Merit I Dahabiya – 5-Day Nile Cruise

Merit I Dahabiya offers a peaceful five-day journey from Luxor to Aswan aboard a traditionally styled Nile sailing vessel. With ten cabins accommodating approximately 20 guests, it provides an intimate alternative to a conventional Nile cruise ship while offering comfortable onboard facilities.

This 5-day, 4-night Merit I Dahabiya cruise combines guided sightseeing in Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan with relaxed sailing and overnight moorings along the Nile. Scheduled departures operate from Luxor every Saturday, subject to availability and final confirmation.

Merit I Dahabiya at a Glance

About Merit I Dahabiya

Merit I is designed for travelers who want to experience the Nile in a smaller and quieter setting. Its limited guest capacity allows for a more relaxed atmosphere than a large cruise ship, with open-deck spaces for enjoying the river landscape between sightseeing visits.

The vessel measures approximately 50 metres in length and 7.5 metres in width. Its shallow draft and traditional design are suitable for journeys along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.

The five-day program includes the principal archaeological attractions of Upper Egypt while providing time to relax onboard. Sailing times, sightseeing order and overnight mooring locations may change because of Nile navigation, weather or operational requirements.

Merit I Cabins

Merit I has ten furnished cabins measuring approximately 18 square metres. The published configuration consists of five cabins with king-size beds and five cabins with twin beds.

Published cabin facilities include:

• Individually controlled air conditioning.
• Panoramic windows overlooking the Nile.
• Private bathroom and shower.
• Hot and cold water.
• LCD satellite television.
• Mini-bar.
• Internal telephone.
• Personal safe.
• Hair dryer, mirror and slippers.
• Fire-alarm and safety equipment.

Cabin configuration remains subject to availability. Travelers requesting twin beds, a king-size bed, single occupancy or accommodation for children should provide this information when requesting a quotation.

Onboard Facilities

Merit I provides indoor and outdoor spaces for dining, reading and relaxation. During sailing periods, guests can enjoy the scenery from the sun deck or relax in the shaded public areas.

Published vessel facilities include:

• Indoor restaurant.
• Sun-deck dining area.
• Bar.
• Reading lounge.
• Open-air heated Jacuzzi.
• Sun deck with ten sunbeds.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi, subject to network coverage.
• Twenty-four-hour front-office assistance.
• Doctor available on call.
• First-aid and fire-safety equipment.

Wi-Fi speed and availability can vary while sailing. Onboard facilities and operating arrangements may also change without advance notice.

Luxor-to-Aswan Cruise Route

The journey begins in Luxor with scheduled visits to Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple. The following day includes the West Bank attractions, where the planned sightseeing program covers the Valley of the Kings, the Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon.

Merit I then sails south through Esna towards Edfu. Guests visit the Temple of Horus before continuing through the Nile countryside and mooring beside an island.

The cruise continues towards Kom Ombo for a visit to its riverside double temple. The final section proceeds to Aswan, where the planned program includes Philae Temple and the Aswan High Dam before disembarkation.

The complete daily itinerary will specify the scheduled sightseeing, meals and overnight locations. The captain may adjust sailing and mooring arrangements according to navigation conditions.

Merit I Dahabiya Price

The displayed starting price is $1,299 per person, normally based on two guests sharing a cabin. This is an indicative starting rate and should not be considered a guaranteed price for every departure.

The final quotation can vary according to:

• Travel dates and season.
• Single or double cabin occupancy.
• Number of adults and children.
• Available bed configuration.
• Holiday and special-event supplements.
• Private transfers or additional hotel accommodation.
• Optional excursions such as Abu Simbel.

Request current availability and a written quotation before purchasing non-refundable flights.

Why Choose Merit I Dahabiya?

• Only ten cabins for a small-group Nile journey.
• Five-day route from Luxor to Aswan.
• Air-conditioned cabins with private bathrooms.
• Guided visits to the principal Upper Egypt attractions.
• Relaxed sailing and island moorings.
• Indoor and sun-deck dining areas.
• Heated open-air Jacuzzi.
• Panoramic cabin windows overlooking the Nile.
• King-bed and twin-bed cabin options.

Merit I is particularly suitable for couples, friends and small groups seeking a peaceful Nile experience with more capacity than the eight-cabin Merit II.

Important Booking Information

• The cruise is scheduled to depart from Luxor every Saturday.
• Departure dates and cabin availability require confirmation.
• The displayed rate is a starting price per person.
• International and domestic flights are not included.
• Optional excursions require advance confirmation.
• Sightseeing order and mooring locations may change.
• Travelers with mobility requirements should request detailed accessibility information before booking.

Provide your preferred dates, nationality, number of travelers and cabin requirements when requesting availability. We will confirm the sailing and prepare an updated quotation.

Compare Merit I with the smaller Merit II Dahabiya cruise or explore all our Dahabiya Nile cruises in Egypt.