Cruising the River Nile
The River Nile is a north-flowing river in Egypt, and Egypt is in Northeastern Africa. The Nile flows straight into the Mediterranean sea. This is the longest river in Africa and the world as well. It cuts across Sudan, South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Burundi, Rwanda, Uganda, and Tanzania. It flows 6,600 kilometres (4,100 miles) before it empties into the Mediterranean Sea.
For several years now, the river has remained a source of irrigation to the dry area around it, transforming it into lush agricultural land. Thus, the river serves its purpose as a source of irrigation and a necessary transportation and trade route. The River Nile consists of two main tributaries. That is the;
- White Nile: The White Nile begins at Jinja, Lake Victoria. It is to be the headwaters and the mainstream of the Nile.
- Blue Nile: The Blue Nile, being the source of most water, contains about 80% water and silt. It starts from Lake Tana in Ethiopia and extends into Sudan from the southeast.
The White and the Blue Nile join together just north of the Sudanese capital of Khartoum.
Nile Cruises
These are medium-sized ships containing about 40 cabins. Solar motors powers it. In addition, it houses big dining restaurants, a swimming pool, gym, and other facilities. Most of the time, Nile cruises sail between Luxor and Aswan, stopping briefly at East Bank and West Bank in Luxor, temples in Kom Ombo, Edfu, Esna and finally Philae temple and High Dam in Aswan. See also the amazing sights at cruising the Norwegian fjord.
A Nile Cruise takes three or four days. But if you want longer cruises (that will sail north from Luxor to Dendera to Abydos and then continues to the regular route to Aswan), it takes six or seven days. Egypt has about 300 Nile Cruise boats and its docks and even more. They are so many, so you should make arrangements with a specific company for your pickup either from the Train Station or from the Airport to your Nile Cruise beforehand to avoid moving from taxi to other transfers before reaching your Nile Cruise.
Nile Cruises from Luxor:
There are so many you can take to get to Luxor. From Cairo, take the Train or Domestic Flight (if you want). From Hurghada, either you take a bus or a private car to Luxor. You also have the option of Domestic Flights from Sharm El Sheikh.
Nile Cruises from Aswan:
You can assess Aswan by Train or, depending on your budget, a domestic flight from Cairo and from Hurghada you can access Aswan by bus. Take a look at the must-see unique public baths around the world.
Why Cruise the Nile
A cruise in the Nile is a beautiful way to explore Egypt and check out beautiful sights such as the Great Pyramids, Tutankhamun’s mask and the towering statues at Abu Simbel. It is a unique way to discover the history and beauty of the Nile. In addition, a cruise is another way to relax your mind while feeling the sea breeze on your face.
Nile Cruise 2021
Nile River Cruise Aswan to Luxor
Cruising the Nile from Aswan to Luxor takes approximately four days. This cruise is a perfect way to refresh for an evening of fun and explore the Egyptian culture. At Komombo and Edfu temples, you can learn most of what you need to know about ancient Egypt. Then, have all the fun on board the vessel. Visit Philae Temple, the Karnak Temple, Valley of Kings and Hatshepsut Temple as you round off your tour.
Nile River Cruise to Abu Simbel
Your tour begins from Philae temple to Abu Simbel. Next, admire the great temple of Ramesse II. Then, at Kom Ombo and Edfu, drop by to visit the temple of Hours, one of Egypt’s most preserved temples.
Nile River Cruise Cairo to Aswan
From Cairo to Aswan takes about 15 days; hence, it is called a long cruise’. This cruise offers a wide range of beautiful sights and serenity. It is operating from Cairo down to Aswan or the other way around. This cruise takes you to less-visited sites such as Tel El Amarna, the desert city of Akhenaten, the tombs of Beni Hassan, Abydos Temple and Dendarah Temple. These places are all beautiful and food for the eyes!
Nile River Cruise Cairo to Luxor
The cruise from Cairo to Luxor cruise usually takes 12 days. This is a slow cruise so you can catch on all the beautiful sights. Make a stop at historic sites, such as Tell El Amarna and Abydos, along the way.
Nile River Cruise Itinerary from Aswan
This cruise gives you quite an experience. You get to see “The Heart of Egypt” for seven nights. Accompanied by a tour guide, the Nile River cruise itinerary from Aswan becomes a journey of discovery. Sights of the breathtaking temples and tombs such as Karnak temple, Queen Hatshepsut temple, Valley of the Kings and other historical monuments.
Lake Nasser Nile River Cruises
From Aswan to Abu Simbel, enjoy the thrill of a relaxing journey south on Lake Nasser. Catch up on the monuments and ruins of Ancient Nubia. Lake Nasser is one of the largest artificial lakes in the world! On its shores are many of Egypt’s great wonders like the iconic Abu Simbel Temples, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Pharaonic Egypt, and Ramses II’s reign.
