ms mayfair nile cruise tripadvisor

MS Mayfair Nile Cruise

• - Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure
• - Assistance of our personal during your stay and excursions
• - All transfers by a modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
• - Accommodation on board 5 star cruise on full board basis
• - All Nile Cruise excursions as mentioned in the itinerary
• - Entrance fees to all sights between Aswan and Abu Simbel
• - all languages speaking tour guides
• - All service charges and taxes
• - Any extras and personal expenses
• - Tipping Kitty
• From Aswan Airport or railway station
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travellers with back problems
• Most travellers can participate
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

• oskarew 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Don’t take the train! Trains run on a suggested schedule - it will get to the station in its own time. This meant we got there early, just in case and had to wait an extra hour after the scheduled time of 7.45pm. The station is crowded and hot but there is a small cafe where you sit and get a coke and a chocolate bar for 80EGP. The sleep cabin is very ‘cosy’ - not much room but it does have air-conditioning which you turn up high - until you freeze in the middle of the night! The beds are small but you go get a comfy spot after x while. Between the luggage and beds - it was awkward trying to each and change. The toilet at the en of the carriage has a flush pedal you have to pump hard! Dinner was crumbed chicken, potatoes and rice. Breakfast was a croissant, bread, cream cheese, coffee and orange juice. Sleep eventually came - fir a few hours. We didn’t eat much! I would give this experience a miss next time, in favour of flying! There was a nice sunrise to see though! Read more Written 29 July 2023
• hecfran2017 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles NOT A FIVE-STAR CRUISE Aside from the friendly and helpful staff, the experience is certainly less than mediocre and an incredible waste of our time. We stayed at a "deluxe suite" after i had to pay for an upgrade on site as they were trying to fit 3 people in a "deluxe cabin" which could barely fit two, the "VIP" suite was dusty, shower not draining well and smell of cigarettes. The food was consistently of poor quality and taste (see other reviews), and with flies in the dining room. Of all the places we visited while in Egypt, this was the worse quality food. Drinks are not included with meals including water, and you can have wifi for a fee. The trip itself from aswan to luxor takes an extraordinary long time, you are always rushed through the sites to be able to make it back to the ship on time, just to always leave between 1 to 2 hrs late anyway. Much preferable, cheaper and faster, would be to hire a private driver, and will give you much more time to spend at the sites equating to a better experience. Unless you have time to waste, and very low expectations, do not book this (or any other Cruise). This was supposed to be one of the best options. We are avid travelers and honestly would not recommend taking a nile Cruise to anyone, as ships are dirty, old, and constantly leave a thick cloud of smog behind for you to breathe, rendering the experience lamentable. Read more Written 23 April 2023
• Judy1068 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Choose a different Nile river cruise Just returned from 4 days in Cairo and then 4 days on this cruise. The food was very poor. Cold and overcooked. Pasta was mushy. Potatoes ice cold. I am now running a 101 fever with severe diarrhea. I attribute this to the food on the cruise. The staff were very friendly but this was not. 5 star ship as advertised. Old ship. Dirty carpets. Do not recommend! Read more Written 2 April 2023
• Rob K 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Great Cruise if you have average expectations The good part - the staff were very nice and very helpful. Our TV in 310, was not working from the beginning and they worked on it for hours. Finally they got it going. The bed was OK. The room was poorly maintained because the ship is old. The food was equal to high school cafeteria quality, except the fish was not ever passable. Many times I found the bowls at the buffet empty and in need of replenishment. Dinning staff were GREAT. Read more Written 1 March 2023
• Mahroo 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent service, but old run-down cruise ship. The cruise ship is old and a bit run down. It is not considered luxury according to the western standards. The hallways are smelly with old dirty carpeting, the eating area is in the basement of the ship that's dingy and dark. The food is American continental. Not quality at all. The staff, however, are very kind and polite. Read more Written 1 March 2023
• 969sidneyg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles BEst visit to do Excellent and fantastic day ! Oussama was a great guide. Great drivers. Tremendous landscapes ! Must do ! Best day in Egypt so far Read more Written 25 December 2022
• TheWendyRed 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A MUST DO This trip is an absolute must-do. My mom (75ish) and I (34F) were picked up by our guide and driver from our hotel in a very comfortable van. As we drove, our guide told us about Egyptian history and about the sites we would see. Bubastis/Tell-Basta was about a 2 hour drive from Giza but went by quickly because the scenery is beautiful and the police escort your van (there’s no safety threat, it just seems to be a service provided to support tourism). There, a local guide met us to tell us about the site and our guide from Sun Pyramid acted as a translator and added info. Bubastis is very interesting. There are a lot of large stone piece from the hypostyle hall of the temple of Bastet (the cat god) that you can walk among. From there, we went to Tanis which is AMAZING. It was another hour or so drive with the escort. Tanis is beautiful with huge statues and obelisks, a Nilometer, and tombs. It’s really so so impressive, and they have only discovered about 15% of what is there. They are still actively excavating the site. The local guide who showed us around has worked at the site for over 20 years and was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. It was a bit windy in both places, so I recommend wearing pants as a opposed to a dress/skirt. I’m glad we wore sneakers because you walk on sand at Tanis. I also recommend bring Egyptian pounds to tip the local guides (100 pounds each) and then whatever you’d like to give your Sun Pyramid guide and driver. Everyone at Tanis was so friendly and said they wished more tourists would come. It’s an awe-inspiring site. To my knowledge, this is the only company who does tours to Tanis and it is 100% worth doing. Read more Written 9 March 2022
• K31HHjeffb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles A Day in the Delta While there has been some reconstruction at these two sites, mostly they are as the archaeologists uncovered them. We even got to see restoration and archaeological work in progress. There is a nice museum at Bubastis with cat coffins and cat effigies. Going down into the excavated ruins at Tanis was like walking back in time. You will need some Egyptian pounds at Tanis for tips to see everything. Excellent guide, driver, and armed guard. Guide made sure we used hand sanitizer Each town had a motorcycle policeman move the traffic out of the way for our van. Great late lunch (dinner!) in Cairo. Did not see the Suez Canal. Read more Written 3 January 2022
• K31HHjeffb 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An amazing experience, just us and the archaeology A long drive in a comfortable van, made longer by numerous security checks and escorts, but well worth the trip (there was no boat involved). Lots of steps up to the tombs. A highlight for us was seeing excavated mud-brick temples, palaces, and homes., as well as some beautiful countryside. There were no other tourists and no vendors. Excellent guide and driver. Sprayed us with hand sanitizer after each stop. Read more Written 3 January 2022
• Conileon 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles INCOMPLETE They took me to the white desert & black desert, but they skip the Bahariya Oasis instead they took me to a papiro’s shop in Cairo. Read more Written 13 November 2019
• mohamedeR1764BL 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Nice place for very short visit Me and my family spent 2 hours there, it was more than enough, you shouldn’t expect a wide range of wild animals may be around 20 to 30 species, staff was ok put it seams that they work for tips because every one pay around 5 EL for the animal keeper put you get a nice photos on return, Value for money not so good for Egyptians as you pay 600 EL for the ticket( around 40 $). Read more Written 27 September 2019

More to explore in Aswan

MS Mayfair Nile Cruise provided by This is Egypt Tours

MS Mayfair Nile Cruise

• - All transfers by a modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle
• - Accommodation on board 5 star cruise on full board basis
• - All service charges and taxes
• Entry/Admission - Aswan High Dam
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Philae
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Kom Ombo
• Entry/Admission - Valley of the Kings
• Entry/Admission - Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari
• - Any extras and personal expenses
• from your hotel in aswan at Aswan Airport or railway station
• Luxor Airport, Luxor Egypt
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Most travellers can participate
• recommended all travelers
• This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Temple of Philae
• Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari
• Valley of the Kings

