Egypt - skip Nile cruise...a mistake?????
Mar 2nd, 2010, 01:26 PM
#21
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I don't know why I'm setting myself up for grief, but if you loved the cruise, that's great. BUT, we hemmed and hawed about going that route or flying between Cairo, Luxor, Aswan and Abu Simbel and staying in hotels (Movenpick in Aswan and Nile Palace in Luxor). We decided to skip the cruise - and were very glad we did. I don't discount the experience of those who loved it, but if you're on the fence, you should know that while in Luxor and Aswan, you will be tied up 3,4,and sometimes more boats across. When I saw this I shuttered to think about my stateroom ten feet away from the next boat -- and with a good chance of being in the "canyon" between the boats. In both Luxor and Aswan the inside boats are yards from the main road - and there's a lot of traffic on them. Your floating hotel has about as much space on top as my backyard.
Sure we missed Idfu and Kom Obo, but a one day AC van ride to Dendera and Abydos, through large and small towns, villages, etc. got us much closer to "seeing the countryside than one could get from a boat.
If you all loved it, great. But if you're still thinking about it, be aware that you are going to spend a lot of time in a very confined space and your surroundings are not that pleasant compared to the extensive grounds, pools, restaurants, etc. in a hotel. Sorry to sound like a wet blanket, but this forum is excellent for allowing minority opinions too.
Sure we missed Idfu and Kom Obo, but a one day AC van ride to Dendera and Abydos, through large and small towns, villages, etc. got us much closer to "seeing the countryside than one could get from a boat.
If you all loved it, great. But if you're still thinking about it, be aware that you are going to spend a lot of time in a very confined space and your surroundings are not that pleasant compared to the extensive grounds, pools, restaurants, etc. in a hotel. Sorry to sound like a wet blanket, but this forum is excellent for allowing minority opinions too.
Mar 2nd, 2010, 02:10 PM
#22
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There are a lot more temples and sights to see on a cruise, and if you had gone on a cruise you would have had the full experience. There is nothing more beautiful than sailing down the Nile and looking at the scenery. The date palms, the children swimming, and the women washing clothes in the Nile. You can see men fishing with their sons and the cattle grazing. Such cattle are seen on cave paintings. Donkey's grazing and braying. You can hear prayers being chanted from the temples and see how the the people live. The unspoilt countryside that appears as one would expect in ancient times. These things are priceless. Yes the boats do dock side by side overnight sometimes, but just staying in hotels is not really expeiencing the REAL TASTE OF EGYPT. The most beautiful and peaceful excursion is going to the island of Philea. In our opinion, the most beautiful sight in Egypt. This is because you will go there on a small boat and the view is stunning. Even better to go back for the "sound and light show" to see it lit up at night and feel the atmosphere, it is electric. Egypt is so popular and so are the cruises, thus making the Nile very busy. This is the reason that the Esna lock has been widened. This in itself is a pleasurable experience, going through the lock. By the way there is nothing nicer than docking at Kom Ombo and looking at the temple from your cabin or from the deck, just a stones throw away. There really is so much more on the cruise. Many more sights, and the cabins are air conditioned. The restaurant serves good food all inclusive and entertainment is free. Friendley warm service. Please don't dismiss this. We also stop in hotels for the second week of our holiday and have travelled extensively to more places in the beautiful counrty of Egypt. You will only scrape the suface if you do not cruise.
Mar 2nd, 2010, 02:27 PM
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To be honest, over the last 4 years we have seen people on the cruise come down with "mummy tummy".We always take loperimide with us but have never ever used it ourselves. We tend to give loperimide to others. We never eat salad, even though they state that this is washed in bottled water. Maybe we have a strong disposition, or maybe we look after ourselves in the sun. We do not drink alcohol whilst sunbathing and we drink plenty of water. We have found that most people go to Egypt, sunbathe in the hottest part of the day and allow themselves to get burnt. I don't think that this is wise. You know what they say about "mad dogs and English men, go out in the mid day sun"
Mar 2nd, 2010, 07:17 PM
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I have enjoyed reading everyone's different comments regarding the cruise and the
boats tied together. Would this be claustrophobic? Does one have to walk thru all the
boats to get to shore? Would this be hard for someone who has difficulty with walking?
