MS Eugenie and the Belle Epoque styling
Lake Nasser is a different trip from the Nile, not a variant of it. Five vessels sail the whole lake, and the Eugenie is the period piece among them: Belle Epoque styling, cabins and suites with lake-facing windows, a pool and a jacuzzi.
At $1,290 per person it sits above the lake average of $1,244. What you get for it is the Nubian temple circuit, Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua and Amada, which are reachable essentially only by water, and an arrival at Abu Simbel from the lake rather than off a coach at dawn with everyone else.
It sails Aswan to Abu Simbel over three or four nights. Read our Lake Nasser guide before comparing it against a Nile cruise, because the two answer different questions.
Helpful Resources
Lake Nasser Cruise Guide | Nile Cruise Prices | Compare Nile Cruise Ships | What's Included | Best Time to Cruise
Cruise Highlights
- Belle Epoque styled vessel
- Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, and Amada temples
- Abu Simbel arrival by water
- Quiet lake sailing
33 Nights4 Days / 3 Nights · Aswan to Abu Simbel
- 1Day 1Board in Aswan near the High Dam, visit Kalabsha Temple, then begin sailing south across Lake Nasser.
- 2Day 2Sail to Wadi El Seboua, visit the Valley of the Lions temple complex, Dakka and Meharraka temples.
- 3Day 3Visit Amada, Derr Temple, and the Tomb of Pennout, continue sailing toward Abu Simbel.
- 4Day 4Arrive at Abu Simbel, visit the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari, disembark or stay for the Sound and Light show.
44 Nights5 Days / 4 Nights · Abu Simbel to Aswan
- 1Day 1Arrive at Abu Simbel and board the ship, with an overnight mooring to see the Sound and Light show.
- 2Day 2Visit the Great Temple of Ramses II and the Temple of Nefertari, then begin sailing north.
- 3Day 3Sail north, visit Kasr Ibrim viewed from the deck, then Amada and Derr temples.
- 4Day 4Visit Wadi El Seboua, Dakka, and Meharraka temples, continue sailing toward Aswan.
- 5Day 5Visit Kalabsha Temple, Beit El Wali, and Kertassi Kiosk, disembark in Aswan.
Cabins and Facilities
Period-style cabins and suites with private bathroom, air conditioning, and lake-facing windows.
- Restaurant
- Sun deck and pool
- Lounge and bar
- Jacuzzi
What is included?
- Full board meals
- Guided Nubian temple excursions
- Entrance fees to scheduled temples
- Port taxes
Not usually included
- Drinks beyond water
- Abu Simbel Sound and Light show
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal spending
| Season | 3 nights4 days / 3 nights | 4 nights5 days / 4 nights |
|---|---|---|
| Low seasonJun to Aug | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| ShoulderMay and Sep | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| High seasonOct to Apr | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| EasterPeak dates | Ask for rate | Ask for rate |
| ChristmasPeak dates | 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 Photo Gallery
Cruise FAQ
What is special about MS Eugenie?
It is a Belle Epoque styled vessel sailing Lake Nasser rather than the Nile, with period-detailed cabins and suites, a pool deck and a jacuzzi. There are only five ships on the entire lake.
Which temples does it visit?
Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua and Amada, all Nubian temples relocated when the High Dam flooded the valley in the 1960s, plus Abu Simbel itself. None of these are reachable on a standard Nile cruise.
How is Abu Simbel different by boat?
The ship moors overnight within sight of the temples, so you see them at dawn rather than arriving with the 3am road convoy from Aswan. Most guests describe this as the highlight of the trip.
What does it cost?
Rates step up through the year: lowest from June to August, a little higher in the May and September shoulder months, higher again in the October to April high season, with Easter and the Christmas and New Year sailings the most expensive dates of all. Send us your dates and we will confirm the exact figure. Rates are quoted for either the 3-night or the 4-night sailing.
Should I do this instead of a Nile cruise, or as well?
As well, if you can. Most travellers sail 4 nights on the Nile ending in Aswan, then join a 3-night lake sailing there. Ask us to quote the pair together, which is usually cheaper than booking them separately.
What is not included?
Drinks beyond water, the Abu Simbel Sound and Light show, tips and gratuities, and personal spending. Meals, guided Nubian temple excursions, scheduled entrance fees and port taxes are covered.