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MS Alma Nile Cruise — Rates, Facts, Photos & Booking Help

Experience Upper Egypt in peak luxury on the MS Alma Nile Cruise. Featuring true private balconies, a passenger elevator, a sundeck pool, and an onboard gym.

5 Stars Deluxe 60 Cabins
* **Private Balcony Access:** Unlike ships with sealed windows, the cabins feature true step-out balconies for exclusive river viewing.
* **Effortless Mobility:** Engineered with a modern interior passenger elevator, providing seamless transitions between the vessel's multiple decks.
* **Comprehensive Renovation:** Received a massive aesthetic and technological upgrade in 2023 to meet high-end boutique standards.
* **Accommodation Layout:** Contains 60 quarters, including standard rooms and suites, spread across several levels including the lower deck.
* **Health and Wellness:** Features a fully operational onboard gymnasium, a massage spa, and an open-air sundeck swimming pool.
27+ years of Nile expertise since 1998
💬24/7 support in 7 languages
💰Best price guarantee or your money back
🛡️No booking fees — pay only on confirmation
🇪🇬Egypt-based tour operator with local crews
From $510

MS Alma Nile Cruise Description

MS Alma Nile Cruise carries an official 5 Stars rating from the Egyptian Tourism Authority, is rated as a Deluxe cruise in our editorial standards, has 60 cabins, with a size of 22 m². Each cabin features a private outside balcony. That count puts the vessel in the larger category — a useful middle ground where dining rooms stay relaxed and shore excursions don't bottleneck on the gangway. Operated by Planet, the vessel benefits from established crew rotations and onshore logistics on both Luxor and Aswan ends of the route.

Embark on a luxurious five-star expedition along the lifeblood of Egypt aboard the MS Alma Nile Cruise. Undergoing a meticulous and extensive renovation in 2023, this 72-meter riverboat effortlessly merges cutting-edge marine technology with elegant boutique styling. Cruising the historic route connecting Luxor and Aswan, the vessel provides a sophisticated and barrier-free haven for travelers seeking to immerse themselves in pharaonic history without sacrificing modern comfort.

There is something quietly magical about seeing Egypt from the water. Aboard MS Alma, the Nile carries you from temple to temple in comfort — sunny days on deck, relaxed evenings on board, and the ancient wonders of Luxor and Aswan never far away. A classic, easygoing way to experience the river and its history.

60
Cabins
22 m²
Avg Cabin Size
Deluxe
5★
5 Stars
3 / 4
Nights

🛏️ Accommodation

The ship's residential blueprint features exactly 60 lavishly appointed accommodations, spanning generously proportioned standard twin and double rooms (averaging 22 square meters) alongside premium suite options. Spread efficiently across the vessel's multiple levels, including the lower deck, these guest quarters are engineered for profound relaxation. A standout feature is the inclusion of true private balconies, granting occupants an exclusive outdoor space to enjoy the gentle river breeze. Each cabin is fully equipped with advanced climate control, a digital safe, a flat-screen television, a stocked minibar, and a pristine en-suite bathroom.

  • Private en-suite bathroom with shower, hairdryer, complimentary toiletries
  • Individually controlled air conditioning
  • Satellite TV, in-house video channels, mini-bar
  • In-cabin electronic safety deposit box

🍽️ Dining & Cuisine

Dining on board is a grand, all-inclusive culinary affair hosted in a beautifully illuminated main restaurant. The expert chefs curate an exquisite full-board menu, featuring massive buffet spreads that blend continental favorites with richly spiced regional Egyptian fare. When the sun sets, the stylish lounge bar takes center stage, offering expertly crafted cocktails and a dynamic lineup of cultural entertainment, from authentic Nubian folklore performances to interactive Galabeya dress-up evenings.

🌊 Leisure & Entertainment

The MS Alma boasts a superlative array of lifestyle and leisure amenities. At the very top, the expansive sun terrace serves as a panoramic viewing platform, complete with a refreshing swimming pool and shaded lounging spaces. For guests focused on wellness, the ship houses a dedicated fitness center and a tranquil spa offering specialized massage therapies. Crucially, navigating these exceptional facilities is made effortless by the presence of a smooth interior passenger elevator, guaranteeing superb mobility between decks.

