
MS Tuya, and why the star rating is misleading
This ship is the clearest example on our site of why Egyptian star ratings should not drive your decision. The Tuya is officially rated five stars, and its own description puts the onboard comfort at three to four star. Both statements are true, and the second is the one that matters.
At $679 per person it is below the deluxe average of $710, and that is the honest trade: you are buying a well-reviewed ship at a fair price, not a five-star experience at a discount. It confirms a sun deck and pool outright, alongside a restaurant and lounge.
It sails Luxor to Aswan via Edfu and Kom Ombo, four or three nights. Judge it on the photographs and the facilities list rather than the rating, which is the advice we would give for every ship on the river.
Helpful Resources
Deluxe Nile Cruise Guide | Aswan Travel Guide | Nile Cruise Prices | Compare Nile Cruise Ships | What's Included | Best Time to Cruise
Cruise Highlights
- 5-star rated deluxe ship
- Good price to comfort ratio
- Classic route
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
Rated 5 stars with a 3 to 4 star comfort standard, private bathroom cabins with air conditioning.
- Restaurant
- Sun deck and pool
- 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
How much does MS Tuya Nile Cruise cost?
Starting prices are around $679 per person in a double cabin. The exact figure depends on cabin category, your dates and group size, and is confirmed at quote stage.
When is the cheapest time to sail?
Low season, roughly June to August, is the cheapest time to sail, with the May and September shoulder months a step below the October to April high season. The trade-off is heat: Upper Egypt regularly passes 40C in midsummer and excursions shift to early morning. Send us your dates and we will confirm the exact rate.
What do peak dates cost?
Easter, Christmas and New Year are the peak sailings and carry the highest rates of the year. Both sell out months ahead, so book early if your dates are fixed. Send us your dates and we will confirm the exact figure.
Which route does MS Tuya Nile Cruise sail?
Luxor to Aswan, over 5 Days / 4 Nights or 4 Days / 3 Nights. The itinerary covers the classic temple route between Luxor and Aswan.
What are the cabins like?
Rated 5 stars with a 3 to 4 star comfort standard, private bathroom cabins with air conditioning. It suits travelers comparing well-reviewed deluxe ships in the mid price range.
What is included in the price?
The rate covers full board meals, guided shore excursions, entrance fees to scheduled temples and port taxes. Not included: drinks beyond water, personal spending, tips and gratuities and cairo portion of the trip.