Similar experiences

• Sunshine637676 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Nile cruise One of the nicest boats on the Nile. food and crew were great. The cabins are suites which is nice to have extra room. Review would have been 5 star except our cabin was over the lounge and the music played until after midnight. Read more Written 18 April 2024
• john b 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Highlight of Egypt The highlight of our Egyptian holiday. The boat itself is lovely and the journey so smooth. The staff are what make this experience unforgettable, always smiling, always helping and always providing surprises. The attention to detail in everything that is provided is on another level to what I have previously experienced. The food was impeccable and so much choice. The agenda for when to visit the unbelievable tombs and temples is clearly thought out so that you miss the crowds. Emad, The Egyptologist that accompanied us was extremely knowledgeable and steered us through 2000 years of history at a pace that worked for the group. Typical groups were no more than eight people with ours being six and some even smaller. The cabins were pure luxury and so much more sizeable than we had imagined. I cannot fault any aspect of the 3 night cruise and I would highly recommend it. Read more Written 15 April 2024
• Seaside50172212586 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Avoid the NS Beau Rivage vessel!! We spent 4 days/nights on this horrid vessel. Best part of each day was leaving the vessel. It was part of a tour package by Luxury Vacations. Unfortunately all of our meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner were on the boat. The food was repetitive and bland. So horrible that it wasn’t even worth getting out of bed for breakfast. But on the bright side it didn’t give us the runs. The ship is in desperate need of a refurbishment, starting with the small green ringed (stained/algae?) pool. The entire ship was treated to a 4am wake up call one night/morning. How incompetent can one be to accomplish that feat? They charge for bottled water (in a country where the water supply is unsafe) and forbid you to bring your own water on board. Ridiculous. There are much better vessels to cruise the Nile. Read more Written 10 April 2024
• Spoilt129 0 contributions 2.0 of 5 bubbles Think carefully before you do it Whist our time on the BR was not private (given is has 70 add cabins don’t really know what private is), however we did go as a group of 12 who then shared the boat with about another 80 people. The rooms are anything but luxury, cleanliness is questionable, our first room came with the noise of the generator and the perfume of diesel, our second room came with the joy of a wall whole to the next cabin so that we could vicariously enjoy their television at 1.30am in the morning. The room did have windows that opened, the water pressure in the (bath) showe combo was good although the shower had a mind of its own in terms of change in water temperature and it decision to randomly lurch itself of its fixture. I you did want a bath you had to lean around a fixed shower screen to turn the taps on. Definitely not for a person with reduced mobility. Moving onto the service, well the crew is all male …a little disconcerting for myself, especially given that Egypt has rules around practices of males and females (eg at airports). I felt (and purely my opinion) they were a little misogynistic and I would even say rude, in fact will say some were quite rude, although the younger crew members appeared to have a little more sensitivity. The kitchen staff appeared a little friendlier. (In defense of staff We did get a better response from some staff after our guide spoke to them, although he should not have needed to.) In fact we were very lucky to have someone to speak on our behalf otherwise it could have been far worse. Day 2 of the journey my husband was ready to do anything to avoid staying on the boat, hence the benefit of our guide. Speaking of the kitchen leads to food quality, the question I had was ‘where is the Egyptian food? The dining consisted mostly of mass cooked chicken pollo, and overcooked beef. The salads were a little better. Dining was literally like going to a soup kitchen except there were about 80-100 vying to eat at the one time. It was pretty woeful of course you were expected to pay extra for water (tap water not potable), again this was resolved after our guide spoke to management. Tea and machine coffee were freely provided ONLY at breakfast The experience, whilst on the river cruising was nice, you could escape from the masses and enjoy the passing scenery which Egypt has in spades. On docking you were up against another boat and we had the joy of being level with the kitchen workers on the next Baat staring into our cabin, hence had to close the curtains, which did not cover the window completely. For us overall the experience was very substandard and did dampen our enjoyment of a Nile cruise, If you still wanted to ‘chance’ the BR make sure you have a room that is: not under the dance floor, is away from the engines, has twin beds (double reduces room size and is not that comfortable), would suggest towards the very front of the boat. Also suggest you hide plenty of water in your suitcase as the first night I was told in no uncertain terms that “you cannot bring outside water into the dining room”, and there are signs not to bring any food or drink onboard. It is a cruise that is very much one of nickel and dining. Facilities on board included a small pool, dance floor and bar gift shop that was reasonable in price, and they did try to have themed nights. There are over 100 Nile cruise ships, many looked much better than ours so really do your research before signing up to the BR. Read more Written 3 April 2024
• Wasfi J 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Sun goddess Nile cruise February 2024 Excellent service from time of check in to time of check out , very professional staff, very decent and polite, full board is excellent, nice suites with a balcony, excellent tour guides well organized. The experience was amazing, they celebrated my wife birthday which was a very nice touch. If you ever think of a Nile cruise , this is it . Read more Written 27 February 2024
• Scenic54855132932 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Amazing experience at Sonesta Nile Cruise My family and I were looking for the perfect Nile cruise and we came upon Sonesta Sun Goddess 4 nights Monday to Friday, I can’t Express, how impressed we are, from amazing, welcoming staff, the most delicious top quality food, clean, comfortable cabinet with awesome balcony views to the amazing leadership and management. I would like to express my gratitude to the Regional Manager who happened to be on the ship, his name is Mr. Khaled Fathalla, he was checking in all the guests, making sure that all our needs and wishes has been fulfilled, And gathering the staff daily to ensure they are doing their best service to their clients. If you are skeptical about a Nile Cruise or upper Egypt visit, I would highly highly recommend soonest our cruise, especially sun goddess!! Read more Written 21 February 2024
• SHA12311 0 contributions 4.0 of 5 bubbles Sun Goddess By Sonesta Nile Cruises was well worth the overall experience. This all sweets boat did meet our expectations. Very courteous staff at all levels from the moment you arrive, until departure. Be it reception, restaurants, bell boys, house keeping which by the way cleans the room twice a day with towels replenishments and bed folding while you have breakfast and dinner. All the meals provide a decent variety, the tours are well catered to, the buses used, the guides provided are knowledgeable and all people handling the trip details are all professional ensuring your experience is satisfactory in every aspect. Well worth it. Recommended. Read more Written 20 February 2024
• tissb2022 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Good and bad. First the photo is not of the Nile Goddess. The actual NG is the most basic of the Sonesta ships. Having said that, the crew are wonderful and the food very good. Public areas very smart - dark wood and brass everywhere, although brass was left unpolished for the whole week. The cabins were the most disappointing part of the cruise. Shabby and in desperate need of a deep clean and/or refurb. Read more Written 14 February 2024
• Corinne_harper1 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An outstanding Nile experience A beautiful boat, fabulous cabins beautifully appointed with every amenity and enormous windows to see the Nile as you cruise. Outstanding service, wonderful meals. The trip was all planned to perfection so we visited the sites before the crowds. 4 of us went out each day in a minibus and guided by an expert Egyptologist (Yaouel). It definitely must be the best luxury cruise on the Nile. All of the staff deserve praise. Read more Written 4 February 2024
• NonsmokerJeff 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Sonesta canceled my trip and left me hanging Sonesta canceled the trip over a month ago and has not returned my money after spending 3 hours on this . I am also losing a 600$ hotel reservation and air Egypt fares the main reason of our trip was the river boat I have been on these boats 3 times the boats themselves are a great Experience Read more Written 7 November 2023
• DayTrip37641349130 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles An experience not to be missed! What a wonderful experience! From the moment we set foot on Zahra, we were pampered. Every member of the crew no matter their role, made us welcome and were truly invested in making sure we enjoyed our time with them. The food, service and attention to detail were exceptional. The Egyptologists accompanying us in small groups were friendly and very knowledgeable. Ours was obviously proud of his heritage and enthusiastic about his subject. He guided us with humour and was very easy to listen to. I would thoroughly recommend this trip Read more Written 25 October 2023
• norinm2022 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles The great journey It was the most beautiful journey on this magnificent ship on the River Nile sonesta (sun goddess ) the food was super great the staff is courteous and efficient. I would like to extend my tags to the great staff front office( Shehab) kitchen chef wael and restaurant mr Mohamed and the rest of the staff and the Nubian show was a delightful and boat manager mr.Khaled We visited the most iconic historical sites Which we will cherish forever Read more Written 14 October 2023
• victoriaw119 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Fabulous luxury Nile cruise I booked a 5 day/4 night cruise on the Sonesta Moon Goddess through Egypt Unlimited Tours. It was absolutely fabulous. The room large with a balcony and a beautiful view. The service and facilities were 1st class. The food excellent - buffet breakfast and lunch and 4 course dinner with many international cuisines catered for. Fir early trips they provide a comprehensive breakfast box. The crew were friendly and many activities snd entertainment when on board. I highly recommend them. Read more Written 21 May 2023
• Marc W 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Wifi issue became irritating The Sonesta’s staff were amazing; nothing was too much. However, my only criticism was the “wifi issue”. This was evidently an issue for many of the passengers on-board. Unfortunately, the management do not see the value of extending free wifi to its passengers. Extremely disappointing! Wifi is an expectation; given the fact that this complementary in MacDonalds! This factored as a continued irritation, that would sway me away from a Sonesta stay again. This may seem petty but its the small things that often make the difference. It is comforting for family to contact us in an emergency (I had to purchase wifi from the boat for this …. $50.00 per device). Best wishes, Read more Written 7 May 2023
• 783mianmuhammads 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Good The Sonesta Star Goddess cruise was marvelous experience. The proffessional staff, service, rooms (suites), food, everything was way above expected. Our trip was from Aswan to Luxor. Read more Written 6 May 2023

More to explore in Luxor

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

MS Mayfair Nile Cruise provided by Sun Pyramids Tours

The Ultimate MS Mayfair Nile Cruise Review – 4 Days from Aswan to Luxor

By: Author Sophie Pearce

Posted on Last updated: August 19, 2023

Categories ASWAN , EGYPT , LUXOR , LUXURY HOTELS

This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for details.

