.com

6. SS Sudan, book via Original Travel

Best for Agatha Christie lovers One of the most historic and atmospheric vessels to ply the Nile’s waters, this celebrated 19th-century steamer once welcomed Agatha Christie aboard. It is widely believed that it was that trip in 1933, accompanying her husband on an archaeological mission, which paved the way for one of her most accomplished murder mysteries. Following Kenneth Branagh’s 2022 adaptation of Death on the Nile , the SS Sudan is the perfect ship for fans of the Queen of Crime; there are cabins named after Agatha Christie and Hercule Poirot. The boat exudes opulent period charm, from the teak decks and parquet flooring to the brass bed frames in many of the rooms. Guests also have exclusive access to a network of expert archaeologists who will help bring the historical ruins to life.

Passengers 46 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y Price £££

originaltravel.co.uk

7. SS Sphinx, book via Uniworld

Best for first-timers The SS Sphinx showcases the very best of Egypt, both old and new, in the utmost comfort. Uniworld’s 11-night Splendours of Egypt & The Nile itinerary provides the perfect introduction to Egypt. The Cairo-to-Cairo trip begins with highlights that include the Pyramids of Giza, as well as tea with a Nubian family and even a spot of fishing and birdwatching. The onboard experience is no less delightful, with 42 suites decked out with Egyptian art, hand-carved furniture, a massage room, swimming pool and two gourmet dining rooms. Trips include guided tours of the Egyptian Museum and sailing on a felucca.

Passengers 84 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

uniworld.com

8. SS Misr, book via Noble Caledonia

Best for traditionalists Misr, which means “Egypt” in Arabic, is a propeller steamer that has long enjoyed a romance with this country. Built in Preston in 1918 by the Royal Navy, in 1938 it was converted into a luxury yacht that played host to King Farouk, the country’s penultimate monarch. The vessel has now been fully restored to its former glory, and its three, four and seven-night trips are known for celebrating local food — and there’s a rather regal feeling inside the main Marasem restaurant, with framed photos of past royalty dotted about and waiters smartly dressed in attire that takes its inspiration from the glory days of Farouk. The food is largely international but local flavours are celebrated in dishes such as bessara, a local dip made from fava beans.

Passengers 45 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y Price ££

noble-caledonia.co.uk

9. MS Esplanade, book via Mayfair Cruises

Best for R&R A sophisticated option, focusing on the Upper Nile, the MS Esplanade offers cruises of up to seven nights (minimum three nights) that take in both the east and west banks of Luxor, the Horus temple at Edfu and even the mummified crocodiles of Kom Ombo. When it comes to relaxation, guests can spend time in the hushed spa on the lower deck or relax on one of the shady poolside cabanas on the breezy top deck.

Passengers 150 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price ££

mayfaircruises.com

10. La Flaneuse du Nil, book via Authentic Hotels

Best for return visitors For those who have already sailed the Nile and may be looking for something different, La Flaneuse du Nil is a tempting alternative. While most boats travel north from Aswan towards Luxor, this intimate five-day cruise heads south into Lake Nasser bound for the rock-cut temples of Abu Simbel. Powered by sails and tugs, just like the original dahabiyas that were once a regular sight on the waterway, this cosy vessel showcases the subtle beauty of the vast man-made reservoir that straddles Egypt’s border with Sudan. The boat sails at a leisurely pace, with stops for lake swims, sunset hikes and solitary mornings on quiet beaches, as well as guided trips to some of the most impressive ancient wonders Egypt has to explore.

Passengers 14 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over six) Price ££

authentichotels.com

11. Sanctuary Sun Boat III, book via Sanctuary Retreats

Best for fun on the river An extremely attractive boat, and one of the few vessels to (occasionally) cruise from Cairo to Aswan, the Sanctuary Sun Boat III takes its inspiration from the glamour of the 1920s and 1930s. Think ecru tones, four-poster beds draped in the finest Egyptian linen and entertainment in the form of belly dancers and whirling dervishes. There are modern touches, too, with air conditioning and a swimming pool on the Cleopatra Oasis sundeck: the perfect spot on which to sip a hibiscus juice and watch the world go by.

Passengers 36 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y (aged over ten) Price £££

12. RV Da Vinci, book via CroisiEurope

Best for value With its understated style, the RV Da Vinci is a good choice for passengers who want to travel in more contemporary surroundings. Built in 1993 and fully refurbished since, it offers a comfortable base to travel on the classic route from Luxor or add on a few days in Cairo. CroisiEurope’s eight-day Land of the Pharaohs cruise includes excursions to all the headline sights, such as the Valley of the Kings and Temple of Kom Ombo, and options to book others such as a breathtaking balloon ride over the Nile Valley or the evocative sound and light show at Karnak. At the end of the day, enjoy a final cocktail as the sun goes down — all drinks are included in the fare.

Passengers 108 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £

croisieurope.travel/en

13. River Tosca, book via Uniworld

Best for children Luxury line Uniworld has expanded its family-friendly Generations programme with an all-new multigenerational itinerary in Egypt. The adapted version of its 11-night Splendours of Egypt and the Nile holiday is aboard the River Tosca and includes child-friendly menus and two dedicated family hosts to oversee activities for junior cruisers aged four to 12 and teen cruisers. Alongside famous sights such as the Pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings and Karnak, activities include a football match with local children and some of the ship’s crew, sand dune boarding, swimming in the Nile, exploring the river by bike and traditional felucca, and a behind-the-scenes visit to the captain’s wheelhouse. While youngsters are having fun with the onboard hosts, adults can relax on the sun deck with its shaded cabanas and swimming pool.

