S/S Sudan Nile Cruiser

You are here: Home / S/S Sudan

S/S Sudan

Historic Nile Cruiser
Schedule: Embarks from Luxor or Aswan on certain dates

Inquire About This Cruiser

reservations@travelegypt.com

1-888-999-2354

Overview:

A boat inhabited by the memory of the King Fouad who received it as a gift in 1885, the memory of the Belle Époque travellers who used it, or that of Hercule Poirot who Agatha Christie had walking its decks in her writings…
Along the broad passageways, one can easily picture refined ladies with parasols and gentlemen archaeologists strolling or relaxing in comfort. With the eager anticipation of a Champollion or a Carter, we look forward to discovering the magical sites that will punctuate our journey along the Nile.

Life on board takes one gently back in time, stopping off in the early days of the last century. At the bar in the lounge, the woodwork, copper and furniture are genuine period craftworks. The walls display old photographs of visitors who made their mark in Egyptian history, such as the legendary King Farouk. The restaurant has lost nothing of its period charm, and as the velvet strains of Oum Kalsoum's golden voice enchant us, we can settle down in comfort to enjoy the finest Egyptian cuisine. The crew is made up of both Muslims and Christians, sharing one unique religion: service with a smile.

Each cabin is a haven of Belle Epoque refinement and comfort, allied to services and facilities worthy of a grand hotel. RESERVATIONS ARE FOR SPECIFIC SUITES OR CABINS.

The 6 suites and 18 cabins are laid out between the two decks, off broad passageways where the passengers can sit, relax and read in the evening, or enjoy a delicious hibiscus punch. Each cabin proudly bears a name linked to Egyptian history. On the upper deck, the Agatha Christie and Lady Duff Gordon suites, at the prow of the vessel, benefit from spectacular views over the river. The Aida and Queen Victoria suites, nestle spaciously in the gentle curves of the stern. The warm-toned wooden panelling, gilded and copper bed-frames, classical furniture and distinguished parquet floors bestow a definite period charm, revealed in every detail, such as the bathroom fittings. The decor is subtle and airy, enlivened by colored textiles and fabrics in shades of fuschia, orange or absinthe. Every bedroom has air conditioning.

Boat features:

Restaurant
Lounge & Bar
Sundeck

Included:

Transfer from point of embarkation to the boat
Accommodation on full board basis with meals served in the main dining room. (room service dining NOT included)
PRIVATE GUIDE available at additional cost
Entrance fees to sites included in ship program
All port fees, service charges and taxes

Not Included:

Items of a personal nature such as tips, telephone, laundry
Beverages of any nature at any time
Anything prior to embarkation or after disembarkation

Prices:

SPECIAL SALE, CONTACT US FOR PRICES

Itineraries:

6 Day/ 5 Night Aswan to Luxor

Day 01: ASWAN
Transfer to the Steam Ship Sudan. Settle in into your cabin. Lunch on board. Afternoon visit of the Temple of Philae – the Pearl of Egypt – in Nubia, dedicated to the cult of the Goddess Isis since the 3rd Century BC. Late afternoon free time in Aswan. Why not discover its colourful and popular souk. Dinner on board and overnight stay in Aswan.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: ASWAN / KOM OMBO / EDFU
Early start sailing to Kom Ombo, north of Aswan. Visit of the Temple at Kom Ombo, erected on the Nile banks, on one of the most seducing site of Upper-Egypt. This singular temple was dedicated to two devinities: Horus, the Falcon God and Sobek, the Crocodile God. Lunch on board while sailing to Edfu. Late afternoon visit of the Temple at Edfu, the best preserved temple of the Ptolemaic Dynasty; its buildings are perfect examples of Ancient Egypt sacred architecture. Back on board. Night sailing to Esna. Overnight stay in Esna.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: ESNA / LUXOR
After the passing of the Esna lock, sailing to Luxor, the Ancient Egyptian City of Thebes. Afternoon visit of the majestic site of Karnak, dedicated to the God Amun, patron of the New Kingdom's Pharaohs. Evening visit of the Temple of Luxor. The evening light particularly highlights the perfection of Amenophis III's columns. That's where the Feast of Opet was held every year to celebrate the floodings of the Nile and the fertily of the land. Dinner and overnight stay in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: LUXOR / QENA / DENDERA
Sailing to Qena, north of Luxor. Only a few ships sail this splendid stretch of the river Nile where you will be able to enjoy a relaxing morning admiring both banks of the Nile. Lunch on board and visit of the Temple of Dendera. Dendera is the name of the spectacular temple of Hathor, goddess of love and joy, also known for protecting women and nursing Pharaohs. Secluded at the border of cultivated land and desert, with its richly decorated chapels, its Hathor-headed columns, its obscure corridors and stairs, the unique vestige of the ancient city of Dendera is one of the best preserved most famous monuments in Egypt and offers a splendid view of Upper-Egypt countryside from the roof. Dinner and overnight stay in Qena.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: ABYDOS / LUXOR
Early start (2 hours drive) to Abydos, a holy city and the cult centre of Osiris, regent of the Kingdom of the Dead and god of resurrection. From the Ancient Kingdom era, Abydos was an exceptional site of pilgrimage. The Temple of Seti I is a wonder with its colourful and fine bas-reliefs which mark the birth of Ramesside art. Lunch on board. Relaxing afternoon sailing to Luxor. Dinner and overnight stay on board in Luxor.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: LUXOR
Early start to the Theban Necropolis, a place of mysteries and the territory of Osiris under the New Kingdom, Visit of the Valley of the Kings whose magnifically decorated tombs tell the afterlife journey of the dead. Visit the Valley of the Queens, the secret necropolis of the royal wives. In the Valley of the Nobles, the Tomb of Ramose shows the art of the Akhenaten's era. Late morning visit of the Temple of Medinet Habu where Ramesses III engraved for eternity its successful battles against the Sea People.
Meals: Breakfast

- Slight changes might occur due to circumstances beyond our control
- Our boat generally does not sail during the month of June and in July due to maintenance work.
6 Day/ 5 Night Luxor to Aswan

Day 01: LUXOR TO QENA
Transfer to the ship. Settle in on board and into your cabin. Lunch on board. Afternoon visit of Luxor's east bank through the discovery of the Karnak Temple Complex, one of the largest sacred site in the world; it especially comprises the Temple of Amun, the patron deity of Karnak. Its construction lasted from the Middle Kingdom till the Ptoleamic Kingdom. Visit of the Temple of Luxor. Built under Amenophis III and extended under Ramesses II, the Temple of Luxor is the most elegant pharaonic building. Sailing towards Qena, located north of Luxor. Only a few ships sail this splendid stretch of the river Nile where you will be able to enjoy the sunset and admire both banks of the Nile. Dinner and overnight stay on board in Qena.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Day 02: QENA / DENDERA / ABYDOS / LUXOR
Early start (2 hours drive) to Abydos, a holy city and the cult centre of Osiris, regent of the Kingdom of the Dead and god of resurrection. From the Ancient Kingdom era, Abydos was an exceptional site of pilgrimage. The Temple of Seti I is a wonder with its colourful and fine bas-reliefs which mark the birth of Ramesside art.
Visit of the Temple of Dendera on the way back. Dendera is the name of the spectacular temple of Hathor, Goddess of love and joy, also known for protecting women and nursing Pharaohs. Secluded at the border of cultivated land and desert, with its richly decorated chapels, its Hathor-headed columns, its obscure corridors and stairs, the unique vestige of the ancient city of Dendera is one of the most famous best preserved monuments in Egypt and offers a splendid view of Upper-Egypt countryside from the roof.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 03: LUXOR / ESNA / EDFU
Early start to the Theban Necropolis. The Valley of the Kings was the Pharaoh's burial site, and the Valley of the Queens was the Pharaohs' wives and daughters necropolis during the Dynasties XIX and XX. The Valley of the Nobles hosts the Tomb of Ramose. Its beautiful and fine reliefs show an exceptional realism. Visit of the Temple of Ramesses III in Medinet Habu; almost entirely preserved, it is the most perfect mortuary temple of the Ramesside Dynasty. Back on board and sailing to Esna for an evening passing through the Esna lock and more night sailing to Edfu.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 04: EDFU / KOM OMBO
Morning visit of the Temple of Edfu. Dedicated to Horus and Hathor, its construction started during the 3rd Century BC under the Ptolemaic Dynasty and was completed 170 years later; it's one of the best preserved building of Ancient Egypt. Back on board and sailing to Kom Ombo for sunset. Evening visit of the Temple of Kom Ombo, a unique architectural and religious type of complex in Egypt as it was dedicated to two divinities. Two temples are gathered on the same site. The south part is dedicated to Horus, the Falcon God and the north part to Sobek, the Crocodile God. Overnight on board.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 05: KOM OMBO TO ASWAN
Sailing to Aswan at the end of the Nile Valley, where ancient Nubia begins. Large sandy banks are slowly replacing cultivated land along the Nile. This is where civilization once ended. From the 3rd Century, Elephantine Island was a trading centre. Nubia (which means gold in Nubian) had a rich soil, providing to Egypt not only gold but also soldiers, precious woods and ivory. Visit of the Temple of Philae, home to Isis, Goddess of marriage, fertility, motherhood, magic and medicine who ruled over life, death and resurrection. Philae was one of the most important sanctuary in Egypt and Nubia till 550 AD, when Byzantine emperor Justinian ordered its closing. Free time in Aswan before dinner. Optional Light and Sound show in Philae. Overnight stay in Aswan.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 06: ASWAN
End of the journey, transfer from the ship after breakfast.
Meals: Breakfast

