Sonesta Moon Goddess

General Info

Booking facts 

• All rates are based on private tours for two (2) or one (1) person. However, if you are a family or group traveling together, our tour consultant will provide a discounted price according to the number of people you book for.

Sailing schedules

• 3 Nights/4 Days (Aswan to Luxor): Departs every Friday. Check the Sonesta Moon Goddess 3-night itinerary price and Book Now
• 4 Nights/5 Days (Luxor to Aswan): Departs every Monday. Check the Sonesta Moon Goddess 4-night itinerary price and Book Now
• 7 Nights/8 Days (Aswan Roundtrip): Departs every Friday.
• 7 Nights/8 Days (Luxor Roundtrip): Departs every Monday.

Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise Ship: A Comprehensive Review and Guide

The Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise is a luxurious and elegant vessel that offers an unforgettable experience for travelers seeking to explore the majestic Nile River. With its reputation for superior service, state-of-the-art amenities, and a variety of itineraries, the Sonesta Moon Goddess stands out as one of the finest choices for a Nile cruise. This report provides an in-depth analysis of the ship, its offerings, and its suitability for various types of travelers.

The Cruise Line Sonesta

The Sonesta International Hotels Corporation, which owns and operates the Sonesta Moon Goddess, is renowned for its commitment to luxury and exceptional service. The company has a strong reputation in the hospitality and cruise industries, particularly in Egypt, where it operates several high-end Nile cruise ships.

Insider Tips That Only a Guide Would Know

1. Tip 1: Book early to secure a presidential suite, as these are in high demand.

1. Tip 2: Bring comfortable walking shoes for day excursions.

1. Tip 3: Take advantage of the Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party to meet other passengers and the crew.

Features

Sonesta Moon Goddess is a 5-star luxury Nile cruiser that offers unmatched luxury. In addition to luxurious, yet tastefully decorated, accommodations and public areas, spacious cabins with private balconies give you the chance to enjoy life with the Nile scenery when you are on board the Sonesta Moon Goddess Nile Cruise.

In-depth Description of the Ship

The Sonesta Moon Goddess is a 5-star luxury cruise ship that was built in 2000 at the Maasara Shipyard in Cairo, Egypt. Designed by Belgian interior designer Jose Vanden Bossche, the ship combines modern elegance with traditional Egyptian charm. It measures 72 meters in length and 12 meters in width and features four decks. The ship has a passenger capacity of 106 and is staffed by a crew of 50, ensuring personalized service and attention to detail.

What Differentiates This Ship from Other Similar Ships

The Sonesta Moon Goddess distinguishes itself from other Nile cruise ships through its focus on luxury and exclusivity. Key differentiators include:

1. Private Balconies: Unlike many other Nile cruise ships, every cabin on the Sonesta Moon Goddess features a private balcony, allowing passengers to enjoy uninterrupted views of the Nile.
2. Presidential Suites: The ship offers four Presidential Suites, each with a private lounge and additional space, catering to travelers seeking the utmost luxury.
3. Onboard Amenities: The ship boasts a range of high-end facilities, including a restaurant, discotheque, bars, a jogging track, a gym, nightly entertainment, a spacious sun deck with a swimming pool, and guided excursions.
4. Ultra-Luxury Rating: While the ship officially holds a 5-star rating from the Egyptian Tourism Authority, it is often considered an "Ultra Luxury" cruise by industry standards.
5. Cultural Immersion: The itineraries include guided excursions to some of Egypt's most iconic historical sites, such as the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Edfu Temple, ensuring a blend of luxury and cultural exploration.

Who Would Most Enjoy This Cruise?

The Sonesta Moon Goddess caters to a wide range of travelers, from families to solo adventurers, and is particularly well-suited for those seeking a luxurious and culturally enriching experience.

Families

The ship is family-friendly, with accommodations and amenities that cater to both adults and children.

Kids

Children under the age of 2 can travel free of charge, and those aged 2 to 12 are eligible for a 50% discount on adult rates. However, the ship allows a maximum of one child sharing a cabin with two adults, making it ideal for smaller families.

