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Al Farida Nile Cruise — Rates, Facts, Photos & Booking Help
Book Al Farida Nile Cruise. All-Suite Ultra Luxury vessel sailing Aswan ↔ Luxor over 3 or 4 nights. Departs Friday/Monday. $420 - $780 according to seasonality.
Al Farida Nile Cruise Description
Al Farida Nile Cruise carries an official 5 Stars rating from the Egyptian Tourism Authority, is rated as a Ultra Luxury cruise in our editorial standards, has 40 suites, with a size of 30 m². Each suite features a large panoramic window facing the Nile. That layout makes it a mid-sized ship by current Nile-fleet standards, which keeps the guest-to-crew ratio favourable and the public spaces uncrowded most evenings.
Operating since 2008 as a five-star deluxe vessel, the MS Farida navigates the historic route between Luxor and Aswan with an inviting, unpretentious elegance. Rather than joining the fleet of massive, crowded megaships, this riverboat caps its passenger count by offering only forty distinct suites. It is designed specifically for travelers who seek authentic cultural immersion without sacrificing modern comfort or personal space. The atmosphere onboard feels deliberately relaxed and manageable, providing a quiet refuge after demanding mornings spent exploring ancient temples. By balancing classic maritime hospitality with thoughtful structural upgrades like soundproofed decks, the operator has created a highly comfortable, floating sanctuary. This cruise appeals deeply to discerning couples and small groups who prioritize reliable service, exceptional hygiene standards, and a tranquil environment over endless, high-energy resort animation.
Imagine waking to soft light over the water, the only sound the gentle wash of the Nile against the hull. On Al Farida, days unfold at the pace of the river: unhurried breakfasts on a sunlit deck, the cool hush of your suite in the afternoon, and evenings spent watching five-thousand-year-old temples glide past as the sky turns amber. This is Egypt at its most serene and most refined — every detail considered, nothing left to chance.
🛏️ Accommodation
Space is a defining luxury aboard this ship, which bypasses cramped standard quarters in favor of forty expansive junior suites. Measuring approximately thirty square meters each, these accommodations are distributed across the main and upper decks to maximize natural light and privacy. Instead of small portholes, every room features large panoramic windows that can be opened fully, inviting fresh river breezes inside while guests watch rural village life drift past. The climate-controlled interiors are functionally elegant, equipped with modern necessities including LCD televisions, personal kettles, and minibars. En-suite bathrooms provide a clean, private retreat featuring full shower facilities. By standardizing the suite layout across the board, the vessel ensures that every passenger enjoys a substantial, comfortable footprint for resting after exhausting desert excursions.
- Private en-suite bathroom with shower, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries
- Individually controlled air conditioning
- Satellite TV, in-house video channels, mini-bar
- In-suite electronic safety deposit box
🍽️ Dining & Cuisine
Culinary experiences during the voyage are anchored by an elegant lower-deck restaurant that serves as the central gathering point for all main meals. The kitchen executes a reliable, full-board schedule featuring expansive buffets that thoughtfully mix international staples with authentic Egyptian specialties. This approach allows guests to sample local flavors—from spiced meats to regional dips—in a completely safe, controlled environment. For daytime relaxation, a shaded sun deck bar provides cold drinks and afternoon tea while the agrarian landscape rolls by. As evening approaches, the main lounge bar transforms into the ship's social hub, serving expertly mixed cocktails alongside lively cultural entertainment. The dining structure is deliberately designed to complement the rigorous excursion schedule, ensuring passengers are consistently well-fed and hydrated without rigid formality.
🌊 Leisure & Entertainment
Downtime between onshore excursions is easily filled by the ship's surprisingly comprehensive recreational spaces. The topmost deck is dominated by a sprawling, open-air sunbathing area and a refreshing swimming pool, which becomes highly popular during the fierce midday heat of Upper Egypt. Below deck, wellness enthusiasts can take advantage of a dedicated spa center, offering professional massage treatments and a quiet rest space to soothe tired muscles. Practical amenities are thoughtfully integrated throughout the public areas, including a quiet library, a convenient internet corner in the mezzanine, and a boutique for sourcing local jewelry and gifts. Furthermore, complimentary wireless internet keeps passengers connected, while a resident doctor remains on call twenty-four hours a day to address any unexpected medical concerns.
