Is taking a Nile cruise in Egypt worth it? I filmed my five-star trip from Luxor to Aswan, from the top deck pool to the hawkers tying their boats to the ship

It is considered one of the most glamorous and romantic ways to see one of the world's most mysterious and enchanting countries.

But is a Nile cruise in Egypt really worth it?

Travel vlogger Sam Mayfair started exploring the pros and cons with a seven-day tour aboard the five-star cruise ship Steigenberger Royale on one of the most popular routes: Luxor to Aswan, 150 miles away.

Cruise ships on this route offer tourists the chance to see some of Egypt's most fascinating cultural sights and breathtaking landscapes.

Thirty-nine-year-old Sam, from Surrey, posted images of his journey to his TikTok account – @Sam.Mayfair – and told MailOnline it was a 'hassle-free' way to see Egypt.

Thirty-nine-year-old Sam traveled aboard the five-star ship the Steigenberger Royale

Sam starts the video by showing off his spacious suite, a room upgrade with a lavish bathroom. He claims: 'There are smaller rooms, but they don't differ much in price.'

He then goes to the rest of the ship and reveals that the upper deck has a sunbathing area. He says: 'There was also a swimming pool… which I really enjoyed. There's nothing like jumping into a cold pool when it's 44 degrees [Centigrade].'

Sam continues filming, revealing an outdoor bar, a small gym and a massage room, before showing a large indoor lounge, complete with red carpets and wooden furniture. According to him, this room was used in the evening because it was 'difficult to stay outside because of the mosquitoes'.

Sam says the ship was divided into two levels, with the upper deck used as a conservatory. Pictured right – the ship's swimming pool. Sam says: 'There's nothing like jumping into a cold pool when it's 44 degrees'

In the video, viewers go through the keyhole of Sam's spacious suite. Although he says there were smaller rooms, he claims 'they don't differ much in price'

In terms of food and drinks, Sam said the meals were included in the package, but additional drinks had to be purchased.

He adds: 'The food on the cruise was actually very good. It was a buffet with a different theme every day.'

Sam says these cruises can also include guided tours, depending on which package you book. He adds: 'However, if, like me, you haven't booked it as part of the package, you will have to pay extra for all your small tours.'

One thing passengers should be aware of is the small boats that sell souvenirs, Sam notes. In the video, Sam says they will “attach themselves to the ship and hold it for dear life while they try to sell you a towel.”

LEFT: The outdoor dining area and bar. RIGHT: A meal served on board. Sam says the food is 'really tasty', although the drinks cost extra

One thing passengers should be aware of is the small boats that sell souvenirs, Sam notes. In the video, Sam says they will “attach themselves to the ship and hold it for dear life while they try to sell you a towel.”

While Sam says there's “nothing wrong with buying from them,” he adds, “Just make sure you negotiate the price.”

Sam paid £1,500 ($1,886) for two tickets on board the cruise. “We started in Luxor and ended in Luxor, but most passengers arrive in Aswan after four days,” he explained.

Was the trip worth it? He told MailOnline Travel: 'One hundred percent.

“It's a really interesting way to travel and explore, and you can't help but imagine that you're making the same journey that people have been making for thousands of years.”

Sam says cruising the River Nile is a 'very interesting way to travel and explore'. He is seen above at the Karnak Temple in Luxor

Sam is pictured above exploring Edfu Temple, one of the attractions along the way

He said those on board can expect to see a new location every day, “including the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philea and the Unfinished Obelisk.”

Is there room for improvement? Sam said, “You're a little limited in time at each location. I would have liked to explore a little longer.”

But he added: “If you want to explore and travel worry-free, that's very good… and I would recommend it as an experience.”

To learn more from Sam, visit him on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@SamMayfair and TikTok www.tiktok.com/@sam.mayfair.