- Slight changes might occur due to circumstances beyond our control
- Our boat generally does not sail during the month of June and in July due to maintenance work.

Deck Plan:

Sudan Upper Deck Plan

Sudan Main Deck Plan

Choose Your Cabin or Suite:

#1 - AGATHA CHRISTIE SUITE

It was on board this historic vessel in 1933, when she was accompanying her husband on an archaeological mission, that the queen of suspense found the inspiration for Death on the Nile. On the starboard side of the prow on the upper deck, this suite offers a panoramic view of the Nile from its broad bay windows. It contains two beds (twin).
#2 - LADY DUFF GORDON SUITE

On the port side of the prow, on the upper deck, the Lady Duff Gordon suite is named after the author of major ethnological works on the peasant communities of Upper Egypt. It too enjoys a panoramic view of the river, and has two beds (twin).
#3 - HERCULE POIROT

On the starboard side of the upper deck, paying homage to Agatha Christie's famous detective, the Hercule Poirot cabin is equipped with a double bed. The atmosphere is cosy and refined, thanks to the wood panelling and the warm colours of the fabrics and furniture. The two windows look over the passageway and the Nile.
#4 - GUSTAVE FLAUBERT

The author of Madame Bovary was 28 years old when he undertook a journey through Egypt with his friend, Maxime Du Camp. He was deeply affected by the landscapes and colours he observed from this double cabin which now bears his name.
#5 - HERODOTUS

The great historian and geographer Herodotus visited Egypt at the end of the 5th century. He recounted the experience in his work The Histories, and described the country with the now famous phrase: "Egypt is the gift of the Nile". The twin cabin is on the starboard side of the upper deck.
#6 - VIVANT DENON

A diplomat, writer and museologist, the French Egyptologist accompanied Bonaparte on his Egyptian campaign in 1798. He brought back some 400 drawings, inspired by the banks of the river one can admire from the windows of this twin cabin.
#7 - YACOUBIAN

Named after the building of the same name in the novel by Alaa El Aswany, a vivid portrayal of Cairo and the Egyptians, the double cabin is on the starboard side of the upper deck.
#8 - KING FAROUK

On the port side of the upper deck, this double cabin refers to the last king of Egypt, who ruled over the country from 1935 to 1952, and who signed its independence treaty.
#9 - MARIETTE PACHA

