As a travel federal agent for over 25 years I am still perpetually amazed at how many citizenry 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 Antediluvians mixed with the allure of mysterious Egypt.
Of course, having reveled cruising The Nile myself, I can entirely hold with them and can heartily advocate fulfilling that "wish". From beginning to finish a Nile Cruise is an grand experience.
Normally your "adventure" begins at Luxor Airdrome where you will be quickly transferred 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 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 conditioned and wood panelled receipt area where you are greeted by members of the crew forming a receiving citizens committee to see you safely aboard. You will normally be offered a hot towel to freshen up and also a glass of pomegranate 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 consisted of a huge opening picture window steep the Nile with a sort beautiful ensuite toilet. The feel of the cabin was warm and hard. A great start.
That evening we met some of our fellow Nile cruise passengers who shared our table for eight in the eating place. This is a great way to ensure that you get to meet and mingle with other passengers who you will be enjoying the various trips and pleasure trips with over the falling days. The super 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 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 spiritual days I have saw as a traveller. We visited some of the most famous archaeological sites, temples and tombs in a series of daily junkets come with by our own, committed "Egyptologist".
These excursions and visits usually take place quite early in the morning to avoid the very hot temperatures later in the day.
Often we were willing the ship at 8.00am or sometimes earlier to ensure that we were able to enjoy the ambience and experiences of these wonderfully evocative sites without it goes 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 measured pace down the mighty River Nile. With an speed deck that is amply supplied 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 morning excursions.
There is something about following life go by as it has for grand of years on the banks of The Nile whilst unwinding with a drink in hand that will give you an grand 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 leveling we dined in the air-conditioned eating house 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 large menu the chefs on duty were ever ready to create something else for them. In fact I found all of the staff, both eatery and otherwise, to be really intimate and helpful no matter what the time of day or night.
Following our evening meal, on several eventides, 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 beautiful Egyptian robes and gowns and everybody had a wonderful time.
Perhaps it was because the cruise 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 travellers and the oh-so friendly crew, we were shifted back to Luxor airport ready to begin our journeying home.
Our Nile Cruise was a wonderful 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!
