Meroe Dahabiya offers a peaceful six-day Nile journey from Esna to Aswan aboard an intimate sailing vessel operated by Nour El Nil. With only ten rooms, Meroe combines traditional Dahabiya character with spacious accommodation and a relaxed small-group atmosphere.
This 6-day, 5-night Meroe Dahabiya Nile cruise visits Esna, El Kab, Edfu, Gebel El-Silsila and Kom Ombo before arriving in Aswan. The journey also includes relaxed sailing, island moorings and time to enjoy the quieter landscapes of the Nile.
Meroe Dahabiya at a Glance
| Duration | 6 days and 5 nights |
| Route | Esna to Aswan |
| Embarkation | Esna, approximately 53 kilometres south of Luxor |
| Accommodation | 2 Panoramic Suites and 8 Luxury Rooms |
| Maximum capacity | Approximately 20 guests |
| Sailing distance | Approximately 250 kilometres |
| Meal plan | Full board with snacks and non-alcoholic beverages |
| Displayed starting price | From $2,799 per person based on two guests sharing |
About Meroe Dahabiya
Meroe is designed for travelers who want more time on the Nile and fewer of the crowds associated with conventional cruise ships. Its limited guest capacity creates a personal environment where guests can relax on deck, enjoy meals together and watch the river landscape at an unhurried pace.
The vessel was built in 2017 and combines traditional Dahabiya design with modern onboard facilities. Published features include continuous air conditioning and fans, updated bathrooms and solar-powered electricity.
Unlike larger vessels that concentrate mainly on the best-known temples, the Meroe itinerary includes smaller archaeological locations and quieter river stops. Planned visits include El Kab and Gebel El-Silsila in addition to Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Sailing times and mooring locations remain subject to wind, Nile navigation rules and local operating conditions.
Meroe Cabins and Suites
Meroe has ten accommodations divided between Panoramic Suites and Luxury Rooms. Each room accommodates one or two guests.
Panoramic Suites
The two Panoramic Suites measure approximately 25.25 square metres and contain one king-size bed. Their larger windows provide extensive Nile views and additional space for relaxing between excursions.
Luxury Rooms
The eight Luxury Rooms measure approximately 15.50 square metres. They can be arranged with either two twin beds or one king-size bed, subject to availability and advance confirmation.
When requesting availability, specify your preferred room category, bedding arrangement and whether you require single or double occupancy.
Facilities and Life Onboard
The Meroe onboard experience is intentionally quiet and informal. Guests can spend sailing periods reading, taking photographs, dining on deck or watching villages, farmland and desert scenery pass beside the vessel.
Published features and services include:
- Spacious open sun deck.
- Indoor and outdoor areas for dining and relaxation.
- Panoramic Suites and Luxury Rooms.
- Twenty-four-hour air conditioning and fans.
- Updated bathroom facilities.
- Solar-powered electricity.
- Full-board meals and snacks.
- Non-alcoholic beverages during the cruise.
- Onboard crew and guided cultural visits.
Internet access is not guaranteed while sailing. Travelers should expect periods with limited mobile coverage and use the journey as an opportunity to disconnect and enjoy the Nile.
Meroe Dahabiya Route
The cruise begins in Esna, south of Luxor. The confirmed package normally includes transportation from your Luxor hotel to the embarkation point.
After exploring Esna, Meroe sails south towards El Kab and Edfu. The journey continues through quiet Nile landscapes to Gebel El-Silsila, an important ancient sandstone-quarry area that large cruise ships generally cannot include as a regular stop.
The final section visits Kom Ombo Temple and the nearby Crocodile Museum before reaching Aswan. Disembarkation takes place after breakfast on the sixth day, followed by the included transfer to your Aswan hotel.
Review the complete daily itinerary below for the planned visits and sailing program.
Meroe Dahabiya Price
The displayed starting price is $2,799 per person, calculated on the basis of two guests sharing a room. It is a guide price rather than a guaranteed rate for every departure.
The Meroe operator publishes its rates in euros per room. Therefore, the final price in US dollars can change according to:
- The current supplier rate and currency exchange rate.
- Selected travel dates and season.
- Panoramic Suite or Luxury Room accommodation.
- Single or double occupancy.
- Number and ages of travelers.
- High-season and holiday departures.
- Additional hotels, transfers or excursions.
Request a current written quotation before booking non-refundable flights or accommodation.
What Makes the Meroe Cruise Different?
- Only ten rooms for an intimate Nile experience.
- Six-day route from Esna to Aswan.
- Two spacious Panoramic Suites.
- Visits to El Kab and Gebel El-Silsila.
- A full day focused on relaxed Nile sailing.
- Island and quiet riverbank moorings.
- Full-board meals, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Transfers from a Luxor hotel and to an Aswan hotel.
- Entrance fees and guided sightseeing in the confirmed program.
Meroe is particularly suitable for couples, photographers, cultural travelers and small groups who value atmosphere and slow travel over extensive entertainment facilities.
Important Booking Information
- Meroe operates on selected scheduled departure dates.
- The displayed price is a starting guide rate.
- Availability must be confirmed for your chosen room category.
- The cruise embarks in Esna rather than central Luxor.
- The normal package includes a transfer from a Luxor hotel to Esna.
- Airport transfers are not included unless added to your quotation.
- The itinerary can change because of navigation or local conditions.
- Travelers with mobility requirements should request accessibility information before booking.
Provide your preferred dates, nationality, number of travelers and room category when requesting availability. We will confirm the sailing date and prepare an updated quotation.
Compare Meroe with the shorter Merit II Dahabiya cruise or the longer Sonesta Dahabeya Amirat cruise. You can also explore all our Dahabiya Nile cruises in Egypt.