✨ What Makes It Unique

The hallmark of the MS Alma lies in its seamless combination of authentic outdoor engagement and outstanding accessibility. The rare pairing of step-out passenger balconies with an internal elevator creates a uniquely barrier-free and immersive riverboat experience. Supported by its comprehensive 2023 stylistic overhaul and dedicated fitness facilities, it stands far above standard Nile cruisers.

🛎️ Onboard Facilities

  • 24-hour reception
  • Laundry service
  • Onboard gift shop
  • Internet access in designated areas
  • Major credit cards accepted (VISA, Mastercard)

Specs verified · cabin counts, cabin sizes, deck features, and facility list confirmed against the operator’s published sheet.

MS Alma Nile Cruise Photos

Browse the gallery to see MS Alma's cabins, dining, sundeck and exterior. Click any image to enlarge.

MS Alma Nile Cruise Rates in USD

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Cruise Upgrades
📅 April 27 – September 26
📅 September 27 – April 26 (excluding Easter window)
📅 Dec 20–26 / Easter ±5 days
📅 December 27 – January 2
📅 01 Jun 2027 – 25 Jul 2027 · 20% reduction on Summer rates
📅 31 Jul 2027 – 02 Aug 2027 · +100% supplement on Summer rates
Note:
  • All rates are per person in USD, full-board with all sightseeing included.
  • Holiday seasons (Christmas, Easter, New Year) carry a supplement reflecting peak demand.
  • Dates marked with a ✨ tab above are special events (e.g. eclipses) or limited promotions; the supplement or discount shown on each tab applies to trips sailing on those dates.
  • Single supplement 50% of Adult in Double cabin rate.
  • Triple reduction 3% of Adult in Double rate.
  • Suite Supplement start from 80% on Person in Double Cabin Rate based on suite Type. (Only in mixed Cabins / Suites Cruises)
  • Royal & Presidential Suites Rate is equal to two Double Cabins.
  • For cruise-only without sightseeing, deduct $120 from the 3-night price and $160 from the 4-night price.

MS Alma Nile Cruise Children Policy

Children pricing on MS Alma Nile Cruise — applies to all departures and seasons unless otherwise noted at booking.
Age category / arrangement Rate
Infant (under 3 years)Free of charge — Maximum 1 free Infant per Cabin; second Infant in cabin will be charged Child Rate
Child (3 – 12 years)50% of the adult rate
Child (12 years or older)Full adult rate
Maximum children per cabin1 child sharing 2 adults, or 2 children sharing 1 adult
1 child + 1 adult sharing one cabinNo discount — same rate as 2 adults in double cabin
2 children in a separate cabinSame rate as 1 adult in single cabin

What's Included & What's Not

✅ The Rate Includes

  • Accommodation for 3 or 4 nights in your chosen cabin category
  • Transfer from airport, train station or hotel on arrival
  • Full-board dining: breakfast, lunch and dinner
  • All guided sightseeing tours per the standard 3 / 4-night itinerary
  • Services of a licensed, professional Egyptologist guide
  • All entrance fees to historical sites named in the itinerary (Except Optional Tours)
  • Departure transfer to airport / train station

❌ The Rate Excludes

  • Tours not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Optional excursions (e.g. Abu Simbel, hot-air balloon)
  • Beverages: water, soft drinks, alcohol
  • Tipping for cruise crew and guide (gratuities)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, etc.)
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees

MS Alma is your best fit if

  • You need or prefer an elevator between decks — MS Alma has one.
  • You want a walk-out balcony you can step onto — MS Alma has true outside balconies, not French balconies.
  • You want the amenity range of a larger Nile vessel — MS Alma has 60 cabins, among the larger ships sailing the Aswan–Luxor route.
  • You want 5-star quality at value-tier pricing — MS Alma delivers deluxe-class amenities without the ultra-luxury premium.
  • You want a pool for cooling off during Upper Egypt's afternoon heat — MS Alma has an outdoor pool on the sun deck.
  • You want spa facilities after excursion days — MS Alma has a sauna and dedicated massage treatment rooms onboard.