Handicapped Access

While the ship provides luxury and comfort, it is important to note that accessibility for travelers with mobility challenges may be limited due to the design of the ship and the nature of Nile excursions.

Accommodations

The ship features 49 luxurious cabins, including 4 Presidential Suites, all of which are equipped with private balconies. This makes the Sonesta Moon Goddess one of the few Nile cruise ships to offer such exclusivity. The en-suite bathrooms are fitted with full-size bathtubs, and the cabins are equipped with modern amenities such as individual climate control, direct-dial telephones, mini-bars, safety deposit boxes, and satellite televisions.

Itinerary Details

Day 1 : WELCOME TO NILE CRUISE – ASWAN TRIP – SAIL WITH SAILBOAT (FELUCCA).

• Upon arrival at the Aswan airport, or your stay, guests will be greeted by our professional Nile Cruisers team and escorted to their Nile Cruise vessel by a licensed tour guide.
• Guests will begin their tour of Aswan with a visit to the majestic Philae Temple of the goddess Isis and the Tarajan Kiosk on Isis Island.
• Next, guests will take a drive to gain unique insights into ancient Egyptian stonework and the tools they used at the Unfinished Obelisk site.
• Guests will then return for embarkation and lunch onboard the Nile Cruise in Aswan.
• In the afternoon, guests will sail along the lush green Nile on a traditional Felucca boat around the Nile Valley, a transportation first used in the 16th century. (Sailing will be subject to weather conditions).
• Finally, guests will return to the Nile Cruise for dinner and an overnight stay in Aswan.

Day 2 : NILE CRUSIER EXCURSIONS—KOM OMBO VISIT AND SAILING THE BEAUTIFUL NILE.

• Day 2 begins with a delicious breakfast on board the Nile Cruise vessel.
• Then we set sail towards the ancient temple of Kom Ombo.
• Upon arrival in Kom Ombo, guests will embark on a 10-minute walk to visit the ancient Kom Ombo temple dedicated to the gods Sobek and Haroeris, an extraordinary historical site that gives you a glimpse into the rich culture of ancient Egypt.
• Guests then return to the Nile Cruise to enjoy a delicious lunch and more beautiful scenery of the Nile Valley.
• After lunch, we continue sailing the beautiful Nile to the Esna lock.
• Upon arrival at the Esna lock, guests will experience our vessel crossing the lock to a lower level of water—providing the most stunning views of the Nile during your trip.
• Finally, we arrive in Luxor for dinner and an overnight stay on board the Nile Cruise.

Day 3 : TRIP TO WEST BANK INCLUDES TUTANKHAMUN TOMB AND EAST BANK IN LUXOR.

• Day 3 begins with a delicious breakfast on board the Nile Cruise in Luxor. (For the early birds, there is an opportunity for an optional Hot Air Balloon ride. Note, this optional activity is an additional cost.)
• Guests will then start the day’s journey to explore the West Bank of Luxor, accompanied by a knowledgeable tour guide.
• We will then visit the Valley of Kings and gain entry to three royal tombs of ancient Pharaohs of Egypt and marvel at the intricate details of the tomb of King Tutankhamun, including the mummy and sarcophagus.
• Next, guests will visit the funerary temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari.
• We conclude the tour by viewing the two Colossi of Memnon and learning about their legendary history.
• Then it’s back to the Nile Cruise for lunch on board in Luxor.
• After lunch, we depart again for a beautiful afternoon tour of the East Bank.
• We will visit the grand Karnak Temple, a complex dedicated to the famous gods of ancient Pharaohs, the temple is considered one of the oldest in the world.
• We end the day with a visit to Luxor Temple, where guests get to appreciate the beauty of ancient Egyptian art while watching the sunset.
• Finally, we return to the Nile Cruise for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 4 : DISEMBARKATION AND RETURN HOME.

• Guests will begin their final day with breakfast on board before disembarking from the Nile Cruise.
• At the appropriate time, guests will transfer to the Luxor airport for their flight home or to their stay in Luxor with sweet memories of their Egyptian adventure.

*Please note that slight changes to the itinerary may occur due to circumstances beyond our control, particularly related to navigation and sailing on the Nile.*