✨ What Makes It Unique
What distinctly separates this cruiser from its similarly priced competitors is a heavy emphasis on structural tranquility and health safety. The entire vessel features soundproofed decks, a rare architectural upgrade that successfully eliminates the disruptive engine hum and foot traffic noise that plagues many older riverboats. Additionally, the ship utilizes an advanced ultraviolet water purification system, providing crucial peace of mind for international digestive systems wary of local tap water. From a value perspective, offering a genuine thirty-square-meter junior suite as the entry-level accommodation provides an exceptional space-to-cost ratio. Reviewers frequently praise the lively but tasteful evening entertainment, which includes authentic folkloric dances and Galabiya costume parties, striking a perfect balance between cultural immersion and comfortable upscale hospitality.
🛎️ Onboard Facilities
- 24-hour reception
- Laundry service
- Onboard gift shop
- Internet access in designated areas
- Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Mastercard)
Specs verified · cabin counts, cabin sizes, deck features, and facility list confirmed against the operator’s published sheet.
Al Farida Nile Cruise Rates in USD
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- All rates are per person in USD, full-board with all sightseeing included.
- Holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter, New Year) carry a supplement reflecting peak demand.
- Single supplement 50% of Adult in Double suite rate.
- Triple reduction 3% of Adult in Double rate.
- Junior Suite Rate is equal to two Single Cabins.
- Royal & Presidential Suites Rate is equal to two Double Cabins.
- For cruise-only without sightseeing, deduct $120 from the 3-night price and $160 from the 4-night price.
Al Farida Nile Cruise Children Policy
| Age category / arrangement | Rate |
|---|---|
| Infant (under 3 years) | Free of charge — Maximum 1 free Infant per Cabin; second Infant in cabin will be charged Child Rate |
| Child (3 – 12 years) | 50% of the adult rate |
| Child (12 years or older) | Full adult rate |
| Maximum children per cabin | 1 child sharing 2 adults, or 2 children sharing 1 adult |
| 1 child + 1 adult sharing one cabin | No discount — same rate as 2 adults in double cabin |
| 2 children in a separate cabin | Same rate as 1 adult in single cabin |
What's Included & What's Not
✅ The Rate Includes
- Accommodation for 3 or 4 nights in your chosen cabin category
- Transfer from airport, train station or hotel on arrival
- Full-board dining: breakfast, lunch and dinner
- All guided sightseeing tours per the standard 3 / 4-night itinerary
- Services of a licensed, professional Egyptologist guide
- All entrance fees to historical sites named in the itinerary (Except Optional Tours)
- Departure transfer to airport / train station
❌ The Rate Excludes
- Tours not mentioned in the itinerary
- Optional excursions (e.g. Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon)
- Beverages: water, soft drinks, alcohol
- Tipping for cruise crew and guide (gratuities)
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
Before you book: Review the full payment, amendment, and refund terms in our Cancellation Policy.
Al Farida is your best fit if
- You prefer a traditional window cabin over a balcony — Al Farida's cabins have river-facing windows.
- You want the highest tier of Nile cruise experience — Al Farida sits in the ultra-luxury class with the segment's most refined service and accommodation.
- You want suite-only accommodation rather than a mix of standard cabins and suites — every cabin on Al Farida is configured as a suite.
Al Farida isn't your best fit if
Itineraries
Al Farida sails the classic Aswan↔Luxor route. Choose between a 3-night cruise (Aswan → Luxor) or a 4-night cruise (Luxor → Aswan). 3-night departures from Aswan are typically on Friday. 4-night departures from Luxor are typically on Monday.
3-Night Itinerary: Aswan → Luxor
Full detailed 3-Night Aswan → Luxor itinerary →
4-Night Itinerary: Luxor → Aswan
Frequently Asked Questions
Specifics about Al Farida — class and rating, suite layout, itineraries, departure days, and the practicalities of sailing on this particular vessel.
What is the official Egyptian Tourism Authority rating of Al Farida?
What is your editorial rating of Al Farida?
How many suites does Al Farida have?