Passengers 82 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

14. MS Radamis II, book via Travel Department

Best for solo travellers If you’re fed up with being stung by single supplements, don’t want to set sail with loved-up couples, or simply just enjoy travelling alone then check out the Travel Department’s dedicated single sailings. The company charters this comfortable ship which has 75 cabins, and for solo travellers it makes for an exclusive and intimate holiday. The sun deck bar is a top spot to mingle over cocktails with newfound friends and enjoy barbecues. The supplement-free solo itineraries take in a seven-night Nile cruise, with included shore trips to the Temple of Horus, the Valley of the Kings, the High Dam and the temples of Karnak and Luxor. At the end of the cruise you’ll fly and flop with a couple of days of relaxation in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada. The tour operator also uses the vessel for its escorted group tours on the Nile.

traveldepartment.co.uk

15. Sonesta Dahabeya Amirat, book via Sonesta

Best for groups You can sail the Nile in style on this twin-masted dahabiya, which harks back to the graceful travel of bygone times. Inspired by the 19th-century vessels used by royalty and aristocrats, this intimate and sophisticated 14-passenger ship is the smallest in the fleet owned by the international Sonesta hotel group. It’s a wonderful choice for extended families or groups of friends who want to book an entire ship for an exclusive holiday. Sumptuous cabins are decked out in blue, gold and cream and guests can wallow in baths after a busy day sightseeing. The ship goes back and forth on week-long trips between Luxor and Aswan and wherever possible sails under wind power.

Passengers 14 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome Y Price £££

sonesta.com/sonesta-dahabeya-amirat

Two ships to look out for in 2024

16. tui al horeya, book via tui.

Best for home comforts Tui River Cruises is launching its first Nile ship in November 2024. Charter flights from Gatwick and Manchester are being laid on to dovetail with the sailings, which are aimed squarely at the British market. The five-deck ship is being fully refurbished for Tui and seven-night round-trip sailings from Luxor will include two excursions to the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Temple of Kom Ombo. Other optional shore tours will be available to purchase, such as the atmospheric sound and light show at Karnak and a visit to a Nubian village. Tui Al Horeya will have a top-deck pool and an area for alfresco dining on warm Egyptian nights.

Passengers 145 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites N Children welcome N Price £

17. AmaLilia, book via AmaWaterways

Best for being pampered AmaLilia, set to sail on the Nile in 2024, would impress even the most discerning pharaoh with its marble bathrooms, heated pool, massage treatments — and even a nail bar. Its suites are stylish and contemporary, and the decor throughout the ship has an understated elegance, showcasing Egyptian ornaments and artwork. Thoughtful itineraries will take guests on excursions to often-overlooked places, including the sacred city of Abydos — a necropolis for the earliest Egyptian kings, where the mortuaries include the Temple of Seti I, completed in 1279BC — and the Abdeen presidential palace for lunch. AmaLilia is an almost identical ship to AmaWaterways’ first Nile ship AmaDahlia, with the addition of more plush suites.

Passengers 72 Private guides Y Private access to historical sites Y Children welcome Y (aged over four) Price £££

amawaterways.co.uk

Additional reporting by Jeannine Williamson

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10 Thrilling Experiences On A Viking Nile River Cruise

W hen Viking launched its first purpose-built Nile River cruise ship in August 2022, voyages through the heart of Egypt immediately became more accessible, luxurious, and exciting. 

Viking also offers Viking Aton , which debuted in August 2023, so even more cruisers have a chance to take a voyage in style in this exotic destination.

Viking Osiris and Viking Aton both carry up to 82 passengers on five spacious decks and the ships are outfitted with roomy staterooms, lounges, restaurants, bright public areas, and a beautiful open sun deck.

While these comfortable ships certainly set the standard for Nile River cruising, that’s only part of what makes a Viking river cruise in Egypt such a wonderful experience. We sailed on one of the first voyages on Viking Osiris and found a host of great activities that travelers will love.

1. The Great Pyramid 

Viking’s Nile River cruise program starts with three nights at a luxury hotel in Cairo. You begin your immersive journey in Egypt’s capital, where you have a comfortable place to eat and relax — and even enjoy the pool, spa, restaurants, and fitness center — after your long flight to Egypt. 

While here, you meet your Viking Egyptologists, who will take you to one of the top highlights of your trip, the Great Pyramid Complex of Giza. This is the world-renowned attraction of three massive pyramids, including the Great Pyramid of Khufu.

These three structures, built more than 4,500 years ago, make an amazing spectacle in the hot desert. The symmetry and size offer a testament to the architectural mastery of ancient Egyptians who built these fantastic tombs for the pharaohs. You can even venture inside the Great Pyramid, creeping along a tight and hot passageway to the King’s Chamber. 

Pro Tip: Our guide for the journey on Viking Osiris warned us that there would be a lot of high-pressure hawkers selling trinkets and souvenir items at the Great Pyramid Complex (as well as at several sites and temples during our voyage). Her best tip was that we simply do not engage with them in any way if we were not interested in buying anything at that time.

2. The Great Sphinx On Camelback

Viking covers the fee for a short camel ride and photo opportunity during your visit to the Great Pyramid site. It’s thrilling to nestle atop of one of these fascinating animals and feel it lift you high above the Sahara to saunter along the sand for about 15 minutes. Your guides will happily snap an iconic photo of you astride your camel with the stunning pyramids in the background. 

