Which category is Steam Ship Karim Nile Cruise?

Steam Ship Karim Nile Cruise is a Historical Nile Cruise with Ultra Luxury treatment.

When was the Steam Ship Karim built?

The SS Karim is a genuine royal paddle steamer built in 1917, and one of the very few historic steamships still in service on the Nile rather than a modern motor cruiser.

Is the Steam Ship Karim a real steamship?

Yes. It is an original paddle steamer from the golden age of Nile travel, not a modern vessel styled to look period. That is what distinguishes it from most of the fleet.

How does it compare to the Steam Ship Sudan?

Both are genuine heritage steamers. The Steam Ship Sudan was built in 1885 for the Egyptian royal family and carries 23 rooms. The Karim dates from 1917. Either is a very different experience from a modern cruiser — see our luxury ships guide.

Steam Ship Karim Nile Cruise - Egypt Nile Cruise Hub

Steam Ship Karim – A Royal Paddle Steamer Built in 1917
The Steam Ship Karim is a genuine royal paddle steamer built in 1917, still sailing the Nile today – one of the very few historic steamships still in service on the river.

A Living Piece of History

Built in 1917 as a royal paddle steamer, the SS Karim is a rare survivor from the golden age of Nile travel. Unlike the modern motor-cruiser fleet that dominates the river today, the Karim retains its original steamship character, offering a genuinely different, slower-paced way to experience the Nile.

Onboard Experience

Full-board dining, guided shore excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist, and all entrance fees to the sites visited are included throughout the voyage.

Nile Cruise Itinerary

The Karim sails an 8-night itinerary with Monday embarkation and disembarkation, calling at:

Esna
Edfu Temple
Kom Ombo Temple
Aswan, including Philae Temple and the High Dam

Why Choose the Steam Ship Karim?

A genuine 1917 paddle steamer – not a replica
One of the last historic steamships still sailing the Nile
Full 8-night itinerary between Luxor and Aswan
All entrance fees and Egyptologist guiding included

Book Your Steam Ship Karim Cruise

Step aboard the historic Steam Ship Karim for a genuinely different way to sail the Nile between Luxor and Aswan.

📞 Contact us now to book your Steam Ship Karim cruise!

Steam Ship Karim – Frequently Asked Questions

How old is the Steam Ship Karim?

The Steam Ship Karim is a genuine royal paddle steamer built in 1917, making it one of the last historic steamships still sailing the Nile today, rather than a modern motor cruiser.

How long is the Steam Ship Karim cruise?

The Karim sails an 8-night itinerary with Monday embarkation and disembarkation, visiting Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan.

What is included on the Steam Ship Karim cruise?

Full-board dining, guided shore excursions with an English-speaking Egyptologist, and all entrance fees to the visited sites are included.

Steam Ship Karim Overview

The Steam Ship Karim is a genuine 1917-built royal paddle steamer, one of the last historic steamships still sailing the Nile, offering an 8-night itinerary between Luxor and Aswan.

Other Nile Cruises

Steam Ship Karim highlights

A genuine 1917 royal paddle steamer
One of the last historic steamships on the Nile
Full 8-night Luxor-Aswan itinerary
Full board dining
English-speaking Egyptologist guide included
All entrance fees included

3 Nights :

From Aswan to Luxor Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Aswan – Embarkation & Philae Temple

Morning: Arrive in Aswan and transfer to the Steam Ship Karim Nile Cruise. Check-in and embark on your luxury cruise.
Afternoon: Enjoy a delicious lunch on board. In the afternoon, take a guided tour to the majestic Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and the Aswan High Dam, a marvel of modern engineering.
Evening: Return to the cruise for a gourmet dinner and spend the night docked in Aswan.

Day 2: Kom Ombo & Edfu Temples

Morning: Sail to Kom Ombo. After breakfast, visit the unique Temple of Kom Ombo, dedicated to the gods Sobek and Horus. Learn about the temple’s fascinating dual design and explore its well-preserved reliefs.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch as you continue sailing towards Edfu. Upon arrival, visit the Edfu Temple, one of Egypt’s best-preserved temples, dedicated to the falcon god Horus.
Evening: Return to the ship for dinner and sail towards Luxor. Spend the night on board.

Day 3: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon

Morning: After breakfast, explore the West Bank of Luxor. Visit the Valley of the Kings, where the tombs of Egypt’s great pharaohs are located. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, a stunning mortuary temple built into the cliffs of Deir el-Bahari.
Afternoon: Visit the Colossi of Memnon, two massive stone statues that once guarded the entrance to the Mortuary Temple of Amenhotep III. Return to the cruise for lunch.
Evening: Enjoy your final dinner on board, followed by a cultural performance. Spend the night docked in Luxor.

Day 4: Disembarkation – Luxor East Bank (Karnak & Luxor Temples)

Morning: After breakfast, check out from the Steam Ship Karim Nile Cruise. Visit the East Bank of Luxor, including the magnificent Karnak Temple, the largest religious complex in ancient Egypt, and the Luxor Temple, known for its grandeur and beauty.
Afternoon: After the tour, transfer to Luxor Airport or your next destination.

4 Nights :

From Luxor to Aswan Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Luxor – Embarkation & Karnak Temple

Morning: Arrive in Luxor and transfer to the Steam Ship Karim Nile Cruise. Check-in and embark on your luxurious journey.
Afternoon: Enjoy lunch on board. In the afternoon, explore the East Bank of Luxor, starting with the Karnak Temple, a vast open-air museum and the largest religious complex in ancient Egypt.
Evening: Visit the Luxor Temple, beautifully illuminated at night. Return to the cruise for dinner and spend the night docked in Luxor.

Day 2: Luxor West Bank – Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon

Morning: After breakfast, visit the West Bank of Luxor. Discover the Valley of the Kings, the final resting place of many pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Continue to the Temple of Hatshepsut, an architectural marvel dedicated to Egypt’s first female pharaoh.
Afternoon: Stop at the Colossi of Memnon before returning to the cruise for lunch. Sail towards Edfu in the afternoon.
Evening: Enjoy dinner on board and spend the night docked near Edfu.

Day 3: Edfu & Kom Ombo Temples

Morning: After breakfast, visit the Edfu Temple, dedicated to Horus, the falcon god. This well-preserved temple is one of Egypt’s most impressive sites.
Afternoon: Return to the ship and sail to Kom Ombo. After lunch, explore the Temple of Kom Ombo, unique in its dedication to two gods: Sobek and Horus.
Evening: Continue sailing to Aswan while enjoying dinner on board. Spend the night on the Nile.

Day 4: Aswan – Philae Temple, Unfinished Obelisk, and Aswan High Dam

Morning: After breakfast, visit the iconic Philae Temple, known for its beautiful location on an island in the Nile. Next, visit the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive granite obelisk that was abandoned in ancient times.
Afternoon: Visit the Aswan High Dam, an engineering marvel that transformed Egypt’s economy. Return to the cruise for lunch.
Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner on board with entertainment. Spend your last night docked in Aswan.

Day 5: Disembarkation – Optional Abu Simbel Tour

Morning: After breakfast, check out from the Steam Ship Karim Nile Cruise. For those who wish, an optional excursion to the Abu Simbel Temples can be arranged. These impressive temples, carved out of the mountainside, are among Egypt’s most famous landmarks.
Afternoon: Transfer to Aswan Airport or your next destination.