Nile Cruise Information and Tips

If you choose to go on a Nile cruise, make sure that the cruise is taken as “all inclusive”, i.e. accommodation, tours and transportation! This option is the best way for you to see all the possible Temples on route. Today there are more than 220 Nile cruisers on the Nile between Luxor and Aswan, including 4 star, standard 5 star, deluxe and imperial Ultra deluxe.

There are 3 types of itineraries for Nile cruises:

Three Nights Cruise

Usually departs from Aswan to Luxor.

The cruise includes the following visits:

Aswan: The High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae
Kom Ombo: Visit the Temple of Kom Ombo
Edfu: visit the Temple of Edfu
Esna: visit the Esna Temple
Luxor: visit the west bank in Luxor to see, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut

*This is a short cruise, good for those who want to get just the cruise experience in glance and still enjoy the temples in between.

2) Four Nights Cruise

Usually departs from Luxor to Aswan.

The cruise includes the following visits:

Luxor: visit the west bank to see, the Valley of the Kings, the Valley of the Queens, and the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut. Then visit the east bank to see, the Temple of Luxor and the Temple of Karnak.
Esna: visit the Esna Temple
Edfu: visit the Temple of Edfu
Kom Ombo: visit the Temple of Kom Ombo
Aswan: visit the High Dam, the Unfinished Obelisk and the Temple of Philae
Felucca boat outing to visit the Botanical Island, a trip to a Nubian village (optional)
Visit to Elephantine Island and the Tombs of the Nobles (optional)

*This is a Medium range type cruise, good for those who want more of the cruise experience. while adding one extra night for more leisure time Good for those who would like to extend their stay to see Abu Simbel

3) Seven Nights Cruise

Either Luxor to Aswan or Aswan to Luxor.

This scheme basically includes all the visits mentioned above, but divided over 7 nights, which gives you in total more free nights to relax. It is very good choice for those who seek full relaxation.

Nile Cruise Itinerary Options



What You Should Know While On A Nile Cruise

Food on board:

Accommodation aboard the cruise boats is based on full board basis. (All meals are included ) Such meals and are in an open buffet style, some days there are many varieties, depending of type and quality of the cruise boat; these meals are served with a fixed timetable.

Tea and coffee are available, while on the move, called tea time served every day around 5:00 pm.

Other drinks are offered in the bar area.

Nightlife:

Every day there is a full entertainment programme, which differs from one boat to the other. On most cruise trips the first day is usually a cocktail party, run by the boat, where they offer free drinks and introduce the senior staff on board. This party is also known as “the manager’s party”, where the manager introduces his crew to passengers onboard; you must wear smart causal during this gathering

Another night there is a “Galabia party”, where you will be encouraged to get Egyptian outfits and wear the local Galabia. During To buy a Galabia will cost you around 50-70 LE, but if you do not wish to buy one, you can hire one from the bazaar shop located onboard.

If you choose to buy your Galabia from outside the boat There are many bazaars outside the Temples that you will be visit during your cruise. Don’t forget to haggle hard!

Another night will have a Nubian show, where you will see Nubian dancers and singers in their local outfit.

The last evening’s entertainment is usually has: a belly dancing show, a juggler’s show (whirling dervishes) with local singers and bands.

Your dress onboard:

During the daytime, while during tours, you can wear whatever you really like,(Shorts are ok) though due to the extreme heat it is recommended you wear lightweight clothes.

While relaxing on board, and in doors you may wear shorts and swimming costumes, if you wish. Breakfast and lunch can be taken dressed like this, but for dinner, please wear smarter clothes! But beware of too much exposure to the sun! Apply plenty of high factor sun block!

How to pay your Extras:

All extras such as consumed beverages, laundry, and telephones bills, should be settled and paid at the last day of your cruise when you check out. Payment can be made with credit cards, traveller’s cheque, or cash. Make sure you have enough cash, just in case your card transaction didn't go through.

Please note: Many Nile cruise boats do not accept personal cheques or money orders ! many other don't accept travellers checks as well

Tipping:

Don’t forget to leave tips for the cruise staff, not less than $ 5-8 USD PER PERSON PER DAY!

For 3 nights cruise it should be 15-25 USD per person ( in total)
For 4 nights cruise it should be 20-35 USD per person ( in total)
For 7 nights cruise it should be 35-55 USD per person ( in total)
This tipping should be given to the boat reception, simply put your tip in an envelope and hand it over to boat reception. This money later will be distributed evenly among the crew onboard. This way each person will get his fair share.

Please Note: this does not include tipping to your Tourist Guide, this should be separate, and it is entirely up to you to decide the amount of tip that you will give to him/her.Know that these are only guidelines, gratuities are personal matter and tipping is entirely at the discretion of the individuals.

More information can be obtained at:
http://www.ask-aladdin.com/cruisetips.htm