It has always been a dream of mine to sail down the Nile on a cruise ship. But, having read so many negative reviews, I was struggling with choosing one as I didn’t want a bad experience! That was until I found the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise.

By all accounts, the MS Mayfair is a 5* luxury cruise ship. You won’t have to sacrifice comfort here.

The freshly decorated cabins are roomy and quality, the staff wait on you hand and foot, there are no hidden charges for the facilities, the food is hygienic and it actually comes at an affordable price unlike some of the other premiere cruise liners in the market.

Whether you’re here to find out more details about the MS Mayfair Nile cruise or to decide on whether to book; this ultimate MS Mayfair Nile Cruise review should clear everything up.

So, all aboard the MS Mayfair, let me show you around!

FYI – this post is NOT sponsored by MS Mayfair in any way, I just loved my experience and wanted to share!

Things you need to prepare before you visit Egypt

• Don’t forget travel insurance for Egypt, it’s quite easy to get ill here! I always choose World Nomad’s  as they have great policies at a competitive price.
• You will need a Visa for Egypt. These can be bought on the border at Immigration for $25USD or beforehand online for the same price. I’ve created a detailed guide of how to get an Egyptian Visa (including a Multiple entry Visa) for UK citizens here. But it applies for most countries. 
• Egypt is a predominantly Islamic country which means it’s conservative and you will need to be mindful of how you dress, even men. I’ve created a detailed packing list for women here.
• Egypt uses the Egyptian Pound (EGP) as currency and I found it easier to get some out at the ATM. 1 British pound = approx. 22 Egyptian pound. Cards are accepted in most hotels but I’d use cash for shopping and attractions.

Tips for choosing your perfect Nile Cruise

There are so many types of cruise ships that make their way between Aswan, Luxor and vice versa every week even in off-peak season.

You can go on luxury cruise ships, mid-range, budget and even ride down the Nile on a felucca boat!

But, there are some things you need to know before you book your cruise.

Things to look out for before you book

• No cruises run from Cairo. These only run from Luxor to Aswan and vice versa. Most tourists travel down to Luxor or Aswan from Cairo by flight or overnight train.
• Always look at what is included in the price onboard –  A cruise may seem cheap, but you need to understand what comes with the price. Many cruise ships make their money by charging for drinks, amenities like the pool (!) and WiFi.
• This will be your only provider of food for four to seven days straight – Most cruises are full board, so you want to make sure you book in with a hygienic company. The last thing you want is food poisoning to ruin your holiday!
• Check if excursions are included – If you book in the cruise company directly, you will most likely not have attraction prices included, a guide or transport in getting there. So, that cheap price, quickly rises up by a few hundred dollars! I would personally book it in with a tour company like Memphis Tours as then all your attractions and transport are included making it far better value.
• Cruises don’t run every day – the MS Mayfair goes on a Friday from Aswan and then on a Monday from Luxor. So I would make sure you book your cruise first, then work your other travel plans around it.
• The train is only four hours between Aswan and Luxor  – if you’ve made a blunder with your plans (like I did) and need to get to Aswan or Luxor for your cruise; no biggie. The train took four hours and it’s super cheap. My first class carriage cost £100EGP (£4)

Is it better to start from Aswan or Luxor on a Nile cruise?

I think there is no right or wrong way and this all depends on your travel plans and preference.

Most tourists start from Aswan, the furthest point south, then cruise up north to Luxor, moving onto Hurghada on the coast of the Red Sea.

But, you can always start in Luxor and then end your travels in Aswan. If your primary concern is budget, then the cruise that starts off in Luxor is slightly longer by one day, so it will cost slightly more.

As before, the MS Mayfair Nile cruise runs from Aswan every Friday, then from Luxor every Monday.

They run in the same order, serve the same food and stop at all the same sites. You just may have different nights of entertainment as these change daily.

Another option is a seven-day cruise. Going from Luxor to Aswan and then back to Luxor on the same route stopping at the same sites again.  This way you can relax more instead of those early wake-up calls for temple hopping.

All aboard: the ultimate MS Mayfair Nile Cruise review

As I stepped off my minibus and onto the dock. I was so excited to board and rightly so. As I walked over the plank, I walked through the doors and into the lobby.

I was in Pinterest heaven; the decor was bright, elegant and exquisite. The monochrome floors, huge windows, burgundy red walls…I knew then that this wasn’t any ordinary ship! I just stood there, wowed.

The floor manager then greeted and welcomed me personally. He asked me to take a seat on the ruby velvet brocade sofas and handed me a refreshing hot towel to cool off.

Then before I knew it, I had a welcome drink of hibiscus tea in my hand! I had found my happy place.

I checked in and was pleasantly surprised to find my luggage had already been taken to my room!

We walked up the winding staircase and I noticed that no room or floor aboard this cruise ship was dated or shabby. Everything looked brand new and fresh like it had fallen out of a showroom!

I was so impressed by the whole experience for the four days I was there, I wanted to share a detailed review with you and why the MS Mayfair is one of the best choices for your Nile cruise in Egypt.

MS Mayfair deck plan

The MS Mayfair has 5 floors aboard the ship, each floor is roomy and spacious.

The Premium cabins and suites are on the Upper Deck as they have balconies. Standard rooms are on the Main deck and Middle Deck. This deck plan was sourced from Nile River Cruises.

• Lower Deck (1) – is where you will be eating each day in the restaurant. It’s cool as you can see the Nile while you’re eating.
• Main Deck (2) – lobby and standard cabins and exit
• Middle Deck (3)  – standard cabins
• Upper deck (4)  – Is where the bar, entertainment and premium cabins are located
• Sun Deck (5)  – is for sightseeing, the pool, hot tub, loungers and bar is located

MS Mayfair Cabins

This was really a big deal breaker for me, a lot of the cabins I saw on other Nile Cruises were so old and neglected!

But, the cabins on board the MS Mayfair looked brand new with bright white paint and elegant touches like old photographs of ancient Egyptian sites.

Each room has a huge window overlooking the Nile letting in lots of light which was perfect.

If you have the cash then the balcony suites are a great option. But, I just couldn’t justify the extra couple of hundred dollars.

My room had clean and comfy twin beds that the cabin crew put together for me. The mattresses and pillows were actually comfy and you could almost sink into them!

Then I had a desk with a beauty mirror, two chairs to lounge on, loads of plug points and a flat-screen TV above a chest of drawers.

On top was a kettle with complimentary tea and coffee throughout the day. I’d also have two free bottles of water topped per day in my cabin with room service.

The rooms also had a wardrobe with a safe inside to keep valuables and an ironing board (!).

I love the little touches and it was really sweet to receive a free fruit bowl on entering with a little note to welcome me on board! It really does make all the difference with service.

The bathrooms aboard the MS Mayfair

Let’s just say, my worst nightmare would be to have an old and dirty bathroom. Especially for a couple of days on a cruise ship!

On the last backpacker cruise I went on, we had a shared bathroom and were told we could only have a navy shower for 5 minutes each to conserve water.

Well, I was relieved when I saw the absolutely stunning bathroom on the MS Mayfair. It had wooden floors, mirrored walls, a huge beauty mirror and an Art Deco style cabinet. I was in love! There was also really nice smelling toiletries to use with fresh gleaming white towels.

The best part about it was the epic bathtub and shower that I could actually fit in. Having a bubble bath after a long day of sightseeing was an absolute dream.

Dining onboard the MS Mayfair

I couldn’t believe I would actually look forward to eating food on a cruise ship, but the Mayfair really had it all in terms of catering.

There weren’t many people on board which the crew told me is the case for many cruise ships since tourism is suffering. So, that meant we could have our own table. I, of course, picked a booth ;).

