
Grand Star is one of the cheapest ships on the river
At $449 per person the Grand Star is near the floor of the market, $19 below the standard average and among the four lowest rates we list. It belongs to the Grand Cruises Egypt fleet and covers the essential temple route with simple private cabins and basic onboard services.
Read basic literally. The facilities list is a restaurant, sun deck and lounge, with no pool and no reception desk mentioned. This is a ship for sleeping and eating between excursions, not for spending the afternoon on.
It sails Luxor to Aswan via Edfu and Kom Ombo, four or three nights, and you see exactly the same temples as someone on a $2,450 ship. If the budget is the constraint, that is the honest consolation.
Helpful Resources
Standard Nile Cruise Guide | Aswan Travel Guide | Nile Cruise Prices | Compare Nile Cruise Ships | What's Included | Best Time to Cruise
Cruise Highlights
- Grand Cruises Egypt fleet ship
- One of the more affordable options on the river
- Essential route coverage
33 Nights4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Luxor
- 1Day 1Board in Aswan, visit Philae Temple and the High Dam.
- 2Day 2Sail to Kom Ombo and Edfu with guided temple visits.
- 3Day 3Continue to Luxor and visit East Bank highlights.
- 4Day 4Visit Luxor West Bank and disembark.
44 Nights5 Days / 4 Nights · Luxor to Aswan
- 1Day 1Arrive in Luxor, board the cruise, visit Karnak and Luxor Temple.
- 2Day 2Explore the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, then sail toward Edfu.
- 3Day 3Visit Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple, then continue sailing toward Aswan.
- 4Day 4Visit Philae Temple, the High Dam area, and optional Nubian experiences.
- 5Day 5Disembark in Aswan or add Abu Simbel as an optional extension.
77 Nights8 Days / 7 Nights · Round Trip
This 7-night option sails this ship's own 4-night and 3-night legs back to back for a full Luxor - Aswan - Luxor round trip, without repeating the same guided temple visits on the way back.
- 1Day 1Arrive in Luxor, board the cruise, visit Karnak and Luxor Temple.
- 2Day 2Explore the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut Temple, then sail toward Edfu.
- 3Day 3Visit Edfu Temple and Kom Ombo Temple, then continue sailing toward Aswan.
- 4Day 4Visit Philae Temple, the High Dam area, and optional Nubian experiences.
- 5Day 5Continue in Aswan, then begin the return sailing toward Luxor. An Abu Simbel extension can still be added before departing.
- 6Day 6Sail back toward Luxor, passing Kom Ombo and Edfu along the way.
- 7Day 7Free time in Luxor to relax onboard, shop, or arrange optional extras before your final night.
- 8Day 8Disembark in Luxor.
Cabins and Facilities
Simple private cabins with bathroom and basic onboard services.
- Restaurant
- Sun deck
- Lounge
What is included?
- Full board meals
- Guided shore excursions
- Entrance fees to scheduled temples
- Port taxes
Not usually included
- Drinks beyond water
- Personal spending
- Tips and gratuities
- Cairo portion of the trip
| Season | 3 nights4 days / 3 nights | 4 nights5 days / 4 nights | 7 nights8 days / 7 nights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Low seasonJun to Aug | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| ShoulderMay and Sep | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| High seasonOct to Apr | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| EasterPeak dates | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| ChristmasPeak dates | Ask for rate | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
Indicative per person rates in a double cabin. Final price depends on cabin category, exact dates, and group size, and is confirmed at quote stage.
Cruise FAQ
Who operates Grand Star?
It belongs to the Grand Cruises Egypt fleet and sails the classic Luxor to Aswan route, positioned as one of the more affordable ships on the river.
What is the realistic starting price?
The headline rate of $449 per person reflects high-season double occupancy. Low season sits below it and the Easter and Christmas sailings above it. Send us your dates and we will confirm the exact figure.
What do I give up at this price?
Cabin size and fittings, mainly. Cabins are simple with a private bathroom and air conditioning, facilities are limited to a restaurant, sun deck and lounge, and dining is a fixed-time buffet.
What do I still get?
The complete temple itinerary. Karnak, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Philae are the same sites, with the same guides, as on any ship on the river.
Who should book this ship?
Travellers whose priority is seeing Upper Egypt at the lowest realistic cost, and repeat visitors who already know what a standard Nile ship is like. If this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, compare the deluxe tier first.
Are temple entrance fees included?
Yes, for the scheduled temples, along with full-board meals, guided excursions and port taxes. Drinks beyond water, tips and personal spending are extra.

