Travel Guide to Nile River Cruise

Adding to the Great Pyramids of Giza, Egypt is famous for beholding the longest river in the world. The long-running Nile River flows in eleven countries, and one of which is Egypt. Cruising down the Nile River is a popular outdoor activity in Egypt. Along with visiting the great pyramids, ancient temples, and other monuments, the Nile River Cruise is also an iconic activity to explore when planning a trip to Egypt. The banks of the Nile River are filled with the history of the country passed down for generations. The Cruise ride will be an incredible experience packed with history, breathtaking scenery, food, luxury, and entertainment.

The cruise ride is seen as a unique way to explore Egypt. Most of Egypt's historical monuments are situated on the banks of the Nile River. The cruises also offer all-inclusive or tailored trips that favours the traveller’s needs. Riding on the cruise will get easy along the way, but choosing a Nile River Cruise from the various options requires time and effort. Careful considerations must be given to choosing the best cruise, checking the travel itinerary, meeting visa requirements and other travel essentials.

A Short History

The Nile River extends to a length of over 4000 miles, approximately 6650 kilometers. It flows through eleven (11) countries in Africa. It surely has witnessed a long history and evolving civilization. The delta of the longest river is located in Egypt. The two branches of the Nile River are Rosetta and Damietta. The river further flows into the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Delta played an important role in the evolution of the great Egyptian civilization. The first Nile River Cruise ride was started in the 19th century by Thomas Cook in 1869.

Nile River Cruise Ride in Egypt

Most Nile River Cruise rides in Egypt start in Luxor and end in Aswan and it sails back. The cruise rides along the most breathtaking scenery and stops at ancient monuments and famous sightseeing places. It stops at all the popular sites, but the stops might vary for each cruise. While riding on the cruise, travellers can witness the thriving lifestyle of Egypt along the banks of the Nile River. Undoubtedly, sailing down the Nile River will offer an unforgettable experience, but there is so much to understand before booking a Nile River Cruise in Egypt.

Luxor to Aswan Cruise route is the most popular ride in Egypt. Luxor is a historical and ancient city in Egypt, it is also called the City of Thebes. The cruise ride from Luxor to Aswan takes 4-5 days, and it takes 4 days to reach Luxor from Aswan. Mostly, the cruise stops at Luxor’s famous tourist destinations, such as the Valley of the Kings, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Karnak Temple and Aswan which is the final destination.

Aswan to Abu Simbel Cruises is available for 3, 5 and 7 days. The travel itinerary includes Aswan High Dam, Abu Simbel Temples, Philae Temple, Kom Ombo Temple, Temple of Horus, the Valley of the Kings, Colossi of Memnon, Luxor Temple, etc. Some cruises include a hot air balloon ride activity and a Nubian Village tour in their package. Travellers can explore the vibrant houses and unique culture of Nubian Village.

The Cairo to Aswan Cruise route is the longest ride and it is available for 10-15 days. It is an iconic route that takes travellers to a lot of Egypt’s symbolic monuments and other beautiful off-beaten places. Travellers get to explore the Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids, Saqqara, Abydos, Dendera, Kom Ombo and other sightseeing places in Luxor and Aswan. Some cruises offer additional activities like sailing on a felucca boat, etc.

The length of the Nile River Cruise and travel itinerary might look similar on all cruises, but they are not standard. Each cruise differs regarding the amenities offered, inclusive package, ride length, etc. Travellers are advised to take a close look into the inclusion and requirements before booking the cruise.

Choosing the Best Nile River Cruise

Over 200 cruise boats are operating in Egypt. In that regard, choosing the best Nile River Cruise can really be a tough time because there is a lot to focus on. Basic knowledge and details about the cruise are essential to evaluate and choose the best cruise. All the cruise packages and amenities might look attractive, do not fall for that. Proper research is crucial for effective decision-making.

Familiarizing the Nile River Cruise routes helps in determining the locations and sightseeing places. Learning the cruise routes in Egypt is crucial. As mentioned earlier, most Nile River Cruise routes in Egypt are operated from Luxor to Aswan and it sails back. Many cruises operate from Cairo, covering the popular sightseeing places in the city. It is more like a city tour. Travellers can choose either Aswan or Luxor to board the ship. Check out the tour routes and options of the opted cruise.