Meals would be a mixture of buffet food and an al la carte menu and you can bet that it was 3 courses if not more if you wanted seconds!

The different types of meal options on the MS Mayfair

• The breakfast buffet  – a selection of fresh bread and toast, cereal bar, fresh omelette, poached egg and pancake station, waffle bar, yoghurts and a massive selection of fruit. There were also Egyptian options. Unlimited free juice, tea and coffee.
• Lunch buffet – a selection of bread, fresh pasta station, fish selection, meats, rice, fries, Egyptian specialities, fresh vegetables, salad options, fresh deserts. Water is free, soft drinks and alcohol at an extra supplement.
• Dinner buffet – my favourite. They would have different ‘themes’ each evening. Eastern theme, Italian, French. I particularly liked the Eastern theme which came with Shwarma grill, kebabs, rice etc. and the deserts were traditional also like Umm Ali.  Water is free, soft drinks and alcohol were an extra supplement.
• Al La Carte – This really sets the other cruises apart. The al la carte menu’s were always nothing but high quality. One night we even had beef wellington! So, how it works is that at lunch the staff will ask you to choose your meals for the evening. One starter (usually a soup or salad), a main course out of 4 choices and a selection of deserts would be available to choose from at a counter.
• Afternoon tea and snacks – on the sun deck each afternoon at sunset, we would be served complimentary tea/coffee with some biscuits and cakes. It was super scrummy.

MS Mayfair swimming pool and hot tub on deck

The sundeck on the MS Mayfair was simply incredible. There were ample sun loungers, a refreshing pool to swim in and even hot tubs. All paired with a bar to keep you loaded up with a drink in hand.

The best part was when we were cruising down the Nile and you could lounge in the shade and watch the world and other ships go by. Or, even better, when we pulled up to shore and we were opposite the ancient sites!

The amazing thing is that, aside from the bar, all the amenities were free to use. Including complimentary pool towels.  

A lot of cruise ships charge for using the pool and towel hire but aboard the MS Mayfair, they were included in your cabin price.

The bar and evening entertainment on board the MS Mayfair

The bar was a great place to stop in the evening after dinner if you wanted some entertainment or a nightcap before retiring for bed!

On the first evening, we had a welcome drink in the form of free cocktails, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic.

I definitely snapped these up when I looked at the bar menu prices. Alcoholic drinks are not cheap, I’m talking £12GBP for a shot of Gin without tonic. So, when you’re offered free alcohol in Egypt, you take the free alcohol in Egypt!

There were a few ‘forced fun’ moments with the Galibeya parties where all the guests should wear Egyptian style clothes. But, there was also some great entertainment like belly dancing and a Sufi dance which was mesmerising!

Where does the MS Mayfair stop on the Nile Cruise?

The Nile Cruise usually stops at around 4 places on the trip. I’ll take you through the itinerary if you were on the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise;

Day 1: Aswan – check-in and spend the day sightseeing in Aswan, Lunch and dinner included. Sail overnight to Kom Ombo.

Day 2: Kom Ombo – wake up in the morning and have breakfast and then explore Kom Ombo temple, have lunch and make your way to Edfu.

Edfu – pull up and take a horse and carriage ride to Edfu temple, then come back to the ship.

Esna – sail onto Esna to travel through Esna Lock, have dinner. Sail overnight to Luxor.

Day 3: Luxor – Wake up to Luxor in the morning have breakfast, explore the West Bank. Lunch and dinner included.

Day 4: Luxor – The next day have breakfast, check out then disembark (last check out at 8.30 am), continue sightseeing on the East Bank. Only breakfast is included on the last day.

The only thing I have to say is it is quite disappointing the amount of time you actually sail down the Nile. I think it was really only one full day. My favourite part was sightseeing along the way so I would have loved an extra day sailing.

MS Mayfair excursions

Day 1: start off sight seeing in aswan.

Usually, if you’re starting in Aswan on the first day, you check in around 11 am on the boat. You’re shown to your cabin, given time to organise, freshen up and then have lunch on board.

Then, you’re given free time to explore Aswan. If you’re like me and have booked with a tour company, you’ll then be taken around the sites in the city.

Our group started off at the Unfinished Obelisk, then we went to the Aswan High Dam, then finished off the day with a boat ride to Philae temple. Then we were taken to Tuthmoses perfume palace to buy some perfumes.

If you would like to know more about things to do in Aswan, then see my full blog post about all the things to do in Aswan here.

Day 2: Sail from Aswan to Kom Ombo Temple

I loved waking up to see that the Nile cruise had pulled up opposite the temple. From here, Kom Ombo temple was only a short walk five minute away from the dock!

After breakfast, we then spent around an hour at the temple taking a tour of Kom Ombo with our guide.

Kom Ombo Temple is located around 50 kilometres from Aswan and was built in the Greco-Roman era. It was built in honour Sobek, the crocodile god and Horus the falcon-headed god.

It was dedicated to Sobek as there used to be a huge amount of crocodiles that used to terrorise people in the Nile around this area. So, they believed if they dedicated the temple to the animal, it wouldn’t attack them.

As a result, many crocodiles were held captive in the temple and were also mummified once they died. There’s a crocodile museum where you can see them that’s included in your Kom Ombo ticket price.

Sail and stop at Edfu Temple

Next up is an afternoon of sightseeing at Edfu temple.

This is one of the most impressive due to the fact it has been preserved so well and many of the rooms are still intact to explore. You can even climb up to certain parts of the temple which, for a history geek, was like a dream come true!

The cruise ship will dock up around a few kilometres away from the temple. Most tour groups will grab horses and carriages to get here. If you prefer, you can pay for a taxi or rickshaw (3 wheeler).

On my cruise, the return ride was included but tips were expected for the drivers.

At first, when you enter the temple you are greeted with this epic facade. The temple is dedicated to Horus the falcon-headed god so you’ll see lots of statues and carvings to honour him here.

This temple was built in 57BC but throughout the time it had been an ancient settlement and graveyard from as early as 3000BC (remember BC goes backwards).

In its prime, it acted as a cult centre for Horus of Bedhet and inside the rooms, you can find hieroglyphics about how to make offerings like honey and perfume.

There are many anti-chambers, offering halls and even a replica boat which would carry Horus’ statue to the Nile on special occasions. The Nile used to flow right up to the temple but over time it now flows further away.

Watch the cruise ship travel through Esna lock

Not a stop in particular, but fans of boats and river locks will love the famous Esna crossing!

To allow the boat to cross through the lock, the boat has to dock into a bay and the water is lowered there in order for the water to clear out. So, while you’re having dinner you can actually feel the ship submerging down.

The whole process takes around 2 hours and it’s quite interesting to see it all in motion.

Watch out for the traders who get on their rowboats to sell their wares to cruise ships passing by! They will quite literally throw scarves and jewellery at you on board to buy.

Day 3: Explore the West Bank of Luxor

Once you’ve landed in Luxor, you will have arrived at the world’s largest open-air museum. From here, you will be first exploring the West Bank;

• The Valley of the Kings – This is a must see in Luxor, the valley of the kings is a famous burial sight which was made famous by Howard Carter with the discovery of Tutankhamun. Here you can see 3 burial chambers with your ticket. You can also buy an extra ticket to see King Tut for yourself. I have a whole post on the best tombs to see in the Valley of the Kings here.
• Temple of Hatshepsut – the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is a marvellous piece of ancient Egyptian architecture. It’s famous due to its astronomical alignment and the lasting legacy of ancient Egypt’s longest-serving queen.
• A hot air balloon at sunrise – something you can add onto your trip and an incredible experience floating over the West Bank in a balloon! To read more about this see my article on an air balloon ride here.

Day 4: Disembark and explore the East Bank of Luxor

The East bank is closer to where your Nile cruise is docked up and, on our tour, we explored these after we checked out of the ship;

• Luxor Temple – an incredible temple which is right in the city centre, this was a five minute walk from our cruise dock. This is a must see and you can even visit to see it lit up it in the night time. For more amazing things to do in Luxor at night see here.
• Karnak Temple – a little further afield but far larger and more impressive. This is where the famous 100 meter high pillar apostle hall is located. I have to admit, I saw this alone at sunrise and in a group and much preferred it at alone at sunrise. It’s too busy in the day. There is also a sound and light show here in the evening.

Read my ultimate 3 day Luxor itinerary here !

Is WiFi included on board the MS Mayfair?

If you’re worried about keeping in contact back home, then don’t fret.

The MS Mayfair has free WiFi for passengers on board. But, it only really works in public areas. Luckily, there are super comfy sofas to chill out on while you surf the web!

