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The Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Nasser Cruise offers a completely different cruising experience from the classic Luxor and Aswan Nile route. Sailing across the vast waters of Lake Nasser, the journey connects Aswan and Abu Simbel through one of Egypt’s quietest and most atmospheric landscapes, where desert views, ancient Nubian monuments, and wide open water create a slower and more exclusive style of travel.
This cruise is ideal for travelers who want to go beyond the standard Nile cruise program and explore the temples of southern Egypt in greater depth. Depending on the selected sailing direction and program length, the itinerary may include important Lake Nasser sites such as Abu Simbel, Kasr Ibrim, Amada, Wadi El Seboua and Kalabsha.
As part of our Lake Nasser Nile Cruises collection, Omar El Khayam combines comfortable onboard accommodation with a route focused on history, scenery, and remote archaeological sites. The ship features private-balcony cabins and suites, spacious public areas, dining venues, lounge bars, a large sundeck, swimming pool, Jacuzzi, library, and other facilities designed for a relaxed cruise experience.
The Steigenberger Omar El Khayam can be booked as a standalone Lake Nasser cruise or added to a wider Egypt itinerary including Aswan, Abu Simbel, and our wider Egypt Tour Packages.
The Steigenberger Omar El Khayam is a 5-star deluxe Lake Nasser cruiser designed for comfortable sailing between Aswan and Abu Simbel. The ship features 68 Double Cabins, 8 Grand Suites, and 4 Royal Suites, all with private balconies overlooking Lake Nasser.
Cabins and suites are fully air-conditioned and include private bathrooms, TV, safe box, minibar, and onboard comfort facilities. The ship also offers a main restaurant, three lounge bars, pool bar, large sundeck with swimming pool and Jacuzzi, library, billiard room, elevator, and selected wellness services.
The Steigenberger Omar El Khayam operates seasonal Lake Nasser cruise programs between Aswan and Abu Simbel. The main routes are a 3-night Abu Simbel to Aswan program, a 4-night Aswan to Abu Simbel program, and a longer 7-night Lake Nasser itinerary on selected dates.
Unlike classic Luxor and Aswan Nile cruises, Lake Nasser cruises follow a separate sailing route focused on southern monuments such as Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Kasr Ibrim, and Abu Simbel. Exact sailing dates and direction must be confirmed before booking.
Begin your Lake Nasser cruise with check-in onboard the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam before lunch in Abu Simbel. After settling into your cabin, enjoy lunch onboard and take in the quiet atmosphere of Lake Nasser.
In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, one of Egypt’s most impressive ancient sites and the highlight of any Lake Nasser journey. These temples were built by Ramses II and are famous for their monumental statues, dramatic setting, and remarkable relocation during the UNESCO rescue campaign.
Return to the cruise for dinner onboard. Overnight onboard in Abu Simbel.
Sail early from Abu Simbel toward Kasr Ibrim, one of the most important historical sites on Lake Nasser. Due to its protected location, the site is usually viewed from the sundeck while the cruise passes by.
Continue sailing to Amada and enjoy lunch onboard. In the afternoon, visit Amada Temple, one of the oldest surviving temples in Nubia, known for its well-preserved reliefs and historical importance.
Later, sail toward Wadi El Seboua. Enjoy tea time on the sundeck, followed by evening entertainment onboard such as a cocktail gathering and Galabya-style evening, depending on the cruise program. Dinner and overnight onboard near Wadi El Seboua.
After breakfast, visit the temples of Wadi El Seboua, one of the most atmospheric stops on Lake Nasser. The area is known for its sphinx-lined approach, desert setting, and monuments connected to ancient Nubia and the New Kingdom period.
After the visit, sail north toward Aswan while enjoying lunch onboard and relaxing views across Lake Nasser. Afternoon tea is served on the sundeck as the cruise continues through the lake’s wide desert scenery.
Dinner is served onboard in the evening, followed by onboard entertainment such as a Nubian-style show, depending on the cruise schedule. Overnight onboard in Aswan.
Enjoy breakfast onboard the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam, then complete check-out procedures in Aswan. Your luggage will be handled before you continue with the final sightseeing visit of the Lake Nasser cruise program.
Visit Kalabsha Temple, one of the major monuments near Aswan on Lake Nasser. Dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis, the temple is among the most important monuments relocated after the construction of the High Dam.
After the visit, transfer assistance can be arranged to your Aswan hotel, Aswan Airport, the train station, or your next travel service. Guests staying longer in Aswan can also add an optional Nubian Village visit by motorboat, depending on their departure time.
Please note that the day-to-day order may be adjusted by the cruise operator due to navigation conditions, water levels, or operational requirements.
Begin your Lake Nasser cruise with check-in onboard the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam in Aswan. After boarding, settle into your cabin and enjoy lunch onboard while the ship remains docked in Aswan.
The afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the facilities of the cruise. Tea is served on the sundeck, giving you time to take in the views before the Lake Nasser sailing program begins.
Dinner is served onboard in the evening, followed by onboard entertainment such as a Nubian-style show, depending on the cruise schedule. Overnight onboard in Aswan.
The cruise sails early from Aswan toward Kalabsha. After breakfast onboard, visit Kalabsha Temple, one of the most important monuments on Lake Nasser and a major temple dedicated to the Nubian god Mandulis.
The temple was relocated after the construction of the High Dam and remains one of the key archaeological highlights near Aswan. Its lakeside setting makes it a strong introduction to the Lake Nasser cruise route.
After the visit, continue sailing toward Wadi El Seboua. Lunch and tea are served onboard as the cruise crosses the desert-fringed waters of Lake Nasser. Dinner is served in the evening, with an onboard cocktail gathering depending on the cruise program. Overnight onboard near Wadi El Seboua.
After breakfast, visit Wadi El Seboua Temple, one of the most atmospheric archaeological sites on Lake Nasser. The site is known for its desert setting, sphinx-lined approach, and monuments connected to ancient Nubia and the New Kingdom period.
After the visit, sail toward Amada while enjoying lunch onboard. In the afternoon, visit Amada Temple, one of the oldest surviving temples in Nubia, known for its well-preserved reliefs and important historical scenes.
Return to the cruise for tea time on the sundeck, followed by dinner onboard. Evening entertainment such as a Galabya-style party may be arranged in the bar, depending on the cruise schedule. Overnight onboard near Amada.
Sail early toward Kasr Ibrim, one of the most historically significant sites on Lake Nasser. Due to its protected location, Kasr Ibrim is normally viewed from the sundeck while the cruise passes by, rather than visited on foot.
Continue sailing toward Abu Simbel. After arrival, visit the magnificent Abu Simbel Temples, built by Ramses II and famous for their monumental statues, lakeside setting, and remarkable relocation during the UNESCO rescue campaign.
After the visit, return to the cruise for lunch and time to relax onboard. In the evening, guests may add the optional Abu Simbel Sound & Light Show, depending on availability and the cruise schedule. Dinner and overnight onboard in Abu Simbel.
Enjoy your final morning onboard the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam in Abu Simbel. After breakfast, complete check-out procedures and disembark from the cruise.
Transfer assistance can be arranged to Abu Simbel Airport, your Abu Simbel hotel, or by road back to Aswan, depending on your onward travel plans.
Please note that the day-to-day order may be adjusted by the cruise operator due to navigation conditions, water levels, or operational requirements. Sightseeing inclusions and entrance fees depend on the selected package and will be confirmed before booking.
Everything arranged to make your Nile cruise experience smooth and enjoyable
Seasonal Lake Nasser cruise rates with guided sightseeing included. Choose your preferred duration below and review the available cabin prices for each sailing season.
Prices are quoted in US Dollars per person per trip, except during Christmas, New Year, and Easter holiday periods.
Note: Child rates apply to children sharing a room with their parents. Maximum one child per room.
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.
The Steigenberger Omar El Khayam sails on Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel. Depending on the selected program, the route may include Kalabsha, Wadi El Seboua, Amada, Kasr Ibrim viewing, and Abu Simbel.
The main programs are 3 nights / 4 days from Abu Simbel to Aswan and 4 nights / 5 days from Aswan to Abu Simbel. A longer 7-night Lake Nasser program may also be available on selected dates.
Yes, Abu Simbel Temple is one of the main highlights of the Steigenberger Omar El Khayam Lake Nasser Cruise. The visit is usually included in both directions, either near the beginning or near the end of the cruise depending on your sailing route.
No. This is a Lake Nasser cruise, not a classic Luxor to Aswan Nile cruise. It does not follow the Luxor, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan route. Instead, it focuses on southern Nubian monuments between Aswan and Abu Simbel.
Sightseeing on Lake Nasser cruises is normally operated as guided small-group visits with other cruise guests. Private arrangements may be possible on request, but the standard cruise sightseeing program is not the same as our private guided tours on regular Nile cruises.
The ship features Double Cabins, Grand Suites, and Royal Suites. According to the ship profile, Steigenberger Omar El Khayam has 68 Double Cabins, 8 Grand Suites, and 4 Royal Suites, all with private balconies.
Yes. Steigenberger Omar El Khayam can be booked as a standalone Lake Nasser cruise or added to a wider Egypt itinerary with Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, Abu Simbel, or a classic Nile cruise, depending on your travel dates and preferred route.
Lake Nasser cruises operate on selected seasonal departures, and some months may not have regular sailing dates. Final availability is always checked according to your exact travel date before confirming the booking.
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