What is the average amount of people on each boat? I usually travel with Cipro and Immodium. I am glad to learn of the other medications. What is the best month to travel to Egypt?
thanks for all the information. Johanna
boats tied together. Would this be claustrophobic? Does one have to walk thru all the
boats to get to shore? Would this be hard for someone who has difficulty with walking?
What is the average amount of people on each boat? I usually travel with Cipro and Immodium. I am glad to learn of the other medications. What is the best month to travel to Egypt?
thanks for all the information. Johanna
Mar 2nd, 2010, 08:15 PM
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Hi Johanna
No it is not claustrophobic at all. basically what happens is, that when the boat is docked (and that only happens at Luxor and Aswan for any length of time) then because the docks arent yet big enough to accommodate all of the cruise boats they stack up 3 or 4 abreast. But, with that said, if your boat is the last to tie up then if you are at that side of the boat facing the nile then your view will be right onto the nile.
And, since you are in Luxor or Aswan and docked there overnight you can always get off and explore the area and see the nile from just a few feet away at the top of the steps where you have docked.
I have done the nile cruises a number of times and I find them just a wonderful experience. Depending on the cruise boats that you use then it depends on where it is allowed or has a permit to dock. For example the more superior the boat the more private their docking area will be.
And, about getting ashore, its not a problem, even if you have a little difficulty walking. Of course though if you are in a wheelchair I would say that it would be quite difficult.
Basically you are just stepping between the reception areas of the boats. They are tied together and so you just walk through each boats reception to get through to the next one etc.
I actually quite enjoyed doing that to be honest because each boat I went through I asked the reception if I could have a nose around the boat, and of course they said it was no problem at all. So that way you get to see many other boats, see their facilities and their luxuriousness etc. Then when you go back next time you have a good idea about what the good boats look like etc or which boats you want to avoid.
I have travelled in Egypt most seasons but for me I found that October / November time was the best for me - heat wise etc. But of course that is the high season in Egypt and therefore the prices do shoot up quite a bit.
With regards to the tummy problems, I had it on two different occasions and all I needed to do was ask at the reception and they give you these super bug fighting tablets. Within 24 hours its all cleared up.
I advise anyone I talk to about egypt to avoid the green salad items (particularly the cucumber) and to avoid going directly from the hot sun to the cold air conditioned room as this can cause you to get a bad tummy as well.
It is good if you come from the heat and sit in the bar or the reception area to aclimatize a little then go into your room, or if you can then dont make your aircon too cold. I once did a cruise without putting the aircon on at all and didnt have a bit of a problem tummy wise, heat wise or anything.
Anyway, Ive prattled on a bit so I will let you digest what I said and I hope that it helps you.
Scotsgirl
No it is not claustrophobic at all. basically what happens is, that when the boat is docked (and that only happens at Luxor and Aswan for any length of time) then because the docks arent yet big enough to accommodate all of the cruise boats they stack up 3 or 4 abreast. But, with that said, if your boat is the last to tie up then if you are at that side of the boat facing the nile then your view will be right onto the nile.
And, since you are in Luxor or Aswan and docked there overnight you can always get off and explore the area and see the nile from just a few feet away at the top of the steps where you have docked.
I have done the nile cruises a number of times and I find them just a wonderful experience. Depending on the cruise boats that you use then it depends on where it is allowed or has a permit to dock. For example the more superior the boat the more private their docking area will be.
And, about getting ashore, its not a problem, even if you have a little difficulty walking. Of course though if you are in a wheelchair I would say that it would be quite difficult.
Basically you are just stepping between the reception areas of the boats. They are tied together and so you just walk through each boats reception to get through to the next one etc.
