Planning a trip for Nile cruising will require some basic research. To make the most out of your Nile cruise vacation, here are some great insider tips. If you take advantage of these you can have a more enjoyable experience without the stress of visiting a foreign area.
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Choosing the Cruise Ship
Nile river cruises will use different ships than you would see on the ocean. The boats are smaller, and are technically river boats. When you start looking for your perfect Nile cruising travel, you want to find a ship that is rated as a 5 star Nile cruise. This will ensure the ship is up to date and comfortable. It also means the rates are going to be in line and you won’t get gouged. You’re also better off finding all inclusive Nile cruises. These Egyptian tours are going to include the transportation on the ship, meals, and the off ship tours. If you don’t do this, you may have to pay extra to visit the sights you went to see. Visiting a foreign area without knowing the language and customs can also be scary if you’re not taking advantage of a tour guide.
Nile Cruising Itineraries
Not all Nile cruising tours will follow the same routes. If there is something that you must see before you’ll be happy, make sure it’s covered on the Nile cruise you’re looking at. In most cases you will visit Aswan, where the High dam, Unfinished Obelisk, and Temple of Philae are located. Edfu and Esna are also popular stops and allow you to see more temples. In Luxor you’ll see the famous Valley of the Kings, and the Temple of Hatshepsut. Longer cruises may include additional stops at the Korn-Ombo Temple, and an option to visit Abu-Simbel by air. Take some time to research the temples and sights so you can choose the best itinerary for your Nile cruising experience.
Onboard Entertainment
Unlike major ocean cruises, a cruise on the Nile river will have less to do onboard. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll get bored. While you may not find waterslides and casinos, you can find cocktail parties, game activities, pools and Jacuzzis, and lounges. The gift shops onboard the Nile cruising ships are stocked with things you would find in local bazaars. Many people prefer to take advantage of the ships shops as opposed to haggling on the prices. Most ships also feature nightly shows of some sort. You may see a belly dance show, whirling dervishes, and local musicians.
Additional Tips
It’s a good idea to use the safes provided while you are enjoying the Nile cruising experience. You don’t need to be walking around with tons of valuable jewelry or cash on you. It’s a good idea to visit a bank to exchange your money in to local currency. The Nile cruising ships will sometimes offer this service, but the fee is usually high. You want to make sure you have money to use before you leave anyhow. Many of the areas you visit won’t have banks to use, and if they don’t accept your credit or debit cards, you may be out of luck. While you want to let loose a little, avoid drinking too much. These ships aren’t always as stable as the large cruise ships you may be used to, and it’s easier to experience sea sickness, especially if you’ve been drinking. Taking advantage of Nile cruising can be the vacation of a lifetime if you know how to make it work.
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