Adjacent to the pyramids is the Great Sphinx. Your day in Giza continues with a visit to this famed attraction, too. 

Pro Tip: Be ready with your camera or cell phone to hand it over to your camel guide so that he can take a few pictures for you during your ride.

3. Valley Of The Kings

The Viking Osiris Nile River cruise itinerary visits Luxor for some of the most-anticipated days of adventure. Viking offers a premium shore excursion that is that rare one-of-a-kind experience.  

The early-morning balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings (and the Valley of the Queens) allows you to see the sun rise and illuminate the vast mountain range and valley that was the final resting place for Egypt’s great pharaohs, including Rameses II and King Tut. 

Cruisers rise around 3:30 a.m. and head across the river to the West Bank to watch the balloons inflate and take shape before they rise majestically into the sky. Seeing the colorful balloons floating all around while you ride in your basket with a group of new friends as the golden sun emerges on the horizon makes for a jaw-dropping spectacle. 

Pro Tip: Dress in layers for this activity and bring a water bottle. It’s cool in the morning before the sun rises in the desert, but it quickly heats up throughout your ride. You can peel off layers as needed.

4. King Tut’s Famous Burial Site  

While in Luxor, you also will be able to visit King Tut’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. Viking takes cruisers over for a full tour of the impressive burial sites, with the tombs carved deep inside the mountains.  

You wander down long passages to visit chambers, with every wall ornately decorated with colorful murals. The art depicted the daily life and religious doctrine of ancient Egyptians.  

King Tutankhamun’s mummy is on display within the tomb, and you can also visit the crypts of some of the most notable pharaohs of ancient Egypt. These include Ramses I, Ramses III, Seti II and Merenptah. 

5. The Grand Temples Of Karnak And Luxor 

These two historic sites are nearby, and cruisers get to visit them both during Viking’s time in Luxor.  

The Luxor and Karnak Temple complexes are filled with a mix of well-preserved and decaying chapels, massive pylons and columns, and other structures on which construction began more than 4,000 years ago. These sprawling sites are filled with carvings, statues, and engravings that depict stories and cultural aspects of society at the time. 

Karnak Temple is one of the largest in the world and the second-most visited tourist site in Egypt, ranking behind the Great Pyramid Complex. 

Pro Tip: Hats, scarves, water, and good walking shoes are essential for visiting these sites and all temple sites in Egypt. 

6. Abu Simbel And Other Incredible Temples 

While the temples of Karnak and Luxor are notorious as two of Egypt’s most famous temples, cruisers on a Viking Nile River voyage will get to see many other spectacular temple sites along the journey. 

In Quena, a town right on the river, you’ll be amazed by the blue colors of the murals and art on the walls of the well-preserved Dendera Temple of Hathor. At Esna, you can explore the temple dedicated to the water god Khnum, who was worshiped as the guardian of the Nile’s headwaters. 

Edfu is fun to visit, especially because you can enjoy a ride to the Temple of Horus on a traditional horse-drawn caliche.  

When in Aswan, though, I highly recommend Viking’s premium excursion (added fee) that takes cruisers to Abu Simbel. The Temples of Abu Simbel are a marvel for their beauty and scale. Plus, the story of the rediscovery and a massive relocation project to preserve them is fascinating.  

Abu Simbel was built in the 13th century and honors Ramses II. Lost to the sands of time, it was uncovered in the early 19th century. This UNESCO World Heritage site was moved in 1968 to accommodate the construction of the Aswan Dam that controls the flow of the vital Nile River.  

Abu Simbel was moved more than 200 feet higher and 650 feet farther inland. 

It sits in its new place with a striking facade of four enormous statues of Ramses II guarding the entrance of the sandstone temples. 

7. The Nile River

The best thing about traveling right through the heart of Egypt on your Nile River cruise is that you get to see the landscape and scenery from a different perspective. As you sail from port to port, you also will be happy to call a luxury river boat such as Viking Osiris your home.  

The top Sun Deck offers plenty of comfy seating areas to take in the green banks of the river that are framed by the brown mountains in the distance. You also will be enticed to enjoy a sunset cocktail in the aft infinity pool as you cruise the exotic and historic waterway. We were charmed by the young children seen playing and swimming along the Nile’s banks, waving excitedly to greet us as we sailed past. 

8. The Egyptian Museum 

In Cairo, Viking includes a tour of the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities. This is where you can see tens of thousands of pieces from the times of the ancient pharaohs. These include magnificent sarcophaguses, statues, tools, jewelry, murals, writings, and the famed golden mask of King Tut. 

9. Bustling Markets 

Cairo, Giza, Luxor, Aswan, and Esna all offer opportunities to visit small and large souks (marketplaces), where you can shop for souvenirs, regional foods, spices, or other items of interest. Here, you’ll get to engage with very friendly people who rely heavily on tourist dollars for income.

Pro Tip: Don’t agree on the first price offered. Egyptians love to negotiate, and they welcome the chance to haggle a bit before you both agree to a fair price. 

10. Aswan Dam 

Viking spends two days in Aswan, and this is a chance to learn about the High Dam project and how it was built in the 1960s to provide stability to the fertile lands along the Nile. Before the dam, the region had problems with flood conditions ruining crops and leading to famine. The High Dam created the 300-mile-long Lake Nasser, which now offers irrigation and electricity. Cruisers can tour the dam and later ride a traditional wooden felucca boat on the Nile River.

