Mon - Fri 08.00 - 21:00 +201007087746

Blue Shadow IV (Ex. Royal Esadora) Nile Cruise

Blue Shadow IV (Ex. Royal Esadora) Nile Cruise

Blue Shadow IV (Ex. Royal Esadora) Nile Cruise

The Blue Shadow IV, formerly known as the Royal Esadora, is a licensed 5-star Deluxe Nile cruise that offers a sophisticated and contemporary way to experience the wonders of Ancient Egypt. Navigating the majestic waters between Luxor and Aswan, this vessel combines modern elegance with the timeless charm of the Nile. Every journey with Nile Empire on the Blue Shadow IV is curated for comfort and exclusivity. Your experience includes private guided tours led by a professional, highly knowledgeable Egyptologist guide. This ensures a personalized pace while exploring world-renowned sites, away from the crowds of large group excursions. Whether you are relaxing on the sundeck or venturing into thousand-year-old temples, the ship provides a serene and premium atmosphere. As one of the most reliable Nile cruises in the deluxe category, the Blue Shadow IV focuses on high-quality service and refined hospitality. It is an ideal choice for travelers seeking a balance of luxury and value within their Egypt travel packages. From the moment of embarkation, you will find an environment dedicated to relaxation and historical discovery.
Duration: 3 & 4 Nights
Schedule: Every Friday from Aswan & Monday from Luxor
Cruise Route: Luxor / Edfu / Kom Ombo / Aswan
Tour Style: Private Guided Tours

🛳️ Ship Profile

5 Decks
61 Total Cabins
120 Guests
57 Standard Cabins
2 Suites
2 Royal Suites
Panoramic Window Cabin View
20 Cabin Size
The Blue Shadow IV features elegantly appointed cabins equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, satellite TV, and private marble bathrooms. The ship offers a wide range of facilities including a large swimming pool, a spacious sundeck with a pool bar, and a fitness center. Guests can enjoy international and local cuisine in the main restaurant or relax in the stylish lounge bar. Evening entertainment often includes traditional Galabeya parties and belly dance performances. For those planning their journey, understanding how much cash to bring to Egypt can help when enjoying the onboard boutique or tipping the dedicated crew.

Tour Itinerary

Experience the best of Upper Egypt with our comprehensive itinerary featuring full-board accommodation and private guided tours. Your dedicated Egyptologist guide will accompany you to every monument, providing deep insights into Egyptian history. While the main temples are included, you can also enhance your journey with various optional tours available at each stop.

4 Days / 3 Nights Program

Day 1 — Arrival in Aswan & Embarkation

Upon arrival in Aswan, you will be welcomed and transferred to the Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise for embarkation and lunch onboard. The afternoon sightseeing tour begins with a visit to the famous High Dam, one of modern Egypt’s most important engineering projects controlling the Nile waters and generating electricity for large parts of the country.

Continue to the beautiful Philae Temple dedicated to the goddess Isis, located on Agilkia Island and reached by motorboat. The temple is widely known for its elegant riverside setting and detailed ancient carvings. After the tour, return to the cruise to enjoy dinner and a relaxing overnight stay in Aswan.
🍽️ Meals Included
Lunch & Dinner
⭐ Optional Excursion
Nubian Village Tour

Day 2 — Abu Simbel Option & Kom Ombo Temple

Guests may join the optional early morning excursion to Abu Simbel, one of Egypt’s most impressive ancient temple complexes built by Ramses II near Lake Nasser. The site is especially famous for its colossal statues and remarkable relocation project during the construction of the High Dam.

After returning, the cruise continues sailing north toward Kom Ombo. Upon arrival, visit the unique Kom Ombo Temple overlooking the Nile River. The temple was dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Horus the Elder, making it one of the rare double temples of ancient Egypt. Dinner and overnight onboard while sailing toward Edfu.
🍽️ Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
⭐ Optional Excursion
Abu Simbel Tour

Day 3 — Edfu Temple & Relaxing Nile Sailing

After breakfast, explore the Temple of Edfu dedicated to the falcon god Horus. The temple is considered one of the best-preserved temples in Egypt and offers remarkable insight into the religious rituals of the Ptolemaic period.