What is the average suite size on Al Farida?
Does Al Farida offer lower-deck suites?
Do the suites onboard Al Farida have a balcony?
Does Al Farida have an elevator on board?
Are all cabins on Al Farida configured as suites?
Is Al Farida a modern build or a restored heritage vessel?
Is Al Farida currently in active service?
What cruise lengths does Al Farida offer?
What route does Al Farida sail, and what does each itinerary cover?
Which days of the week does Al Farida depart?
What are the check-in and check-out times on Al Farida?
What languages are spoken on board Al Farida?
What currencies are accepted on Al Farida?
What payment methods does Al Farida accept?
How much deposit do I need to book the Al Farida Nile cruise?
Can I pay for the Al Farida cruise in monthly instalments?
Can I change my Al Farida cruise date or swap cruises for free?
Is the Al Farida cruise price protected against future increases?
What happens if my Al Farida cruise is cancelled or disrupted?
What is the cancellation and refund policy for the Al Farida Nile cruise?
Looking for general Nile-cruise information? For visa requirements, packing checklists, tipping etiquette, dress codes, optional excursions, and the daily rhythm of cruise life, see our Comprehensive Nile Cruise Guide for First-Timers — the answers in that guide apply to every Nile cruise on the route, including Al Farida.
Why Book With Nile-Cruise-Egypt.com?
We’ve spent 25+ years booking Nile cruises and treat every reservation as the start of a long-term relationship, not a one-off transaction. Here’s what that means in practice:
- Honest cruise matching, not the highest commission — we recommend the boat that fits your budget, dates, and travel style, even when it isn’t the one paying us the most.
- One named consultant from enquiry to disembarkation — you won’t be passed between agents or talk to a different person each time you email.
- No bait pricing — the rate you see is the rate you pay; cabin upgrades, optional excursions, and seasonal supplements are quoted up-front, never sprung at checkout.
- Operator-direct rates — we work directly with Nile cruise operators, so what you pay is comparable to booking the boat yourself, with the added safety net of our support throughout.
- Egypt-based, on-the-ground support — our office is in Cairo, not a call centre in another country; if something needs fixing during your trip, we can act on it locally and immediately.
- Most travellers return or refer us — repeat bookings and word-of-mouth referrals make up the majority of our work, which is the only customer-satisfaction metric we trust.
From your first enquiry through to disembarkation, our priority is honest guidance, peace of mind, and a Nile cruise you’ll remember as a personal experience — not just a trip.
Family Travel, Made Effortless
A Nile cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel Egypt with family. Unpack once — your floating hotel moves with you, so there are no early-morning hotel checkouts, no repacking, and no long road transfers between cities. You wake up already at the next temple.
We take the logistics off your plate so you can focus on the experience:
- Transfers handled — airport pickups and all moves between the boat and the sites are arranged for you.
- Meals included — full-board dining on board, so there’s no hunting for restaurants with tired, hungry children.
- Expert Egyptologist guides — licensed guides bring the temples to life at a pace that keeps all ages engaged.
- Everything in one place — pool, dining, sun deck and cabins together, so families stay close and relaxed between excursions.
The result: less stress, fewer logistics, and more time making memories together.
A Shared Ship, Your Own Experience
You travel alongside other guests, but your experience stays very much your own. The ship is the setting — how you enjoy it is up to you.
- Your private cabin — every cabin has its own en-suite bathroom and individual climate control, so your space is entirely yours, set to your comfort.
- Dine your way — share a table and meet fellow travellers, or keep to yourselves; the choice is yours at every meal.
- Private excursions on request — prefer to explore the temples with your own guide and vehicle rather than the group? We can arrange private touring for you.
- Your own pace — join every activity or simply relax on the sun deck and watch the Nile drift by. Nothing is compulsory.
It’s the ease of a guided cruise with the privacy and flexibility of independent travel.
Why Book Now Rather Than Later
There’s no pressure here — but there are real, practical reasons not to leave Al Farida sitting in a browser tab. Booking now removes risk rather than adding it:
- Cabins and dates are limited — each boat sails on a fixed schedule with a fixed number of cabins. Popular dates and the best cabin categories sell first; once a departure fills, no amount of budget brings it back.
