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Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise — Rates, Facts, Photos & Booking Help

Book Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise. All-Suite Ultra Luxury vessel sailing Aswan ↔ Luxor over 3 or 4 nights. $1035 - $2730 according to seasonality.

5 Stars Ultra Luxury Sonesta 35 Cabins
⭐27+ years of Nile expertise since 1998
💬24/7 support in 7 languages
💰Best price guarantee or your money back
🛡️No booking fees — pay only on confirmation
🇪🇬Egypt-based tour operator with local crews
From $1,035

Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise Description

Sonesta Sun Goddess 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 35 suites, with a size of 40 m². Each suite features a French balcony with floor-to-ceiling glass. At that scale, the boat sits in the mid-sized category by Nile-cruise standards — large enough to feel sociable, but not so big that meals require staggered seatings or temple disembarkations turn into queues. Sailing under the Sonesta banner, Sonesta Sun Goddess is part of a fleet long established on the Aswan–Luxor route.

Sonesta Sun Goddess works the Aswan–Luxor circuit on a year-round schedule, sitting in the Ultra Luxury category of the Nile fleet and handling the standard pharaonic temple lineup including the Aswan High Dam and the Colossi of Memnon. Every cabin on board is a suite — meaningfully larger than the typical 22 m² Nile-fleet stateroom, with a separate seating area and the kind of bathroom you can move around in. After a five-hour morning at the Colossi of Memnon, that footprint stops feeling like luxury and starts feeling like infrastructure. Departures run Friday for the 3-night southbound and Monday for the 4-night northbound, with most travellers picking based on flight timing rather than a strong preference for one direction over the other.

Imagine waking to soft light over the water, the only sound the gentle wash of the Nile against the hull. On Sonesta Sun Goddess, 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.

35
Suites
40 m²
Avg Suite Size
⭐
Ultra Luxury
5★
5 Stars
3 / 4
Nights

· Last updated

🛏️ Accommodation

Each of the ship's 35 suites is meticulously designed to be a peaceful retreat after a day of exploration. All suites are thoughtfully appointed to maximise comfort and frame the ever-changing scenery of the Nile's banks.

  • 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

The main restaurant offers a delightful culinary journey in an elegant setting. Enjoy lavish open-buffet style service for breakfast, lunch and dinner, showcasing both international favourites and authentic Egyptian specialities.

🌊 Leisure & Entertainment

The expansive sundeck offers a 360° view of the river with a swimming pool and comfortable sun loungers. Evenings come alive with a curated entertainment programme — traditional performances and themed parties.

🛎️ 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.

Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise Photos

Browse the gallery to see Sonesta Sun Goddess's suites, dining, sundeck and exterior. Click any image to enlarge.

Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise — Outside View
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise — Reception
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise — Junior Suite
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise — Lounge
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise — Restaurant
Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise — Sun Deck

Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise Rates in USD

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Optional Add-ons
📅 April 27 – September 26
📅 September 27 – April 26 (excluding Easter window)
📅 Dec 20–26 / Easter ±5 days
📅 December 27 – January 2
Note:
  • 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.

Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise Children Policy

Children pricing on Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile Cruise — applies to all departures and seasons unless otherwise noted at booking.
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 cabin1 child sharing 2 adults, or 2 children sharing 1 adult
1 child + 1 adult sharing one cabinNo discount — same rate as 2 adults in double cabin
2 children in a separate cabinSame 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.

Sonesta Sun Goddess is your best fit if

  • You want a French-balcony cabin — floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors that let you watch the Nile from inside, with fresh river breeze when opened.
  • You want a boutique cruise experience — Sonesta Sun Goddess carries fewer than 40 suites, offering quieter public spaces and a more intimate atmosphere.
  • You want the highest tier of Nile cruise experience — Sonesta Sun Goddess 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 Sonesta Sun Goddess is configured as a suite.

Sonesta Sun Goddess isn't your best fit if

  • If you need an elevator between decks, consider Soleil, Antares, and Al Hambra.
  • If you want a restored heritage vessel, consider Karim, Sudan, and Memnon.
  • If you want a walk-out balcony instead of a French balcony, try to use our search bar and find an Outside Balcony cruise.

Itineraries

Sonesta Sun Goddess 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

Day 1 Arrival in Aswan & Gateway to Ancient Nubia — Embark Sonesta Sun Goddess. Visit the Aswan High Dam and Temple of Philae. Overnight docked in Aswan.
Day 2 The Duality of Gods & The Triumph of Horus — Sail aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess to Kom Ombo Temple, then continue to Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
Day 3 Sailing to Thebes, the World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum — Leisurely sail aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess to Luxor. Afternoon: Optional Tour to Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple at sunset.
Day 4 Journey into the Afterlife & Departure — West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. Disembark Sonesta Sun Goddess with departure transfer.