MS Alma isn't your best fit if

Itineraries

MS Alma sails the classic Aswan↔Luxor route. Choose between a 3-night cruise (Aswan → Luxor) or a 4-night cruise (Luxor → Aswan). 3-night departures from Aswan are typically on Friday. 4-night departures from Luxor are typically on Monday.

3-Night Itinerary: Aswan → Luxor

Day 1 Arrival in Aswan & Gateway to Ancient Nubia — Embark MS Alma. Visit the Aswan High Dam and Temple of Philae. Overnight docked in Aswan.
Day 2 The Duality of Gods & The Triumph of Horus — Sail aboard MS Alma to Kom Ombo Temple, then continue to Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
Day 3 Sailing to Thebes, the World’s Greatest Open-Air Museum — Leisurely sail aboard MS Alma to Luxor. Afternoon: Optional Tour to Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple at sunset.
Day 4 Journey into the Afterlife & Departure — West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. Disembark MS Alma with departure transfer.

4-Night Itinerary: Luxor → Aswan

Day 1 Arrival in Luxor, the Ancient Capital of Thebes — Embark MS Alma. Afternoon: Karnak Temple Complex and Luxor Temple. Overnight in Luxor.
Day 2 The Realm of Eternity & The Victorious Falcon God — West Bank: Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut, Colossi of Memnon. Sail aboard MS Alma to Edfu for the Temple of Horus.
Day 3 The Dual Temple & The Journey into Nubia — Morning at Kom Ombo. Scenic sail aboard MS Alma to Aswan. Overnight aboard MS Alma in Aswan.
Day 4 Aswan’s Treasures: Ancient Engineering and Island Sanctuaries Aswan High Dam, Temple of Philae, then a relaxing felucca sail. Final night aboard MS Alma.
Day 5 Farewell to the Nile — Final breakfast aboard MS Alma, disembark with departure transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Specifics about MS Alma — class and rating, cabin layout, itineraries, departure days, and the practicalities of sailing on this particular vessel.