Following the visit, return to the cruise and enjoy a relaxing sailing experience toward Luxor while admiring daily life along the Nile banks. Guests can spend time on the sun deck, enjoy afternoon tea, or relax by the swimming pool while passing traditional villages, palm groves, and scenic Nile landscapes.
🍽️ Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
⭐ Optional Excursion
Karnak Sound & Light Show

Day 4 — Luxor West Bank & Disembarkation

After early breakfast and disembarkation, begin exploring Luxor’s legendary West Bank. Visit the Valley of the Kings, burial site of Egypt’s pharaohs including the famous tombs of the New Kingdom rulers carved deep into the desert mountains.

Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, an impressive mortuary temple built into the cliffs of Deir El Bahari, followed by a stop at the Colossi of Memnon. The tour then continues toward Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex ever constructed in ancient Egypt, before concluding at Luxor Temple located in the heart of the city.
🍽️ Meals Included
Breakfast
⭐ Optional Excursion
Hot Air Balloon Ride

5 Days / 4 Nights Program

Day 1 — Arrival in Luxor & Embarkation

Upon arrival in Luxor, you will be transferred to the Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise for embarkation and lunch onboard. The afternoon begins with a guided visit to Karnak Temple, a massive religious complex developed over centuries by multiple ancient Egyptian rulers.

Continue to Luxor Temple, beautifully positioned along the Nile Corniche and famous for its grand entrance statues, colossal columns, and historical connection to ancient royal ceremonies. Return to the cruise for dinner and overnight stay in Luxor.
🍽️ Meals Included
Lunch & Dinner
⭐ Optional Excursion
Karnak Sound & Light Show

Day 2 — Valley of the Kings & Sailing to Edfu

Following breakfast onboard, start the day exploring Luxor’s West Bank including the Valley of the Kings where generations of pharaohs were buried inside richly decorated tombs hidden within the Theban mountains.

Continue to the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s architectural masterpieces, before stopping at the Colossi of Memnon. After the tour, return to the cruise and begin sailing south toward Edfu while enjoying lunch, afternoon tea, and scenic Nile views throughout the journey.
🍽️ Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
⭐ Optional Excursion
Hot Air Balloon Ride

Day 3 — Edfu Temple & Kom Ombo Temple

Breakfast is served onboard before visiting the Temple of Horus in Edfu by horse carriage. This remarkably preserved temple remains one of Egypt’s finest surviving ancient sanctuaries and features impressive halls, pylons, and inscriptions.

The cruise then sails toward Kom Ombo where guests visit the unique riverside temple shared between Sobek and Horus the Elder. The temple’s symmetrical design and Nile setting make it one of the most memorable stops during the cruise journey. Continue sailing toward Aswan for dinner and overnight onboard.
🍽️ Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4 — Aswan Sightseeing & Optional Abu Simbel

After breakfast, begin the Aswan sightseeing tour with a visit to the High Dam followed by the beautiful Philae Temple located on a peaceful Nile island reached by motorboat.

Guests may also choose the optional Abu Simbel excursion to discover the massive temples of Ramses II and Queen Nefertari near the Sudanese border. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing onboard while enjoying the calm atmosphere of Aswan and the surrounding Nile scenery.
🍽️ Meals Included
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
⭐ Optional Excursion
Abu Simbel Tour

Day 5 — Disembarkation in Aswan

Breakfast is served onboard before final disembarkation in Aswan. Depending on departure schedules, guests may enjoy additional optional activities or continue toward other destinations in Egypt.
🍽️ Meals Included
Breakfast
⭐ Optional Excursion
Nubian Village

What’s Included & Excluded

Everything arranged to make your Nile cruise experience smooth and enjoyable

✅ Included

03 or 04 nights accommodation onboard the Nile cruise on a full-board basis.
Free Wi-Fi onboard may be available depending on the cruise.
Meet and assist service upon arrival and departure.
All transfers by private modern air-conditioned vehicle.
Assistance from our team during your stay and excursions.
All sightseeing tours as mentioned in the itinerary.
All governmental permits required for the trip.
All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary.
A bottle of water daily per person during tours.
Professional English-speaking Egyptologist guide.
All service charges and taxes.

❌ Not Included

Personal expenses and laundry services.
Beverages during meals or onboard the cruise.
Any services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Optional tours and activities.
Tipping for guides, drivers, and cruise staff.

