There are over 300 options available for a cruise on river Nile and it is not very easy to choose. The first decision to make is on the type of boat you would prefer. There are basically two choices:
Dahabiya – these small traditional boats can accommodate upto 20 passengers. There will be cabins, a lounge and an upper deck for dining. Larger groups may consider booking the entire boat. Some of the Dahabiyas are fairly luxurious.
Small/medium sized cruise ships – these ships can carry upto 150 passengers and are most popular. They offer many facilities onboard plus entertainment options.
There is a third option, Felucca, the traditional sail boat. But these are suitable for very short journeys, counted in hours.
Choosing a cruise ship
Some of the criteria I considered for choosing a cruise ship are as follows:
Budget –
Given the choices, fixing a budget is the most logical way to make a shortlist. For a couple, the cost of deluxe and luxury cruises will be upwards of USD 300 per person on an average and can go over USD 1000 per person for 3 nights. This is on full Board basis but generally excludes beverages, including alcoholic drinks. Drinks on board are relatively expensive but not as much that I had to think twice before ordering. The cost also includes entry fee for the monuments to be visited as per itinerary. But not the additional fees-e.g. for cameras, additional tombs at Valley of Kings.
In reality, at a specific price range, the cruise ships are all likely to be equally good.
During certain periods(Christmas, New Year etc.), the cost is higher.
Room size –
Set a threshold, say 200 sq. ft. for a couple. Only some cruises have family rooms and they work out cheaper than taking 2 or more rooms separately. Larger rooms also mean higher cost. A fair bit of time will be spent in the room, so ensure it not cramped.
Balcony –
A balcony is ideal but large sliding windows are also good.
Cruise Itinerary –
Generally, it is standard but I would compare the itinerary as also cost of available optional tours. I paid specific attention to inclusions and exclusions(monuments covered, entry fee to monuments, beverages, pick up and drop etc.)
Direction –
The normal duration of cruise from Aswan to Luxor is 3N,4D and from Luxor to Aswan is 4N,5D(since it is up river). The cost for Luxor-Aswan cruise will also be higher but will cover some additional sites.
Facilities –
Fitness room(open ones on the deck are nice), pool, spa, sauna and so on. Be prepared to pay a bit more for these facilities. I enjoyed the pool on the upper deck in the cruise ship I had booked. But again, it is only 3 days and hence, not a must.
Photos –
Look closely at the photo gallery on the website. The photos of the room from all angles, the furnishings, the dining area, the deck area, pool and so on.
After looking at the photos initially, I decided to focus on deluxe/luxury cruises only.
Other facilities
WiFi, lounge bar, sun deck, buffet meals with vegetarian options, medical room etc. are generally common to all.
When to cruise?
Given the extensive sightseeing, October to April is the best time. April and October will be relatively warmer than other months.
Where to book?
Shortlist 2 or 3 options after doing a general search on websites of agents and cruise operators.
For booking a cruise, consider the 3 options:
- Through agents such as Memphis tours
- Cruise company website such as Movenpick, Oberoi, Sonesta
- Travel portals such as Booking.com, Agoda
I did compare the prices but booked directly on the operator’s website.
How many days for cruise
3D, 4N is more than adequate and longer duration cruises lasting a week or more can be avoided. After all, despite all the allure, Nile river is not a sea and the cruise ships are much smaller with limited options.
Check in and check out
Check in normally around 11AM, before lunch and check out is around 9AM, after breakfast.
Entertainment
Almost all deluxe and luxury cruises cruises will have music and dance programs in the evening.
Vegetarian Food
Normally buffet style and there will be vegetarian options. But don’t expect segregation of vegetarian dishes. The food tasted ok the first couple days and the just when I was beginning to get fed up, the cruise ended!
Is a Nile river cruise value for money?
There is no straight answer for this question. Nile cruise is certainly a great experience but if I were to be concerned about the relative costs, here is what I would consider.
- The facilities and room size are below par, when compared to a regular hotel with say a tariff of USD 75-100 per night.
- Deluxe cruises cost upwards of USD 300 per person for 3 nights. The luxury cruises charge upwards of USD500 per person for 3 nights. Overall, the cruise may appear to be a tad expensive, and that is the price for the cruise experience. The difference is narrow at deluxe cruises that cost about USD300 to 350 per person.
- The differential cost becomes higher as the group size increases.
- The time for sightseeing at Luxor is quite limited. This is for Aswan to Luxor cruises.
My personal view is to find a ship that meets your budget rather than skip the cruise all together. But I would stick to deluxe ships at the minimum.
