The Nile Cruise, for me, was a fulfillment of a lifetime's ambition.

Upon arrival in Egypt I was immediately aware of the luxurious heat that greeted us as we stepped out of the plane.

We were met by our holiday representative, who then advised us on the entry visa and where to meet after we went through passport control. Outside the airport, all the passengers who were assigned to our particular boat congregated around our holiday Rep awaiting boarding of our coach for transfer to our cruise ship on the river Nile.

The transfer from airport to Ship took around twenty minutes.  After collecting our baggage at the airport, that would be the last time we had to carry our baggage ourselves.

Our particular boat was called the King Tut 1, and she was all that was described in the itinerary.  King Tut 1 was luxurious in its decor. Wood paneling, polished wooden floors and air conditioning greeted us upon our arrival. 

There we met our guide or Egyptologist, to give him his official title, and he explained just what our week would entail.

Because our flight was delayed we immediately set sail.

Our suite was on the upper deck of the ship, and when we entered we were amazed to find it was more than ample for our needs, twin beds, en-suite bathroom with shower and bath, settee beside a huge glass window and fitted wardrobes and fridge.

It was dark when we went to bed, and I remember lying in bed listening to the gentle throb of the engines as our boat headed south on the dark River Nile.

The next morning I opened the curtains to see one of the stars of the trip for me, the banks of the River Nile as we cruised down the river.

Just to sit on the settee in air conditioned comfort and watch Egyptian life on the banks of this mighty river unfold with each passing meter.

So smooth was the passage that only because one could see the landscape passing our window, we would have thought we weren't moving at all.

Breakfast was served in the luxurious dining room, and as with all meals, choices were wide and varied.  Omelettes, croissants, fruit juices for breakfast, fish, chicken, steak and trimmings for the main meals of lunch and dinner were plentiful and delicious.

The sundeck on board ship was extremely well laid out.  Half the deck was covered so if you were not a sun worshiper then you could relax in the shade.  The pool on board, although not Olympic size, was adequate to cool off in and was clean.

Afternoon tea was served on the sun deck at around 4.30, and consisted of tea, coffee and cake.

I have left the excursions, which were included in the price, to last.

The treasures of Egypt as seen in her monuments and temples are simply stunning, and a "must" to see.  "Awe inspiring", would not be too great a tribute.

The detailed carvings and stories, so wonderfully explained by our Egyptologist, brought the history of a fascinating people to life.

All in all, our Nile cruise was a truly wonderful experience.  

We felt safe and were well looked after.  

The crew aboard ship were warm and friendly and could not do enough to make our stay memorable.

Life on board was wonderful.

Let me offer a word of advice here. The best way to do this trip is to take the "all inclusive" option.  This entails an unlimited supply of locally produced wines and beers, coca cola and sprite and the all important bottled water for the excursions the next day.

It is well worth the extra to get this, as it avoids a bar bill at the end of the week.

The dream of a Nile cruise was imaginative, but the reality was simply stunning.  I can't wait to visit this remarkable country again. It was magic.

Eamonn Lafferty

August 2006

King Tut 3

1^st to 8^th October 2008

I had an absolutely wonderful time on the Nile cruise.  I was a little apprehensive about going on my own, but sat next to and made friends with two ladies on the plane who were going to the same boat and then the three of us chatted to two men on the bus from the airport. We all got on so well, that we were then a group of five for the rest of the trip which was very useful for the dinner table and always having someone else to talk to!

The cabin was exactly the same as the picture on the web site  roomy, clean and well air conditioned.  Some people complained that their TVs didnt work but I didnt even turn mine on  why would you want to sit in your cabin and watch TV when there are so many other things to do?  The blackout curtains were very good  if I had an early call I would leave a small gap and wake up more naturally with a little sunlight coming in!  Dont draw the curtains back completely as other ships are often docked next to you!

The waiters and other staff just couldnt do enough for you.  All you had to remember was to order your bottles of water the night before for taking on the trips with you next morning.  The fridge in the room kept them cold until the next day.

I didnt really like party games when I was a child and they havent grown on me as I got older.  (Perhaps I just wasnt drinking enough!)  However the Egyptian night where nearly all of the English passengers (and only one German unfortunately) dressed up in their Egyptian finest was tremendous fun and I had a great time.  I bought my beautiful pink galabeya from the Nubian village for the princely sum of ﾣ5.00 and have actually worn it at home since returning!

