Packing for a nile cruise
 

Our10 day tour of Egypt includes a 4 day Nile cruise. I understand that the dress code is a bit more lax on the ship. Could anyone recommend what clothing would be appropriate to pack for the cruise? We are two women and one man, and our goal is to pack light, if at all possible. Thanks for your help.

It's very casual on the Nile cruises. The "dressiest" anyone got for dinner was nice pants and a top. Many people were in shorts (nice shorts, but still shorts). No need for dresses, jackets/ties, or anything like that.

Yes, very casual. Your cruise might include an evening where many (not all) people wear something Egyptian. Your ship may sell galabeyas, and you can definitely find something at one of your cruise stops if you like. I got by with a $3 hat, and very nice, inexpensive scarves were all over the place (you can bargain them down to $5 or less). Many of the women went all out, and some didn't dress at all, it's up to you.

You might want something "smart casual" for a night or two when you are going out to a nicer restaurant for dinner.

Thanks for your help!

Amazingly, there really was no dress code among the people we traveled with. Tank tops, spaghetti straps, shorts and short skirts - no problem! I saw no negative reaction from any Egyptians, and I heard of nobody who had a problem. The only place where we were directed to dress more conservatively was when we visited a mosque, and a few in our group did not hear these directions. They needed to "rent" a cover-up (the old paper robes were no longer available) at a cost of about $3 per person. Actually, the robes were very nice! We traveled in the middle of the summer, and long sleeves were definitely NOT necessary (as I had been led to believe). Just lots and lots of sunscreen and a really good HAT!

magreee - long sleeves are not necessary, but "Tank tops, spaghetti straps, shorts and short skirts" are definitely inappropriate unless you are on a cruise or at a beach resort.

As long as the upper arm is covered, you're good with a short-sleeved shirt. For other body parts, cover the legs, where crop pants are good and loose fitting even better. Skirts work well (for the gals that is) :)

Otherwise, casual attire just about everywhere else.

magreee what tour company did you use for the nile cruise?