Fixing a budget is essential before booking a cruise ride. The cruise cost varies depending on the trip length, amenities inside the cruise, other additional activities offered, etc. Remember to consider all the additional costs, such as flight tickets, travel insurance, transportation, outdoor activities, etc. Research and compare the package, pricing structure and amenities. Do not spend all the savings on a lavish experience, segregate the funds and book a cruise that fits the budget. It is advisable to have extra currency to tackle any emergencies or additional expenses.

The length of the trip impacts the cost of the Nile River Cruise. The trip length varies on each cruise. Short cruise trips are available for three nights to four or five days. Long cruise trips offer rides from five days to fifteen or seventeen days. Both have their pros and cons, short trips will usually have a packed experience as there is a lot to visit. Long trips offer a more relaxed experience, but they are expensive. According to their preference travellers can choose a trip that suits their travel requirements and budget.

Choosing the type of cruise depends on the fixed budget. Travellers can explore the various cruise options and their packages, they range from luxurious to more affordable. The luxurious cruise undoubtedly has various amenities such as, relaxing Jacuzzi areas, private balconies, large swimming pools, a spa, etc. Travellers can also opt for more affordable cruises with similar amenities. Before booking, compare the itinerary, length of the trip and amenities.

Get an idea of the cruise itinerary. Look into the cruise itinerary to be aware of the places it stops to explore. The Nile River Cruise route from Luxor to Aswan mostly includes Luxor Temple, The Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, Colossi of Memnon, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, The Temple of Edfu, The Temple of Sobek and Haroeris and a few other top tourist sites in Aswan. The cruise from Cairo to Aswan includes a visit to the Giza pyramids and a few other monuments. Each cruise has its own itinerary, travellers should check if it favours them.

Amenities Available in Nile River Cruise

The cruise amenities are not the same. They differ according to the type of cruise opted, luxurious cruises provide more amenities. Travellers are advised to check the list of inclusive and compare them to book the best Nile River Cruise. A few of the standard facilities offered in cruise are given below.  

• Welcome drinks and refreshers
• Laundry facility
• Swimming pool (some cruises also offer a jacuzzi, sundeck pool, etc.)
• Library or reading area
• Spa and massage (the service is free on some cruises while others imply a reasonable fee)
• Lounge and bar (if it is an all-inclusive package, the beverages are free at bar, if not, the drinks are not free)
• Fitness area
• Special events and entertainments (such as themed dinners, sound and light shows, etc)
• Internet service (free Wi-Fi)
• Meal packages (including breakfast, lunch and dinner)
• Water purification station
• Seating area and sunbeds
• Terrace (to enjoy the scenic river views)
• Night parties (like Galia parties, Nubian shows or Cocktail parties)
• Transportation (airport transfer or pick up and drop)
• Tour guides

If available, travellers can look at the pictures and reviews of the cruise’s interior and exterior. Most cruises offer an all-inclusive package that includes everything, but they will be expensive. The budget packages of Nile River Cruise also offer great deals that are worth the cost. Some cruises include excursions to hidden spots and places or exploring the native villages. Interested travellers can check for the same with the cruise line.

Is Opting for a Nile River Cruise a Good Option for Sightseeing in Egypt?

Exploring the landscapes of Egypt through a Nile River Cruise gives travellers a unique and great experience. The cruise ride allows travellers to enjoy the scenic view as they ride along the Nile River. It offers a great comfort which entitles the travellers to board the cruise and relax their day after the sightseeing. The cruise will take them to the other destination while they sit and relax at the stunning views. The major advantage of cruise ride is that it avoids the effort of making a travel itinerary, planning accommodation and arranging for transportation. Travellers have the facility to choose their desired route and travel itinerary offered by the cruise.

Most cruises provide an experienced and professional tour guide. The comfort and leisure experience on the Nile River Cruise is truly worth the cost. Besides, the cruise provides various amenities and dining options.

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The Egypt tourist e-visa initiative was launched in 2017 to simplify and streamline the Egypt visa application process for travellers visiting Egypt. The Egypt e-visa is an electronic visa and travel authorization system that entitles travellers to get an Egypt visa online without the need to visit the consulate or embassy.

Extra Expenses

The Nile River Cruise ride will cover accommodation, excursions, sightseeing places, food, beverages, and entertainment on the cruise. Certain items and activities will not be covered, and they must be paid for separately. Depending on the cruise and package opted, travellers must pay extra for certain items and activities. If the travellers did not opt for an all-inclusive package, they should pay for the additional beverage, spa treatment, etc.