On the second day when we had delicious jacket potatoes at lunch we asked the chef for some more on a different day and so he provided our table with off menu jacket potatoes on two separate occasions.  Also I discovered that the Oriental Table meant Egyptian food which was usually very good!

Be aware that the banks will not change coins and so there are often kids trying to change pound coins into Egyptian money.  Unfortunately, if there is a small group of older children, they are not trying to change fake pound coins - one may be trying to distract you while another will be trying to steal your money from your bag!

Even as a blonde single woman on my own, I had no hassle at all from the traders.  You have to have a dont mess with me aura, say la shokran as you move swiftly around them if they stand in your way and be able to look at the stalls while walking past without slowing down!  The traders are expert people readers and once your pace falters or your gaze fixes on an item for more than a second, youve had it and then they will follow you.  Dark sunglasses are a must as they cannot see your eyes and if you are looking at their stall.   Dont stop and look at something if youre really not interested as walking away is seen as part of the haggling process!

I had already decided before I went that I was going to do every tour available  this was not just a relaxing holiday week  I wanted to see as much as I could!

Tours are usually in the mornings and late afternoons/evenings which avoids the hottest part of the day and allows you to relax and sunbathe in the afternoons.  Tip - Wear loose clothes, drink loads of water, just accept the heat and the fact that youre going to sweat profusely, but then will be showering and changing when you get back to the boat! 

I found all the temples fascinating (no temple fatigue for me!) and the experience of being able to trace the hieroglyphics on the temple walls and columns with your fingers and imagining someone with a chisel 3000 years ago carving those images is just incredible. Our guide Karim was excellent.  He explained the meanings of each part of the temples, the stories and the trinity of gods behind each temple and would often repeat the various tales and lore of the gods during the week so that we didnt feel that we were bombarded with information that we never heard again.  He had a very useful small headset microphone which meant that we could hear him very clearly without needing to huddle together (as it was hot) and without him having to shout.  He showed us the meanings of various hieroglyphics and how to recognise the names of the kings so that when I visited the museum at Luxor on the last morning, I was able to recognise many of the cartouches names, and then to check on the museum signs to see if I was right.

Abu Simbel  an early morning start but just marvellous once we got there.  To hear the explanation of how and why they moved the entire two temples was remarkable.  The view over lake Nasser was outstanding and the temples themselves, truly awe inspiring.  Our bus broke down on the way there and we had to share with another group which meant we were one of the last to arrive.  Although a little inconvenient at the time, this actually was to our benefit as it meant that most of the tourists had moved on to Neferataris temple as we were looking at the main temple, and then had gone back to their buses when we were looking at Neferataris temple!  I actually got photos of both temples without any tourists (except me of course!)  Tip  take a pillow from your room with you on the bus and have a little nap as there isnt much to see except desert on the way there and back!

Kalesh ride through the streets (and market)  another fun experience (really!)  Many people complained the horses were thin, but didnt seem to realise that in a country that hot, thin is better!  A stocky horse from England would collapse in that kind of heat.  The horses were well cared for and their coats and eyes were in good condition.  It was very interesting to see the back streets of Luxor and the local market with their weird and wonderful fruits and spices.

Hot air balloon ride  very early morning start but well worth it.  I had never been in a hot air balloon before and so was unsure as to what to expect.  The noise and heat from the burners was a little scary at first but you got used to it very quickly, especially as the view as the sun came over the horizon was breathtaking.  The skilled pilot turned the balloon around several times as we drifted slowly past (an empty) Hatchepsuts temple and along the green banks of the Nile so that everyone got a perfect 360 degrees of view.  It was just a fantastic experience.

Valley of Kings/Hatchepsuts Temple - very very hot  50 degree celcius by 11 am.  For me the tombs were a little disappointing.  Our guide, Karim first took us up to one of the less visited temples which was amazing, but then we had to go back down into the busier part of the valley.  The tomb paintings were fabulous but unfortunately the hordes of people meant that you didnt feel that you were able to stop and take in the atmosphere.  Hatchepsuts temple was also the same, magnificent but so crowded.  When we were back on the bus, Karim explained that we could go to the Valley of the Queens, but the tomb of Nefertiti was closed a few years ago for renovation or we could go to the Valley of the Artisans (Deir el Medina) as the tombs were open today.  After a quick vote (very democratic) we went to the Valley of the Artisans which was much better than the Valley of the Kings!  Our bus was the only bus there and we split into two groups as only 10 people were allowed down the steep narrow steps into the two small but beautifully painted tombs at a time.  It made the hairs on your arms stand up as you just drank in the overwhelming atmosphere. 