Nile Steamer Cruises
This cruise takes you back to the 1920s style to discover what cruises were like a century ago. Just take a trip aboard a Nile Steamer Cruise. Prices differ but not less than $ 2995.
Long Nile Cruises
Treat yourself to a long sail of wonders, from the capital of Egypt, Cairo, to your the far south at the beautiful city of Aswan. Visit all of Egypt’s major cities, Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, while on this sail.
Best Nile Cruise ships 2021
- Alexander the Great Nile Cruise
- Sonesta Star Goddess Cruises
- M/S Esplanade Cruise
- Mövenpick Royal Lily Cruise
- Sonesta Moon Goddess
- Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise
- M/S Mayfair Cruise
- Nile Goddess Cruise
Luxury Small Boat Cruises
- Sanctuary Sun Boat
- The Harmony V
- The Caledonian Sky
Most Luxury Nile Cruise ship
The Oberoi Philae is reported the most luxurious cruise ship on the Nile. It has a very spacious cabin and large suites. Neat and well decorated with top-notch facilities! Even a mini bar!
Cheap Nile Cruise
- Luxor to Aswan by Boat
- Dahabiya Cruise Aswan to Luxor
- Best Dahabiya Nile Cruise
- Luxury Small Boat Nile Cruise
- Lake Nasser Cruises Packages
- Egypt Nile Cruise Packages
- Nile Cruises Prices
- Movenpick Nile Cruises
- Oberoi Nile Cruise
- Sonesta Nile Cruises
Entertainment Aboard the Cruise
- Cocktail party
The cruise managers organise a formal managers’ cocktail party on the first day of the cruise. At the party, beverages are served free. In addition, managers introduce their crew to the guests on the cruise.
- Galabia party
The tour guides manage this event. At this party, the Egyptian folklore comes to life as guests are costumed in their folkloric Galabia. You are to buy a Galabia which will cost you 10-15 US$. You can get one for rent from the bazaar shop on board.
- A Nubian
Another activity onboard is a Nubian. A group of Nubian dancers and singers performing in their traditional costumes.
On the last night, there will be a combination of many shows, such as a belly dancing show, a juggler’s show and Nubian singers and bands.
Nile Cruise Package
Nile Cruise Package is of two types:
- Full Board Bases
In a complete board base Nile Cruise, all meals are included in an open buffet style. There are many varieties on some days, depending on the type of cruise boat. Most Nile Cruises is on a Full board basis. Tea and coffee are served at some Cruise boats every day at 5:00 pm. Also, other drinks are available in the bar.
- All-Inclusive Bases:
This package is costly and runs for seven nights only. As a result, only a few Nile Cruises use this package. All-Inclusive bases include every service on a Full Board Basis and beverage such as mineral water, soft drink, hot drink, coffee, tea, juice, local alcohol and so on.
The Best Time For A Nile Cruise
Nile river cruising best time is between October and April when the weather is not too hot. At this time, you will get a chance to take in all the views under a clear sky and with less heat, unlike the other months when the weather becomes unbearable.
- Check-In Time
The check-in time for a Nile Cruise is 11:00 am. That is before Lunch. So if you arrive very early, you can start your tours directly after coming in from the Airport or Train Station before the weather becomes too hot.
- Check-Out Time
The check-out time is by 8:00. That is after Breakfast. But if your Flight or Train delays you can use the Cruise Facilities. However, you are not allowed to use the Cabin or the Restaurant. You can also leave your luggage’s at the Cruise.
What to Wear During The Cruise
During the daytime, you can wear anything casual and makes you feel good. It has to be lightweight clothes because of the hot summer weather. Also, bear in mind that Egypt is a Muslim country. Therefore, women are to avoid revealing, tight clothes. However, wear decent outfits when moving around the city.
On the boat cruise, you can wear beach outfits. However, shorts and swimming costumes are preferable. You can have breakfast and lunch with this attire but dress in a smart outfit during dinner.
Travel Tips
Egyptians speak Arabic as an official language. Also, they speak English as a second language. So you are likely going to run into language problems if you only speak English (unless, of course, someone comes to your rescue).
There is a fixed market value of the Egyptian pound at 0.056 LE to 1 USD. You can go cashless as credit cards are accepted.
All charges included on your bill in the restaurants go directly to the restaurant, and none goes to the waiter. So tip the waiters (if you want to) by giving it directly to them.
Finally, in Cairo, the best way to move from one place to the other is through the metro. At the restaurant, order “Fool” (it’s Egyptian beans) and “Koshary” ( a local Egyptian pasta dish). You can also try Kebab and Kofta, ( an Egyptian meat dish). Cruising the River Nile, Egypt.
