Going to Egypt on a cruise on the Nile
Going on a cruise is one of the most fun things to do in Egypt, so if you’re planning a trip there, make sure to leave some time for that. This experience will make your trip to Egypt more memorable than you could have imagined because it combines rest with the stories of Ancient Egypt.
Taking a Nile Cruise vs. Dahabiya
Most people who visit Egypt do not know how a Nile cruise is different from Dahabeya or a felucca. This article can help you choose the best Nile cruises in Egypt for you.
Most Nile cruises travel between Luxor and Aswan in the south in order to discover ancient Egyptian sites. The eastern and western banks of Luxor are accessible, as are the temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu, and Esna, as well as the Temple of Philae and the High Dam in Aswan.
This trip takes five or four days. But there are tours lasting six or seven days and sailing north from Luxor to Dendera and Abydos before starting the normal route from Aswan. Travelers can sail on Lake Nasser between Aswan and Abu Simbel, and visit temples in southern Egypt.
The Dahabeya is a small wooden sail-powered boat that can accommodate up to 10 separate sleeping cabins. On the other hand, a felucca is a small wind-powered boat that does not have a cabin for its people.
On the Nile, people going to Egypt have a plethora of boat options to choose from. There are now over 300 cruise ships going up and down the Nile, and tourists can disembark at any of the marinas in Luxor and Aswan. Contact a professional Nile cruise company ahead of time if you need help getting from the airport or train station to your Nile cruise. If you plan in advance this way, you may not have to worry about how to get a taxi when you get there.
When to take a cruise down the Nile?
Between November and February, most Nile cruises happen, so those are the busiest months. During this season, temperatures range from about 20°C at midnight to about 30°C during the day. The months of May through August, when temperatures are often over 40 degrees Celsius, are called “shoulder season.” This time of year is from June to August, which are the summer months.
How to get to your Nile cruise?
Nile cruises from Luxor:
You can reach Luxor in many different ways. You can either travel with an Egyptian airline or take a train from Cairo (recommended). From Hurghada, you can get to Luxor by bus or by renting a car. Also, there may be small flights from Sharm El Sheikh to Luxor.
Nile cruises from Aswan:
If you are coming from Hurghada, you can take a bus to Aswan. If you are coming from Cairo, you can take the train or (not recommended) by domestic plane (not recommended).
Entertainment on Nile cruises
The first evening of most cruises begins with a cocktail party hosted by the ship’s management. Visitors are served alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks free of charge, and the managers take this opportunity to introduce their teams to the passengers.
Each night also features a Jalabiya party, which is often organized by tour leaders. Dressing like a galabiya can help you feel at home in Egyptian folklore. If you want to join the fun, you will need to purchase a Jalabiya before the festivities begin. There is a price range of ten to fifteen dollars for the Jalabiya in US currency. For this reason, there is an onboard market where you can rent a galabiya.
On one of the other evenings, you will enjoy a wonderful Nubian performance with singers and dancers dressed in authentic Nubian costumes. Tonight is one of the nights you will enjoy the Nubian Show. A variety of acts were shown during the past evening’s entertainment, from juggling to belly dancing to a show with Nubian singers and bands.
Food, and Drinks on a Nile Cruise
There are two types of Nile cruise packages:
– Nile cruises on a full board basis:
Most Nile cruises offer full board accommodation, so travelers can relax and enjoy their time on the river. All meals are served buffet style, and there are no additional costs for visitors to help themselves whenever they choose (or set menu on certain flights) (or set menu on certain flights). Depending on the type and quality of the cruise ship, these meals are served in a timely manner with a predetermined schedule. On some cruises, tea and coffee are available daily at 5:00 PM on the go. It’s possible to get a variety of drinks if you visit the bar.
All Inclusive Nile Cruises:
Very few Nile cruises are all-inclusive (expensive, for only 7 nights). All-inclusive includes full board and all drinks like mineral water, soft drinks, hot drinks, coffee, tea, juices, local addicts (next to the glass), etc.
When are the check-in time and check-out time?
Check-in time at Nile Cruise:
Check-in is often scheduled around eleven in the morning, many hours before lunch. If you can schedule your flights in the morning, you can start sightseeing as soon as you leave the airport or train station, before the heat becomes unbearable. Once completed, the sleeping area in your cabin will be prepared for your arrival.
Check-out time at Nile Cruise:
Nile cruises often depart between 8 and 10 am, right after breakfast, although this time can vary widely. If your plane or train departs in the afternoon, you can still make use of the cruise ship’s common areas, but you won’t have access to your cabin or the ship’s dining hall. If you plan to take several trips, you can leave your bags on the boat.
What to wear on the Nile cruise
For the duration of the excursions, including afternoon excursions, you are free to wear whatever is most comfortable for you. However, in order to better withstand the summer heat, it is suggested that you wear light clothing.
In a country like Egypt, where Muslims make up the vast majority of the population, sensitive consideration must be given to issues of faith. Women should avoid wearing clothes that are too tight around the waist and hips. Instead, it is highly recommended to dress appropriately when going out and moving within the city.
The Nile River cruise is a great opportunity to discover the most beautiful beachwear, so feel free to do so. You can change into the swimwear and shorts you bring at any time. You can, of course, wear the same item for both meals if that’s what you like. However, there is a strong emphasis on formal attire for a dinner event.
How to plan your trip and what is the best itinerary for a Nile cruise?
5 days Nile cruise in Luxor Aswan
- Day 1: Meet and assist at Luxor airport or train station, transfer and board your Nile cruise before lunch, then visit the East Bank (Karnak Temple and Luxor). – A night in Luxor.
- Day 2: West Bank Tour – Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut Temple. Overnight in Edfu.
- Day 3: Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu and the Temple of the Gods Sobek and Heureus in Kom Ombo. Overnight in Aswan.
- Day 4: Visit the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. Overnight in Aswan.
- Day 5: disembarkation after breakfast. Optional tours if your flight is in the afternoon. Transfer to Aswan airport or train station.
4 days Nile cruise in Aswan and Luxor
- Day 1: Meet and assist at Aswan Airport or Train Station, transfer and board for your Nile cruise before lunch – visits to the Dam, Philae Temple and Aswan Unfinished Obelisk. Overnight in Aswan.
- Day 2: Temple visit by the gods Sobek and Heroris in Kom Ombo. – A night in Edfu.
- Day 3: Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu on the eastern bank (Karnak and Luxor Temple). – A night in Luxor.
- Day 4: West Bank Tour – Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut Temple. Then transfer to the airport or train station in Luxor.
How to book a Nile cruise trip?
Prior to your vacation, make sure to book with a trustworthy company that specializes in arranging tours for individuals or small groups, like “Egypt Accessible Travel”. The quality of a vacation may be greatly enhanced by taking advantage of private guide-led excursions. All trips should be started as early as possible in the morning, while the temperature and humidity are still relatively low. Afternoons are jam-packed with brief errands and entertainments like browsing stores and riding feluccas.