Related Reading:

• 7 Things I Loved, Plus 4 Things I Didn’t During Princess’s Alaska Cruisetour
• My 7 Favorite Meals On Viking’s New Expedition Ship
• 6 Fabulous Perks Of Cruising Alaska In The Fall

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Total solar eclipse 2024: Watch video and see photos of the sky spectacle

EAGLE PASS, Texas − In a moment of cosmic alignment that was precisely predicted yet undeniably mysterious , the moon crept across the face of the sun as seen from Earth, casting its shadow onto the United States on Monday.

And then it was over: A total eclipse of the sun has come and gone.  

The partial shadow crossed into the U.S. in Texas just after noon local time, and a bit more than an hour later, the minutes of “totality” began. The total eclipse of the sun then traced a path from southern Texas to northern Maine, where it exited into Canada and the ocean beyond.

The rare event was an astronomical experience like no other. Monday's eclipse was unusually accessible to millions of people. It was widely anticipated not only for its remarkable period of darkness, but for its rare timing: No total solar eclipse would be visible from the contiguous United States again until 2044. While millions of Americans may have seen today’s eclipse, a small group in Texas was among the very first.

Edge of eclipse shadow began in south Texas

Alejandra Martinez, a seventh-grade science teacher from the south Texas border city of Eagle Pass, peered up at the gray, gauzy sky, anxiously awaiting the solar eclipse’s entrance into the USA.

Sitting with a telescope under a camping canopy in a corner of the county airport, Martinez, 42, and two other science enthusiasts had been recruited by NASA to participate in an effort called Citizen CATE 2024, where more than 30 teams perched in the eclipse’s path will record the shadowy trek across the country. 

In this spot, less than five miles from the U.S.-Mexico border, she and her team would be among the first people in the U.S. to witness the phenomenon. Eagle Pass sits near the very beginning of the eclipse’s track from southwest to northeast across the country. It also sits very near dead-center of it, where the period of “totality” will be the longest. That total shadow was still more than an hour away when the edge of the shadow began to darken the sky.

Martinez, dressed in a “This Totality Rocks” T-shirt and eclipse-themed skirt, watched as the penumbra crept across the airfield, about 10 minutes past noon local time. She put on her eclipse glasses and peered up at the sky. The gauzy clouds parted. “There it is! There it is!” she yelled. “First contact. It’s begun!”

Clouds came and went as the shadow grew for the next hour. As totality approached Eagle Pass, the sky shaded a dull gray then a heavy brown and the temperature dropped a few degrees. Only a sliver of the sun remained.

A few seconds before 1:27 p.m. CT, the crowd counted down, “3..2..1…” The sun was gone, completely covered by the moon. Darkness spread over the small airport grounds. “Oh my god,” Martinez said, a hand covering her heart. “This is so cool!”

How to tell if you have eye damage from looking at a partial eclipse?

For those who took a chance and looked at the sun without protective eyewear during the eclipse, concerns may arise if their vision starts to seem impaired. Have they suffered eclipse blindness?

Looking directly at the sun even briefly without the proper safety glasses can result in eye damage, either temporary or permanent. The body's natural squinting reaction in normal circumstances prevents people from staring directly at the sun, but that reflex may not be activated during partial eclipses, even though a partly shielded sun can still burn the retina.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology says pain won't be an indication of damaged eyes because the retina lacks pain nerves. Worrisome signs are instead blurry vision, headaches, light sensitivity, blind spots in the central vision, distorted vision and changes in color perception. Anyone experiencing those symptoms should see an ophthalmologist, the AAO says.

What was the timeline of the 2024 solar eclipse?

The total eclipse began in Mexico at about 11:07 a.m. PDT, Monday before crossing into Texas at 1:27 p.m. CDT. It ended in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. Even those who weren't in the path of totality could see a percentage of the eclipse.

To find out exactly when the eclipse occurred in your area, you can search by  USA TODAY's database by ZIP code  for a viewing guide.

Students in Washington get hands-on learning

Dozens of students spilled out of Ida B. Wells Middle School in Washington, D.C., gripping cardboard solar eclipse glasses and chatting with excitement. “Why is the sun shaped as a moon?” one student asked after looking toward the sun. “Why is it not getting dark?’’ asked another.

Teacher Troy Mangum, who the students called “Mr. Mango,’’ slowly explained the science behind the experience as he cautioned others to put on their glasses. Students at the school in northwest D.C. had had lessons about the eclipse leading up the day’s teaching outside the classroom.

“Anytime we can get hands on or dynamic learning … it’s invaluable,’’ said Mangum, a social emotional learning coach. “We talked about it so much. It’s nice to see them get excited about qeeky Mr. Mango type of stuff.”

Skylar Cruel, 12, had come outside with her science class. “I just really wanted to see it,’’ she said. “You get to see it turn from light to dark.”

Steps away at Whittier Elementary School, which focuses on science, technology, engineering and math (STEM), younger students put on their glasses and tilted their heads up toward the sun behind their school.

Michael Haile joined his daughter, Markan Worku, 9, a student at Whittier, and brought along his 5-year-old son, Keab. He called it a memorable experience for his children. Markan, who had been learning about solar eclipses in her third-grade class, simply said, “This is cool!’’ 

