What these longer tours offer is a less rushed Nile cruise experience with an itinerary that travels from Luxor to Aswan and then returns to Luxor (or vice versa), so that there is more time spent cruising the river, and the offshore guided tours of the temples are more spaced out along the route. It's important to note that on these longer cruises, the included guided tours and stops mostly stay the same, though a stop in Esna for a guided tour of the Temple of Khnum is usually thrown in. Some Nile cruisers offer longer cruises along this route - for example, a seven-night Luxor to Aswan cruise package. While docked in Aswan, optional excursions to the Temples of Abu Simbel are normally offered, and hot-air ballooning is usually available as an optional extra at Luxor. On a Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor cruise, typical itineraries include a guided tour of the highlight tourist attractions of the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut's Temple in Luxor's west bank and the Temple of Karnak on Luxor's east bank stops while cruising along the river at Edfu and Kom Ombo for guided tours of the Temple of Horus and the Temple of Kom Ombo and a guided tour of Philae Temple at Aswan. Actual cruising time upon the river is limited. Note that more time than you think will be spent at dock. This route is usually three or four nights, though you will be spending two of those nights at port onboard in your start and end point. The most typical Nile cruiser route is between Luxor and Aswan, with cruises starting from either end. If large group tours really aren't for you, think carefully before signing up for a Nile cruise. Note that this means you will always be visiting the tourist attractions on your included excursions in a large group. In general, Nile cruisers carry between around 50 and 100 passengers. One Nile Cruiser, the M/S Sudan, offers a special heritage cruise stay and the unique chance of cruising onboard one of the original Nile tourist steamships, now refitted for modern comforts but still brimming with 19th-century character. Some of the very cheapest Nile cruisers can be rather run down and are best avoided if you want a comfortable cruise experience. On mid-range boats, you can still expect excellent staff service, but décor will be much less grand (and cabin space will usually be much smaller), and there won't be as many onboard facilities.
Some of the top deluxe boats (often run by, or in conjunction with, five-star international hotel brands) dish up a luxury cruise experience, complete with onboard spa facilities, opulently styled cabins, and gourmet food. Just like with hotels there is a huge amount of Nile cruiser choice, and boats differ hugely in price and the range of facilities. Normal onboard amenities include a sundeck (or sundecks) complete with a pool and restaurant. Think of a Nile cruiser as a floating hotel.
The most popular way to take a Nile cruise is on one of the big Nile cruiser boats.