Nile Cruise Guide

Linen or cotton that covers shoulders and knees — you'll be walking in full sun at Karnak and Edfu. A scarf doubles as sun cover and mosque-visit modesty.

Tomb floors in the Valley of the Kings are ramps and steps. Sandals for the deck, closed shoes for the sites.

Deck evenings and air-conditioned lounges are cooler than you expect. November–February nights drop to 8–12 °C.

The pool is the afternoon plan. Sunscreen on board costs three times the price at home.

Tomb interiors are dim and phones die fast in the heat. Plug type C/F (European two-pin), 220 V.

For the Galabeya night and the captain's dinner — or buy a galabeya at the Esna market for $10 like everyone else.

Roughly $3–5 for the crew (pooled envelope at the end of the cruise), $5 for your Egyptologist and $2 for drivers. We put this in writing so nothing feels awkward.

ATMs in Luxor and Aswan work fine; on board only cash is accepted for tips. $1 and $5 notes are gold for bathroom attendants and carriage drivers.

Drinks (packages from $35/day), laundry, spa, and optional excursions like Abu Simbel or the balloon. The bar takes cards on most deluxe and luxury ships.

Tutankhamun's tomb (~$20), Seti I (~$60) and Nefertari (~$60) are extra at the sites. Nefertari is the best-preserved tomb in Egypt — say yes.

EU, UK, US, Canada, Australia and many more: $30 sticker at the airport bank counter, or an e-visa online in advance. Passport valid 6+ months.

Both have daily flights from Cairo (1 h) and some direct European charters. We match your arrival day to a departure day so you don't lose a night.

First excursion is the same afternoon; last day ends around 08:00–09:00. Book flights after 12:00 on disembarkation day.

Not included and strongly advised. Egypt's private hospitals in Luxor and Aswan are good; the ship's doctor is on call 24 h.

You're at a temple in the morning, on deck for lunch as the banks slide past, and docked by evening. Ships often moor side by side — you may walk through another ship to reach the shore.

Grouped by language. Private guide upgrades are available on every ship for about $40–60 per day.

Optional, fun and slightly cheesy. The sun deck under the stars is the alternative.

Vegetarian, gluten-free and halal handled easily; tell us about allergies when you book and the kitchen is briefed in writing.

No age limit on motor ships. Connecting or triple cabins on request — we only quote ships that have them free on your dates. Children 2–11 usually pay 50%.

Single supplements run 50–75% of the double rate, but several ships halve or waive it in low season.

Under-80-guest ships and private sail boats are the quiet ones. Tell us — cabins get a welcome upgrade where we can.

Lifts on most deluxe and luxury ships; temples involve uneven ground and steps. Tell us and we'll pick a ship with a lift and lower-deck cabins.