− Deborah Berry

In Michigan, a bonding experience for a mother and her three kids

In Michigan, eclipse enthusiasts packed a watch party along the Detroit Riverwalk near Cullen Plaza. They sat on the grass, on benches and berms. For Janelle Ikonen of Waterford, it was a chance to bond with her three children − Hannah, 9; Elim, 12; and Isaac, 14 − whom she took out of school for the day.

“I wanted to experience a unique event with them,” said Ikonen, 47. “It’s one of my big deals to me, to experience things with my kids. … I hope they’ll remember spending time with me.”

In Grand Rapids, where 94% coverage of the sun was expected, viewers gathered on the city's “Blue Bridge,” which offered a view of the eclipse over the Grand River. With no cloud cover over the city, visitors had an unobstructed scene. The Grand Rapids Public Museum set up a series of solar telescopes.

Jill and Wes Johnson, 50 and 14, were among those awaiting max coverage. They’d considered traveling from Grand Rapids to a place with total coverage, but decided 94% coverage was worthwhile enough to stay home.

“I think people are excited to see something unique,” Jill Johnson said.

− Georgea Kovanis and Arpan Lobo, Detroit Free Press

US women's soccer team takes in eclipse ahead of title game

COLUMBUS, Ohio − The U.S. women’s national soccer team took a break from SheBelieves Cup preparation to watch the eclipse. 

Several team members, including World Cup veterans Crystal Dunn, Alyssa Naeher, Naomi Girma and Trinity Rodman, coaches and staff members donned eclipse glasses and went outside their hotel to see the rare event.

As the sky darkened and the moon moved in front of the sun, someone yelled, “Come on, keep going!” Columbus is just outside the path of totality, so all but a sliver of the sun wound up being covered. 

The USWNT is in Columbus for the final of the SheBelieves Cup on Tuesday night against Canada.

− Nancy Armour

Witnessing the first total eclipse from a cruise ship

Passengers aboard Holland America's Koningsdam cruise ship eagerly gathered on the top decks at 10 a.m. local time to watch the spectacle of a solar eclipse.

Positioned off the coast of Mazatlan, Mexico − the first city in North America to witness the total eclipse − the ship provided an ideal vantage point for viewing the celestial event. Accompanied by an astronomer, the captain meticulously adjusted the ship's position to ensure the best possible view.

Dan Fueller, an experienced eclipse observer who had previously seen similar phenomena from ships in 1991 and 1998, emphasized the advantages of viewing the eclipse from a cruise ship. He noted the flexibility of the ship's mobility allowed for optimal positioning along the eclipse's path, ensuring unobstructed views.

"You're on a cruise ship and (the best view) is a little bit farther to the west or a little bit farther to the east − along the path, there's a clear sky − the ship can move. If you're on land and there's not a road there, you better have a tank."

− Joshuan Rivera

Partial eclipse 'like a little Pac-Man taking a bite out of the sun'

In Parthenon, Arkansas, the eclipse began near the Buffalo National River. Five friends traveled from Florida to be on a rock outcropping to witness the celestial event.

“Yes! I see it!” Angie Printiss exclaimed.

“Oh ya! You can see it,” said Kate Estes. “It’s like a little Pac-Man taking a bite out of the sun.”

At 20 minutes before totality, the sky got noticeably darker. The shadow of crescent sun shapes played off the limestone rocks.

“It looks like water − like fish scales,” Estes said. “That is so weird, when the trees move you can really see it.”

− Jennifer Portman

New Englanders travel for better view of the eclipse

Crowds ballooned into the thousands midday Monday in the center of St. Johnsbury, Vermont, as the nearly cloudless sky and warm sun boosted temperatures to an unseasonably 60 degrees.

Jim and Kim Cooper drove over from New Hampton, New Hampshire, their first time doing more than just passing through the town locals call St. Jays. Their son had proposed to his girlfriend in Tennessee during the 2017 eclipse and then had an eclipse-themed wedding, but the Coopers had never seen a total eclipse for themselves, so they decided to come to the closest place where they could be assured of a good view.

Jeffrey Breau had seen that 2017 eclipse for himself and was so impressed that he convinced family members to join him this time. Breau’s girlfriend, Nell Hawley, came up with him from Cambridge, Massachusetts, while his brother Alex and his girlfriend Diana Ventura drove up from New York City. The Breau brothers' father, Walter, joined them in taking in their first eclipse.

“I would have been OK watching it in the yard,” Walter said, though he would only have seen a partial eclipse from there. “That’s what you think now,” Jeffrey said quickly. “Talk to me in two hours.”

− Karen Weintraub

Kids bring homemade eclipse viewers to National Mall

Lucas and Lucy Porto Banco didn’t need to buy fancy eclipse glasses – the 7- and 10-year-old siblings made their own eclipse viewers from two cardboard shoe boxes left over from a couple of their mom’s recent shoe purchases.With the help of a YouTube tutorial video, they made two holes in each box with a whittling knife and taped tin foil over. Then they used dry spaghetti to poke holes in the tin foil for the sun’s light to pass through and project onto the dark inside of the box.The kids put together the viewer in little more than five minutes, Lucy said. “Maybe 15, with covering all the gaps in the shoe box,” she said.Even with his own eclipse-viewing creation, Lucas said he may still take advantage of his eclipse glasses. “I’m going to do both,” he said.

− Cybele Mayes-Osterman

What is an 'umbra?' − and other eclipse words

Astronomers and eclipse enthusiasts used a bunch of specialized words Monday as the nation experienced its first solar eclipse since 2017 and the last one for until 2044. Here are a few of those terms and what they mean, according to the American Astronomical Society .

