MS Farah

The 2011-built MS Farah cruises on the Nile River in Egypt between the homeports of Luxor and Aswan, operating both northbound and southbound itineraries. The vessel features hand-polished Mediterranean stone floors, handmade Egyptian cotton linens, natural dark wood furniture, and a three-deck-high atrium. The staff is English-speaking and known for their warm hospitality. The Arabic word “Farah” means happiness or joy.

Among the largest vessels on the Nile, MS Farah is owned by Farah Nile Cruise and currently chartered by Avalon Waterways, one of Europe’s leading river cruisetour companies.

Decks and Cabins

MS Farah staterooms (62 total, in three categories) include two Royal Suites and 60 Deluxe Cabins, all with French balconies and double occupancy (two guests per room).

Complimentary in-cabin amenities include twin beds convertible to a queen-size bed, bedside tables with reading lamps, floor lamps, a deluxe pillow menu, writing desk with chair, seating area with two chairs and a coffee table, UHD TV (32-inch in staterooms, 42-inch in suites), USB charging ports and Internet/network outlets, individually controlled air conditioning, electronic safe, floor-to-ceiling windows opening to a French balcony, minibar, fruit basket, cookies, canapés, nuts, and a kettle with tea packets. Nescafe is also complimentary. All bathrooms are en suite, with marble flooring and countertops, washbasin, magnifying mirror, hairdryer, towels, wall-mounted WC, razor plug, bathtub with shower, and decorative live plants.

• Both Royal Suites (Category S) are located forward on the Wheelhouse Deck, each measuring 430 ft² (40 m²) and featuring separate lounge and bedroom areas, both with French balconies.
• Deluxe Staterooms (Categories A and P) are located on the Lower, Main, Second, and Wheelhouse Decks, each measuring 240 ft² (22 m²).

The vessel has five decks, four of which contain passenger cabins.

Shipboard Facilities and Amenities

The ship’s amenities include the Farah Lounge Bar with panoramic windows, white leather furniture, glass-top tables, and high seating areas; complimentary Wi-Fi; welcome gifts such as cocktails and refreshing towels; the Library Lounge (dedicated to author Paulo Coelho, featuring his books in multiple languages); a sundeck telescope and binoculars; and a wellness complex with gym, sauna, and steam room (spa massages available at extra cost). UHD TVs receive both cable and satellite channels.

All interior areas are fully air-conditioned. The vessel can host private events such as family celebrations or business meetings. The Farah Lounge also serves as the venue for onboard enrichment programs, including lectures on Egyptian history and culture, media presentations, themed events like the Galabia Party (traditional attire and dancing), and the Welcome Cocktail Party.

The elegant Farah Restaurant offers gourmet cuisine prepared by professional chefs and served by attentive waitstaff. Breakfast and lunch are buffet-style, while dinner is à la carte. Tables accommodate between 4 and 10 guests. Special menus are available for vegans and vegetarians, and beverages (two glasses of local wine or beer, tea, and coffee) are complimentary with meals. Weather permitting, alfresco barbecue lunches and dinners are served on the sundeck.

An onboard cooking class focused on traditional Egyptian cuisine is offered complimentary on every voyage, with a certificate presented by the ship’s Master Chef.

• (Deck 5) Sundeck: Swimming pool, BBQ buffet, Pool Bar, sunbathing area with padded loungers and daybeds, shaded seating areas with live plants, garden furniture, sofas, and bar stools.
• (Deck 4) Wheelhouse Deck: Navigation bridge, fitness room, steam and sauna rooms, massage room, 24 cabins, and two Royal Suites.
• (Deck 3) Second Deck: Library, boutique shops, and 28 passenger cabins.
• (Deck 2) Main Deck: Lobby Hall with reception and cashier, grand staircase, seating area, Farah Lounge Bar, six passenger cabins, and staff accommodations. Two glass-door entrances are located on this deck.
• (Deck 1) Lower Deck: Dining Room and Galley, six passenger cabins, and engine rooms.

Farah cruise packages include Wi-Fi, room service, all guided land excursions, port taxes, domestic flights (and occasionally international flights in promotional offers), premium motorcoach transfers, live evening entertainment, enrichment lectures, a behind-the-scenes ship tour, food and wine tastings, 24-hour beverages (bottled water, coffee, tea, hot chocolate), and daily replenished bottled water in cabins.

