MS Alma Nile Cruise 2026 — Honest Review, Itinerary & Prices

MS Alma Nile Cruise 2026 — Honest Review, Itinerary & Prices

$ 519
Per Person
  • Schedule: Every Saturday from Luxor (4 nights / 5 days) · Every Wednesday from Aswan (3 nights / 4 days)
MS Alma Nile Cruise 2026 — budget 5-star cruise ship with private balcony cabins sailing Luxor to Aswan Egypt
MS Alma Nile Cruise private balcony cabin — outdoor balcony with Nile views, budget 5-star Egypt 2026
MS Alma Nile Cruise restaurant — full board dining with Egyptian and international buffet cuisine

Overview

MS Alma at a Glance:  Budget 5-Star · Part of Planet Nile Cruises fleet · From $549 per person double (3 nights) · Private balcony cabins · Full board · Pool · Lounge bar · Evening entertainment · Enquire now →

Bottom line: The MS Alma stands out in the budget 5-star category for one important reason: private balcony cabins at budget prices. Most budget Nile cruise ships offer panoramic fixed windows. The Alma offers balconies — meaning you can step outside from your cabin at sunset and watch the Nile Valley cliffs change colour as the ship sails south. Combined with a strong entertainment programme, lively onboard atmosphere, and the Planet Nile Cruises operational standard, the Alma is the right choice for travellers who want genuine Nile character with the budget price point.

Quick Facts — MS Alma Nile Cruise

Cruise Category Budget 5-Star Nile Cruise — Planet Nile Cruises fleet
Route Luxor → Aswan  |  Aswan → Luxor
Duration Options 4 nights / 5 days (from Luxor)  |  3 nights / 4 days (from Aswan)
Departure Days Every Saturday from Luxor  ·  Every Wednesday from Aswan
Price from $549 per person double  |  Triple from $519 pp  |  Single $799 pp
Cabin Standout Private balcony on all cabin types — rare in the budget category
Total Cabins 60 cabins — Royal Suites, Double and Twin cabin types
Board Basis Full board — breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
Evening Entertainment Belly dancing · Nubian show · Galabeya party · Cocktail evenings · Sundeck tea
Operator Planet Nile Cruises fleet
Best For Travellers wanting a balcony at budget price · Social atmosphere · First-time Nile cruise · Couples and small groups

Is the MS Alma Worth It?

Yes — especially if a private balcony matters to you. The Alma is genuinely distinctive in the budget category because of its private balconies across all cabin types. Watching the Nile Valley at sunset from your own outdoor space, with a drink in hand, costs considerably more on classic or luxury ships. The Alma gives you that experience at budget pricing. The evening entertainment programme — Nubian shows, belly dancing, Galabeya parties — also creates a lively social atmosphere that many travellers find adds significantly to the Nile cruise experience.

Honest note — when to consider a different ship:

The MS Alma is an active, social ship with a lively onboard atmosphere. If you prefer a quieter, more intimate experience, our Classic Nile Cruise range from $680 pp or a private Dahabiya sailing from $900 pp will suit you better. Ask us and we will match you to the right ship.

Cabins — MS Alma Nile Cruise

Cabin Type Beds Features
Twin Cabin Twin beds Private balcony · Nile views · AC · TV · Hairdryer · Safe box · Modern en-suite bathroom · Free Wi-Fi
Double Cabin Double bed Private balcony · Nile views · AC · TV · Hairdryer · Safe box · Modern en-suite bathroom · Free Wi-Fi
Royal Suite King-size bed Private balcony · Panoramic Nile views · Larger living area · AC · TV · Hairdryer · Safe box · En-suite bathroom · Free Wi-Fi

Sites Visited — MS Alma

Area Sites visited with private Egyptologist guide
Luxor East Bank Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple
Luxor West Bank Valley of the Kings (3 tombs) · Temple of Queen Hatshepsut · Colossi of Memnon
Nile Stops Edfu Temple — best-preserved temple in Egypt · Kom Ombo Temple & Crocodile Museum
Aswan Philae Temple by motorboat · Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Botanical Garden

MS Alma Prices 2026

Rates in USD per person. EUR and GBP accepted. Prices may vary Christmas, New Year and Easter. Rate fixed once confirmed.

Programme Double (pp) Triple (pp) Single (pp) Departure
3 Nights — Ex Aswan $549 $519 $799 Every Wednesday
4 Nights — Ex Luxor $549 $519 $799 Every Saturday

Frequently Asked Questions — MS Alma

What makes the MS Alma different from other budget cruises?