Baily's Beads – This refers to the beaded appearance of the moon's edge as the eclipse nears totality. Shafts of sunlight shine through deep valleys on the moon's surface, which causes the effect known to observers as Bailey's Beads.

Umbra – The darkest part of the moon’s shadow, within which the entirety of the sun's bright face is blocked. An observer standing in the umbra sees a total solar eclipse.

Penumbra: The lighter part of the moon's shadow, making up its outer portion, where light can reach.

Corona – The sun’s upper atmosphere, visible as a pearly glow around the eclipsed sun during totality.

Totality – The maximum phase of a total solar eclipse, during which the moon’s disk completely covers the sun's bright face. It can last from a fraction of a second to a maximum of 7 minutes, 31 seconds, depending on viewing location and other factors.

− Dale Denwalt, The Oklahoman

A last-minute search for glasses for 'a perfect spot'

Patsy Faoro walked toward a half dozen people gathered at the gate of Turner Farm Park in Great Falls, Virginia. The people were awaiting the opening of an eclipse viewing event complete with telescopes and educational presentations.

Faoro, who lives near the park in this upscale Northern Virginia neighborhood, just wanted glasses to safely view the eclipse.

She visited CVS, Safeway and a 7/11 convenience store, all of which had advertised the availability of glasses to view the eclipse. None of the retailers had any glasses remaining when Faoro checked this morning.

“We have this great big open space that’s a perfect spot,” said Faoro, who viewed her first eclipse in the 1970s. “We just need some glasses.”

− Ken Alltucker

Indianapolis Motor Speedway event draws tens of thousands

Tory Patrick, 41, is hoping to give her four children a once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity. Patrick and her family traveled 160 miles to Indianapolis Motor Speedway from their home in Granger, Indiana. They were expected to have 97% totality at home, but it’s not the same as total coverage, she said.

“They will be getting the full experience that they can’t read about in textbooks,” Patrick said.

Patrick and her sister Cally Gannon, 39, from Cincinnati, met in Indianapolis to view the eclipse from the speedway. They camped outside IMS over the weekend ahead of the event and on Sunday afternoon saw a double rainbow over the speedway’s iconic pagoda. An estimated 50,000 tickets were sold for the day’s festivities, presented in partnership with NASA and Purdue University.

Elsewhere in the stands, Ryan Harper, 30, knows today is special.

“We’re right in totality,” he said. “This sometimes doesn’t happen in people’s lifetimes.

— Sarah Bowman and Jade Thomas

Family travels from Baltimore to Rochester, N.Y., to view the eclipse

When Maze Pelham of Baltimore was a fifth-grader, he watched news of the 2017 solar eclipse and vowed to witness the next notable solar eclipse. That eclipse, and that day, has come. And this is why he and his parents, Janice and Sonney Pelham, left Maryland around 1 a.m. on Monday and drove nearly seven hours to Rochester, New York.

“I said to myself I would go to the next one,” Maze Pelham said while seated with his parents on lawn chairs at downtown Rochester’s Parcel 5 park, where he and hundreds of others are awaiting a view of the full eclipse. “It’s a promise I made to myself.”

– Democrat and Chronicle, part of the USA TODAY Network

In Brooklyn: Eclipses glasses, check. Lawn chair, check.

Ralph Emerson held a pair of paper sunglasses in his hands while riding the subway to Brooklyn's sprawling Prospect Park on Monday. He exited the train with a folded lawn chair strapped across his shoulder, and said he felt energized and full of anticipation.

"This is special," Emerson, 61, said. "I haven't woken up with this much excitement since the Super Bowl."

Walking to the park's botanic garden, Emerson said appreciating natural phenomena makes it easier to manage the stresses that come with living in a big city. Also like a big sports game, the eclipse will draw lots of people together to experience something much larger than themselves, in community, he said.

"A lot of times it's tragedies that bring us together, but sometimes things like this do," he said.

− Claire Thornton

Texas Eclipse Festival cut short by weather

The Texas Eclipse Festival was canceled Monday in Burnet County, 50 miles northwest of Austin, because of weather concerns. The festival, which included bands and other events, began Sunday and was supposed to wrap up Tuesday.

"We regret to inform you of the severe weather forecast, including risks of high winds, tornadic activity, large hail, and thunderstorms for later today, including during the eclipse, Tuesday, and Wednesday," festival organizers said on their website. "Your safety is our top priority."

Festivalgoers were urged to leave early for safety and to beat traffic. Guests, however, were allowed to stay "provided they pack and are prepared to depart after totality."

Traffic jams, collisions mar eclipse watchers' travel

Traffic crashes and road delays were reported across the nation as Americans flocked to prime locations to gaze up at the rare solar eclipse . Local roads and highways in states including Texas, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Vermont and New Hampshire were overwhelmed with eclipse chasers, many of whom were from out of state. The most intense bottlenecks appeared to be in the path of totality , where spectators will be able to view the full eclipse.

In Oklahoma, a crash around 7:30 a.m. local time narrowed eastbound lanes on I-40, a major transcontinental highway that runs from California to North Carolina. The crash occurred not far from several state parks that were hosting eclipse events, and it's also within driving distance of the full eclipse path, which includes parts of southeastern Oklahoma and Arkansas.

Multiple crashes were reported on an interstate in Waco, Texas, a city in the path of totality, where several festivities and eclipse viewing events were scheduled. The crashes all occurred on I-35, which runs from southern Texas to Minnesota.

