vamp23 77 Posted March 18, 2014 Report Share Posted March 18, 2014 My son is learning about Egypt at school and was looking at taking him on a river cruise down the nile. Can anyone make any recommendations please ? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
sammy sun 1084 Posted March 18, 2014 Report Share Posted March 18, 2014 Not sure who to advise for this one. There used to be specific cruise line called African safari Club that always advertised Nile cruises but you don't seem to see them about much anymore. I wouldn't know who to suggest as I can honestly say, I've never been one for river cruising. Sounds like a dedicated effort to help your son by taking him on a cruise down the Nile! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Land Ahoy 797 Posted March 18, 2014 Report Share Posted March 18, 2014 Hi I undertook a week long Nile Cruise in Feburary 2012, the weather is ideal (low 70's during the day, a good temperature to sightsee). I went with Thonson's (flights were available from Northern based airports directly to Luxor but I assume due to lack of demand nearly all the flights are from the SE. The river boat was fine (chartered from Presdential line and included guests from Titan Holidays plus others) it was a liitle old,, however, on the plus side the guides and tours were all excellent. The food wasn't good but I didn't starve but the meals were the biggest let down. . Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pesky Pirate 172 Posted March 18, 2014 Report Share Posted March 18, 2014 I must admit that I would love to do the Valley of the Kings, Queens etc…. it is a shame that the ships from Southampton do not repeat the one that Oriana did a couple of years ago… I think it also included Petra aswell. Not bothered about Sharm but the rest of the itinerary was good. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Land Ahoy 797 Posted March 18, 2014 Report Share Posted March 18, 2014 I must admit that I would love to do the Valley of the Kings, Queens etc…. it is a shame that the ships from Southampton do not repeat the one that Oriana did a couple of years ago… I think it also included Petra aswell. Not bothered about Sharm but the rest of the itinerary was good. Hi I asume that the Oriana sailed down the Suez Canal to the Red Sea. The distance from the Canal to the River Nile is enormous - it wouldn't be the best way to visit many of the ancient sites. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Pesky Pirate 172 Posted March 18, 2014 Report Share Posted March 18, 2014 I think it was something like a 28 night cruise and it did go down the suez but I seem to remember it did go to the valley of the kings… Quote Link to post Share on other sites
DavidH 596 Posted March 19, 2014 Report Share Posted March 19, 2014 Highly recommend the Oberoi Philae. I believe it has spent the last 18 months being refurbished to be the most luxurious boat on the Nile. All I can say is, if it's better than when we went on it 3 years' ago, it will be darn good. Also suggest you consider transferring from the Nile to cruise Lake Nasser. The approach to Abu Simbel is awe inspiring as you come to realise the overwhelming size of the statues. Happy memories of a 40th wedding anniversary trip. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
vamp23 77 Posted May 19, 2014 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2014 When we went to Egypt we went with Thomas Cook Holidays we didnt do a cruise but where very fortunate to have a look round a boat in Cairo . The boats berth side by side and sometimes you have to walk through one ship to get to yours .I must admit there was some sheds afloat but the Thomas Cook and actually Kuoni where amongst the best . Hope this helps Quote Link to post Share on other sites
cruise chef 866 Posted May 21, 2014 Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 For anyone doing a Nile Cruise I would strongly recommend only going with a reputable company, I made the mistake several years ago booking from teletext and it was an absolute nightmare from start to finish Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Oldworldtraveller 2225 Posted May 21, 2014 Report Share Posted May 21, 2014 I was recently at the World Travel Market Show and spoke with people from the Egyptian Tourist Authority. It would appear that because of the huge tourist slump only about 20% of the Nile boats are running. Would suggest you contact Bolsover and get them to check which companies are operating and keep a close eye on the FCO travel advice website. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
History Addict 4 Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 Be aware when booking your boat in Egypt that the star rating system they have is probably 1 star above where it ought to be therefore a 5 star boat will be more akin to a 4 star experience. You don't say how old your son is - a lot of the river boats have an age limit of, I think, 12 years old although there is nothing to stop children going to stay at the hotels in Luxor. A Nile cruise is a wonderful experience. These usually include all excursions with a guide in with the price and are fabulous value for money. Be aware, though, that there is an early start for most of the trips so you avoid the midday sun. An 8am start is not unknown and you will be generally back on the boat for lunchtime It is a great area for cruising as the sights and sounds as you gently motor down the Nile in the afternoon is unforgettable. We've done it 3 times now and are considering going again next year. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
History Addict 4 Posted June 12, 2014 Report Share Posted June 12, 2014 I should have mentioned, Discover Egypt and Orbital Travel are both companies specialising in Nile cruises, although I haven't used either. The company I used for my first two no longer exists and the subsequent cruise I had booked with Orbital got cancelled during the Egyptian revolution so I can't recommend either. The last time we went was with Thomson and whilst it was a good experience with a super guide and great value for money the journey to and from the boat was very much a package holiday experience and not the best. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J-Dog 136 Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 I suggest going on youtube and watching videos about the egyptian sights as they are a massive let down when you get there. Far too commercialised for my liking and def won't be going back there. I guess you have to see it to form an opinion but, take it from me when your sat in Pizza Hut and can see the pyramids out the window in kind of takes the greatness away. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Land Ahoy 797 Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 I suggest going on youtube and watching videos about the egyptian sights as they are a massive let down when you get there. Far too commercialised for my liking and def won't be going back there. I guess you have to see it to form an opinion but, take it from me when your sat in Pizza Hut and can see the pyramids out the window in kind of takes the greatness away. Hi I fail to see why you bothered to mention the Pyramids at Giza when the question was about a NIle Cruise. Most Nile cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan and you don't go anywhere near Cario. In the present climate most if not all companies have cancellled their optional excusrion to see the Pyramids. PS I did find the sites impressive by the way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
J-Dog 136 Posted July 9, 2014 Report Share Posted July 9, 2014 Fair point but I just wanted to get my point across that videos are sometimes better than the actual thing, but, as I said this is my opinion. I have been to the valley of the kings too and they are just as unimpressive, far too many tourists being crammed into empty caves! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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