The MS Alma is the only budget 5-star ship in our fleet to offer private balcony cabins across all cabin categories. Most budget cruise ships have fixed panoramic windows. The Alma's balconies allow you to step outside from your cabin directly — watching the Nile sunset from your own outdoor space is a genuinely different experience. The active evening entertainment programme (Nubian shows, belly dancing, Galabeya parties) also gives the Alma a distinctively social atmosphere.

Is the MS Alma part of Planet Nile Cruises?

Yes. The MS Alma is proudly part of the Planet Nile Cruises fleet — the same operator behind the MS Nile Treasure. Planet Nile Cruises is a well-established Egypt Nile cruise operator with strong operational standards and experience. Best Nile Cruises books through Planet Nile Cruises and adds our private licensed Egyptologist guide and private transfer service for every Best Nile Cruises client.

Should I choose the MS Alma or the MS Nile Treasure?

Both are Planet Nile Cruises ships in the budget 5-star category and depart on the same days (Saturday ex Luxor / Wednesday ex Aswan). The key difference: the Alma has private balcony cabins — the Nile Treasure has fixed panoramic windows. The Alma also has more active evening entertainment. The Nile Treasure starts slightly cheaper ($499 double vs $549 double). If outdoor cabin access matters to you, choose the Alma. If maximum value matters, the Nile Treasure is the better price point. Ask us which suits your group best.

Can I combine the MS Alma with Cairo and Abu Simbel?

Yes. The most popular booking combines 2–3 nights in Cairo (Pyramids, Grand Egyptian Museum) with a 4-night MS Alma sailing, finishing in Aswan for an Abu Simbel day trip the next morning. See our Cairo & Nile Cruise packages or contact us to build the right combination.

Book the MS Alma — Response Within 24 Hours

Tell us your dates, group size and preferred direction. We confirm availability and your fixed rate immediately.

Enquire About the MS Alma →

MS Alma Nile Cruise · Planet Nile Cruises fleet · Booked through Best Nile Cruises · Compare cruise types · Compare with Nile Treasure · Last updated June 2026

Itinerary

4 Days - Aswan / Luxor Every Friday

Day 01: Aswan — Embarkation and Temples

Arrive at Aswan airport or train station. Your private guide meets you and transfers you to the cruise ship for embarkation. After settling in and having lunch on board, begin exploring Aswan. Visit Philae Temple — the island temple of the goddess Isis, reached by a short motorboat ride. One of the most beautifully situated monuments in Egypt, Philae was relocated stone-by-stone during the UNESCO Nubia Rescue Campaign of the 1970s. Visit the Aswan High Dam — one of the world's largest embankment dams, built in the 1970s and transforming Egypt's agriculture and electricity supply. Visit the Unfinished Obelisk — still lying in the granite quarry, showing exactly how ancient Egyptians carved 1,000-tonne monoliths from solid rock. Optional: Abu Simbel day trip can be arranged for this afternoon (+$180 pp — must be pre-booked). Welcome dinner on board. The ship sails north overnight toward Kom Ombo. Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: Kom Ombo and Temple of Edfu

Morning: visit Kom Ombo Temple — the unique double temple built simultaneously for two gods: the crocodile god Sobek (fertility and military power) and the falcon god Haroeris. The adjacent Crocodile Museum displays over 300 mummified crocodiles recovered from the area. The temple walls contain rare medical instruments carved in relief — evidence of ancient Egyptian surgery. The ship continues north. Afternoon: visit the Temple of Edfu — dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this is the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt. Its towering entrance pylons, inner halls and sanctuary have survived almost intact for over 2,000 years. Hieroglyphic texts on the walls describe the eternal battle between Horus and Seth. Nubian show and Galabeya party on board in the evening — guests are invited to dress in traditional Egyptian galabeya robes. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Luxor West Bank

Optional: hot air balloon over the West Bank at sunrise — one of Egypt's most breathtaking experiences, floating above the Valley of the Kings as the sun rises over the Nile (+$120 pp, must be pre-booked). Visit the Valley of the Kings — the ancient royal necropolis where pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried for over 500 years. Choose 3 tombs from 65 available, including those of Ramesses II, Seti I and Merenptah. The Tomb of Tutankhamun requires a separate ticket (+$25 pp). Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari — carved into the cliff face in three colonnaded terraces, dedicated to Egypt's most powerful female pharaoh. Visit the Colossi of Memnon — two 18-metre quartzite statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have guarded the entrance to his mortuary temple for 3,400 years. Afternoon: Karnak Temple — the largest ancient religious complex ever built, covering 100 hectares. Walk through the Great Hypostyle Hall with its 134 massive columns, the Sacred Lake and the Avenue of Sphinxes. Farewell dinner on board. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Luxor Temple and Disembarkation