"Expect major traffic delays in this area," the Texas Department of Transportation said in a statement .

− Christopher Cann

Airport draws a crowd of jets for eclipse

EAGLE PASS, Texas − Maverick County International Airport in Eagle Pass, Texas, usually sees maybe three private planes a day. By 10 a.m. CT on Monday, more than 10 planes crowded the tarmac, including Cessnas, Pipers and at least one corporate jet − all there to catch an early glimpse of the total solar eclipse. Eagle Pass will be one of the first American cities to witness the phenomenon. Some watchers, like Brandon Beck, 43, flew in Sunday night from San Diego and spent the night in a sleeping bag on the tarmac next to his friend’s Mooney single-prop piston four-seater.“We’re so lucky to be on a planet where the sun is the perfect size and perfect distance to create that effect,” he said. “It’s obligatory. We have to see it.”

First the Cherry Blossoms, then the eclipse

WASHINGTON − The Cherry Blossoms brought Ali and Aurore Youssouf to the city all the way from Paris, but the pair were delighted to learn that their trip would overlap with the eclipse. The day is extra special for Aurore Youssouf, 43, who has never seen an eclipse before. On Monday morning, the couple arrived by chance at the National Mall early enough to snag a few pairs of free eclipse glasses distributed by the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum for the occasion.“We didn’t even know. We just ended up here and found out that they were giving away some glasses,” said Ali Youssouf, 46.

Awaiting eclipse − and hail − in Texas

KERRVILLE, Texas − Forecasts called for considerable cloudiness, rain and possible hail, but retired NASA engineer Jeff Stone stayed positive as he and his wife prepared to host more than a dozen people for a watch party at their hilltop home in Texas Hill Country. Stone, an eclipse enthusiast who had met family in Missouri to watch the solar eclipse of 2017, said he recently reviewed video footage of that event and said current conditions weren’t that much different than they were back then.

“I’m outside and seeing patches of blue among scattered clouds, so we’re remaining hopeful,” he said.

About 150 miles to the northeast in Gatesville, lead pastor Eric Moffett of Coryell Community Church said a similar forecast did little to deter an expected gathering of about 800 visitors for the church’s family-oriented “Eclipse at the Crosses” event. Many, if not most, were from out of town or even out of country − Canada, Wales, France, Italy. Many locals were staying home to avoid the crowd, he said.

“It’s partly cloudy, but the sun is shining on me right now,” he said. “We are praying that it stays that way.”

− Marc Ramirez

What is the difference between a solar eclipse and a lunar eclipse?

A  total solar eclipse  occurs when the moon comes in between the Earth and the sun, blocking its light from reaching our planet, leading to a period of darkness lasting several minutes. A total lunar eclipse occurs when the moon and the sun are on exact opposite sides of Earth. The Earth blocks the sunlight that normally reaches the moon. Instead of that sunlight hitting the moon’s surface, Earth's shadow falls on it.

A lunar eclipse can last for a few hours, while a solar eclipse lasts only a few minutes. Solar eclipses also rarely occur, while lunar eclipses are comparatively more frequent. While at least two partial lunar eclipses happen every year, total lunar eclipses are still rare, NASA says. Another major difference: No special glasses or gizmos are needed to view the a lunar eclipse, and people can directly stare at the moon.

− Saman Shafiq

Solar eclipse, lunar eclipse: What is the difference?

Can you drive during the solar eclipse?

The  2024 solar eclipse  will shroud much of the United States in darkness on Monday, leaving many people to wonder: Is it safe to drive during the solar eclipse?

It is safe to drive during an eclipse as long as you don't look up at the sky. AAA is telling drivers to be focused on the road if they are operating a car during the total solar eclipse. But the automobile insurance company is advising Americans who want to safely view the total eclipse to "find a safe place to park (not on the side of a road or highway) away from other traffic and then wear your eclipse glasses," said Aixa Diaz, a spokeswoman from AAA.

"Pack your patience, whether traveling a great distance or locally," Diaz said. "People will be out and about to catch a glimpse of the eclipse."

A similar scenario  played out in 2017 during the nation's last total solar eclipse : Congestion in some areas lasted for up to 13 hours after totality,  according to Transportation Research News , a National Research Council publication. An analysis of traffic patterns from that year suggests the worst of the traffic – on interstates and rural back roads alike – will kick off after the eclipse ends and everyone tries to leave all at once.

− Kayla Jimenez

When will the next solar eclipse happen?

It will be 20 years before there's a chance to  witness a total solar eclipse  in the United States again. According to NASA, after Monday's total solar  eclipse , the next one viewable from the contiguous U.S. will be on Aug. 23, 2044.

Unfortunately, the 2044 total  solar eclipse  won't have the broad reach across the U.S. as the 2024 eclipse. The path of totality during the 2044 eclipse will only touch three states, according to the Planetary Society, a nonprofit involved in research, public outreach and political space advocacy. The eclipse will begin in Greenland, sweep through Canada and end around sunset in Montana, North Dakota and South Dakota.

But another eclipse scheduledfor Saturday, Aug. 12, 2045, will trace a path of totality over California, Nevada, Utah, Colorado, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Kansas, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

− Mary Walrath-Holdridge, Gabe Hauari and Eric Lagatta

Eclipse and pets: It's not the sky that's the problem

An  eclipse  itself isn't dangerous for domestic animals such as dogs and cats, but experts say it's probably best to not bring pets to  experience the April 2024 total solar eclipse . Experts' biggest concern is not what’s happening in the sky but on the ground as crowds of excited and  eager people gather , said Dr. Rena Carlson, president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Dogs especially will take their cues from their owners rather than  the celestial event.