Sound and Light at Karnak  although I read many reviews that it wasnt worth going to the Sound and Light event, as this was the last night before we left the ship it finished the week off wonderfully for me as this was the first temple was visited and then to see it again at night was great.  Tip  this is the time to wear bug repellent if you have it as you sit still in the dark for the second half of the show and there are definitely biting insects around!

Lisa McNab
October 2008

The first week we spent on the King Tut 111 cruising and sightseeing the most wonderful sights in Egypt.

We had a guide who was most informative and friendly and could not do enough for you and answered all questions knowledgeably.

The staff aboard the ship could not do enough for you and were very friendly too.

The food was varied and plentiful and after a long day sightseeing it was great just to sit on the sun deck in the evening with a few drinks and relax.

The second week we spent at the Sonesta San George in Luxor.

Talk about luxury!!

The hotel was the best I have ever stayed in and the rooms had a marvellous view over the Nile. The food was excellent as were the staff.

The Egyptian people are the friendliest I have ever met and I cant wait to go back again.

Outside the hotel I recommend "Snobs" for eating as the food is delicous and for a drink you should go to "Murphys Irish Bar" or "John and Johns".

Shopping is great if you like to haggle. It is well worth it to get a bargain.

The only critisism that I would make is that there is not enough entertainment on the ship in the evening and the all inclusive does not start till 10 30 in the morning. so if you get up to go on the excursions and get back before then you have to pay for water etc which you really need when you get back on board.

Also after your evening meal there was no further food available such as a snack crisps nuts or even a sandwich later in the evening which I think would have been good but do go and try it you will enjoy it.

I would not hesitate to reccommend this holiday to anyone.

On January 15th 2007, I set off on a journey of a lifetime, to cruise down the Nile from Luxor to Aswan.  As my husband was unable to accompany me, I took my 29year old daughter Jill who has been blind for 10years.

As I had booked very late, and had not done much research, I left our fate entirely in the hands of our travel agent Barbara Maddocks of Nile Cruises 4u.  Flying out from Manchester to Luxor, we had a very comfortable flight lasting about 5 hours.  We arrived just before sunset, taking in the glorious view of the Nile meandering through the desert, with a thick lush strip of fertile green on either side of its banks.  We met our Egyptologist guide, Reda who welcomed us onto the coach and gave a brief description of proceeding for the rest of the evening.

Arriving at the boat, (it should be described as a Floating Hotel), we were asked to check in, go to our accommodation and wait for our luggage to arrive. It all took about fifteen minutes before our cases arrived outside our bedroom.

I was thrilled to see our beautiful room, television, fridge, air-conditioning, very comfy twin beds and floor to ceiling French windows giving us panoramic views of the Nile. The bathroom was marble and we had a full size bath with shower and hairdryer.  The room was spacious and allowed us a dressing table, two chairs by the window and a table. The boat is only a few years old, very elegant and liveried in blue and white.

Dinner that first evening allowed us to meet the other guests, and is served in buffet style with a wide range to suit all tastes, including an Egyptian dish which was on offer every night. Breakfast was equally sumptuous, fresh breads, fruit, yoghurts, cold meats and cheeses or if preferred, a hot breakfast consisting of everything except bacon, which I expected in a Muslim country, but the sausages made up for that, delicious!!

Lunch consisted of yet another hot and cold feast. Dressing for breakfast and lunch is casual, but it would be advisable to take some evening wear for dinner. By that I do not mean black tie or ball gown but dressy trousers and tops or cocktail length dresses.

Most tours start early in the morning to avoid the heat of the day, giving guests all afternoon to relax on the sundeck. Reda our guide advised me that one or two tours would probably not suit Jill as the terrain would be difficult for her. One such temple involved a bit of a climb, and therefore I was confident that we would not be going anywhere that would prove difficult for Jill or me.  We opted to sunbathe on the deck, while being served drinks and coffee from the ever smiling friendly staff, for whom nothing was too much trouble.

