Launched in February 2020, the Sonesta Sun Goddess is the newest ship in the Sonesta Nile fleet — an all-suite vessel built specifically for guests who want the largest possible accommodations on the river, not just an upgraded cabin.
Every one of the 30 suites runs at least 40 square meters — 26 Presidential Suites at 40 square meters, plus two Family Suites, one Executive Suite, and a single Royal Suite (each 60 square meters, the Royal Suite with its own Jacuzzi). Every suite opens onto a private terrace through sliding glass doors, with the Royal Suite adding a separate private lounge.
Dining and entertainment follow the established Sonesta pattern — a welcome fruit drink, discotheque, belly dance show, Captain’s welcome cocktail, Galabya party, and Nubian folkloric performance. The sun deck and barbecue lounge, spa and fitness center, and an outdoor pool with its own Jacuzzi round out the amenities.
Every one of the 30 suites runs at least 40 square meters — among the most spacious standard accommodations on the entire Nile.
Sails 7-night round-trip itineraries, embarking and disembarking from the same location, typically Aswan. Given its 2020 launch, it carries more contemporary interiors than several older Sonesta fleet ships. Bookable directly through Sonesta or standard cruise platforms.
Launched February 2020 and all-suite, Sun Goddess is the newest in its fleet and built specifically around maximum accommodation size. It runs the round trip from Aswan rather than Luxor, which is worth noting when you book flights — the two directions are not interchangeable.
Direct fleet comparison is Star Goddess, also all-suite. Nile Goddess is the 1989 original and runs the Luxor round trip instead. Beyond the fleet, Oberoi Zahra and Sanctuary Sun Boat IV are the step up in price.
Sailing north to south versus south to north changes the rhythm of the trip. Starting at Aswan puts Abu Simbel and Philae at the beginning while you are fresh, and finishes at Karnak and the Valley of the Kings — which many travellers prefer, since Luxor is the heavier sightseeing day and makes a stronger finish than an opening.