Full detailed 3-Night Aswan → Luxor itinerary →

4-Night Itinerary: Luxor → Aswan

Day 1 Arrival in Luxor, the Ancient Capital of Thebes — Embark Sonesta Sun Goddess. Afternoon: Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 2 The Realm of Eternity & The Victorious Falcon God — West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. Sail aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess to Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
Day 3 The Dual Temple & The Journey into Nubia — Morning at Kom Ombo. Scenic sail aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess to Aswan. Overnight aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess in Aswan.
Day 4 Aswan’s Treasures: Ancient Engineering and Island Sanctuaries — Aswan High Dam, Temple of Philae, then a relaxing felucca sail. Final night aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess.
Day 5 Farewell to the Nile — Final breakfast aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess, disembark with departure transfer.

Full detailed 4-Night Luxor → Aswan itinerary →

Frequently Asked Questions

Specifics about Sonesta Sun Goddess — 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 Sonesta Sun Goddess?
Sonesta Sun Goddess carries an official 5 Stars rating from the Egyptian Tourism Authority — the government body that classifies all Nile cruise vessels operating between Luxor and Aswan. This rating is based on cabin standards, dining facilities, public spaces, and crew-to-guest ratios, and is reviewed periodically. It's separate from any tour-operator's editorial rating, and you'll see it cited in official Egyptian travel directories and tourism literature.
What is your editorial rating of Sonesta Sun Goddess?
In our editorial rating, we classify Sonesta Sun Goddess as a Ultra Luxury Nile cruise. This is our independent assessment based on over 25 years of regular onboard inspections, crew interviews, suite walkthroughs, and feedback from past guests. It typically tracks the official Egyptian Tourism Authority rating closely, but factors in elements the official rating doesn't cover — such as service consistency, food quality on a typical sailing rather than an inspection day, and the practical condition of the suites and public spaces.
How many suites does Sonesta Sun Goddess have?
Sonesta Sun Goddess has 35 suites. For context, the typical Nile cruise vessel runs between 30 and 80 cabins, which puts Sonesta Sun Goddess in the mid-sized category — large enough to feel sociable, but not so big that meals require staggered seatings or temple disembarkations turn into queues.
What is the average suite size on Sonesta Sun Goddess?
Suites on Sonesta Sun Goddess average 40 m² (including the en-suite bathroom). That's notably larger than the Nile-fleet norm of 22 m². The extra footprint typically translates into a separate seating area, walk-around bed clearance, and a bathroom that doesn't make you choose between manoeuvring around your suitcase and reaching the shower.
Does Sonesta Sun Goddess offer lower-deck suites?
No — Sonesta Sun Goddess does not have lower-deck suite inventory. All staterooms are on the main and upper decks, which means river views are above the waterline rather than at it. This typically translates into a slightly higher entry-level rate than vessels that include lower-deck rooms, but the upside is that every suite gets the elevated viewing angle as standard.
Do the suites onboard Sonesta Sun Goddess have a balcony?
Yes — Suites on Sonesta Sun Goddess are fitted with French balconies, which sit between a full outside balcony and a fixed window. A French balcony is a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door that opens onto a flush low rail rather than an extended outside deck. You get the breeze, the river view, and the sound of the water without sacrificing interior suite square-footage to a deck extension. It's a sensible design trade-off particularly suited to heritage and mid-sized vessels — and on the Aswan–Luxor route, where most river-watching happens during sailing hours when you'd be moving anyway, the practical experience is closer to a full balcony than the description suggests.
Does Sonesta Sun Goddess have an elevator on board?
No — Sonesta Sun Goddess does not have an onboard elevator. Guest decks are connected by stairs only. This is worth knowing if you're booking for travellers with limited mobility, or for anyone who'd rather not negotiate stairs after long temple-walking days. Most Nile vessels are compact enough that the staircase is manageable for the majority of guests, but it's a real consideration for some — flag any mobility concerns at booking and we can advise on suitable alternatives.
Are all cabins on Sonesta Sun Goddess configured as suites?
Yes — Sonesta Sun Goddess is an all-suite vessel. Every cabin is configured as a suite with a separate seating area, larger floor plate, and bigger bathroom proportions than standard Nile-fleet cabins (which typically run 22 m²). The all-suite layout matters most after long temple mornings, when the extra space stops being a luxury and starts feeling like recovery infrastructure.
Is Sonesta Sun Goddess a modern build or a restored heritage vessel?
Sonesta Sun Goddess is a modern-build vessel, designed and constructed for contemporary Nile cruise standards rather than restored from an earlier era. Modern boats offer standardised cabin layouts, current safety and HVAC systems, and the kind of public-area amenities (sundeck pool, full-spec dining room, panoramic lounges) that heritage vessels often don't accommodate. The trade-off is character: a modern boat feels more like a floating hotel than a piece of Nile travel history.
Is Sonesta Sun Goddess currently in active service?
Yes — Sonesta Sun Goddess is currently in active service and accepting bookings on its standard 3-night and 4-night Aswan–Luxor itineraries. Specific available dates depend on the season and the boat's docking schedule; we'll confirm exact departures once you tell us your preferred travel window.
