Frequently Asked Questions About Nile Cruises in Egypt

No, hardly anyone gets seasick on a Nile cruise. The Nile is a very calm inland waterway, without strong waves or turbulent ocean currents. Modern cruise ships are characterized by their enormous mass and wide bottom, which gives them excellent stability, similar to that of staying in a permanent land hotel. The only movement you can feel is a very slight vibration from the diesel engines when you start driving.

A normal cruise ship is a large 4 to 5-story floating hotel, containing between 50 and 75 cabins and complete entertainment facilities (swimming pool, all-you-can-eat buffet, folklore shows), ideal for families and celebrities. Al Dahabiya is a luxurious and private historic sailboat that includes only 4 to 8 cabins (sleeps 8 to 16 guests), no noisy engines during navigation, a private chef and maximum privacy and tranquility, being able to dock in remote islands and towns inaccessible to large ships.

Most cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, although it is often only available in reception and lounge areas and its speed is limited due to reliance on cell phone towers on the riverbank. Therefore, we strongly recommend that all our guests purchase a local Egyptian SIM card (eSIM or traditional SIM) from one of the approved companies (Vodafone, Orange or WE) upon arrival at the airport to ensure a fast and stable 4G Internet connection throughout the entire sailing route.

The recommended standard international rate for the combined ship crew (handlers, sailors, cooks, cleaners) is US$8 to US$12 (or equivalent in Egyptian pounds) per guest per night. At the end of the trip, this tip will be placed in a collection envelope in a designated box at reception to be distributed equally. The accompanying guide receives a separate tip ($10 to $15 per day for the group) in recognition of his knowledge and effort.

No, most standard packages do not include the two Abu Simbel temples in the basic program; Because Abu Simbel is 280 km south of Aswan and requires an additional road trip (3 hours each way) or a domestic flight (40 minutes). It is organized as an additional optional tour on the morning of the last day from Aswan. Ultra Egypt Travel highly recommends adding it to your itinerary. The temples of Ramses II and Nefertari are considered the greatest archaeological achievements of ancient Egypt.

For daytime temple tours, it is recommended to wear light, loose-fitting, modest cotton or linen clothing that covers the shoulders and knees, comfortable walking shoes, and a sun hat. On board the ship, swimsuits and shorts can be worn free of charge on the poolside terrace, while smart casual attire is required to enter the main buffet restaurant for lunch and dinner.

No, it is never recommended to drink tap water directly in the ship's cabins; This water is only used for bathing and washing. Always drink water from tightly closed bottles and use it as a preventative measure when brushing your teeth to protect your health.

Yes, the Nile cruise is an ideal option for seniors and families. It offers a comfortable stay without having to pack your bags and move between hotels. Most modern ships have electric elevators that connect the cabin decks. However, please note that access to the upper deck requires climbing stairs and some temples have uneven stone floors that require mobility aids.

The Esna lock is a hydrotechnical system that raises or lowers the level of ships by 8 meters to compensate for the difference in water levels on the Nile. The ship enters an aquarium and closes its doors, changing the level in 20 to 30 minutes. Crossing the lock is considered one of the most interesting and photographic scenes for passengers from the upper deck, amidst interaction with local merchants in their small boats.

Both paths are fantastic and lead to exactly the same main temples. However, the itinerary (Luxor to Aswan – 4 nights) features a calmer schedule and longer sailing hours to relax, starting with the top of the monuments in Luxor. The route (Aswan to Luxor – 3 nights) is shorter and faster and ideal for those who are short on time or budget.

The open buffets on the Nile cruise offer a wide selection to satisfy all desires, and Egyptian cuisine is naturally very rich in authentic and delicious vegetarian dishes (falafel, fava beans, hummus, koshari, baba ghanoush, moussaka, green salads and pastries). If you are allergic to gluten or lactose, simply inform the Ultra Egypt Tourism team and the ship's chef in advance so they can prepare personalized meals for you every day.

All licensed cruise ships have full first aid kits, crew trained in safety measures at sea, and life jackets in each cabin. There is also a medical contact point or doctor on call who can be called at any river station if necessary. The ships always sail close to the banks and hospitals in the developed cities of Luxor, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo and Aswan.