As a travel federal agent for over 25 years I am still perpetually amazed at how many masses still regard taking a Nile Cruise as being one of their Top 10 Travel Wishes. It's as if the very name of the compelling River Nile evokes up images of the Ancients mixed with the allure of mysterious Egypt.
Of course, having reveled cruising The Nile myself, I can merely hold with them and can heartily urge fulfilling that "wish". From start to finish a Nile Cruise is an amazing experience.
Normally your "adventure" begins at Luxor Aerodrome where you will be quickly transported to your Nile cruise ship. Ships such as the "Viking Princess", "MS Monica", "Royal Viking" and "MS Stephanie", are excellent vases to cruise on and when you arrive to table your "home" for the next seven days you will not be disappointed.
I travelled recently on the Royal Viking Nile Cruise ship and was very impressed. On boarding you enter the air conditioned and wood panelled receipt area where you are greeted by members of the crew forming a hospitable commission to see you safely aboard. You will normally be offered a hot towel to freshen up and also a glass of Punica granatum juice. Both go down very well at that point as Luxor can be very hot.
After quickly checking in you will be escorted to your cabin or suite. Our own adjustment was a cabin on the middle deck that dwelled of a huge opening picture window overlooking the Nile with a break beautiful ensuite toilet. The feel of the cabin was warm and grand. A great start.
That evening we met some of our fellow Nile cruise riders who shared our table for eight in the restaurant. This is a great way to secure that you get to meet and mingle with other passengers who you will be enjoying the various trips and pleasure trips with over the coming days. The wide thing about the cruise was that you are never alone if you dont' want to be as you have the opportunity to mix and unify with your fellow travelers if and when you want to. This makes Nile cruising ideal for those who are travelling alone.
Next day was the start of some of the most weird days I have saw as a traveller. We visited some of the most famous archaeological sites, temples and tombs in a series of daily excursions come with by our own, dedicated "Egyptologist".
These outings and visits usually take place quite early in the morning to avoid the very hot temperatures later in the day.
Often we were departure the ship at 8.00am or sometimes earlier to ensure that we were able to enjoy the ambience and experiences of these wondrously evocative sites without it goes unbearably hot.
However, taking these junkets at that time of the days also ensures that you are back on aboard just in time to enjoy a leisurely lunch in the air-conditioned restaurant. Which, with a glass or two or local Egyptian wine, (remarkably good), leads to a special feeling of well-being. I dont' know whether that's as a result of having experienced the wonders of such an ancient civilisation or the wine, but either way I can foretell you will feel very relaxed.
Afternoons are taken up cruising at a measured pace down the mighty River Nile. With an superior deck that is amply rendered with comfortable sun beds and recliners, a small splash pool and well-stocked bar, you will almost enjoy your afternoons as much as your morn junkets.
There is something about following life go by as it has for Ks of years on the banks of The Nile whilst relaxing with a drink in hand that will give you an enormous feeling of tranquillity.
Over the seven days that we cruised we enjoyed 12 different excursions, (all part of the price we paid), to some of the most interesting places I have ever visited and, with the help of our own "Egyptologist" we were able to get a real understanding of what life must have been like in ancient Egypt.
Each evening we dined in the air-conditioned eating place enjoying the service from the friendly and obliging staff. The food we enjoyed was varied and excellent and if a diner didnt' want anything from the extensive menu the chefs on duty were always ready to create something else for them. In fact I found all of the staff, both eatery and otherwise, to be really friendly and helpful no matter what the time of day or night.
Following our evening meal, on several eves, there was "traditional" Egyptian entertainment in the form of Nubian dancers, Egyptian Belly-Dancers and other traditional entertainers. Plus, on the last but one evening, we all took part in an Egyptian fancy dress party. We bought, for pennies, some pretty Egyptian robes and gowns and everybody had a one time.
Perhaps it was because the sail was so different than a "normal" week's holiday, lives full of experiences and activity, but all too soon our Nile Cruise came to an end.
After biding farewell both to our fellow travelers and the oh-so friendly crew, we were transferred back to Luxor airport ready to begin our journey home.
Our Nile Cruise was a one have. It was everything and more that we had hoped for. Exciting, different, mysterious, heavy and overall - fulfilling.
I truly feel that almost everyone would enjoy what is a "true" travel experience.
If you would like to read more about Nile Cruise holidays please visit our website where you can download our FREE Nile Cruise Guide which will tell you all about cruising the Nile.
Cruise The Nile. You must!
