Yesterday evening we visited the superb Alexander The Great Nile cruise ship and were shown around this luxury Nile cruise ship by the ship’s manager Sherif.
Our first impressions as you enter the elegant reception is that you are entering a boutique hotel. Smaller than the large, airy reception of a typical Nile cruise ship, the Alexander The Great feels much more like a luxury yacht. By “yacht” I mean the type of motor yacht that might be owned by a Roman Abramavitch or a Donald Trump.
The Alexander The Great is narrower in width and slightly smaller in length than a traditional Nile cruise ship but this only serves to strengthen the impression that you are aboard somebody’s luxury motor yacht.
Ship’s manager Sherif explained to us that there are only 32 suites on the Alexander and that each one is individually decorated and no two suites are the same. He also told us there is a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.
Sherif showed us around two of the suites which were designed with a luxurious but minimalist feel. All guests are provided with robes, slippers and top of the range toiletries and drinking water is freely provided. With luxurious bedding and elegant bathrooms the suites look cool, stylish and very comfortable.
There are also two “panoramic suites” at the front of the ship that each have their own private balconies that must be wonderful when the ship is cruising along the Nile.
A nice added touch amongst many others is that the bartenders will polish your sunglasses while you are on the sundeck. Little things that leave a big impression.
The restaurant, which is a-la-carte and with waiter service feels more like a top notch London restaurant with individual tables for two and for four. However Sherif explained that the majority of meals are served outside on the sundeck to enjoy the unique views and atmosphere of the Nile whilst dining.
An example of such a unique dining experience he gave was enjoying dinner whilst the Alexander The Great is berthed in front of Edfu Temple which is beautifully illuminated at night. Such unique dining experiences would cost a fortune if enjoyed in front of world famous landmarks in capital cities such as London, Paris or New York.
There is a small gym and steam room and spa area for those of us who like to keep in trim whilst enjoying the excesses of a cruise and there is a full programme of evening entertainment to be enjoyed.
Sherif also explained that the Alexander The Great has it’s own private moorings at each port of call to ensure such uninterrupted dining situations and also avoiding the need to more up besides other Nile cruise ships.
The elegant lounge features luxurious seating and access to the ship’s Wi-Fi. Sherif explained that to cater for guests who do like to rise early they provide access to the coffee and tea making machines in the lounge. Real coffee by the way. Complimentary tea and coffee is available after all meals too.
A Digital Sound and Vision (DSV) is available in the lounge bar where guests can choose from several thousand different songs to listen or dance to their favourites.
In case you forget your glasses reading glasses are available in the restaurant to allow you to read the menu. Another thoughtful little touch.
The small plunge pool and outdoor jaccuzzi are heated and set in elegant surroundings on the two tier sun deck and I can only imagine how nice it must be to be relaxing in the jaccuzzi whilst the Alexander The Great cruises slowly down the Nile.
The Alexander The Great cruise is a 6 night cruise that departs from Luxor on a Tuesday. So guests who normally arrive from the UK on a Monday will stay for the first night at the famous and very elegant Old Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor.
Sherif then explained to us that sailing from Luxor a day after all the other Nile cruise ships have departed means that guests are then enjoying visits to The Valley of the Kings and other highlights without the crowds and their visits can be much more relaxed and taken at their own tempo. What a great idea.
Although the cost of a Nile cruise on the Alexander The Great is obviously more expensive I honestly feel that you would be enjoying a true “luxury Nile cruise“.
As with all thing in life “you get what you pay for” and if you choose to cruise on the Alexander The Great you are probably going to enjoy a cruise on the top Nile cruise ship available at that price. In fact I would go so far as to say that apart from the very, very expensive Oberoi Zahra, currently the most expensive Nile cruise ship afloat, then you will be cruising on the most unique and luxurious Nile cruise ship available at a much more affordable price.
More importantly you will enjoy an unforgettable travel experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Barbara and I have already added a Nile cruise aboard the Alexander The Great to our “bucket list”.
Over the next few days I’ll be adding photographs that we took during our visit and hopefully you will be able to see what a beautiful ship the Alexander The Great really is.
If you’d like to know more about Alexander The Great Nile cruises or talk to us about availability and prices please call either Barbara or myself on our dedicated Freephone number 0808 1089 100 or on 01704 833197.