- Today’s price can rise — Nile cruise rates move with fuel costs, temple entrance fees, and government taxes. When those go up, published prices follow. The figure you see today is not guaranteed to be there next month.
- Your deposit locks today’s price — place your 20% deposit and the rate you were quoted is held for your booking, even if prices rise afterwards. You are protected from increases the moment you confirm.
- There’s no downside to securing it — with a low 20% deposit, 0% interest instalments on the balance, and free date, cruise, and name changes, booking early costs you nothing in flexibility. You simply lock the cabin and the price, and keep your options open.
In short: waiting risks losing your cabin or paying more, while booking now secures both — with every guarantee below standing behind your reservation.
Booking Guarantees & Flexibility
Every Al Farida booking with Nile-Cruise-Egypt.com comes with the guarantees below. These are the same terms set out in our booking contract and cancellation policy — summarised here so you know exactly where you stand before you pay.
Flexible, transparent payment
- 20% deposit to book. You secure your cabin with a 20% deposit at the time of booking — not the full amount up front.
- 0% interest instalments. Pay the balance in equal monthly instalments at no added cost. The final instalment is due 30 days before your travel date.
Cabin guarantees
- No lower-deck cabins, guaranteed. You will never be placed in a lower-deck cabin.
- Top-deck assurance. A guaranteed top-deck cabin is available for a 10% supplement — or free of charge as top check-in priority, subject to availability on the day.
Change & cancellation flexibility
- Free date change up to 30 days before your travel date (subject to any seasonal price difference).
- Free cruise swap up to 30 days before travel (subject to any price difference between the two cruises).
- Free name change up to 7 days before travel.
Price protection
- Locked-in price. Your price is protected against any future increase in cruise rates, fuel prices, government taxes, or entrance fees.
- Price-drop refund. If the price drops after you book, you receive the difference back (same booking conditions apply).
If an operational issue affects your cruise
Examples: urgent maintenance, administrative issues, or a cruise-specific force-majeure event.
- Reassignment to a similar or higher-category cruise.
- Conditions guaranteed — your original plan’s terms stay exactly as booked.
- No downgrade — you keep all rights, privileges, and cabin guarantees.
If there is a national or global shutdown
Examples: pandemic, airspace closure, navigation suspension, or any force-majeure event affecting all cruises.
- Postpone free of charge — move to a later date keeping the exact same booked plan, benefits, and conditions; or
- Full refund — receive a 100% refund.
Full terms, definitions, and any conditions are set out in our booking contract. If anything here is unclear, your dedicated consultant will walk you through it before you commit.
Available Nile Cruises with Same Sailing Days
3-Night Every Friday / 4-Night Every Monday
Browse every Nile cruise in our fleet that shares Al Farida's departure schedule. Each link opens the full cruise page with rates, photos, and itinerary.
- Acamar Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Al Jamila Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Alessandra Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Alexander The Great Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Alyssa Nile Cruise Luxury
- Blue Shadow II Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Chateau Lafayette Nile Cruise Luxury
- Esmeralda Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Farah Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Movenpick Hamees Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Movenpick Royal Lily Nile Cruise Luxury
- Movenpick Royal Lotus Nile Cruise Luxury
- Nile Style Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Premium Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Royal Elite Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Soleil Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Sonesta Nile Goddess Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Sonesta St George Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise Ultra Luxury
- Tamr Henna Nile Cruise Deluxe
- Tulip Nile Cruise Deluxe
Ready to Sail on Al Farida?
Ultimately, securing a reservation on this riverboat guarantees a deeply comfortable, highly functional basecamp for absorbing the heavy history of the surrounding landscape. The deliberate combination of expansive personal quarters, robust sanitation infrastructure, and soundproofed architecture effectively removes the friction typically associated with navigating rural trade routes. Guests depart with vivid memories of observing timeless feluccas from their panoramic windows, supported by an energetic crew that anticipates daily needs without hovering. The careful balance of authentic cultural engagement and polished, modern amenities makes this voyage consistently restorative. It stands as a highly recommended option for travelers who desire a classic, well-rounded Nile exploration that maximizes both historical discovery and vacation value without unnecessary pretension.