Morning: visit Luxor Temple — built on the east bank of the Nile by Amenhotep III and completed by Ramesses II. The temple is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night. Its entrance features a remaining obelisk (the twin stands in the Place de la Concorde in Paris), colossal statues of Ramesses II and a Roman chapel built inside the ancient walls. Breakfast on board. Disembark after the Luxor Temple visit. Your guide transfers you to Luxor airport or train station. Optional extension: fly to Cairo for the Pyramids and Grand Egyptian Museum, or add 3 nights at the Red Sea. Meals: Breakfast

5 Days - Luxor / Aswan Every Monday

Day 01: Luxor — Embarkation and East Bank Temples

Arrive at Luxor airport or train station. Private transfer to the cruise ship for embarkation. Settle into your cabin and have lunch on board.

Afternoon: visit Karnak Temple — the largest ancient religious complex ever built, covering 100 hectares. Highlights include the Great Hypostyle Hall (134 massive columns, some 21 metres tall), the Sacred Lake, the Avenue of Ram-headed Sphinxes and the sanctuary of Amun Ra built over 2,000 years by successive pharaohs from the Middle Kingdom to the Ptolemaic period.

Evening: visit Luxor Temple — built by Amenhotep III and Ramesses II on the east bank. Spectacular when illuminated after dark. The entrance obelisk, colossal statues and inner colonnade are among the finest surviving examples of New Kingdom architecture.

Welcome dinner on board. The ship sails south overnight.

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: Luxor West Bank — Valley of the Kings

Optional: hot air balloon at sunrise over the Valley of the Kings (+$120 pp — must be pre-booked the evening before).

Visit the Valley of the Kings — the royal necropolis of the New Kingdom pharaohs. Choose 3 tombs from 65 available. The walls are covered in detailed paintings from the Book of the Dead guiding the pharaoh through the underworld. Tomb of Tutankhamun requires a separate ticket (+$25 pp).

Visit the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari — three colonnaded terraces carved into the cliff face, one of the most elegant temples in Egypt.

Visit the Colossi of Memnon — two 18-metre quartzite statues that once marked the entrance to the largest mortuary temple ever built in Egypt.

Afternoon: sail south through the Esna Lock. Nubian show on board in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples

Morning: visit the Temple of Edfu — dedicated to the falcon god Horus, this is the best-preserved ancient temple in Egypt. Its towering pylons, colonnaded halls and intact sanctuary have survived over 2,000 years. The walls are covered in hieroglyphic texts describing the Myth of Horus and the eternal battle between good and evil.

Sail south to Kom Ombo. Afternoon: visit Kom Ombo Temple — the unique double temple dedicated simultaneously to Sobek (crocodile god of fertility) and Haroeris (the elder Horus). The symmetrical design means every hall, column and sanctuary is doubled. The adjacent Crocodile Museum displays over 300 mummified crocodiles with golden death masks.

Galabeya party on board in the evening.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: Aswan — Philae Temple and High Dam

Arrive Aswan. Morning: visit Philae Temple — the island temple of the goddess Isis, reached by a short motorboat ride across the Nile. Relocated stone-by-stone to its current island during the 1970s UNESCO rescue campaign. Its columns, painted ceilings and Nilometer are among the finest in Egypt.

Visit the Aswan High Dam — completed in 1971, this 3.8-kilometre dam created Lake Nasser (the world's largest man-made lake) and transformed Egypt's agricultural and electrical capacity.

Visit the Unfinished Obelisk — still attached to the bedrock in the ancient quarry, showing clearly how ancient Egyptians shaped and separated enormous granite monoliths using wooden wedges and water.

Optional: sunset felucca ride on the Nile around Elephantine Island and Kitchener's Island (+$25 pp).

Farewell dinner on board.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Aswan — Disembarkation

Breakfast on board. Disembark after breakfast and private transfer to Aswan airport or train station.

Optional: Abu Simbel day trip from Aswan on this morning (+$180 pp — departs 4:00am, returns by 1:00pm — must be pre-booked).