In 1858, the French archaeologist Auguste Mariette was awarded the title pacha for his devoted contribution to the preservation of Egyptian heritage works. He oversaw the restoration of the sites at Karnak, Luxor and Philae that can be seen during the cruise. This double cabin is on the starboard side of the upper deck.
#10 - GÉRARD DE NERVAL

Passionate about the Orient, the French poet first discovered Cairo in 1843. For him, Egypt represented an escape route from madness. An inexhaustible source of inspiration for him, he grew ever closer to the enchanting land and its people. This double cabin is on the port side of the upper deck.
#11 - FERDINAND DE LESSEPS

The French consul in Cairo from 1833, Ferdinand de Lesseps oversaw the digging of the Suez Canal, inaugurated in 1869, which marked a significant development in Nile cruising. His name now graces this cabin on the port side of the upper deck.
#12 - DAVID ROBERTS

A Scottish painter, David Roberts set out in 1838 to sail up the Nile as far as Abu Simbel. From this expedition, he brought back a major collection of lithographies from the temples he saw. This twin cabin is on the rear port side of the upper deck.
#14 - ALEXANDER THE GREAT

The mythical conqueror, regarded in Egypt as the son of the god Amon, and proclaimed pharaoh, Alexander the Great has lent his name to cabin 14 (the vessel has no number 13), a twin cabin on the rear port side of the upper deck.
#15 - JOHN MASON COOK

The son of Thomas Cook, John Mason worked alongside his father from 1860 to develop cruises on the Nile. A cabin bearing his name is a logical and worthy tribute. It is on the rear starboard side of the upper deck and has two beds (twin).
#16 - HOWARD CARTER

It is to this British archaeologist that we owe the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of Kings. Passengers may be less excited, but certainly pleasantly surprised, when they discover this twin cabin at the stern end of the upper deck.
#17 - THE UNKNOWN VENETIAN

A tribute to the first European to have mentioned the existence of Karnak in 1589, this twin cabin is situated towards the stern, on the port side of the upper deck.
#18 - AÏDA

The eponymous character of Verdi's opera, composed in 1871 to celebrate the opening of the Suez Canal and the Cairo Opera House, Aida was an Ethiopian slave. The Steam Ship Sudan honors her with a twin suite on the port side of the poop deck, with a front-row view over the Nile.
#19 - QUEEN VICTORIA

The regent of the British Empire, which took control of Egypt at the end of the 19th century, now gives her regal name to this cabin at the vessel's stern on the upper deck. Its rounded walls, with vast panoramic bay windows, look over the Nile and its banks in the wake of the ship.
#20 - OUM KALSOUM

On the lower level, on the main deck, the entire bow space is taken up with a suite with a warm and luxurious atmosphere, a hymn to Egypt's velvet-voiced legend, Oum Kalsoum, still considered, some 30 years after her death, as the greatest female singer in the arab world.
#21 - NAGUIB MAHFOUZ

Winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature, the Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz is unequalled in his historical portrayals of Egypt and the life of the great city of Cairo. Perhaps this should be mandatory reading in the comfort of this twin cabin on the port and bow side of the main deck.
#22 - GEOFFROY SAINT HILAIRE

This French naturalist accompanied Napoleon on his 1798 campaign. He helped to found the science and arts institute in Cairo and brought back to France an incredible variety of scientific artifacts. The double cabin bearing his name is located on the port, bow side of the main deck.
#23 - JEAN-FRANÇOIS CHAMPOLLION

Passionate about Egypt from an early age, Champollion put forward a theory about Egyptian writing as early as 1809. A few years later, he finally solved the mysteries of hieroglyphics. This twin cabin is on the ship's starboard side, at the bow of the main deck.
#24 - SAMUEL SHEPHEARD

Samuel Shepheard was one of the pioneers of tourism in Egypt. We notably owe him the famous hotel in Cairo that was named after him, built in 1841. This double cabin is on the starboard, bow side of the main deck.