I’d love to go on the River Nile on a cruise ship, unfortunately, after the bombings and the holiday programme which reported a number of nightmare holidays, I’ve been put me off the idea.

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Bob, we have just returned from our second trip to Egypt. Our first was for our 25th Wedding Anniversary, and second was in August. Both trips were one weeks Nile cruise, and second week in a beach resort – Hurghada and El Gouna, and I have to say I felt very safe at all times. Accommodation, tour guides and local people were really wonderful.
Bob, go for it….you will not be sorry. I would return tomorrow – if i could only swing the holidays off work!

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Thanks Carol. I was speaking to my wife about what you have said, and it looks like I am going to persuade her to go on a Nile cruise. Do you know when is the best time of the year to visit Egypt?

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It is a year round destination, but it was “boiling” – 44degrees, when we were there in August. Now, for us that was fine – my thermostat broke years ago, but I am told that Oct. and May are the best times to visit – warm during the day and pleasant at night. Early and very late in the year I am told that it is cold at night.
Bob, if I can help at all – just give me a shout.

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Hi Carol, I’m a co-owner of http://www.nilecruises4u.co.uk, the website that Darren has kindly mentioned in the article above, which I am thrilled about.

I read Bob’s misgivings and then read your reply to him and I would like to echo your sentiments. I find Egypt to be one of the most fascinating destinations to travel to. I have been there on many occasions, both cruising the Nile and holidaying on the Red Sea Riviera and have loved each visit.

I too find the Egyptian people exceptionally hospitable and warm and, like you, felt very safe no matter where I travelled.

To answer Bob, here at Nile Cruises 4u, we normally recommend the October and May months as the optimum times to travel. However, we have cruised in early July and holidayed’ in June and November. Every time the weather was great.

Carol, you mention that you have cruised the Nile twice. Could I be very cheeky and ask if you would consider writing a short review of how your cruise experiences went and then allowing me to add them to the downloadable eBook we have on http://www.nilecruises4u.co.uk? We wrote the eBook to give people who have not cruised the Nile before an idea of just what they might expect.

I would be really grateful you would consider this as it is a great help to would-be cruisers to read about the actual experiences of others.

Thanks,

Colin

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Yes, I would love to hear more about cruises on the Nile. It has been something that I have wanted to do for a long time. My husband hates the hot weather though, so I might have to leave him at home and take my daughter!

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Thanks Darren,

What we tried to do when we put the Nile Cruises 4u website together was to try and provide as much information as possible so that potential cruisers could access the information in their own time without having to speak to anyone if they didnt’ want to.

So we have the downloadable eBook, as well as a gallery of photos of some of the Nile cruise vessles we use. Plus there is a video taken when we actually cruised on the El Fostate cruiser which gives people an insight into what you will do and see if you cruise the Nile.

To answer Debbie, although your husband hates the hot weather you will find that the excursions and visits to the historical sites and tombs take place first thing in the morning to avoid the worst of the heat and then you will cruise in the afternoon.

I can tell you there is nothing nicer that sitting on the top deck of your Nile cruiser, in the shade, with a cool drink in one hand, a good book in the other, whilst cruising slowly down the Nile with life going on shore. Magical feeling.

The vessels are also air-conditioned so that helps too, of course.

Hope some of this helps, Debbie?

Colin

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Oh Colin….you are making me “dream” now – I can honestly say that our cruises on the Nile have really been the best holidays ever.

And yes, I would love to write an article/review for you. Just give me some idea of how long it should be and what you would like me to cover.

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March is my favorite time for a vacation in Egypt! Ideal weather, even in the South.

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Can you tell me what money to take on a Nile Cruise? I’m getting the idea that dollars are best but our local travel agent is insisting we take Egyptian Pounds?

Thanks
Carol

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Hi Carol,

We take Sterling Travellers Cheques and have no problems. We change them on the boat and get the same rates as with a bank. Much safer. Plus Egyptian money is really dirty. Remember to take baby wipes or similar for when you have been handling money.

If you visit our website, http://www.nile-cruises-4u.co.uk you can download a free eBook that has a bunch of Nile Cruise reviews, you can read some of our clients recent reviews on the site itslef and it also has a number of videos that show exactly what your Nile Cruise will entail.

Have a great trip. You’ll love it!!

Colin

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Returned from Nile cruise in March 2007, our 2nd aboard Nile Commodore, a Presidential Nile Cruise boat .We booked with Thomsons and had such a fab time, we’re booking again for next year! The boat was clean, the food delicious, (I ate salads every day), the Crew are really friendly and work so hard to make everyone feel welcome. The Rep was amazing and very helpful and the tours are outstanding, we felt extremely safe and being on board was like being at home. This year we chose not to do as many tours as the year before, but did some exploring of our own, with helpful advice from the Rep. We won’t hesitate to return to this fantastic country- go and have a brilliant time!
It can be a little chilly at night in feb/march you might need a jumper on deck, but was in the 30’s during the day.

