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 LUXOR AND EAST BANK VISIT.

• Upon arrival at the Luxor airport or your stay, guests will be greeted by our professional Nile Cruisers team and escorted by a licensed tour guide to begin sightseeing Luxor.
• During the first portion of a guided tour, guests will experience the East Bank of Luxor, including the complex of Karnak temples, the Hypostyle Hall, and Hatshepsut obelisk.
• Afterwards, guests will transfer for embarkation to the Nile Cruise vessel.
• Lunch will then be served on board with a delicious selection of vegetarian and international cuisine.
• Later, guests will have the afternoon to explore the city of Luxor at their leisure.
• In the evening, guests will embark on the second portion of their guided tour through the magnificent temple of Luxor during sunset.
• After sunset, guests will then return to the Nile Cruise.
• Dinner and overnight stay will be on board the Nile Cruise vessel in Luxor.

Day 2 : LUXOR WEST BANK, TOMB OF TUTANKHAMUN, AND SAILING TO ASWAN.

• We start Day 2 with a delicious breakfast on the Nile Cruise ship. (For the early birds, there is an opportunity for an optional Hot Air Balloon ride. Note, this optional activity is an additional cost.)
• The tour will then continue to the West Bank of Luxor and include visits to the majestic Valley of Kings and three royal tombs.
• During this once in a lifetime experience, guests will enter the tomb of King TUTANKHAMUN himself, seeing the mummy, the coffin, and his sarcophagus.
• Following that, we will visit the Hatshepsut Temple at Deir el-Bahari and the two grand colossi of Memnon.
• Guests will then return to the Nile Cruise vessel for a delicious lunch.
• After lunch we set sail towards Aswan as guests enjoy afternoon tea and beautiful views along the Nile Valley.
• Upon arrival in Esna along our journey, guests will experience our vessel crossing the lock to a higher level of water—providing the most stunning views of the Nile during your trip.
• As the day comes to a close, dinner and overnight stay will be on board the Nile Cruise vessel in Edfu.

Day 3 : KOM OMBO TEMPLE VISIT AND SAILING THE NILE TO ASWAN.

• Day 3 begins with a delicious breakfast on board the Nile Cruise vessel.
• Guests will then enjoy sailing towards Kom Ombo, taking in the beautiful views of the Nile Valley.
• Lunch will be served on board while sailing towards the day’s first stop, 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 will then return to the Nile Cruise vessel and continue sailing towards Aswan, enjoying afternoon tea on the sun deck.
• Finally, dinner and overnight stay will be on board the Nile Cruise vessel in Aswan.

Day 4 : ASWAN HIGHLIGHTS AND FELUCCA SAILING.

• Day 4 begins with another delicious breakfast on board the Nile Cruise vessel in Aswan.  (For the early birds, there is an opportunity for an optional tour of the Abu Simbel temple during this time. Note, this optional tour is an additional cost and comes with a breakfast box. The temple may also be visited on Day 5).
• Guests will then embark on a tour of Aswan, including visits to the temple of Philae, Isis Island, the Unfinished Obelisk, and the quarry of granite.
• Guests will then return to the Nile Cruise vessel for lunch.
• In the afternoon, guests will sail 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, dinner and overnight stay will be on board the Nile Cruise vessel in Aswan.

Day 5 : DEPARTURE FROM ASWAN.

• Guests will begin their final day with breakfast on board the Nile Cruise vessel in Aswan.
• They will then be assisted with disembarkation from the cruise.
• At the appropriate time, guests will be transferred to either their airport or hotel in Aswan, leaving with fond memories of their Nile Cruise experience.

*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.*