Thread: Nile Cruise

it's been a while but the 2 cruises I took (4 and 7 day) were both excellent. we're doing the pyramids in early Dec--3 nights in Cairo and plan to book cruise and domestic air, Abu Simbel as second trip. THAT was worth every penny and the extra time! I loved Aswan spice market too!
Word of warning--check the dates for this fall--the locks at Esna are closed part of the time so the ships will stop and the trip will continue by bus to Aswan or and reverse... I have a recommendation for an agent in Cairo--American who moved there 1995ish. Would you like the info?
cruises are nearly all outside suites--some have pic windows--tours are early in the AM due to heat--Karnak Temple is right there--unbelievable sight! and going "up" the Nile to Aswan is such a joy. Life along the Nile is amazing too. Sailboats, fishing...

we plan to utilize Debbie at
http://casualcairodetours.pyramids.net/tours12.htm
for at least a full day tour--probably the Cairo Museum, as well.

I understand it's very easy to book last minute cruises/air on arrival.

As soon as I know anything concrete I will share more.
Take a look at good advice from valued tripadvisor, Wendy Cairo destination expert
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g294201-...commended..html

Skyrider--I found this little "yacht" available for Nile cruise:
http://mychristina.net/

There's a Cairo guide expat named Debbie and she mentions it in Frommers:
http://www.frommers.com/community/forum.cf...ryCurrentPage=0

I would personally consider renting her for a few hours AND invite the local expats to bring the party if I could co-ordinate it last-minute. Just a thought in case you had a really special occasion to celebrate.

Looks like we'll either use Debbie (Casual Cairo) or a fellow named Abdo, who has been corresponding with me about touring and rates:
abdo_eljoker@yahoo.com
I am working the airline angle for future repeat business and good rates from him. He's actually from the oasis, Fayoum, and I have always wanted to go!
It's not far past Giza and Sakkara.

Hope that's a bit toa dd to your research.

I am pouring over more details than I thought possible. We just canned the idea of split trip and stayed home last wk. The JFK flights were tight going and returning has been horrible--except the night we "planned" to come back--everyone got on, many up front!
Plan B will route us thru Amman
Plan C thru CDG
How much time do you have? I'm looking at the Dahabiya Hadeel (sailboats are 6 night trips) or a Sonesta cruiser (3-4nights)
I'm waiting for Abdo Ellahamy to send me a new schedule and his agent
his contact is:
abdo_eljoker@yahoo.com
Just tell him I recommended you from Delta.
Our trip will be 2 wks late Jan--I'll have more shortly.

http://www.steam-ship-sudan.com/en/index.asp

I'm really considering spending the serious $ (recent inheritance from my Mom) and taking this boat--all the way back to the turn of the century (the one BEFORE this one!! haha)

Update:Egypt/Nile Cruise

1) get to Cairo whichever way necessary
2) REST
3) Guide (we used: abdo_eljoker@yahoo.com) and please make sure you mention me. Abdo will treat you well. Young man w/decent car and excellent driving skills in the most controlled chaos of traffic you may ever see. Transfers/pickups as well as relaxed informative tours. I recommend NOT going to Citadel or Coptic Cairo (I get bored) Do the museum for sure! ONE thing: don't do the tourist junk like belly dance dinners and such--tell him you aren't interested--no problem!
4) flights are very CHEAP to Luxor and Aswan--if you want to get ID tkts, DO--$30 min+ tax each way; be ready to shell out as much as $150 for biz class confirmed seats on the spot (not too shabby!!)
5) you can arrange cruise w/Abdo in advance on arrival in Cairo OR do it when you get to either Aswan or Luxor (cruises run one way certain days--ck skeds!)

6) We used another agent in Luxor--Hassany Moresy hassany488@hotmail.com--refer to us from Delta as well. He's a businessman to the nth degree but his tour guide Abdou (as in "oo") is outstanding--4 yrs Egyptology and very enthusiasstic. Hass will combine you w/others--don't hesitate to ask for better rpice and don't go to tea with him--he will stay forever and bore the carp out of you--he has a 'tude! the service is topnotch tho. maybe a bit high$ but not certain as there are so many rippers there. we're talking RT--3 hrs away, 2 of the most important temple complexes and return--superb guide/entry included for $120 2 pax in good comfy small bus.(about 9 hrs total) shorter day tour of Valley of Kings+more was around $100/2 (entries here are incl but higher costs so very worthwhile)
hope that helps. I have lots more advice for lodging etc.
please ask and I will share (maybe IF you're nice!)

PS--we didn't do the cruise--decided to get out between snowstorms (great idea!!) and return for Aswan/cruise in near future.
Most expensive things: wine, beer and internet ($$$)