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We have just returned from a nile cruise. Our first gripe is that we were not on the boat that we booked. Although both were advertised as 5 star, the one that we we ended up on was shabby to say the least, our cabin was the size of a cupboard. After a couple of days we could not stand running the gauntlet every time we stepped off the coach at one of the attractions. One of our party was sexually molested another had money snatched out of her hand. I could go on much longer, I have never been angry so many times in just one week. The street vendors do not recognise the phrase “no thankyou” and only leave you alone when you show anger. I personally will never return to Egypt and neither will my husband. We go on holiday to have a good time and interact with the locals this is not posible in Egypt. Our tour guide told us not to use our credit cards and get our change before parting with any money. What more can I say.

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just arrived back from Egypt presidential nile cruise on the commadore wonderfull first class tour guide Maged boat very clean and freindly crew. Second week luxor sheraton nice hotel but to expensive for drinks small beer £3.50 single drink £6.00 same measure as england most expensive winter palace hotel drink cheaper recommend John& Johns at Gaddis hotel for drinks and would not recommend half board at extra cost as can eat out for as little as £10 a couple outside in restuarants will certainly go back temples and monuments are magnificent

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January 2008 – My husband and I have just returned from a week’s holiday on the Nile Commodore. It was wonderful, our guide Iten was extremely informative and helpful. We had done our homework beforehand and therefore were prepared for the evening temperature drop, the bartering for goods and the pestering by adults and children selling bottles of water, souvenirs etc. They did respond when told no, go away and this just became part of our normal routine. We stayed 3T which meant our bedroom (which was a good size) was on the lower deck nearer to the water but this was no problem as the water never came any higher than approx three to four feet below the window and was quite soothing as it lapped against the boat during the night. Food excellent and would really recommend this holiday to anyone.

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We are travelling to Eygpt for 7 days in Oct and would like to fit in a short nile cruse (3 night) Anyone have advise on how to do this from the UK Most web sites inckude everything and for longer lengths of time for example

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Thinking of taking my beloved on a Nile cruise for part of our Ruby Wedding celebrations.Boat and general comments written seem favourable. question how many and how much should I allow for excursions. Anybody try the Hot Air balloon trip? Thanks in anticipation

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just back from nile cruise onboard nile legend booked with portland on the net fantastic holiday,boat ,food ,people everything about the holiday was fantastic.
all tha trips are included apart from the balloon trip which was amazing you must go cost was only £65 well worth it a must .
We also took the Abel Simbel trip it included the light show at philea temple we had a early call at3.30 am yes 3.30 breakfast and flew at6am we were back on the boat at11am a short trip that cost alot of money . you can do the light show for £16. everything else is included ,you do not need money on the boat you put all drinks on a tab and settle up at the end of the week ,our drinks bill was £69.00 all the trips were amazing and you were always back on the boat in time for lunch, the food was great three cooked meals and afternoon tea at 4 with cake.
spending every afternoon sailing down the nile was so relaxing so much to see, a poor country lots of hassle from the locals but you get use to it just say no. take sweets for the children.
Tipping is the norm £5 eygptian pounds only 50p
so your money goes a long way .
Eygptian night on the boat was fun you purchase your galabaja? not sure of the spelling on board only cost about £6.00 and makes a great fancy dress costume to take home. all in all a fantastic holiday our best yet .
you had better hurry and book we are telling everybody to go . book portland direct its still thompson its about £50 each cheaper very easy to do on the net. we travelled Feb 20..27 weather great about 81 no clouds all week . the plane was thompsons new more leg room and the tv in the back of the seats a bigger plane. ask away if you have any questions if not hurry and book you will luv it

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Thanks for all the reviews and info. We fly out to Luxor on 16th April, my wife’s birthday, for a week on the Commodore and we’re really looking forward to it – only 18 more go-to-beds!! I’ll certainly add a review when we return.
Cheers.
John.

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I am beginning to plan a trip to Egypt for my niece and myself to take place in 2010; we both enjoy crusing. Thanks for all the comments above, I wish there were more from 2008. I will check back often.

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Hi Donna,

I’m Colin, one of the co-owners of Nile Cruises 4u that Darren talked about in the article at the start of these comments.

Prices aren’t available for 2010 at the moment but if you need any information or help please feel free to email me or call. You’ll find the details on our website and there is a Freephone number that you can use to contact me if you need any help. I can also give you a pretty accurate estimate of costs.

Colin

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We are thinking of taking a Nile Cruise in mid January, any comments on the weather at that time of year. Is there much hassle from the local population, if so please advise on the best way to deal with this apparent problem.

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Ken – I think January would be a great time. I went in March, & it was summer-like weather. So January should be like late spring. The people in Egypt have been wonderful during my 2 trips there. Yes, you will be hounded by souvenir-sellers at the tourist sites – it’s part of the experience. Learn a few Arabic phrases. If “La, shukran” (no, thank you) doesn’t work, move up to “Sebnee! Emshee!” (Go away! Leave me alone!) But, first & foremost, keep your sense of humor. I have found that pleasantly joking with the Egytian people is well received, and will get you farther than a more standoffish approach. Have a great time!

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Has anybody been on a Nile Cruise mid November? Not sure what the weather would be like then.

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