I actually quite enjoyed doing that to be honest because each boat I went through I asked the reception if I could have a nose around the boat, and of course they said it was no problem at all. So that way you get to see many other boats, see their facilities and their luxuriousness etc. Then when you go back next time you have a good idea about what the good boats look like etc or which boats you want to avoid.
I have travelled in Egypt most seasons but for me I found that October / November time was the best for me - heat wise etc. But of course that is the high season in Egypt and therefore the prices do shoot up quite a bit.
With regards to the tummy problems, I had it on two different occasions and all I needed to do was ask at the reception and they give you these super bug fighting tablets. Within 24 hours its all cleared up.
I advise anyone I talk to about egypt to avoid the green salad items (particularly the cucumber) and to avoid going directly from the hot sun to the cold air conditioned room as this can cause you to get a bad tummy as well.
It is good if you come from the heat and sit in the bar or the reception area to aclimatize a little then go into your room, or if you can then dont make your aircon too cold. I once did a cruise without putting the aircon on at all and didnt have a bit of a problem tummy wise, heat wise or anything.
Anyway, Ive prattled on a bit so I will let you digest what I said and I hope that it helps you.
Scotsgirl
Mar 6th, 2010, 11:53 AM
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Dear Johanna
Immodium is the same as loperimide. My partner is a nurse and never buys brand named drugs as they are more expensive. Ask any supermarket or pharmacy for the generic name and the price tag is much less. Always check the content and ask for the equivalent drug. Hope this helps save you money.
Immodium is the same as loperimide. My partner is a nurse and never buys brand named drugs as they are more expensive. Ask any supermarket or pharmacy for the generic name and the price tag is much less. Always check the content and ask for the equivalent drug. Hope this helps save you money.
Mar 6th, 2010, 12:07 PM
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Scotsgirl
Gave the best advise about aclimatitizing yourself when returning to your cabin from the heat. Egyptians will also tell you this. It is important to do this as going from extreme heat to a very cool room can make you feel pretty ill. If you keep this in mind then you won't go far wrong. Also always find the shade when visiting temples and keep well hydrated. Plenty of water!
Gave the best advise about aclimatitizing yourself when returning to your cabin from the heat. Egyptians will also tell you this. It is important to do this as going from extreme heat to a very cool room can make you feel pretty ill. If you keep this in mind then you won't go far wrong. Also always find the shade when visiting temples and keep well hydrated. Plenty of water!
Mar 21st, 2010, 02:52 AM
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Thanks Dave 
And yes, also what dave says about the pharmacy you will find things so much cheaper if you give the name of the drug itself rather than the US or UK brand name. And it is exactly the same stuff. For example anti histamine (wrong spelling?) much cheaper in Egypt than in the UK and does the trick because it has exactly the same stuff in it as the UK expensive Brand Name item.
Scotsgirl
And yes, also what dave says about the pharmacy you will find things so much cheaper if you give the name of the drug itself rather than the US or UK brand name. And it is exactly the same stuff. For example anti histamine (wrong spelling?) much cheaper in Egypt than in the UK and does the trick because it has exactly the same stuff in it as the UK expensive Brand Name item.
Scotsgirl
Mar 23rd, 2010, 09:59 AM
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I agree with Paolocast that there are pros and cons to Nile cruise vs. not cruising. I've toured Egypt both ways. The first time I went was before the influx of boats that you see now. In fact, I don't recall ever seeing anything other than feluccas during a week of cruising. At some stops, there may have been 1 or 2 other boats, max. Last trip, we did not do the cruise and I was totally amazed at how many big boats there are now. It kind of takes away from the magic of sailing along day and night with nothing else to see but the daily life along the shores, but then again, if I had not travelled to Egypt back then, I wouldn't know the difference between then and now. If this is your first & perhaps only time going to Egypt, you should take the cruise if you think you will regret not doing it later. However, if you decide not to take the cruise, you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of Egypt - like Paolocast, you can hire a van, or you can take the overnight train -you will see the everyday life of Egypt that way, also (like the "drive-in" movie theater we saw one night - which was one TV in the middle of the road and all of the town gathered around watching it). You can even go in a convoy to the Red Sea - again, you would see a part of Egypt most visitors don't see (lots of desert!).
