Nile Cruises
While most people think of cruises as large ships going across the ocean, Nile cruises can offer a completely different experience. If you are planning a vacation to Egypt, this is one activity that is definitely worth looking in to. These cruises are set up differently than the standard cruise package. You typically pay for Nile cruises on a per night basis as opposed to the entire experience. This way you can travel the river only as far as you want. You can find deals for short Nile cruises for as little as 3 nights, 4 nights, or even 7 nights if you want to travel further.
What to See
Exploring with a cruise on the Nile is going to be a great experience for anyone. It’s been speculated that the Nile was a holiday hotspot for early Romans and Greeks, and it remains a popular vacation destination today. You can enjoy a hot nightlife, lush areas along the river, sightseeing ancient wonders, and even scuba diving with a Nile cruise.
Look for cruises that will stop for long enough to visit the Giza pyramids, the Sphinx, and Tutankhamen’s Tomb. You can see all of this in as little as a day, but most people want to stretch the experience out beyond that. Most Nile cruises take this in to consideration and will stop long enough for you to really experience the culture and sights.
Ships for Nile Cruises
The Nile is by no means a tiny river. Good sized river boats can easily navigate the waters. This means you can get an awesome cruise ship experience while you explore. Most of the ships that visit the Nile will offer pools, private verandas, restaurants, and bars. You can expect the same service you would expect on any other type of cruise as well. It’s best to do some research before you book your Nile vacation package. Many of the larger cruise lines will offer these packages. Royal Caribbean cruises offer a few Nile trips throughout the year. Princess cruises, Holland America, NCL, Celebrity cruises and Costa also all have Nile cruises. The Swiss company Movenpick offers the Royal Lotus Nile cruise ship for an affordable rate as well. The thing to remember with the bigger cruise packages is that they may not spend as much time on the Nile as you may want. Riverboats and small cruise ships may be of more benefit depending on what you are looking for. Just be sure you check before you book to make sure the ships offer everything you want.
Experiential Vacation Packages
Something else to consider is a Nile cruise package that includes the cruise as well as private or guided tours. This way when you are off the ship you can explore safely and not miss anything. Most of the larger cruise lines offer these types of cruise packages. These packages may offer offshore excursions to Cairo, the Pyramids, Lake Nasser, and other areas. One of the benefits of these types of packages is the tour guide will speak English. This is going to make navigating the area much easier and more enjoyable.
Packing For the Trip
Don’t assume it’s always going to be hot on Nile cruises. The evenings can get quite chilly. These tours are available year round, and the winter months can be cooler as well. Remember to pack for both hot and cold weather. If you plan on using taxi services to get around, remember the cabs are smaller than what you are probably used to in the U.S. Make sure any bags you need to carry with you are small. Egypt offers tons to see and do. You want to make sure you have your camera, extra batteries, and extra memory cards available. This way you won’t have to worry about not getting the shots you want. When you book your Nile cruises the travel agency will have a full list of suggested items to pack as well.