Launched in 2015, the M/S Blue Shadow is a river cruise vessel operating on the Nile between Aswan and Luxor. Rated 5-star by the Egyptian regulator, it offers a classic multi-day cruise format with guided excursions to the main Upper Egypt sites.

Why choose M/S Blue Shadow

The vessel combines limited capacity—54 luxury cabins and 4 suites—with a comprehensive excursion programme: Karnak, Luxor, Abu Simbel, Kom Ombo, Philae, Valley of the Kings, Temple of Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon, Temple of Horus, Unfinished Obelisk, and felucca crossing to Kitchener's Island. The package includes accommodation, meals, access to leisure facilities and excursions at each mooring.

Multilingual staff (Arabic, French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Russian) facilitate interaction for an international clientele. On the practical side, several currencies are accepted aboard: Egyptian pound, euro, US dollar and sterling, in cash or by card. Children under 2 years are admitted free of charge.

Atmosphere on board

Interior design features a dominant blue palette, echoing the river. Open decks provide access to the pool, pool bar and sun terrace area. Evening programming alternates between dance performances and Nubian music, Egyptian-themed night (Galabeya) and disco. A lounge bar and library complete the common spaces for quieter moments.

Cabins and suites

The 54 luxury cabins are spread across the main deck and intermediate deck, with panoramic portholes overlooking the Nile. The 4 suites occupy the vessel's luxury segment. All rooms are soundproofed and equipped with the same standard amenities: safe, satellite television, telephone, adjustable air conditioning, mini bar and private bathroom.

Services and wellness

• Spa, sauna, massages
• Equipped fitness room
• Outdoor pool and sun deck
• Main restaurant, pool bar, lounge bar
• 24-hour reception and on-board medical clinic
• Laundry and dry cleaning (extra charge)
• High-speed internet connection (extra charge)

Itinerary and embarkation

The M/S Blue Shadow offers two weekly rotations: departure from Aswan every Wednesday and departure from Luxor every Saturday. This dual schedule allows you to arrange the cruise in either direction depending on your flights and overall travel itinerary.

When to go

Nile cruises operate year-round, but conditions are considerably more comfortable from October to April, when temperatures remain manageable at archaeological sites. From June to August, heat in Upper Egypt regularly exceeds 40°C, which complicates daytime excursions to Luxor, Karnak or Abu Simbel. Shoulder seasons (October-November and March-April) offer a good balance between climate and visitor numbers.

Nearby

The itinerary covers the essentials of Upper Egypt. To extend or prepare your journey, several options around Aswan and Cairo complement a cruise well:

• Movenpick Resort Aswan for a stopover on Elephantine Island before embarkation
• MS Nile Style, an alternative cruise on the same route
• Historia the Boutique Hotel Nile Cruise, a more intimate format
• Marriott Mena House overlooking the Giza pyramids for the Cairo leg

Organize your cruise

The M/S Blue Shadow fits into a combined Cairo–Upper Egypt circuit or a dedicated Nile Valley itinerary. To build your itinerary and schedule the cruise into a tailor-made trip, explore our Egypt voyages.