Destination
Egypt & The Middle East
The Middle East is a region where history, heritage, and hospitality converge. From the sacred temples of ancient Egypt to the desert fortresses and vibrant coastlines of Arabia, small ship and river cruises offer an unmatched way to explore this culturally rich and historically profound region. These cruises are not just about seeing landmarks—they are about experiencing civilizations, understanding regional traditions, and sailing through landscapes that have shaped the world’s narrative. Small Ship Travel curates intimate, immersive voyages aboard small river ships and coastal vessels, each carefully selected for quality, authenticity, and cultural depth. Whether you're gliding along the Nile River past timeless temples, transiting the Suez Canal, or discovering the mystical ports of the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, we help you craft a journey that's both elevated and enriching.
We’ve hand-selected a collection of cruise lines that offer exceptional access, thoughtful experiences, and refined service throughout Egypt and the Middle East. Nour El Nil Sailing on handcrafted dahabiyas, Nour El Nil focuses on slow, sustainable travel along the Nile. With fewer than 24 guests, these journeys highlight lesser-visited temples, local villages, and artistic cuisine, offering a truly authentic river cruise experience. Abercrombie & Kent A&K’s Nile River cruises combine deep destination expertise with luxury land and cruise arrangements. Expect seamless logistics, Egyptologist-guided tours, and private-access moments that elevate your journey well beyond the ordinary. Scenic Scenic offers all-inclusive Nile cruises with immersive cultural programming and luxurious river ships. Their itineraries often pair with visits to Jordan or the UAE, offering a broader regional narrative. Viking River Cruises Viking’s Nile River itineraries aboard the Viking Osiris and Viking Aton deliver a modern, comfortable, and culturally rich experience. With expert guides, included shore excursions, and sleek Scandinavian design, Viking offers a well-rounded and educational journey through Egypt’s most iconic sites. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Uniworld’s S.S. Sphinx delivers a boutique luxury experience on the Nile, with a focus on artful design, locally sourced cuisine, and curated excursions led by experienced Egyptologists. Their itineraries offer a seamless blend of cultural enrichment and onboard elegance. Ponant Ponant’s small expedition vessels explore the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and the Arabian Gulf, offering access to UNESCO sites, emerging destinations, and cultural capitals with onboard enrichment and refined hospitality. Silversea Cruises Silversea’s ultra-luxury ships visit Egypt’s coastlines, the Suez Canal, and Arabian Gulf ports, providing all-suite comfort, private excursions, and immersive journeys led by regional experts.
Exploring Egypt and the Middle East by small ship or river cruise offers a seamless, immersive way to engage with some of the world’s most culturally and historically significant destinations. Rather than managing complex land logistics, travelers can sail in comfort, waking each day to a new site—from temples along the Nile to coastal heritage cities on the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
Small vessels offer exclusive access to remote or less-traveled ports, and with fewer guests onboard, the experience is more personalized and flexible. Onboard enrichment—such as talks by Egyptologists and regional experts—enhances the journey, while shore excursions focus on authentic connections to people, history, and place.
Sample Experiences Include:
The ideal time to cruise Egypt and the Middle East is between October and April, when temperatures are comfortable and sightseeing is most enjoyable.
At Small Ship Travel, we don’t just book cruises—we craft transformational journeys. Our team personally evaluates each cruise partner for service, safety, and cultural integrity, ensuring your experience is both seamless and deeply enriching. We take care of every detail—from private transfers and pre-cruise accommodations to personalized shore excursions and post-cruise extensions.
As a proud Virtuoso affiliate through Travel Experts, a member agency, we also provide exclusive perks like cabin upgrades, shipboard credits, and VIP access you won’t find anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or discovering the region for the first time, we're here to elevate your experience and exceed expectations.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
