Posted on by Colin Maddocks

Nile Cruise and Red Sea Holidays

Royal Viking Nile Cruise ShipWe have just received a great “Nile Cruise and Red Sea” testimonial from returning clients Steve and Lynda.  They sailed on the wonderful Royal Viking Nile cruise ship and then spent a further week on the Red Sea staying at the Three Corners Ocean View in El Gouna.

It’s been added to our Nile Cruise Testimonials page on the main website but in case you havent’ seen it here it is:

“Hi Barbara
 
It’s now a week since we returned from our Nile Cruise and week in El Gouna and high time I gave you some feedback on our fabulous holiday.
 
My wife & I along with our 20 year old daughter had a wonderful time in Egypt the highlight undoubtedly being the Nile Cruise. After a comfortable flight we were met by our guide who informed us that the as the Viking Princess was in for maintenance we would be sailing on the Royal Viking instead. 
 
We’d read about the Royal Viking in your Nile Cruise guide and were not disappointed. We had two lovely middle deck cabins immediately opposite one another so we had a choice of views when we were sailing!
 
The ship was clearly of superior quality compared with some of the others we glimpsed as we walked through to get to and from shore. Without exception the staff were friendly and helpful and our daughter soon got involved in a lively competition with the cabin staff as to who could create the best towel sculpture. Kathryn was particularly proud of her Pharaoh’s head and camel!
 
There was entertainment arranged every evening in the lounge and we enjoyed dressing up for the Galabiya party but it was so pleasant just to sit up on deck with a drink looking out at the Nile there was hardly any need for any organised entertainment.
 
Our tour guide Victor was excellent bringing all the places we visited to life and his genuine passion for all things ancient Egyptian was infectious. Whilst in early September it is still very hot, especially at some of the more sheltered sites, this is offset by the fact that everywhere is less busy than later in the year and we did not have to queue for any of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings or at Abu Simbel.
 
Its hard to pick a favourite from everything we did but the optional Hot Air Balloon trip, seeing the sun rise over the Nile and the birdseye view of the Valley of the Kings is an experience none of us will forget.
 
I have already recommended a Nile Cruise and your website to a number of friends and relations since our return.
 
Our second week at the Three Corners Ocean View in El Gouna got off to something of a shaky start. After the 5 hour coach transfer we arrived at 2pm only to be informed that one of our rooms would not be ready until 5pm. The second room turned out to have no balcony and had clearly not been cleaned properly. After some debate and with the assistance of the local rep we finally got into one room at about 4pm. The second room next door was finally ready for us at 6pm and thankfully this room did have a balcony overlooking the central courtyard. This was not the start we were hoping for to what was supposed to be the relaxing part of our holiday. Can I suggest that it is pointed out to anyone booking the Ocean View in future that not only might they not get said Ocean View but they also might not even get a balcony! Subsequently looking round the hotel revealed that it does appear to have a majority of rooms with views of the sea, lagoon or marina but it was also apparent that several members of our party that transferred from the Nile ended up with rooms looking onto a courtyard or with no balcony.
 
Nevertheless despite this stressful start we did enjoy the rest of our stay at the Ocean View. The food and drinks in the all inclusive package are of a high standard and we would highly recommend using the ‘Dine Around’ option to sample the hotel’s own separate Belgian (excellent steaks) and Italian Restaurants. El Gouna is a fascinating place with a lovely marina to stroll around and a complete contrast to the Egypt you see on the Nile.
 
All in all it was an excellent holiday and while memories of resorts and hotels start to blend into each other after a few years our cruise on the Nile in the Royal Viking is something all three of us will always remember.
 
Thanks again to you and Colin for all your help and advice.
 
Cheers”
 
Steve and Lynda
September 2010