Blue Shadow IV Cruise Rates

Seasonal Nile Cruise rates with private guided tours included.

3 Nights / 4 Days May to August
From: USD 699
Triple Cabin
USD $699
per adult in a triple share cabin
Double Cabin
USD $799
per adult in a double share cabin
Single Cabin
USD $1099
per adult in a single use cabin
3 Nights / 4 Days September to April
From: USD 799
Triple Cabin
USD $799
per adult in a triple share cabin
Double Cabin
USD $899
per adult in a double share cabin
Single Cabin
USD $1299
per adult in a single use cabin
4 Nights / 5 Days May to August
From: USD 799
Triple Cabin
USD $799
per adult in a triple share cabin
Double Cabin
USD $899
per adult in a double share cabin
Single Cabin
USD $1299
per adult in a single use cabin
4 Nights / 5 Days September to April
From: USD 949
Triple Cabin
USD $949
per adult in a triple share cabin
Double Cabin
USD $1099
per adult in a double share cabin
Single Cabin
USD $1549
per adult in a single use cabin

Pricing Information

Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person per trip, except during Christmas, New Year, and Easter holiday periods.

Children's Policy

0 – 5.99 years: Free of charge
6 – 11.99 years: Pay 50% of tour price
12+ years: Pay full tour price as per adult person

Note: Child rates apply to children sharing a room with their parents. Maximum one child per room.

🚢 Cruise Facilities

Wifi
Swimming Pool
Restaurant
Gift Shop
Sun Deck Views
Air Conditioning

🧳 What to Pack

Hat or Cap
Camera
Sunglasses
Medication
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Sunblock & Sunscreen
Light Cotton Clothes
Warm Clothes in Winter
Valid Passport for 6 months

Bring comfortable clothing and essentials suitable for Nile cruising, sightseeing tours, and warm daytime weather in Upper Egypt. What to Pack for a Nile Cruise.

FAQs About Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise

Are the tours during the cruise private or shared?
+

All sightseeing tours booked through Nile Empire are 100% private. You will have your own professional Egyptologist guide and private air-conditioned vehicle for all land transfers, ensuring a personalized and flexible experience at every monument.

Why should I choose the Blue Shadow IV (Ex. Royal Esadora)?
+

This ship offers a perfect blend of modern deluxe facilities and a proven track record of service excellence. As a recently rebranded vessel, it maintains high maintenance standards and provides one of the best price-to-quality ratios in the deluxe category.

Is it possible to visit Abu Simbel during this cruise?
+

Yes, Abu Simbel can be visited on the day the ship is docked in Aswan. We recommend the early morning land excursion to arrive before the heat. This is an optional tour and can be easily added to your 3-night or 4-night itinerary.

What is the difference between the 3-night and 4-night schedules?
+

Both schedules visit the same major temples between Luxor and Aswan. The 4-night itinerary from Luxor offers a more relaxed sailing pace, while the 3-night itinerary from Aswan is slightly more condensed but covers all the primary historical highlights.

Is the Blue Shadow IV suitable for families?
+

Absolutely. The ship features spacious cabins and a large swimming pool that is very popular with children. The private nature of our tours also makes it much easier for families to manage their own schedule and interests compared to large group tours.

How physically demanding are the guided tours?
+

Tours vary in intensity. Temple explorations involve walking on uneven surfaces and climbing stairs, but guides adjust pace for different fitness levels. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and sun protection. Mobility-limited guests should discuss specific sites with our team beforehand.

Reserve Your Cabin

From USD 699
Price From (Per Person)







    ⚠️ Please verify your date matches this cruise's departure schedule before submitting.







    What Our Guests Say

    Real experiences from real travelers

    M & S Krebs Google
    April 2026

    “Our experience with Nile Empire was excellent from start to finish. Soliman helped us redesign our Egypt trip on very short notice and customized everything around our schedule, including internal flights, hotels, and a Nile cruise. We loved that all sightseeing tours were private, giving us flexibility throughout the trip. The guides, drivers, and overall organization were outstanding, and we never had to worry about anything during our stay in Egypt. The Nile cruise between Aswan and Luxor was one of the highlights of our trip, and the additional tours to Abu Simbel, Dendera, and the Nubian Village made the experience even more special. We highly recommend Nile Empire for anyone looking for a reliable and professionally organized Egypt tour.”