It’s not the fastest, so, skyping can be a challenge! If you did want 24/7 fast Wifi I would opt for buying a data SIM card at the airport for your phone before you board.

Tipping while on board the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise

Instead of tipping each crew member individually per day, tips are usually paid at the end of your cruise when you check out.

You can pay this in cash in either dollars or Egyptian pounds. Or, add it onto your final bill when you pay for your drinks and extras you bought on board.

Crew ship fees are different from porter fees. So, you can pay a tip to the nice guys who help you with your luggage when you get here or before you leave.

As cruise ships aren’t as full as they used to be, I gave a little more than expected. These guys do an amazing job and probably made a lot more before tourism went down so dig deep!

How much is a MS Mayfair cruise?

Ah, the all mighty question. Well, all in all, my Nile Cruise cost me around £700 for a single cabin with Memphis Tours. This was the cheapest I could find it.

This does sound like a lot but if you break it down by day;

• 3 nights/4 days of 5* accommodation
• 3 buffet, quality meals per day
• Afternoon snacks included
• Free water at all times
• All tourist attraction tickets paid for
• All transport paid for

So, per day that works out at £175 a day  for all that which I think is a steal! Not to mention that all the stress of organising the transport and tickets is covered. The experience was worth every penny!

A day out at the West Bank independently cost me around £60GBP without lunch if you count up the transport, attractions, water and food so it’s good value.

Dates are cheaper in the offseason. To check rates and dates available for the MS Mayfair see here.

Nile Cruise for a solo traveller

As I was travelling solo, I was a little worried that I would have to share my cabin, tables and that people weren’t going to be friendly. Or worse, I wasn’t going to talk to anyone at all.

But I shouldn’t have worried, doing it with a tour group was great as it meant I got to meet loads of new people. Plus, the tour guide Eid was really friendly.

He was a qualified Egyptologist and great to ask questions. He also checked if I was okay as I was alone and took photos for me!

You will pay more as a solo cabin user. I think they usually charge per person that’s why. But, I got my own spacious cabin, my own dining table and there was enough space on the ship if I wanted alone time.

Sailing onboard the MS Mayfair is a 5* luxury experience at an affordable cost

The MS Mayfair was such a dream to cruise up the Nile with. From the moment I arrived at the moment, I checked out it was a luxury experience.

In the mornings I woke up to a nutritious breakfast and views to die for. After every sightseeing day, we would receive cold towels and a refreshing drink.

In the afternoons we’d enjoy lunch and then tea and cake. In the evenings there was a delectable dinner and things to entertain you.

All the meals were incredible, the staff waited on you hand and foot, the cabins were high quality and I will cherish the memories of seeing the ancient temples from my cabin onboard forever.

If you’re looking for a luxury Nile cruise at an affordable rate, MS Mayfair is at your service! You really won’t regret a holiday on the Nile with them, don’t miss out.

I was not sponsored by MS Mayfair to write this post. I just had a really good experience and wanted to share! All opinions and photos are my own

Read more of my Egypt articles

My perfect 2 week Egypt Itinerary

My top travel tips for Egypt

The perfect Egypt packing list

The most Instagrammable places in Egypt

My guide to the Valley of the Kings

Things to do in Luxor

Things to do in Aswan

Top places to visit in Luxor at night

The perfect guide for Abu Simbel

My survival guide for the pyramids

Top things to do in Cairo

Why you NEED to visit Alexandria

Top tips for riding a hot air balloon in Luxor

Save this MS Mayfair Nile Cruise Review for later!

Tuesday 14th of March 2023

Hi there, I love your articles on Egypt! We're planning a trip there in July. I wanted to as you regarding the MS Mayfair... if I go to their website, the cruise is about $1,620.00. If I go to Viator there are other cruises for about $450 with Imperial Cruises (drinks, water and entrance fees are excluded). Do you think it was worth the extra $1,000 approximately for this? I'm travelling with my two teens so am trying to figure this out :-) Thank you

Sophie Pearce

Friday 7th of April 2023

Hi, Sam sorry for the late reply and thanks for reading. This really depends on your budget and what you'd like to get out of the experience. I splashed out as it was my first cruise and I wanted to make sure the facilities/food were of a good standard. There are much cheaper cruises out there but I would do your research with reviews and see if there are any common themes of food poisoning, sickness and bad rooms before you commit! Thanks, Sophie x

Sunday 26th of February 2023

love your blog and this article is very informative thank you! We are two people also going on MS Mayfair Nile cruise but we are experiencing the tour company asking us for a 50% down payment in advance to pay through their website. Is this normal? Did you also pay a deposit?

Hi Nadine, I’m pretty sure I did put a deposit down but I don’t remember it being 50%. But, it is definitely normal to put a deposit down. Have a lovely time! It’s such a beautiful cruise. Thanks, Sophie x

Tuesday 31st of January 2023

We’ll be going to Egypt and doing a Nile cruise, pretty much along the lines of yours. Just writing to commend you on the practical information - distance of sights from docks, where are the loos at the Pyramids, etc - really what one needs to know.

Thursday 16th of February 2023

@Sophie Pearce, I just booked 2 Suites direct for early Jan 2024 on the 3 nighter from Aswan to Luxor. In their inclusions they are very explicit that all sightseeing entrance fees, transport and an English speaking guide are included.

Hi Michael, no worries at all! It can be daunting when you haven't been to Egypt before and have no idea of the practicalities beyond the pretty pictures/draw of the sites! I hope you have an amazing Nile cruise, I'm sure you'll love Egypt :) Thanks for reading, Sophie x

Saturday 10th of December 2022

Thank you for the very helpful review. I'm wondering if I need to pack my foam pad or if the bed is soft enough for my back problems.

Hi Nancy, I found the mattress quite soft and I use a memory foam mattress at home! But, if you are concerned, I'd always bring it with you. Hope this helps, Sophie x

Tuesday 22nd of November 2022

I'm trying to look into how to book the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise via Memphis Tour but I cannot find Mayfair on their website. Did I find the wrong website? Would you mind commenting the website where you booked your ticket here? Thank you in advance

Wednesday 23rd of November 2022

Hi Ly Tran, Oh that's strange. I found this link on their website https://www.memphistours.co.uk/Egypt/Egypt-Hotels-and-Nile-Cruises/Nile-Cruises-In-Egypt/ms-mayfair-nile-cruise-egypt but I'm not sure. It may be worth asking their help team? Sorry! Sophie x

• Egypt Tourism
• Egypt Hotels
• Egypt Guest House
• Egypt Holiday Homes
• Egypt Flights
• Egypt Restaurants
• Egypt Attractions
• Egypt Travel Forum
• Egypt Photos
• All Egypt Hotels
• Egypt Hotel Deals
• Last Minute Hotels in Egypt
• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday homes
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

ms mayfair nile cruise - Egypt Forum

• Africa    
• Egypt    

ms mayfair nile cruise

• India Forums
• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Holiday Rentals
• Africa forums
• Egypt forum

We are going on the mayfair in november and have a couple of questions.Is it difficult to exchange money there as they dont do it on the boat ?and do we really need evening wear for dinner or is "smart" ok ?

They donnot exchange money there but may the jewelry shop can do it for you.

So better to change it upon arrival at the airport.

Shorts are not suitable for dinner but any kind of pants is ok.

Enjoy yourself.

Hi. Heard a rumour the only place to change money is any bank.

This post has been removed at the author's request.

PS If Surreyscouse is right - hotels may have decided there is too much risk in currency exchange, or the Egyptian authorities may have taken a decision for reasons of their own - then the airport bank counters sound a good idea. That way you will have some cash from the beginning.

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity.