“Rather than the effects of the eclipse, I would be more worried about the excitement and all of the people,” Carlson said.

− Elizabeth Weise

A guide to the solar eclipse for kids

Here's an easy-to read, illustrated guide to help kids understand what the  April 8 total solar eclipse  means, where it will be visible and how you can watch it safely. It also shows them how an ordinary kitchen colander can easily be used to view a solar eclipse − the colander's holes can project crescent images of the sun onto the ground. There are even pages that can be downloaded and colored.

Trump's eclipse experience lit up internet in 2017

Seven years ago, when the last  total solar eclipse  crossed over North America, a photo of then-President Donald Trump  seemingly gazing at the sun with his naked eyes set the internet ablaze . During the afternoon of Aug. 21, 2017, Trump, who was president at the time, was joined by then first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron  to watch the rare phenomenon from the Truman Balcony  at the White House. Photos taken by members of the media captured all three donning eclipse glasses while looking at the eclipse.

But at one point during the viewing, the former president was captured in photos and videos without proper eye protection, seemingly gazing directly at the sun. Looking at an eclipse before or after the brief phase of totality without proper eyewear  can lead to eye damage .

− Natalie Neysa Alund

When is the next total solar eclipse? What to know about the next eclipse's path, timing

How to make a solar eclipse viewer

People who didn't manage to get their  hands on glasses  are not completely down and out. There are other safe ways to view the eclipse , say experts, and a lot of them only require a little bit of craftiness and items you can find lying around the house.

Steps to make the cereal box eclipse viewer (And here is a video aid) :

• Get an empty, clean cereal box.
• Cut a white piece of cardboard that will fit snuggly in the bottom of the box, or secure it permanently by gluing it in place.
• Cut the top of the cereal box, removing both ends and leaving the center intact.
• Put a piece of tape across the center of the top to securely hold it closed.
• Tape a piece of heavy-duty foil or double a single layer for additional strength, covering one of the openings at the top of the cereal box. The other opening will remain open for viewing.
• Using a small nail (approximately 3mm in diameter) push a hole in the foil.
• Cover the entire box with construction paper, leaving the single-viewing opening and the foil uncovered.

The finished box should be held with the pin-hole side facing the sun. It may take a little practice pointing the box. With your back facing the sun, look through the viewing opening. A small image of the sun, about ½ cm in diameter, can be seen projected on the white paper inside the box.

− Mary Walrath-Holdrid

What is the path of the solar eclipse called?

Those in the direct line of the eclipse will be treated to an incredible sight as the moon completely blots out the sun's disk, ushering in uncharacteristic darkness and revealing the sun's elusive outermost layer called the corona. That moment is called "totality" and this year the path of totality crosses through 13 U.S. states.

The last total solar eclipse to cut through North America was in August 2017.

How to look at eclipse without glasses

A total solar eclipse offers skygazers the rare opportunity to witness the eclipse with the naked eye. However,  solar eclipse glasses  are still needed until totality is reached. 

Certified solar eclipse  glasses are crucial for spectators to avoid the sun's retina-damaging rays. But when the moon moves completely in front of the sun and blocks its light, you'll know it's  safe to remove the glasses  for a short period of time.

How fast does an eclipse shadow travel?

According to a post from the  National Weather Service  in Indianapolis on X, an eclipse shadow travels at speeds from 1,100 to 5,000 mph. Near the equator, it travels at around 1,100 mph and increases in speed as it approaches the poles.

The eclipse party is over? Time to recycle those glasses!

Astronomers Without Borders , or AWB, a non-profit organization running its second nationwide  eclipse glasses recycling drive . Her business will join over 300 schools, museums, city governments, commercial businesses, community organizations and local libraries that will collect and ship an estimated  millions of glasses  to be repurposed for use by underserved communities around the world in  future solar eclipses .

AWB launched its first run of the program after the last solar eclipse in 2017 when volunteer centers across the country collected millions of the glass. After vetting them for reuse, more than  half a million glasses were distributed to Africa, Asia and South America.

People can visit  AWB's website  to find their nearest participating collection center and learn more about recycling the glasses, said Andrew Fazekas, the organization's communication manager.  

"We figure there's probably going to be tens of millions of glasses out there at the very least," he said. "And most of them are probably very gently used."

Viking: $700-Plus Per Passenger Day

• April 8, 2024

Viking Ocean posted revenue per passenger day of $714 for its ocean cruises and $792 for its river cruises in 2023, according to its recent IPO filing.

The company operated 70 river vessels that sailed at 95.5 percent occupancy during the year, and nine ocean-going vessels that sailed at 93.5 percent occupancy.

Viking carried a total of 366,730 passengers on river cruises and 243,291 on ocean voyages.

Outlining its growth pace, Viking as maintained an occupancy level in the 93-percentage range since 2017, while increasing its capacity from 3.4 million passenger days to 6.5 million and growing its revenue from $1.9 billion in 2017 to $4.7 billion in 2023.

More than 90 percent of its passengers are sourced in North America with the remainder coming from the UK, Australia and New Zealand primarily.

In addition, Viking stated that it is exploring new travel products, such as safaris and land tours, and has also started to enter new markets, such as China and elsewhere in Asia, where it said, it sees significant growth potential over the long term.

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