Things to Know When Planning a Nile River Cruise in Egypt
Going on a cruise is one of the most fun things to do in Egypt, so if you’re planning a trip there, 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. Here are Things to Know When Planning a Nile River Cruise in Egypt
Taking a Nile Cruise vs. Dahabiya
Most people who visit Egypt do not know how a Nile cruise differs from Dahabeya or a felucca. This article can help you choose the best Nile cruises in Egypt. Most Nile cruises travel between Luxor and Aswan in the south to discover ancient Egyptian sites. Luxor’s eastern and western banks 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 usual 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 sleeping cabins.
On the other hand, a felucca is a small wind-powered boat that does not have a place for its people.
On the Nile, people going to Egypt have many boat options. Over 300 cruise ships are 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 if you need help from the airport or train station to your Nile cruise. If you plan this way, you may not have to worry about how to get a taxi when you get there.
Best Dahabiya Boats:
- Abundance Dahabiya Boat
- Three Pyramids Dahabiya
- Sonesta Amirat Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Amoura Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Sacred Lotus Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Assouan Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Malouka Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Merit Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Meroe Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Jasmine Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Nour El Nil Dahabiya Nile Cruise
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. May through August, when temperatures are often over 40 degrees Celsius, is called “shoulder season.” This time of year is from June to August, the summer months.
Check our article about Best Time for a Nile Cruise
How to get to your Nile cruise?
Nile cruises from Luxor:
You can reach Luxor in many different ways. You can 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 come from Hurghada, you can take a bus to Aswan. If you are coming from Cairo, you can take the train or by domestic plane.
Read More about the Nile River in Egypt
Things to Know When Planning a Nile River Cruise in Egypt: 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 tour leaders often organize. 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 an excellent Nubian performance with singers and dancers dressed in authentic Nubian costumes. Tonight is one of the nights you will enjoy the Nubian Show. Various 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 promptly with a predetermined schedule. Tea and coffee are available daily at 5:00 PM on some cruises, and you can get various drinks if you visit the bar.
All-Inclusive Nile Cruises:
Very few Nile cruises are all-inclusive (expensive, for only seven nights). All-inclusive includes the entire 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 times?
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 promptly with a predetermined schedule. Tea and coffee are available daily at 5:00 PM on some cruises, and you can get various drinks if you visit the bar.
All-Inclusive Nile Cruises:
Very few Nile cruises are all-inclusive (expensive, for only seven nights). All-inclusive includes the entire board and all drinks like mineral water, soft drinks, hot drinks, coffee, tea, juices, local addicts (next to the glass), etc.
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. However, to better withstand the summer heat, it is suggested that you wear light clothing.
In Egypt, where Muslims make up the vast majority of the population, sensitive consideration must be given to issues of faith. Women should avoid wearing too tight clothes around the waist and hips. Instead, dressing appropriately when going out and moving within the city is highly recommended.
The Nile River cruise is an excellent 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, and you can wear the same item for both meals if that’s what you like. However, formal attire is strongly emphasized for a dinner event.
What is the best itinerary for a Nile cruise?
1- A Classic Cruise trip in 8 days / 7 nights, starting and returning to Luxor or Aswan.
2- A Classic Cruise trip from Luxor or Aswan in 5 days / 4 nights. See a specific program:
- Day 1: Meet and assist at Luxor airport or train station, transfer and board the Nile cruise before lunch, then visit and ride to the East Bank (Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple). – Overnight 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 Sobek and Heroes 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 visits for those on board an afternoon flight. Transfer to Aswan airport or train station.
2- A Classic Cruise trip from Aswan or Luxor in 4 days / 3 nights. See a specific program:
- Day 1: Meet and assist at Aswan Airport or Railway Station, transfer and embark on the Nile Cruise before lunch: visits to the Great Dam, Philae Temple, and the Unfinished Obelisk in Aswan. – Overnight in Aswan.
- Day 2: Tour the Temple of Sobek and Haeroris in Kom Ombo. – Overnight in Edfu.
- Day 3: Visit the Temple of Horus in Edfu, the eastern shore (Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple). – Overnight in Luxor.
- Day 4: West Bank Tour – Valley of the Kings and Queen Hatshepsut Temple. Then transfer to Luxor airport or train station.
Lately, new 14-day cruises are being organized that depart and return to Cairo, which allows you to discover the whole of Egypt in a single itinerary.
“Nile Cruise Trips“ offers some of the best Nile cruises available in both quality of service and cost:
Nile cruise trip?
Before your vacation, book with a trustworthy company that arranges tours for individuals or small groups, like “Nile Cruise Trips.” The quality of a break may be significantly 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.
