How to Join our Nile Cruises
* Fly from Cairo to Luxor or to Aswan to join our Nile cruise
* Take the sleeping train from Cairo to Luxor or to Aswan
* Fly to Luxor directly from your Country
What about food & meals on Board ?
Accommodation aboard the cruise boats is on full board basis. All meals are included and are in an open buffet style, some days there are many varieties, depending of the type and quality of the cruise boat; these meals are served with a fixed timetable. Tea and coffee is available, while on the move, every day at 5:00 pm. Other drinks are offered in the bar area.
Do we have any Entertainment during our nile cruise ?
Discotheque, Belly Dance Show, Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party, fancy Galabia Party and Nubian Folkloric Show
Every day there is a full entertainment program, which differs from one boat to the other. On most cruise trips that I have conducted, the first day is usually a cocktail party, run by the boat, where they offer free drinks and introduce the staff on board. This party is also called “the manager’s party”, where the manager introduces his crew to the guests on board; don’t forget to wear formal clothes during this party!
Another night there is a “Galabia party” or long dress party, where you will be encouraged to get Egyptian outfits and wear the local Galabia. During such parties, some games are conducted; the tour guides on board run the party, which offers much fun!! To buy a Galabia will cost you around 50 LE, but if you do not wish to buy one, you can hire one from the bazaar shop located on board.
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, and local singers and bands.
There are many bazaars outside the Temples that you will be visit during your cruise. Don’t forget to haggle hard!
How to pay my Extras:
All extras such as drink, laundry, and telephones bills, should be settled on the last day of your cruise at check out time. Payment can be made with credit cards, traveller’s cheque, or cash. Make sure you have enough cash, just in case your card is not working properly.
Please note: Many cruise boats do not accept personal cheques or money orders!
Is Tipping important ?
Don’t forget to leave tips for the cruise staff, not less than $3 PER PERSON PER DAY , as a kind of appreciation
These tips should be given to the boat, place them in an envelope and hand it to the reception. After all the groups have checked out, the cruise manager, together with the accountant and the reception, will open all the envelopes and distribute the money to all of the crew. This way each person will get his fair share.
Please Note: this does not include tips to your Tour Guide, this is separate, and it is entirely up to you to decide the size of tip that you will give to him/her.
Extra on board , Is it subject to Taxes & Gratuities ?
12% Service Charge, 5% Sales Tax and 2% City Tax , that’s according to the law of Egyptian ministry of tourism .
What about Check-In/Out time ?
Usually Check-in 12:00 p.m. & Check-out 08:00 a.m.
What can I wear during my nile cruise ?
During the daytime, while enjoying the tours, you can wear whatever you like, though due to the extreme heat it is recommended you wear lightweight clothes. While relaxing on board 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!
I have equilibrium problems , So what you recommend to me on board
People with equilibrium problems should not spend too much time on deck at night, on a fast moving ship; it is dangerous in case you fall over.
§ Make sure that you know where the muster stations are, in case you have to abandon ship.
§ If you get sick whilst on board, some cruise boats have a resident doctor on board. If not, they have doctors assigned in each town that can be called on in case of emergency.
§ If you need some more heath and safety tips, please read my health page to know more about health and safety on board a Nile cruise.