Mar 23rd, 2010, 10:12 AM
#32
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<<<you will see the everyday life of Egypt that way, also (like the "drive-in" movie theater we saw one night - which was one TV in the middle of the road and all of the town gathered around watching it).>>>
We saw that same drive-in movie theatre in Morocco in 1980
We saw that same drive-in movie theatre in Morocco in 1980
May 18th, 2010, 04:30 AM
#33
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You should definitely take a Nile cruise. You will see parts of the river that have not changed in 2,000 years.
I wrote a trip review a couple of years ago, and discussed our nile cruise, trip to Abu Simbel and general travel recommendations in Egypt. You may want to read it for advice.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...om-egypt-5.cfm
I wrote a trip review a couple of years ago, and discussed our nile cruise, trip to Abu Simbel and general travel recommendations in Egypt. You may want to read it for advice.
http://www.fodors.com/community/afri...om-egypt-5.cfm
May 19th, 2010, 09:20 AM
#35
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The boats may have a pool, but not much bigger than a bathtub. 5/pax using would be crowded. And, yes they have a dining room/restaurant (your meals are included, so where else to partake), and a relatively small bar area where there's evening entertainment.
I'd rather be crusing along the Nile at night then stuck in a hotel on shore. Besides, the trip is only 2/days, unless for those who take the longer one which is only cruising back-n-forth the same route.
If not sure whether you want to cruise, compare the price for hotel at either Luxor or Aswan (or both and somewhere in-between), plus meals, guide/vehicle for tours, entry fees to sites, taxes vs the per night rate on one of the boats, which is "all inclusive."
I'd rather be crusing along the Nile at night then stuck in a hotel on shore. Besides, the trip is only 2/days, unless for those who take the longer one which is only cruising back-n-forth the same route.
If not sure whether you want to cruise, compare the price for hotel at either Luxor or Aswan (or both and somewhere in-between), plus meals, guide/vehicle for tours, entry fees to sites, taxes vs the per night rate on one of the boats, which is "all inclusive."
May 20th, 2010, 03:01 AM
#36
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When we did a cruise on the Nile last year, I ate salads every meal they were served, but my husband did not. He ate cheeses. He got mummy tummy, but I didn't. From what I remember, most healthy people who had tummy trouble recovered pretty fast. The ships all carry local medication which works the best on the Egyptian bugs, so buy it locally or ask at reception. People who have health problems, such as having been recently treated for cancer, were more likely to get seriously ill with mummy tummy.
We also heard about the boats being tied up together at the docks, but it really doesn't make a big difference to the experience, because at night you'll keep your curtains closed anyway, and walking through the different boats was very interesting as they always changed. We totally, totally loved our cruise, which was 7 days. I agree with davecutter73.
We got going very early in the morning, coming back before lunch to relax during a cruise to another location, and then went out again in the afternoon, returning before dinner. We sometimes cruised during the night, but mostly during the day.
My first time in Egypt was 30 years ago, and we took a night train to Aswan both ways. The much more exciting one was the 2nd class return trip which was unforgettable and had us right in the middle of all the action. In fact, it's one of my most memorable travel experiences. But, 30 years later, the cruise was just devine. You'll get plenty, and I mean plenty, of driving through streets of Egypt en route to the sites. We found that ALL the sites in Egypt were packed with people. It seems to be the #1 place to go, and I couldn't agree more.
Fly to Abu Simbel. We flew from Aswan, and returned to Cairo. I can't remember there being too many people to spoil it at all. It's just too amazing.
Go on the cruise, fly to Abu Simbel, and have a ball! Send Egypt my love!
Oh, btw, this is an old thread, but as someone else mentioned, it's a good one!