What is the official Egyptian Tourism Authority rating of MS Alma?
MS Alma carries an official 5 Stars rating from the Egyptian Tourism Authority — the government body that classifies all Nile cruise vessels operating between Luxor and Aswan. This rating is based on cabin standards, dining facilities, public spaces, and crew-to-guest ratios, and is reviewed periodically. It's separate from any tour-operator's editorial rating, and you'll see it cited in official Egyptian travel directories and tourism literature.
What is your editorial rating of MS Alma?
In our editorial rating, we classify MS Alma as a Deluxe Nile cruise. This is our independent assessment based on over 25 years of regular onboard inspections, crew interviews, cabin walkthroughs, and feedback from past guests. It typically tracks the official Egyptian Tourism Authority rating closely, but factors in elements the official rating doesn't cover — such as service consistency, food quality on a typical sailing rather than an inspection day, and the practical condition of the cabins and public spaces.
How many cabins does MS Alma have?
MS Alma has 60 cabins. For context, the typical Nile cruise vessel runs between 30 and 80 cabins, which puts MS Alma in the on the larger side category — a fuller social atmosphere with multiple lounges and the kind of programming budget that smaller vessels can't match.
What is the average cabin size on MS Alma?
Cabins on MS Alma average 22 m² (including the en-suite bathroom). That's in line with the typical Nile-fleet cabin (which runs 20–24 m²). Cabins of this size are designed efficiently — bed, wardrobe, en-suite, and a small desk fit comfortably, with enough floor space for one open suitcase at a time.
Does MS Alma offer lower-deck cabins?
Yes — MS Alma offers lower-deck cabins. They sit closer to the waterline and typically come at a meaningful discount versus upper-deck rooms. The view is at water level rather than over it, which some travellers actually prefer for the closer feel of the river. Lower-deck rooms are a sensible choice if you're prioritising the destination over the room itself, or if you plan to spend most of your time on the sundeck or ashore.
Do the cabins onboard MS Alma have a balcony?
Yes — every cabin on MS Alma opens onto a private outside balcony with enough depth for a chair and small table. This is genuinely useful on the Aswan–Luxor route: sailing legs run for hours through changing river-bank scenery, and a private balcony lets you watch the approach to landmarks like Kom Ombo or Edfu without competing for sundeck loungers.
Does MS Alma have an elevator on board?
Yes — MS Alma is fitted with an onboard elevator connecting all guest decks. This matters more than most travellers expect, particularly after long temple mornings at sites like Karnak or the Valley of the Kings. The elevator combined with a manageable cabin layout makes the boat a sensible choice for multi-generational groups, travellers with limited mobility, or anyone who'd rather not negotiate stairs three times a day.
Are all cabins on MS Alma configured as suites?
No — MS Alma is not an all-suite vessel. Cabin inventory is a mix of standard cabins and (where the boat offers them) larger upgraded categories such as junior suites or executive suites. Standard cabins on this boat run to roughly 22m² with the en-suite bathroom included, in line with typical Nile-fleet sizing.
Is MS Alma a modern build or a restored heritage vessel?
MS Alma is a modern-build vessel, designed and constructed for contemporary Nile cruise standards rather than restored from an earlier era. Modern boats offer standardised cabin layouts, current safety and HVAC systems, and the kind of public-area amenities (sundeck pool, full-spec dining room, panoramic lounges) that heritage vessels often don't accommodate. The trade-off is character: a modern boat feels more like a floating hotel than a piece of Nile travel history.
Is MS Alma currently in active service?
Yes — MS Alma is currently in active service and accepting bookings on its standard 3-night and 4-night Aswan–Luxor itineraries. Specific available dates depend on the season and the boat's docking schedule; we'll confirm exact departures once you tell us your preferred travel window.
What cruise lengths does MS Alma offer?
MS Alma offers two cruise lengths: a 3-night cruise (Aswan → Luxor) and a 4-night cruise (Luxor → Aswan). Combined 7-night round-trips are not currently offered on this boat. If you want a 7-night Nile experience, we can recommend boats in the same class and budget that do offer the combined itinerary.
What route does MS Alma sail, and what does each itinerary cover?
MS Alma sails the classic Aswan–Luxor route. Both the 3-night and 4-night packages cover the same major temple groups but in opposite order: the 3-night runs Philae and the High Dam in Aswan, then Kom Ombo, then Edfu, then Luxor's east and west banks (Karnak, Luxor Temple, Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut). The 4-night reverses that direction. Temple stops, dining cadence, and guided-tour quality are equivalent on both packages — choose based on your preferred pace and direction of travel.
Which days of the week does MS Alma depart?
Departure schedules for MS Alma are seasonal, but the regular pattern is: the 3-night cruise from Aswan typically departs on Friday, and the 4-night cruise from Luxor typically departs on Monday. Specific available dates vary by month — we'll confirm exact departures when you enquire.
What are the check-in and check-out times on MS Alma?
Check-in on MS Alma is from 12:00 noon on your embarkation day, and check-out is at 9:00 AM on your final day. Lunch is served on board on embarkation day, so plan to be on board by midday. If your flight arrives early or departs late, we can arrange day-use of a hotel room in Luxor or Aswan; just let us know at booking.
What languages are spoken on board MS Alma?
Crew on MS Alma speak English fluently. Many staff members also speak German, Spanish, French, Italian, Russian, and Arabic. Tour guides for the temple visits are assigned based on your spoken language preference — let us know your language at booking and we'll match you to a guide accordingly.
What currencies are accepted on MS Alma?
MS Alma accepts EGP (Egyptian Pounds), USD, EUR, and GBP for onboard purchases. Most travellers find it easiest to pay in their home currency or USD, since onboard exchange rates are typically competitive with airport bureaux. Smaller-denomination notes are useful for tipping crew and guides at the end of the cruise.
What payment methods does MS Alma accept?
MS Alma accepts both cash and major credit cards (VISA and Mastercard) at the front desk and bar. Tips for the crew are typically given in cash at the end of the cruise. ATMs are available in Luxor and Aswan if you need to withdraw additional cash mid-trip — the boat's reception can point you to the nearest one when you dock.
How much deposit do I need to book the MS Alma Nile cruise?
You can secure your MS Alma booking with a 20% deposit at the time of booking — you do not need to pay the full amount up front. The remaining balance can be paid in equal monthly instalments at 0% interest, with the final instalment due 30 days before your travel date.
Can I pay for the MS Alma cruise in monthly instalments?
Yes. After the 20% booking deposit, the balance can be spread across equal monthly instalments at 0% interest — there is no added finance cost. The last instalment is due 30 days before your package date.
Can I change my MS Alma cruise date or swap cruises for free?
Yes. You can change your travel date free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any seasonal price difference), or swap to a different cruise free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any price difference between the two cruises). Name changes are free up to 7 days before your package date.
Is the MS Alma cruise price protected against future increases?
Yes. Once you book, your price is protected against any future increase in cruise rates, fuel prices, government taxes, or entrance fees. If the price instead drops after you book, you receive the difference back under the same booking conditions.
What happens if my MS Alma cruise is cancelled or disrupted?
If an operational issue affects your specific cruise (for example urgent maintenance or a cruise-specific force-majeure event), you are reassigned to a similar or higher-category cruise with your original conditions and cabin guarantees unchanged — no downgrade. In the event of a national or global shutdown affecting all cruises (such as a pandemic, airspace closure, or navigation suspension), you can either postpone to a later date free of charge keeping the exact same booked plan, or receive a full 100% refund.
What is the cancellation and refund policy for the MS Alma Nile cruise?
If you cancel 61 or more days before arrival, cancellation is free of charge with a full refund. After that, a cancellation fee applies on a sliding scale based on the total price: 15% for cancellations 60 to 46 days before arrival, 25% for 45 to 31 days, 50% for 30 to 16 days, and 100% for 15 days or fewer before arrival. A no-show is charged at 100% of the total price. Note this is separate from changes: you can change your travel date or swap cruises free of charge up to 30 days before departure (subject to any price difference).