• Makadi water world access 14:28
• Nile Cruise Aswan to Luxor for family of 4 pax 14:15
• Bringing home souvenir that imitates antiquity 14:10
• Dentists 14:09
• taxi prices 11:05
• 12 day travel advice please? 09:55
• Activation of Vodaphone prepaid card 06:19
• Cairo Airport transfer time 05:40
• Airolo (Giza Mobile) coverage - good or poor? yesterday
• Artists yesterday
• Another airport question…sorry. yesterday
• Stiegenberger audau yesterday
• Taba / Eilat border open? yesterday
• Aswan Sculpture Park yesterday
• Expat Explore tours 3 replies
• Peregrine Tours 8 replies
• What is the best currency to take? So confused! 10 replies
• Sunny Land Tours 3 replies
• Visa Requirement for Indian Passport holder 2 replies
• Delta Tours 28 replies
• What sun cream factor? 4 replies
• Place to snorkel in Sharm El Sheikh 11 replies
• Safe to Travel to Egypt January 2013 49 replies
• Airlines: Royal Jordanian VS Egypt Air 2 replies
• Welcome to the Egypt Forum
• *** The HELP Centre***
• Boat Reviews
• Cruises - General Info.
• DIY Tripreports 2022
• DIY Travel Reports 2023
• Drones into Egypt - If you must
• Entrance Fees 2020 - NOTE - MOST have been increased!!!
• Public Transport links
• Restricted Mobility Travel
• Sound & Light shows

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

MS MAYFAIR NILE CRUISE - Nile River

• Africa    
• Egypt    
• Cairo Governorate    
• Cairo    
• Cairo - Things to Do    

MS MAYFAIR NILE CRUISE

The MS Mayfair Boat Cruise is highly recommended the service was outstanding, very luxurious with modern and clean interior setup the room was nice and clean with great views. Friendly and very welcoming staff, now the food is next level it has to be the best food ive eaten will being in Egypt hats off to the chefs i was really impressed the bread defainlty gets baked on the day as it was so fresh as well as the pastry and derserts. The tours are awesome our tour guide was friendly and really out going. The only down falls where that it stated that it had a sauna and massage service which wasn't avaliable at the time. The boat is not suited for young single men or women as it was occupied by a senior age group more for couples or families looking for a relaxing journey through the nile. Overall i give this boat a 8 out of 10 AAAAA++++++++++++

The trip from luxor to aswan was amazing. Sitting on the sun deck watching the world go by is a wonderful and relaxing way to spend the time. The boat itself is a little dated but comfortable. Food is reasonable, as a vegetarian they made something separate most days for me as the majority of vegetables were cooked in chicken stock. Two things let the boat down, lack of service on the sundeck and bar area, and cleanliness of the cabins where the guy spent too much time creating animals out of towels and not enough cleaning the bathroom. He also woke me up very early on the final morning to get back my feedback sheet. The feedback was not as positive as he'd hoped.

I recommend this boat for a wonderful cruise down the Nile - especially as it is possibly the only boat which has proper single cabins - on the main deck. Not only that but you also get a glass door that opens onto your own balcony - not a tiny, weeny port hole window that you can hardly see out of let alone open. Yes, it is a single cabin, so it is smaller than the double cabins, but there is enough room to move around and store your clothes etc. Yes, there are only two of them on the boat and both are by the staff entrance door so you can occasionally hear them entering/leaving and with the boat being restored (it was originally King Farouk's boat)the balcony door is not completely air tight - so it lets in fresh air and also sounds, smells etc of the Nile and the towns etc you pass through. But these are minor drawbacks to having your own single cabin on the main deck, with door and balcony! There is also a bathroom complete with bath and a very good shower. The captain and the crew are 100% wonderful - happy, smiling, polite, helpful. The food was plentiful - we even had one four course lunch! Sometimes we were served at table and other times we helped ourselves from the buffet. At breakfast chef cooks your omelette fresh to your specification (plus the other pastries, fruit and yogurt etc). I have cruised the Nile twice, visited the wonderful temples (Luxor, Karnack, Edfu, Esna, Kom Ombo etc) and as I enjoyed it the first time I went back a second time - the weather always seems to be sunny. My first boat was the usual kind - hence I have experienced the single cabin below the main deck with the tiny window, the sounds of engine with the constant vibration etc and so I appreciated having the main deck cabin with the balcony. and yes there is free wifi but due to being on the move it is a bit hit and miss at times.

What a little gem. Great boat - great staff - great trip -great food. Ok this is Egypt - so the there was a problem with the soft drinks until Aswan - no tonic and probably no no real coke (only diet substitute - yuk). The cabaret was probably amongst the worst ever -apart from the Whirling Dervish. And hopefully by now the masseur has left the boat never to return -the swimming pool temperature a little like who dares. - everything else was brilliant including the price. We often go to Egypt several times a year and it doesn't get much better. The boat was clean - the art of making works of art with bed clothes - mastered. The food was amongst the best I have experienced when compared to Egypt 5* tourist hotels. The tour and guides were great. Would I recommend - absolutely without hesitation.

Many thanks for your feed back and travelling with us UKeagle, we'll work on the entertainment, I'll go over and belly dance myself if i have to :-) I'm pleased that you enjoyed the other aspects of the cruise.

Just completed a 7 night cruise on the Star Goddess, an all suite boat with only 33 cabins which keeos the number down...all in all superb. Food was very good, staff fantastic. Cabin suites are very spacious for a boat and it didn't look tired or tatty like some. Great way to see the antiquities and very realxing.

My Wife and I recently returned from our Nile Cruise aboard ms Mayfair plus Cairo Extension with Discover Egypt and we really enjoyed ourselves. All the arrangements by Discover Egypt went like clockwork and we were very impressed. The ms Mayfair lived up to all our expectations and was a very comfortable boat to sail on. A floating boutique hotel really and spotlessly clean.The crew were all friendly and helpful and we felt really relaxed on board. The food was superb but perhaps too much of it! Our guide, Walid did a great job of taking us around the shoreside visits and was very supportive generally, a very nice guy who really knew his stuff. We were never left in doubt about where we should be and when. Egypt can be a bit intimidating to the occasional visitor and Walid did a great job in providing a 'security blanket' which was important in terms of enjoying our holiday. He also has an excellent sense of humour. We had previously done a similar itinerary in 2003 but this time was, if anything more enjoyable. Wanting more time on the Nile, we elected to do the full 7 days from Luxor which includes two nights in Aswan followed by the return to Luxor and flight to Cairo. Just watching the riverbank go by from the boat is endlessly fascinating and Aswan is certainly worth two days. In Cairo we were met as planned and whisked off to the Mena House hotel by Mohammed. It was well worth the extra cost as we were able to dine al fresco in the shadow of the pyramids which was a really unique experience for us and quite unforgettable. The hotel is lovely and the food in the 139 restaurant is effectively at UK pub prices which is amazing at a 5 star hotel. We did two tours, the Pyramids Sound and Light and the Pyramids and Saqquara. Sound and Light was very good although the driver took a short cut through the alleyways to avoid the traffic which was educational to say the least. I hope the guy being put up against the wall by some others who obviously had a complaint against him got away OK. It seemed like a middle east equivalent of Dickensian London and quite educational in showing how some of the people in Cairo live. Quite a contrast compared with the 5 star hotels half a mile away. We never got the full name of our guide on the Pyramids/Saqqara tour but he did an excellent job of taking us around both sites and telling us about modern day Egypt. We also had the opportunity to visit the solar boat at the Great Pyramid which we missed on our earlier visit and really enjoyed seeing. We spent our last day in Cairo just enjoying the Mena House and its wonderful pyramid views. Thoroughly recommend Discover Egypt for the faultless travel and tour arrangements. If a Nile cruise appeals then go, you will be made very welcome and be contributing to the much needed revival of tourism in the country.

• Nile River Cruise - Egypt Nile Cruise 2024/2025
• Luxor and Aswan Nile Cruises
• Ultra Deluxe Nile Cruises

MS Mayfair Nile Cruise

Description.

• Inquire Now

Experience true luxury in Egypt aboard the MS Mayfair Nile cruise sailing between Luxor and Aswan, where exceptional service is the standard on all of its 5 elegant decks. Enjoy tastefully decorated public spaces, a spacious sundeck for relaxation, and homey accommodations, all serviced by an attentive and friendly staff. Your trip on the Nile is sure to be memorable, not only for the impressive ruins that you will see but the comfort of your home along the way. Book MS Mayfair Nile Cruise from Luxor or Aswan .

Tour Details

Ms mayfair nile cruise facilities, accommodation.

• wimming pool and Jacuzzi
• Spa - steam and sauna with aromatherapy and massage
• Swimming pool bar
• Nile Avenue Restaurant
• Bel Air Lounge bar
• Library, table games and business corner
• Boutique, gift shop and hairdresser
• First-aid clinic with medical service on call
• Egyptologist
• Laundry and dry cleaning
• LCD televisions sets & satellite channels
• Tea & coffee making facilities
• In-room safe & mini bar
• In-house movie program & music system
• Individually controlled air-conditioned system
• Internet connection
• Telephones with international direct dial
• All bathrooms feature bath tubs and hair dryers
• All cabins has French balconies
• 220V Electricity
• Connected cabins are available

Other Facilities

Air condition, private bath with shower, doctor available 24 hours, ms mayfair nile cruise itinerary, 04 days / 03 nights program (every friday), day 01: aswan city tour - aswan on.