Optional extension: continue with a Lake Nasser cruise to Abu Simbel, or add Cairo and the Pyramids to your trip.

Meals: Breakfast

Cruise

On-Board Facilities In Every Cabin
Restaurant — international & Egyptian full-board buffet Private balcony with Nile views
Lounge Bar Air conditioning (individual control)
Outdoor swimming pool & sun deck Modern en-suite bathroom
Evening entertainment (belly dancing, Nubian show, Galabeya party) TV · Hairdryer · Safe box
Free Wi-Fi throughout the ship Free Wi-Fi

 

Included in Cruise

  • Accommodation on the MS Alma in a private balcony cabin with Nile views
  • Full board: buffet breakfast, lunch & dinner daily
  • Private licensed Egyptologist guide in English for all shore excursions
  • Private air-conditioned vehicle for all transfers between ship and sites
  • All entrance fees: Valley of the Kings (3 tombs) · Hatshepsut Temple · Colossi of Memnon · Karnak Temple · Luxor Temple · Edfu Temple · Kom Ombo Temple · Philae Temple · Aswan High Dam · Unfinished Obelisk · Botanical Garden
  • Welcome cocktail · Complimentary toiletries · Deck towels
  • Meet & greet by Best Nile Cruises representative at Luxor or Aswan with name sign
  • Free Wi-Fi on board · Bottled water during all shore excursions
  • All service charges and local taxes

Excluded in Cruise

  • International flights to/from Egypt
  • Egypt entry visa ($25 USD — available on arrival or at visa2egypt.gov.eg)
  • Optional premium tomb entries: Tutankhamun's Tomb ($20) · Nefertari's Tomb ($120)
  • Abu Simbel day trip by flight from Aswan (available as add-on — highly recommended)
  • Hot air balloon over Luxor (available as add-on)
  • Bar drinks · Soft drinks · Alcoholic beverages · Laundry · Massage · Personal expenses
  • Gratuities for guide, driver and ship crew (optional but appreciated)

Prices

3 Night Nile Cruise From Aswan to Luxor
 Low Season (May–Sep)High Season (Oct–Apr)Peak Season (Dec–Jan)
Per Person In Triple $ 519 $ 799 $ 1039
Per Person In Double $ 549 $ 829 $ 1069
Per Person In single $ 799 $ 1169 $ 1599
4 Night Nile Cruise From Luxor to Aswan
 Low Season (May–Sep)High Season (Oct–Apr)Peak Season (Dec–Jan)
Per Person In Triple $ 589 $ 929 $ 1279
Per Person In Double $ 619 $ 949 $ 1299
Per Person In single $ 899 $ 1399 $ 1899

Notes

Cruise Prices — MS Alma Nile Cruise

Rates are in US dollars per person. Double cabin starts from $549 pp. Triple sharing from $519 pp. Single cabin $799 pp. Payment also accepted in EUR and GBP at the prevailing rate. Prices may vary during Christmas, New Year and Easter sailings. Once your MS Alma booking is confirmed with Best Nile Cruises, your rate is fixed and will not change. Note: summer prices shown. Peak season rates (October–April) may differ — contact us for current rates.

Check-In & Check-Out — MS Alma

Check-in: 12:00 PM (noon) on embarkation day  ·  Check-out: 08:00 AM on disembarkation day

Children Policy — MS Alma

  • Children under 6 years old sharing parents' cabin: free of charge
  • Children 6 to 11.99 years: 50% of the per-person double cabin rate (maximum one child per cabin)
  • Two adults + two children under 12: two cabins, charged as one double + one single rate
  • Children 12 years and over: full adult rate

Payment Policy — MS Alma

  • 25% deposit required to confirm booking
  • 50% deposit required for Christmas and New Year sailings
  • Balance payable up to one week before arrival, or in cash upon arrival in Egypt
  • Accepted currencies: USD, EUR, GBP

Additional Entry Tickets — MS Alma

Standard site entrance fees are included. Special archaeological site entries such as Tutankhamun's Tomb ($20) and Nefertari's Tomb ($120) require separate tickets. Your Egyptologist guide will advise on the day.

Overbooking Policy

In the rare event of overbooking, confirmed cabins will be transferred to an alternative vessel of the same or higher category at no additional cost. Best Nile Cruises will notify you immediately and manage the transfer.

Information accuracy: All details verified against the MS Alma operator (Planet Nile Cruises) and LiveAboard.com. Last verified: June 2026. Contact us if you notice any inaccuracy.