MS Farah Nile cruise fares are per person based on double occupancy. Prices are indicative and may vary depending on promotions, discounts, group bookings, or last-minute deals. Avalon Waterways offers Nile cruise packages from GBP 1000 per person, including return UK flights. Guests may extend their stay on the Red Sea Riviera with Avalon’s “Nile Cruise & Stay” packages.

MS Farah Nile River Cruise Itineraries

MS Farah operates between Luxor and Aswan, offering both southbound and northbound programs. Two main schedules are available: Luxor–Aswan (4–7 nights) and Aswan–Luxor (3–7 nights).

When operated independently, MS Farah cruise prices typically range from USD 2400 (3-night) to USD 5600 (7-night). Complimentary onboard activities include:

• Day 1: Embarkation in Luxor (12 noon), lunch, dinner, belly-dancing show, overnight in Luxor.
• Day 2: Visits to the Valley of the Kings, Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and Colossi of Memnon; cruising via Esna to Edfu; afternoon tea, cocktail party, dinner, overnight in Edfu.
• Day 3: Visit Edfu’s Horus Temple; cruise to Kom Ombo and Aswan; afternoon tea, dinner, Galabia Party, overnight in Aswan.
• Day 4: Visit Aswan High Dam and Philae Temple (by motorboat); lunch, dinner, Nubian show, overnight in Aswan.
• Day 5: Leisure day; lunch, dinner, Nubian show, cruise to Kom Ombo, overnight in Kom Ombo.
• Day 6: Visit Kom Ombo Temple; cruise via Edfu to Luxor; afternoon tea, dinner, Galabia Party, overnight in Luxor.
• Day 7: Free time; visits to Karnak and Luxor Temples; dinner and belly-dancing show; overnight in Luxor.
• Day 8: Breakfast, disembarkation at 8 a.m., and transfer to Luxor Airport.

Below are the themed itineraries officially announced by Avalon Waterways:

TASTE OF EGYPT

Itinerary code WUAY (“Taste of Egypt”) is a 10-day roundtrip from Cairo, featuring 9 nights of cruising.

• Days 1–3: Three-night luxury hotel stay in Cairo with guided tours of the Giza Pyramids and Sphinx, Sakkara necropolis, evening light show at the pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Salah Al-Din Citadel, Alabaster Mosque, Coptic Cairo, and the Khan Al-Khalili bazaar.
• Day 4: Flight from Cairo to Luxor for embarkation; guided tours of Luxor and Karnak Temples; welcome cocktail reception.
• Day 5: Cruise to Edfu, visiting the Valleys of the Kings and Queens, Deir El-Bahri, and Colossi of Memnon; evening Galabia Party onboard.
• Day 6: Cruise to Kom Ombo and Aswan; tours to Horus and Kom Ombo Temples; onboard lecture.
• Day 7: Arrive in Aswan; felucca sailboat excursion to Kitchener Island and the Botanical Gardens; overnight in Aswan.
• Day 8: Visit Aswan High Dam, cruise to Agilkia Island to explore the Temple of Isis; disembarkation and flight back to Cairo.
• Day 9: Overnight in Cairo with tours to Memphis Museum and Khan Al-Khalili bazaar.
• Day 10: Breakfast, check-out, and departure flight.

Season 2021–2022 prices started from GBP 2535 (EUR 2970 / USD 3480) per person, based on double occupancy and including two domestic flights.

TASTE OF EGYPT WITH JORDAN

Itinerary code WUAE (“Taste of Egypt with Jordan”) is a 14-day cruisetour from Cairo, extending to the Dead Sea.

• Days 1–10: Same program as “Taste of Egypt.”
• Day 10: Flight from Cairo to Amman (Jordan) and overnight hotel stay.
• Day 11: Excursions in Amman and Madaba; evening transfer to Petra for overnight stay.
• Day 12: Guided tour of Petra, followed by travel to the Dead Sea.
• Day 13: Visit Jerash archaeological site and the ancient ruins of Gerasa.
• Day 14: Breakfast, check-out, and return flight.

Season 2021–2022 prices started from GBP 3930 (EUR 4610 / USD 5400) per person, based on double occupancy.