The rooms were thoroughly cleaned by the time breakfast was over with fresh sheets every day. In the evening they were cleaned again and the beds turned down. The efficiency of the Hotel Manager Hassan, was never ceasing and always with a smile.

It was wonderful to lie in bed with the window open at night and watch the Nile drift by, to the drone of prayers from the Hamams and followers, from the many mosques along its banks, which gave a haunting edge to the silhouette of palm trees and mud-brick villages against the moonlit skyline.  Stars were in abundance and I really felt as though I was somewhere quite magical and ancient.

In Aswan, Jill and myself opted out of the tour as it was going to be a little difficult.  I decided to take her for afternoon tea to the famous Cataract Hotel which overlooks the Agha Khans tomb. It is the place that inspired Agatha Christie to write 'Murder on the Nile' it was also filmed there, and many famous people have stayed at this luxurious watering hole, including Sir Winston Churchill, Princess Diana and The King of Jordan and so on. Now it had me and Jill!!

If you are not a guest you pay ﾣ8 pounds sterling on admission, but that is including afternoon tea. We then spent some time exploring the gardens. Reda, our Guide, had organised a taxi to take us there and back at a set price, and the driver was to pick us up on our return journey at 3.30pm. He was bang on time, and we paid him when we returned to the boat

.

The 'Galabaya' night was a night to remember. During that day in Edfu, several long wooden boats with about four men in each, stockpiled with goods, started throwing plastic bags with Galabayas inside, up onto the deck. You had to choose one, and then bargain for it by shouting back to them.  When a price is agreed, you put the money into one of the dress bags you don't want and throw it back to them.  This continued for about half an hour or so and was such good fun.

Afternoon tea is served on the sun-deck most days at 4pm with biscuits.  The sun-deck has a large canopied section with coffee bar, tables and chairs, and plenty of comfy sun-beds to lounge around.  We had by this time met up with a group of people with whom we spent evenings after dinner with in the bar, I think we laughed solidly for the whole week and have promised all to meet up and do this again.  Whether this will happen I would love to think so, but Jill and myself certainly will. 

We went on the Valley of the Kings Tour and The Valley of the Queens with a running commentary on the history from Reda.  The Tombs and Hieroglyphics rendered me speechless, the beauty and one-time opulence, the paintings and carvings, just to feel history is something you cannot achieve from a book, and will never forget.  We also went on to a porcelain factory where we watched  Egyptian artisans at work.

On our last morning we went on a camel ride. A small boat next to the Emilio, took us up river about 40 minutes away.  Its advisable to take a light jacket or cardigan for early morning trips as the temperature doesn't rise until about 11am in January. I was a little apprehensive, but I needn't have been.

The camels were very young and not too high in stature. Every-one had a guide and two men guarded us throughout on Arabian horses.  We trekked through several villages, children waving and singing us songs. At the end, we were taken to the owners house and given a very welcome glass of Egyptian tea with a chunk of home made bread.

My summary of this holiday is simple.  Absolutely Fabulous!!

The Egyptian people are friendly helpful, always smiling and so willing to make sure that you are enjoying yourself.  It is an extremely poor and underdeveloped country and tourism is a lifeline.  The Egyptians are a proud people, most speaking a little English and I must point out, that if you can learn one or two Egyptian phrases they are absolutely charmed with pleasure.

Security is First Class on the boat and at the Airport. Anyone infirm or disabled is shown priority for checking in luggage. No-one had to lift a case or a bag at any time, their service is immaculate

If a holiday in Dubai or the Costa del Sol is what you expect, then this is not the holiday for you, there are no Disney style walkways coke or burgers, smart shopping malls or designer outlets. This holiday is for culture vultures, whether you want to relax and watch History drift by in the comfort of 5* surroundings and service, or step on shore to feel the History for yourself.

The Domina Prestige 'Emilio' will not disappoint you.

One tip is to take with you hand wipes or 'Clear and Dry' for your bag. Egyptian notes can be quite grubby and its not always easy to wash your hands when on a tour.

It was sunset as we took off from the runway, the skyline was a blend of red and ochre merging into a deep blue, once again we could see the Nile meandering, the moon sinking behind the sands, we had captured some of the essence and magic of the Nile, but not nearly enough.

I am not usually a creature of habit, but this is one holiday, one country and one Floating Hotel, The Domina Emilio Prestige, that will draw me back time and time again.

Karen and Jo Daley

January 2007