Upon arrival to Aswan , you will be met and greet by our English-speaking representative who will transfer you by private A-C van to your fabulous Nile cruise ship. Check in before 12:00 PM. At the beginning you will have your Lunch meal on board. After Lunch, you will be transferred to visit The High Dam , which has been erected by the Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1960 AD to protect Egypt from the Nile flood. After that you will enjoy sailing on the Nile by a motor boat to reach Temple of Philae , which was erected during the Graeco-Roman period and was dedicated to goddess Isis. At last you will be escorted to visit The Unfinished Obelisk , which was made out of red granite and was dedicated to god Amun Ra. After finishing your tour, you will return to your ship. At night, free at leisure on your own in Aswan. [L-D]

Meals Included:

N.B : If your arrival time to Aswan is so early, so we will start the tour direct upon arrival as the cruise check in time at 12:00 and we don't want our guest waste their time waiting at the lobby for check in.

Day 02: Kom Ombo - Edfu & ON

Breakfast will be served on board your ship. After that you will join your Egyptologist tour guide to visit one of the most wonderful temples in Egypt, Temple of Kom Ombo , where the two gods Sobek & Haroeris were worshipped for a while. Get back to your ship and enjoy your lunch on the sun deck, watching the unique landscape of the great river Nile. Afternoon, enjoy chariot riding to Temple of Horus in Edfu, which is considered to be one of the most well preserved temples in Egypt. After finishing your tour, you will be transferred back to your ship. Afternoon, you willmenjoy relaxing on board your ship. Dinner will be served on board. At night Egyptian Folkloric Show party will be operated by staff on board.

Day 03: Luxor West Bank - Luxor ON

Breakfast on the Nile cruise. After that you will start your magical tour in Thebes, the sacred land by exploring the west bank of Luxor including Valley of the Kings , which considers as the royal cemetery of the Theban kings and rulers of ancient Egypt, and the place where our Pharaohs were buried. After that, you will proceed to visit Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari. This temple is considered as one of the most wonderful examples of the Architecture in ancient Egypt, because it was totally carved inside the mountain. At the end of the tour you will visit Colossi of Memnon , which is belonging to king Amenhotep III. After that you will return to your ship to have your lunch. Afternoon, free at leisure. Dinner and overnight on the cruise.

Day 04: Check Out - Luxor East Bank

Check out after breakfast (at 08:00 AM). After that you will enjoy your tour discovering the East Bank of Luxor, including the most wonderful Karnak Temples Complex , which is considered to be the biggest complex construction in the world covering an area of a hundred. Finish your lovely tour in Temple of Luxor , built by one of the kings of the 12th dynasty & completed by the well know king Ramses II. After finishing your day tour, you will be transferred by private A-C van to your location in Luxor (where our services will be ended).

05 Days / 04 Nights Program (Every Monday)

Day 01: luxor east bank - luxor on.

Upon arrival at Luxor airport or station, our representative will transfer you to your Nile Cruise by a private A/C van. Embarkation before 12:00 PM. Afternoon, you will discover the East bank of Luxor including Karnak Temples Complex , which are the largest structures ever build in the history of the mankind. The principal building is that of god Amun Ra, since it was considered the house of god on the earth, the earlier structure date back to the middle kingdom, but there are some references which refer to the earlier buildings as old as the 3rd dynasty. Later on, you will proceed to visit Temple of Luxor , which was built by one of the kings of the 12th dynasty and completed by the well know king Ramses II. This temple was located in the heart of ancient Thebes and, like Karnak, was dedicated to the main/chief god Amun Re. After finishing your day tour, you will be transferred back to your ship for rest and refresh. At night, Egyptian folkloric show will be operated by the staff. Dinner will be served and overnight in Luxor. (L-D) N.B: If your arrival time to Luxor is so early, so we will start the tour direct upon arrival as the cruise check in time at 12:00 and we don't want our guest waste their time waiting at the lobby for check in.

Day 02: Luxor West Bank - Sail to Edfu & ON

Day 03: edfu - kom ombo - sail to aswan & on.

Breakfast on board your Nile cruise. Then your tour guide will take you in a mysterious journey to land of secrets. This guided tour of today begins by visiting one of the most wonderful temples in Egypt, Temple of Horus in Edfu, which is considered to be one of the most well preserved temples in Egypt. After that, you will revert back to your ship. Lunch will be served on board during sailing to the city of Kom Ombo.

Afternoon, you will proceed to explore Temple of Kom Ombo, where the two gods Sobek & Haroeris were worshipped for a while. Get back to your ship and enjoy your lunch.

Enjoy the sun deck, watching the unique landscape of the great river Nile. On its banks the ancient Egyptian civilization has been created and flourished.

Dinner meal will be served on board during sailing to the city of Aswan. Late evening arrive to Aswan and overnight.

Day 04: Aswan City Tour - Aswan ON

Breakfast will be served on board your ship. Later on, you will join your Egyptologist tour guide to discover the great city of Aswan, including The High Dam , which has been erected by the Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser in 1960 AD to protect Egypt from the Nile flood. After that you will enjoy sailing on the Nile River by a motor boat till reach Agilika Island, where you will visit Temple of Philae , which was erected during the Gaeco-Roman period and was dedicated to goddess Isis (mother of god Horus). Finally you will be escorted to visit one of the marvelous sightseeing in Aswan, The Unfinished Obelisk , which was made out of red granite and was dedicated to god Amun Ra. After finishing your day tour, you will get back to your ship. Lunch will be served on board. Afternoon tea will be served on board. At night free at leisure. Dinner and overnight in Aswan.

Day 05: Disembarkation from cruise - Departure to Cairo

Check out after breakfast. Then our representative will accompany you to Aswan airport - station to take your flight to Cairo (Breakfast) **

Optional Tour: Excursion to Abu Simble temples either by private coach or by domestic flight: you will be met with our English-speaking tour guide in Aswan who will transfer you by private A-C van to Abu Simbel, lies south of Aswan on the western bank of the Nile, 180 miles south of the First Cataract in what was Nubia. The site was known as Meha in ancient times and was first documented in the 18th Dynasty, when Ay and Horemheb had rock-cut chapels hewn in the hills to the south. Upon arrival, you will proceed to visit Abu Simbel Temples, which were built by the well-known king Ramses II. The biggest temple was called as the Great temple. It was built by Ramesses II and being dedicated to the famous god Rahorakhty. While the smaller temple and it was dedicated to king Ramesses II himself and his beautiful wife queen Nefertari. After finishing your day tour, you will drive back toward Aswan. Arrive Aswan and be transferred by private A-C van to your chosen hotel there for check in, rest and refresh or transfer to Aswan airport to catch your domestic flight to Cairo.

Cruise Fact Sheet:

Ms mayfair nile cruise fact sheet, what's included.

• 04 or 03 nights’ accommodation on board the MS Mayfair Nile Cruise based on FB basis.
• Meet and assist service upon arrival & departure 
• Assistance of our personnel during your stay and excursions 
• All transfers by a modern air-conditioned deluxe vehicle private
• All Nile Cruise excursions as mentioned in the itinerary private
• Entrance fees to all sights in and between Luxor and Aswan
• English-speaking tour guide during your excursions on the Cruise (group size is 1 - 8 maximum)
• Complementary 01 bottle of water per day per person
• All transfers by A-C vehicles with qualified driver (s).
• All service charges and taxes

Not Included

• Any Extra meals and beverages.
• All personal expenses like laundry etc.
• Tipping to Guide, Driver, etc.
• Any Optional tours may require.

MS Mayfair Nile Cruise Prices:

3 nights 4 days may to august from : $ 851, triple cabin.

per adult in a triple share cabin

Double Cabin

per adult in a double share cabin

Single Cabin

per adult in a single share cabin

3 Nights 4 Days September to April From : $ 1426

4 nights 5 days may to august from : $ 1050, 4 nights 5 days september to april from : $ 1800.

Prices Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person per trip except during Christmas, New Year & Easter holidays.

Children Policy 0 - 02.99 Free of Charge 3 - 11.99 pay 50% of tour price 12+ pay full tour price as per adult person.

Notes : - Child pricing applies to children who share rooms with their parents (Max 1 Children in one Room)

- A supplement of 10% is to be added to the above-mentioned rates for connected cabins.

- A supplement of 20% is to be added to the above-mentioned rates for cabins with balconies. (Upper First 3rd Deck)

- A supplement of 30% is to be added to the above-mentioned rates for executive cabins.