We also heard about the boats being tied up together at the docks, but it really doesn't make a big difference to the experience, because at night you'll keep your curtains closed anyway, and walking through the different boats was very interesting as they always changed. We totally, totally loved our cruise, which was 7 days. I agree with davecutter73.
We got going very early in the morning, coming back before lunch to relax during a cruise to another location, and then went out again in the afternoon, returning before dinner. We sometimes cruised during the night, but mostly during the day.
My first time in Egypt was 30 years ago, and we took a night train to Aswan both ways. The much more exciting one was the 2nd class return trip which was unforgettable and had us right in the middle of all the action. In fact, it's one of my most memorable travel experiences. But, 30 years later, the cruise was just devine. You'll get plenty, and I mean plenty, of driving through streets of Egypt en route to the sites. We found that ALL the sites in Egypt were packed with people. It seems to be the #1 place to go, and I couldn't agree more.
Fly to Abu Simbel. We flew from Aswan, and returned to Cairo. I can't remember there being too many people to spoil it at all. It's just too amazing.
Go on the cruise, fly to Abu Simbel, and have a ball! Send Egypt my love!
Oh, btw, this is an old thread, but as someone else mentioned, it's a good one!
May 23rd, 2010, 06:05 PM
#37
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davecutter73 and tinydancer,
would you mind telling which company you booked the 7 night cruise with? Everybody on this thread got me so excited about the Nile cruise that I started thiking about it as our next family trip, and the information is so useful. I searched the web but can't come up with a 7 day cruise. There are 7 day Egypt tours but the cruise section is 3-4 days only. Also, I believe, all cruises are always a part of a more general organized Egypt tour and include a few days stay in Cairo. We prefer independent travel wherever we can but, I guess, a an organized tour for the entire trip is the right way to do Egypt.
Also, do you think a 9 year old would enjoy the experience? She is very well travelled for her age and handles museums and sighseeing pretty well.
Thank you all.
would you mind telling which company you booked the 7 night cruise with? Everybody on this thread got me so excited about the Nile cruise that I started thiking about it as our next family trip, and the information is so useful. I searched the web but can't come up with a 7 day cruise. There are 7 day Egypt tours but the cruise section is 3-4 days only. Also, I believe, all cruises are always a part of a more general organized Egypt tour and include a few days stay in Cairo. We prefer independent travel wherever we can but, I guess, a an organized tour for the entire trip is the right way to do Egypt.
Also, do you think a 9 year old would enjoy the experience? She is very well travelled for her age and handles museums and sighseeing pretty well.
Thank you all.
May 24th, 2010, 05:18 AM
#38
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If you want to book JUST a cruise, separate from any other excursions or plans for your time in egypt, one company that can help you do that is EPT Egypt Panorama Tours. Their web site is at http://eptours.com/ It is a local Egyptian company run by an American man named Ted Cookson. They sell different boats, so they can probably sort you out for a 7 day cruise if you really want to be on the boat for that long.
May 25th, 2010, 02:58 AM
#39
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We did our Egypt tour through Insight Vacations
http://www.insightvacations.com.au/au/
This is their Australian web site, but I believe they are now marketing in the US, so maybe try deleting the.au/au/ Their prices are really good and I couldn't recommend them more highly. We had a great tour guide, and they have these wonderful little headset things that you can hear your guide on. This makes it possible to hear everything he says everywhere, not get lost or lose your group in the crowds at the sites, and if he sees you he can direct you to where he is if you do get separated. We could even wander around and still listen to him on the headset. They took very good care of us.
http://www.insightvacations.com.au/au/
This is their Australian web site, but I believe they are now marketing in the US, so maybe try deleting the.au/au/ Their prices are really good and I couldn't recommend them more highly. We had a great tour guide, and they have these wonderful little headset things that you can hear your guide on. This makes it possible to hear everything he says everywhere, not get lost or lose your group in the crowds at the sites, and if he sees you he can direct you to where he is if you do get separated. We could even wander around and still listen to him on the headset. They took very good care of us.
May 25th, 2010, 03:00 AM
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