As a travel federal agent for over 25 years I am still constantly 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 cite of the compelling River Nile conjures up images of the Antediluvians mixed with the allure of mysterious Egypt.
Of course, having enjoyed cruising The Nile myself, I can but hold with them and can heartily advocate fulfilling that "wish". From go to finish a Nile Cruise is an amazing experience.
Normally your "adventure" begins at Luxor Aerodrome where you will be quickly transferred to your Nile cruise ship. Embarks such as the "Viking Princess", "MS Monica", "Royal Viking" and "MS Stephanie", are excellent watercraft to cruise on and when you arrive to board your "home" for the next seven days you will not be frustrated.
I travelled recently on the Royal Viking Nile Cruise ship and was very impressed. On boarding you enter the air educated and wood panelled response area where you are greeted by members of the crew forming a welcoming committee to see you safely aboard. You will normally be offered a hot towel to freshen up and also a glass of pomegranate tree 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 accommodation was a cabin on the middle deck that lay in of a huge opening picture window overlooking the Nile with a break beautiful ensuite bathroom. The feel of the cabin was warm and grand. A great start.
That evening we met some of our fellow Nile cruise passengers who shared our table for eight in the eating house. 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 excursions 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 commix with your fellow travellers 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 experienced 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, devoted "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 leaving the ship at 8.00am or sometimes earlier to secure that we were able to enjoy the ambience and experiences of these toppingly evocative sites without it being unbearably hot.
However, taking these excursions 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 wonderful feeling of well-being. I dont' know whether that's as a result of having experienced the wonders of such an ancient civilization or the wine, but either way I can foretell you will feel very relaxed.
Afternoons are taken up cruising at a at leisure pace down the mighty River Nile. With an superior deck that is amply catered with comfortable sun beds and recliners, a small splash pool and well-stocked bar, you will almost enjoy your good afternoons as much as your morn digressions.
There is something about checking life go by as it has for thous 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 flushing we dined in the air-conditioned restaurant 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 ever ready to create something else for them. In fact I found all of the staff, both restaurant and otherwise, to be really informal and instrumental 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 conventional entertainers. Plus, on the last but one evening, we all took part in an Egyptian fancy dress party. We bought, for pennies, some enjoyable Egyptian robes and gowns and everybody had a special time.
Perhaps it was because the cruise was so different than a "normal" week's holiday, being full of experiences and activity, but all too soon our Nile Cruise came to an end.
After biding farewell both to our fellow travellers and the oh-so friendly crew, we were changed back to Luxor airport ready to begin our journey home.
Our Nile Cruise was a rare experience. It was everything and more that we had hoped for. Exciting, different, mysterious, eventful 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!