What cruise lengths does Sonesta Sun Goddess offer?
Sonesta Sun Goddess offers two cruise lengths: a 3-night cruise (Aswan → Luxor) and a 4-night cruise (Luxor → Aswan). Combined 7-night round-trips are not currently offered on this boat. If you want a 7-night Nile experience, we can recommend boats in the same class and budget that do offer the combined itinerary.
What route does Sonesta Sun Goddess sail, and what does each itinerary cover?
Sonesta Sun Goddess sails the classic Aswan–Luxor route. Both the 3-night and 4-night packages cover the same major temple groups but in opposite order: the 3-night runs Philae and the High Dam in Aswan, then Kom Ombo, then Edfu, then Luxor's east and west banks (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut). The 4-night reverses that direction. Temple stops, dining cadence, and guided-tour quality are equivalent on both packages — choose based on your preferred pace and direction of travel.
Which days of the week does Sonesta Sun Goddess depart?
Departure schedules for Sonesta Sun Goddess are seasonal, but the regular pattern is: the 3-night cruise from Aswan typically departs on Friday, and the 4-night cruise from Luxor typically departs on Monday. Specific available dates vary by month — we'll confirm exact departures when you enquire.
What are the check-in and check-out times on Sonesta Sun Goddess?
Check-in on Sonesta Sun Goddess is from 12:00 noon on your embarkation day, and check-out is at 9:00 AM on your final day. Lunch is served on board on embarkation day, so plan to be on board by midday. If your flight arrives early or departs late, we can arrange day-use of a hotel room in Luxor or Aswan; just let us know at booking.
What languages are spoken on board Sonesta Sun Goddess?
Crew on Sonesta Sun Goddess speak English fluently. Many staff members also speak German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, and Arabic. Tour guides for the temple visits are assigned based on your spoken language preference — let us know your language at booking and we'll match you to a guide accordingly.
What currencies are accepted on Sonesta Sun Goddess?
Sonesta Sun Goddess accepts EGP (Egyptian Pounds), USD, EUR, and GBP for onboard purchases. Most travellers find it easiest to pay in their home currency or USD, since onboard exchange rates are typically competitive with airport bureaux. Smaller-denomination notes are useful for tipping crew and guides at the end of the cruise.
What payment methods does Sonesta Sun Goddess accept?
Sonesta Sun Goddess accepts both cash and major credit cards (VISA and Mastercard) at the front desk and bar. Tips for the crew are typically given in cash at the end of the cruise. ATMs are available in Luxor and Aswan if you need to withdraw additional cash mid-trip — the boat's reception can point you to the nearest one when you dock.
How much deposit do I need to book the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile cruise?
You can secure your Sonesta Sun Goddess booking with a 20% deposit at the time of booking — you do not need to pay the full amount up front. The remaining balance can be paid in equal monthly instalments at 0% interest, with the final instalment due 30 days before your travel date.
Can I pay for the Sonesta Sun Goddess cruise in monthly instalments?
Yes. After the 20% booking deposit, the balance can be spread across equal monthly instalments at 0% interest — there is no added finance cost. The last instalment is due 30 days before your package date.
Can I change my Sonesta Sun Goddess cruise date or swap cruises for free?
Yes. You can change your travel date free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any seasonal price difference), or swap to a different cruise free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any price difference between the two cruises). Name changes are free up to 7 days before your package date.
Is the Sonesta Sun Goddess cruise price protected against future increases?
Yes. Once you book, your price is protected against any future increase in cruise rates, fuel prices, government taxes, or entrance fees. If the price instead drops after you book, you receive the difference back under the same booking conditions.
What happens if my Sonesta Sun Goddess cruise is cancelled or disrupted?
If an operational issue affects your specific cruise (for example urgent maintenance or a cruise-specific force-majeure event), you are reassigned to a similar or higher-category cruise with your original conditions and cabin guarantees unchanged — no downgrade. In the event of a national or global shutdown affecting all cruises (such as a pandemic, airspace closure, or navigation suspension), you can either postpone to a later date free of charge keeping the exact same booked plan, or receive a full 100% refund.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for the Sonesta Sun Goddess Nile cruise?
If you cancel 61 or more days before arrival, cancellation is free of charge with a full refund. After that, a cancellation fee applies on a sliding scale based on the total price: 15% for cancellations 60 to 46 days before arrival, 25% for 45 to 31 days, 50% for 30 to 16 days, and 100% for 15 days or fewer before arrival. A no-show is charged at 100% of the total price. Note this is separate from changes: you can change your travel date or swap cruises free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any price difference).

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 Sonesta Sun Goddess.

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 Sonesta Sun Goddess 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 Sonesta Sun Goddess 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 Sonesta Sun Goddess's departure schedule. Each link opens the full cruise page with rates, photos, and itinerary.

Ready to Sail on Sonesta Sun Goddess?

Our Nile cruise specialists are here to help you craft an unforgettable journey aboard Sonesta Sun Goddess. No pressure, no hidden fees — just expert advice from a team that's been doing this since 1998.