Looking for general Nile-cruise information? For visa requirements, packing checklists, tipping etiquette, dress codes, optional excursions, and the daily rhythm of cruise life, see our Comprehensive Nile Cruise Guide for First-Timers — the answers in that guide apply to every Nile cruise on the route, including MS Alma.

Why Book With Nile-Cruise-Egypt.com?

We’ve spent 25+ years booking Nile cruises and treat every reservation as the start of a long-term relationship, not a one-off transaction. Here’s what that means in practice:

  • Honest cruise matching, not the highest commission — we recommend the boat that fits your budget, dates, and travel style, even when it isn’t the one paying us the most.
  • One named consultant from enquiry to disembarkation — you won’t be passed between agents or talk to a different person each time you email.
  • No bait pricing — the rate you see is the rate you pay; cabin upgrades, optional excursions, and seasonal supplements are quoted up-front, never sprung at checkout.
  • Operator-direct rates — we work directly with Nile cruise operators, so what you pay is comparable to booking the boat yourself, with the added safety net of our support throughout.
  • Egypt-based, on-the-ground support — our office is in Cairo, not a call centre in another country; if something needs fixing during your trip, we can act on it locally and immediately.
  • Most travellers return or refer us — repeat bookings and word-of-mouth referrals make up the majority of our work, which is the only customer-satisfaction metric we trust.

From your first enquiry through to disembarkation, our priority is honest guidance, peace of mind, and a Nile cruise you’ll remember as a personal experience — not just a trip.

Family Travel, Made Effortless

A Nile cruise is one of the easiest ways to travel Egypt with family. Unpack once — your floating hotel moves with you, so there are no early-morning hotel checkouts, no repacking, and no long road transfers between cities. You wake up already at the next temple.

We take the logistics off your plate so you can focus on the experience:

  • Transfers handled — airport pickups and all moves between the boat and the sites are arranged for you.
  • Meals included — full-board dining on board, so there’s no hunting for restaurants with tired, hungry children.
  • Expert Egyptologist guides — licensed guides bring the temples to life at a pace that keeps all ages engaged.
  • Everything in one place — pool, dining, sun deck and cabins together, so families stay close and relaxed between excursions.

The result: less stress, fewer logistics, and more time making memories together.

A Shared Ship, Your Own Experience

You travel alongside other guests, but your experience stays very much your own. The ship is the setting — how you enjoy it is up to you.