Entertainment activities and parties organized by the cruise will be included in the package. The additional activities, such as the hot air balloon ride outdoor activity at the Valley of the Kings, are extra expenses. Travellers must pay separately for leisure and additional activities. Allocating cash for tipping is essential in Egypt. Tipping is considered as a customary practice in Egypt. Carry an adequate amount of local currency (EGP – Egyptian pounds) and loose change for tipping.

Travellers should pay for transportation expenses if they are not covered in the cruise package. Some cruises exclude the entry ticket fare to sightseeing places, while others cover them and offer inclusive packages. All the exclusions must be paid by the travellers. The ticket fare adds up to the extra expenses. Remember to check the exclusions and inclusions of the Nile River Cruise ride. Make a proper financial plan for the cruise exclusion and extra expenses.

Essentials to Pack

Packing is the best part of an international trip. At the same time, packing can be a bit tough without knowing the essentials. A simple way to plan a comfortable trip is to know how to pack according to the weather. Check the weather forecast close to the travel date and pack accordingly. Some of the essentials are listed below.

• Light coloured and breathable fabric (UV protective dresses)
• Comfortable walking shoes
• Travel documents (passport, Egypt visa, travel insurance, etc.)
• Cash
• Power banks and universal power adaptors
• Toiletries
• Hat, scarf, sunscreen and sunglasses
• Essential medications
• Swimwear and shorts (for swimming in the Nile River Cruise)

The Nile River Cruise does not have any dress code or restrictions, travellers can choose to dress according to their convenience. Visiting religious places such as mosques, etc., in Egypt mandates proper dressing. Women must cover their heads and prefer loose-fitting bottoms and tops.

Ideal Time for Nile River Cruise Ride

The Nile River Cruise is a year-round activity, so travellers can choose a convenient time to sail down the Nile River. However, every activity has an ideal time that brings the best out of it. The ideal time for the Nile River Cruise in Egypt is during the winter months, which is from October to April. The pleasant weather and mild temperature make the season ideal and comfortable for outdoor and sightseeing activities. Winter season in Egypt is the peak tourist season, so tourist places might be crowded. Comparatively, the price of accommodation and cruise will be expensive in Egypt during the winter months.

The prices of the cruise drop during the shoulder seasons in Egypt, which is from May to September. The cruise price is reduced since the number of tourists visiting Egypt is lower than in other seasons. It is the best time to book a Nile River Cruise that fits the budget and enjoy exploring Egypt without being overwhelmed by the tourist crowd. The temperature constantly rises during the shoulder months, but travellers can still enjoy pleasant weather suitable for outdoor activities.

Travellers who don’t mind exploring Egypt under the sun can book the Nile River Cruise during the summer season, which is from June to August. Summer months in Egypt receive fewer tourists because of the temperature, which lowers the cruise's price. Travellers booking a Nile River Cruise during the summer season can get a great package for more affordable prices. Remember, the temperature in Egypt during the summer months can range from 40°C - 50°C. Follow all the precautions and pack accordingly to withstand the heat.

Is a Nile River Cruise Safe to Travel in Egypt?

The Nile River Cruise is safe to travel. All the cruises have discreet security and armed security guards onboard and visiting ports to ensure the safety of the travellers. Besides, being cautious about the surroundings and precautionary measures are important. Avoid wearing expensive jewellery while taking a cruise trip. Choose a reputable cruise line to avoid scams. Do not violate local laws and regulations.

Egypt e-visa for Nile River Cruise in Egypt?

The cruise line will get the Egypt visa for its travellers, this applies only to travellers entering Egypt via cruise. Check the details with the cruise line. Travellers arriving by air to get a cruise ride in Egypt must have a valid Egypt visa unless they are citizens of Egypt visa-exempt countries. An Egypt visa is a mandatory travel document for entering the country. Travellers can get an Egypt visa from the Egypt embassy or consulate, apply Egypt e-visa online or opt for an Egypt visa on arrival at the airport. The eligibility criteria for an Egypt visa differ according to its type. Travellers should apply for a valid Egypt visa considering their eligibility and travel requirement.

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The capital of Egypt is situated in the northern parts of Egypt. The approximate population of Cairo is over 22 million. Cairo is home to the Nile River delta, the longest and famous river in Africa. It is the place where the Nile River is split into two branches, namely the Rosetta and Damietta. Find out more at Tourist Guide to Cairo Egypt for First Time Tourists.

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