    Priyanka Kannan Google
    March 2026

    “Our Egypt trip with Nile Empire felt like much more than just a holiday — it was a fully personalized experience from start to finish. Everything was thoughtfully customized around our preferences, making the journey feel smooth, comfortable, and genuinely special. The accommodations, transportation, and daily planning were all very well organized, and it was clear that a lot of attention went into every detail. We especially appreciated the support throughout the trip and the flexibility of the private tours. A special thank you to our Cairo driver, our wonderful guide Mariam, and to Soliman and Rami for organizing such a memorable Egypt experience.”

    Mangesh Satpute Google
    February 2026

    “We booked our Egypt trip with Nile Empire based on a recommendation, and now we are happy to recommend them ourselves. From the initial planning stage until our final day in Egypt, everything was handled with professionalism, flexibility, and genuine care. The itinerary was carefully customized around our requests, including experiences like a hot air balloon ride in Luxor and scuba diving in Hurghada. Our guides and drivers were knowledgeable, friendly, and always supportive throughout the trip. Every part of the journey felt smooth, organized, and memorable thanks to Soliman and the Nile Empire team. A fantastic choice for travelers looking for a personalized Egypt experience.”

    April 2026

    “From the moment we arrived in Egypt until the day we left, Nile Empire made every part of our journey feel special and unforgettable. The team went above and beyond to ensure we felt comfortable, safe, and genuinely cared for throughout the trip. During our 7-day Egypt tour, everything was smoothly organized between Cairo, Alexandria, Luxor, and the Nile cruise. A special thank you to Soliman and Rami for their exceptional attention to detail and for making my birthday celebration truly memorable throughout the journey. The experience felt personal, warm, and professionally managed from start to finish. We would absolutely recommend Nile Empire to anyone planning a trip to Egypt.”

    Abdelaziz TripAdvisor
    February 2026

    “We recently completed an unforgettable Egypt trip organized by Nile Empire, and the entire experience was handled with professionalism and excellent attention to detail from start to finish. The itinerary between Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor, and the Nile cruise was perfectly coordinated, with quality hotels, punctual transfers, and continuous support throughout the journey. We especially appreciated how responsive and attentive the team remained during the entire stay. Our guides in Cairo and Upper Egypt were both knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about Egyptian history, making every visit more enjoyable and meaningful. We highly recommend Nile Empire for travelers looking for a well-organized and professionally managed Egypt experience.”

    Sommerstar TripAdvisor
    November 2025

    “We had a fully organized two-week Egypt itinerary with Nile Empire, and the experience was completely faultless from start to finish. Every part of the journey was carefully arranged, and we were guided and assisted throughout the entire trip. The Egyptologist guides were excellent, informative, and professional, and everything throughout the itinerary ran smoothly and on time. Highly recommended for anyone planning a trip to Egypt.”

    Why Travel With Nile Empire?

    Enjoy a carefully planned Nile cruise experience with private guided tours, local expertise, and personalized support from start to finish.

    Tailor-Made Experiences

    Flexible cruise options for every travel style
    Luxury, deluxe & boutique cruise selections
    Private guided tours at every destination
    Optional upgrades & personalized experiences

    Local Egypt Expertise

    Egypt-based Nile cruise specialists
    Honest advice on the best cruise options
    Carefully selected cruise partners
    24/7 assistance throughout your journey

    Professional Guided Tours

    Private guided sightseeing tours
    Professional licensed Egyptologist guides
    Smooth daily schedules & organized transfers
    Comfort, safety & quality service throughout

    Secure & Trusted Booking

    Clear pricing with no hidden fees
    Secure payment options available
    Flexible support before & during travel
    Trusted by travelers visiting Egypt

    Ready to Plan Your Nile Cruise?

    Speak with our Egypt travel specialists to customize the right Nile cruise experience for your trip, budget, and travel style.

    Free Consultation 24/7 Support Best Price Guarantee
    Start Planning
    ×
    Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422915611 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422915066 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422907902 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422913041 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422914087 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422909300 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422907483 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422916513 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422913146 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422913137 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422916216 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422912458 Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise photo 1778422915086

    Share

    Blue Shadow IV Nile Cruise
    Nile Empire
    Typically replies instantly
    👋 Hi! How can I help you plan your Egypt trip?
    Now