  • Your private cabin — every cabin has its own en-suite bathroom and individual climate control, so your space is entirely yours, set to your comfort.
  • Dine your way — share a table and meet fellow travellers, or keep to yourselves; the choice is yours at every meal.
  • Private excursions on request — prefer to explore the temples with your own guide and vehicle rather than the group? We can arrange private touring for you.
  • Your own pace — join every activity or simply relax on the sun deck and watch the Nile drift by. Nothing is compulsory.

It’s the ease of a guided cruise with the privacy and flexibility of independent travel.

Why Book Now Rather Than Later

There’s no pressure here — but there are real, practical reasons not to leave MS Alma sitting in a browser tab. Booking now removes risk rather than adding it:

  • Cabins and dates are limited — each boat sails on a fixed schedule with a fixed number of cabins. Popular dates and the best cabin categories sell first; once a departure fills, no amount of budget brings it back.
  • Today’s price can rise — Nile cruise rates move with fuel costs, temple entrance fees, and government taxes. When those go up, published prices follow. The figure you see today is not guaranteed to be there next month.
  • Your deposit locks today’s price — place your 20% deposit and the rate you were quoted is held for your booking, even if prices rise afterwards. You are protected from increases the moment you confirm.
  • There’s no downside to securing it — with a low 20% deposit, 0% interest instalments on the balance, and free date, cruise, and name changes, booking early costs you nothing in flexibility. You simply lock the cabin and the price, and keep your options open.

In short: waiting risks losing your cabin or paying more, while booking now secures both — with every guarantee below standing behind your reservation.

Booking Guarantees & Flexibility

Every MS Alma booking with Nile-Cruise-Egypt.com comes with the guarantees below. These are the same terms set out in our booking contract and cancellation policy — summarised here so you know exactly where you stand before you pay.

Flexible, transparent payment

  • 20% deposit to book. You secure your cabin with a 20% deposit at the time of booking — not the full amount up front.
  • 0% interest instalments. Pay the balance in equal monthly instalments at no added cost. The final instalment is due 30 days before your travel date.

Cabin guarantees

  • No lower-deck cabins, guaranteed. You will never be placed in a lower-deck cabin.
  • Top-deck assurance. A guaranteed top-deck cabin is available for a 10% supplement — or free of charge as top check-in priority, subject to availability on the day.

Change & cancellation flexibility

  • Free date change up to 30 days before your travel date (subject to any seasonal price difference).
  • Free cruise swap up to 30 days before travel (subject to any price difference between the two cruises).
  • Free name change up to 7 days before travel.

Price protection

  • Locked-in price. Your price is protected against any future increase in cruise rates, fuel prices, government taxes, or entrance fees.
  • Price-drop refund. If the price drops after you book, you receive the difference back (same booking conditions apply).

If an operational issue affects your cruise

Examples: urgent maintenance, administrative issues, or a cruise-specific force-majeure event.

  • Reassignment to a similar or higher-category cruise.
  • Conditions guaranteed — your original plan’s terms stay exactly as booked.
  • No downgrade — you keep all rights, privileges, and cabin guarantees.

If there is a national or global shutdown

Examples: pandemic, airspace closure, navigation suspension, or any force-majeure event affecting all cruises.

  • Postpone free of charge — move to a later date keeping the exact same booked plan, benefits, and conditions; or
  • Full refund — receive a 100% refund.

Full terms, definitions, and any conditions are set out in our booking contract. If anything here is unclear, your dedicated consultant will walk you through it before you commit.

Available Nile Cruises with Same Sailing Days

3-Night Every Friday / 4-Night Every Monday

Browse every Nile cruise in our fleet that shares MS Alma's departure schedule. Each link opens the full cruise page with rates, photos, and itinerary.

Ready to Sail on MS Alma?

Ultimately, the MS Alma Nile Cruise is a phenomenal selection for holidaymakers desiring a highly accessible, premium aquatic vacation. By weaving together private balcony quarters, effortless elevator access, a rooftop pool, and lively evening entertainment, it crafts a deeply memorable journey. It remains a top-tier choice for discovering Upper Egypt's timeless monuments in peak comfort.