- A supplement of 40% is to be added to the above-mentioned rates for Executive cabins with balconies - For suites, a supplement of 80% is to be added to the price of a double cabin on the basis of occupancy by two persons minimum

Essential trip information

“Want an in-depth insight into our trips? Essential Trip Information provides detailed information about all of that is linked to our itineraries, visa info, what is mainly included & excluded, the most important info regarding your transfers & accommodation with us, and almost everything you need to know about the amazing adventures we arrange”.

Enquiry Form

Why book with us.

• No-hassle best price guarantee
• Customer care available 24/7
• Hand-picked Tours & Activities

Get a Question?

Do not hesitate to give us a call. We are an expert team and we are happy to talk to you.

• +1 (917) 267-8628
• [email protected]

Why travel with Luxor and Aswan Travel?

100% tailor made.

Your entire vacation is designed around your requirements

Explore your interests at your own speed

Select your preferred style of accommodations

Create the perfect trip with the help of our specialists

Expert knowledge

All our specialists have traveled extensively or lived in their specialist regions, We're with you every step of the way

The same specialist will handle your trip from start to finish

Make the most of your time and budget

The best guides

Make the difference between a good trip and an outstanding one

Our leaders will be there to ensure your safety and wellbeing is the number one priority.

Offering more than just dates and names, they strive to offer real insight into their country

Fully protected

24/7 emergency support while abroad

Secure Payment Use your debit card or credit card. Your transactions are protected by 3D Secure and SecureCode.

Our travel experts are on hand to help!

Get in touch.

Luxor and Aswan Travel best travel agency in Egypt specialized in providing professional advice on planning Travel Packages, Nile Cruises and Day Tours.

• Mohamed Sharkawy-Hilton St., Al Karnak, Luxor, Egypt
• +201004880015

Destinations

• African Safari
• About Luxor and Aswan Travel
• Why Luxor and Aswan Travel
• Terms and Conditions
• Privacy Policy
• Travel Tips

Tripadvisor 2023 Travelers' Choice Award

© 2023 Copyright to Luxor and Aswan Travel

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Holiday Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travellers' Choice
• Help Centre

MS MAYFAIR NILE CRUISE - Nile River

• Africa    
• Egypt    
• Cairo Governorate    
• Cairo    
• Cairo - Things to Do    

MS MAYFAIR NILE CRUISE

The MS Mayfair Boat Cruise is highly recommended the service was outstanding, very luxurious with modern and clean interior setup the room was nice and clean with great views. Friendly and very welcoming staff, now the food is next level it has to be the best food ive eaten will being in Egypt hats off to the chefs i was really impressed the bread defainlty gets baked on the day as it was so fresh as well as the pastry and derserts. The tours are awesome our tour guide was friendly and really out going. The only down falls where that it stated that it had a sauna and massage service which wasn't avaliable at the time. The boat is not suited for young single men or women as it was occupied by a senior age group more for couples or families looking for a relaxing journey through the nile. Overall i give this boat a 8 out of 10 AAAAA++++++++++++

The trip from luxor to aswan was amazing. Sitting on the sun deck watching the world go by is a wonderful and relaxing way to spend the time. The boat itself is a little dated but comfortable. Food is reasonable, as a vegetarian they made something separate most days for me as the majority of vegetables were cooked in chicken stock. Two things let the boat down, lack of service on the sundeck and bar area, and cleanliness of the cabins where the guy spent too much time creating animals out of towels and not enough cleaning the bathroom. He also woke me up very early on the final morning to get back my feedback sheet. The feedback was not as positive as he'd hoped.

I recommend this boat for a wonderful cruise down the Nile - especially as it is possibly the only boat which has proper single cabins - on the main deck. Not only that but you also get a glass door that opens onto your own balcony - not a tiny, weeny port hole window that you can hardly see out of let alone open. Yes, it is a single cabin, so it is smaller than the double cabins, but there is enough room to move around and store your clothes etc. Yes, there are only two of them on the boat and both are by the staff entrance door so you can occasionally hear them entering/leaving and with the boat being restored (it was originally King Farouk's boat)the balcony door is not completely air tight - so it lets in fresh air and also sounds, smells etc of the Nile and the towns etc you pass through. But these are minor drawbacks to having your own single cabin on the main deck, with door and balcony! There is also a bathroom complete with bath and a very good shower. The captain and the crew are 100% wonderful - happy, smiling, polite, helpful. The food was plentiful - we even had one four course lunch! Sometimes we were served at table and other times we helped ourselves from the buffet. At breakfast chef cooks your omelette fresh to your specification (plus the other pastries, fruit and yogurt etc). I have cruised the Nile twice, visited the wonderful temples (Luxor, Karnack, Edfu, Esna, Kom Ombo etc) and as I enjoyed it the first time I went back a second time - the weather always seems to be sunny. My first boat was the usual kind - hence I have experienced the single cabin below the main deck with the tiny window, the sounds of engine with the constant vibration etc and so I appreciated having the main deck cabin with the balcony. and yes there is free wifi but due to being on the move it is a bit hit and miss at times.

What a little gem. Great boat - great staff - great trip -great food. Ok this is Egypt - so the there was a problem with the soft drinks until Aswan - no tonic and probably no no real coke (only diet substitute - yuk). The cabaret was probably amongst the worst ever -apart from the Whirling Dervish. And hopefully by now the masseur has left the boat never to return -the swimming pool temperature a little like who dares. - everything else was brilliant including the price. We often go to Egypt several times a year and it doesn't get much better. The boat was clean - the art of making works of art with bed clothes - mastered. The food was amongst the best I have experienced when compared to Egypt 5* tourist hotels. The tour and guides were great. Would I recommend - absolutely without hesitation.

Many thanks for your feed back and travelling with us UKeagle, we'll work on the entertainment, I'll go over and belly dance myself if i have to :-) I'm pleased that you enjoyed the other aspects of the cruise.

Just completed a 7 night cruise on the Star Goddess, an all suite boat with only 33 cabins which keeos the number down...all in all superb. Food was very good, staff fantastic. Cabin suites are very spacious for a boat and it didn't look tired or tatty like some. Great way to see the antiquities and very realxing.

My Wife and I recently returned from our Nile Cruise aboard ms Mayfair plus Cairo Extension with Discover Egypt and we really enjoyed ourselves. All the arrangements by Discover Egypt went like clockwork and we were very impressed. The ms Mayfair lived up to all our expectations and was a very comfortable boat to sail on. A floating boutique hotel really and spotlessly clean.The crew were all friendly and helpful and we felt really relaxed on board. The food was superb but perhaps too much of it! Our guide, Walid did a great job of taking us around the shoreside visits and was very supportive generally, a very nice guy who really knew his stuff. We were never left in doubt about where we should be and when. Egypt can be a bit intimidating to the occasional visitor and Walid did a great job in providing a 'security blanket' which was important in terms of enjoying our holiday. He also has an excellent sense of humour. We had previously done a similar itinerary in 2003 but this time was, if anything more enjoyable. Wanting more time on the Nile, we elected to do the full 7 days from Luxor which includes two nights in Aswan followed by the return to Luxor and flight to Cairo. Just watching the riverbank go by from the boat is endlessly fascinating and Aswan is certainly worth two days. In Cairo we were met as planned and whisked off to the Mena House hotel by Mohammed. It was well worth the extra cost as we were able to dine al fresco in the shadow of the pyramids which was a really unique experience for us and quite unforgettable. The hotel is lovely and the food in the 139 restaurant is effectively at UK pub prices which is amazing at a 5 star hotel. We did two tours, the Pyramids Sound and Light and the Pyramids and Saqquara. Sound and Light was very good although the driver took a short cut through the alleyways to avoid the traffic which was educational to say the least. I hope the guy being put up against the wall by some others who obviously had a complaint against him got away OK. It seemed like a middle east equivalent of Dickensian London and quite educational in showing how some of the people in Cairo live. Quite a contrast compared with the 5 star hotels half a mile away. We never got the full name of our guide on the Pyramids/Saqqara tour but he did an excellent job of taking us around both sites and telling us about modern day Egypt. We also had the opportunity to visit the solar boat at the Great Pyramid which we missed on our earlier visit and really enjoyed seeing. We spent our last day in Cairo just enjoying the Mena House and its wonderful pyramid views. Thoroughly recommend Discover Egypt for the faultless travel and tour arrangements. If a Nile cruise appeals then go, you will be made very welcome and be contributing to the much needed revival of tourism in the country.