Nile river cruising is enjoying a renaissance, fueled by a wave of luxury vessels, new itineraries and a cultural spotlight unlike any in recent history.
A major catalyst is the much-anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Giza, just steps from the Great Pyramids. While the museum’s full opening has been delayed to late 2025, much of it — including the Grand Hall and several galleries — is already welcoming visitors.
Cruise lines are capitalizing on this renewed interest in Egypt. Viking continues to expand aggressively on the Nile.The company’s popular Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary combines a luxury cruise with Cairo-based excursions — including early access to the GEM.
AmaWaterways, Uniworld, and Avalon Waterways round out the key players shaping the Nile cruise landscape in 2025.
- AmaWaterways blends boutique luxury and expert-led excursions, offering a seamless journey from Cairo to Upper Egypt with immersive cultural experiences.
- Uniworld’s S.S. Sphinx delivers European elegance on the Nile, featuring lavish interiors, fine dining, and curated land tours.
- Avalon Waterways offers its Taste of Egypt program, a 10-day cruise-tour that pairs five nights in Cairo with a four-night sailing aboard the elegant MS Farah. Guests enjoy deluxe accommodations, themed onboard events, and insightful commentary from professional Egyptologists.
CroisiEurope, the French river cruise pioneer, recently entered the market with culturally rich 7-night itineraries between Luxor and Aswan. Its programs appeal to those looking for authentic, mid-size ship experiences with a strong value proposition.
As Egypt continues to invest in tourism infrastructure and cultural preservation, the Nile is evolving from a storied river into a modern hub for immersive travel. With new ships, deeper itineraries, and the towering presence of the Grand Egyptian Museum, Nile River cruising in 2025 offers a fresh chapter in one of the world’s most legendary destinations.
Typically, these itineraries begin in Cairo with a handful of overnights in the Egyptian. Guests are then flown to Luxor, where they can tour the magnificent Valley of the Kings to see King Tutankhamun’s tomb, among others, along with the imposing Temple of Luxor.
From Luxor, guests river cruise south along the Nile to Aswan, also known as the ancient city of Swenett. In a country surrounded by monotonously-colored desert, Aswan and a Nile river cruise will make you realize why the term “mirage” exists in the first place. So lush, green and verdant, the sight of the banks of the Nile replete with sailboats zipping in and out will make you feel like you’re in another world.
Operating Period: January – December
I am interested in a Nile River cruise that includes a visit to Cairo, Giza, Luxor and the Valley of the Kings and then a trip to Petra and Waddi Rhum in Jordan.