Life on board

Life on board is as special as the scenery outside; from the moment you step on board you will be looked after by one of our Egyptologists. Not only do they escort you around the sights of Luxor and Aswan they also lead the evening entertainment.


All our Vessels, regardless the category, feature outside Nile view cabins with private baths, Large or Panoramic Windows, individually controlled air-conditioning, Mini fridge, internal telephone and TV with local and video channels, transfers to/from sightseeing, entry fees, guides fluent in virtually all major languages. Service charges and taxes.


Clothes Onboard
Cruising Time
Communications
Esna Lock


Sea sickness
Lounge Bar
Sundeck
Credit Cards
Food & Beverage
Entertainment
Language
Electricity
Bank Service
Weather Forecast


Handicap


Clothes Onboard


Casual dress onboard.
Smart casual at dinner parties.
For Warm Mornings; Light cotton & natural clothing will be ideal.
For Cool Mornings & evenings; just bring a light sweater jacket.
Swimsuits and sun hats for the sundeck and swimming pool.
For shore excursions; Comfortable walking shoes are a must.


Cruising Time


The normal cruising time between Aswan and Luxor is 16 hours and between Luxor and Aswan is 18 hours. All cruisers try to sail only during daytime but because of the lock and other circumstances they have to continue during dark hours as well.


Communications


Communication from Egypt is quite easy, as most of our Nile cruises has Internet Cafes & International telephonic system.
Prepaid phone cards are the best thing you can do as they usually offer the best rates.
  
Esna Lock


Every year Esna Lock is closed for maintenance from the 1st - 15th of December and June. During this period the cruises are made from Esna to Aswan and vice versa and the visits of Luxor are done by bus or private car from Esna.


Sea sickness


Sea sickness people do not have to worry at all; as this is river sailing, so do not expect any waves, no rough seas! Your Nile cruises are actually a floating hotel that moves from place to place along the Nile. Actual cruising times are short and pleasant.


Lounge Bar


Is the perfect place to relax on comfortable sofas and enjoy a cocktail before dinner and entertainment in the evenings.


Sundeck


On Sundeck; you can find a plunge pool with sun beds and towels, there are also chairs and tables in a shaded area where you can relax. The reception area has safety deposit boxes and therees even shop on board where you can buy souvenirs and essentials.


Credit Cards


Travellerrs cheques arennt too popular in Egypt, although the more classy hotels will accept them, as will many of the banks. Credit cards are more preferential and usually ensure a better exchange rate than the retail rate of banks and the local bureau de change.


Food & Beverage


One of the pleasures of cruising is the food and your Nile cruise operates on a full board basis with buffet breakfast followed by lunch and dinner which can either be a set menu or buffet style. The only additional expenses are drinks, tips, souvenirs and optional excursions available on board. A credit system operates on board the boat whereby all extras will be billed to your cabin. There is limited money exchanging facilities on board, so it is advisable to ensure that you have enough local currency although your guide will allow time for a bank stop during your cruise.


A tempting selection of international and Egyptian cuisine is served in the on board restaurant.


Breakfast: is buffet style, with a choice of fruit juices, tea and coffee, cereal, rolls and breads, cheese and cold meats, pastries, boiled eggs or omelet.


Lunch and dinner are taken in one sitting often buffet style with a wide selection of starters including salads and delicious soups with fresh rolls and breads. A number of main course choices are available - chicken, beef and fish dishes, fresh vegetables, pasta and rice.


For dessert take your pick from superb pastries and creamy puddings whilst a healthy option of fresh fruit is usually available if you prefer. To accompany your meal, choose from a range of soft drinks, beer, wine or bottled water. Remember, you just sign for them as you go along and pay at the end of your cruise. Afternoon tea and cake is usually served on the sundeck when the boat is sailing.


Drinks are not included in the price of any meal. Prices differ between local and imported drinks. Local wine and beer are of good quality; prices vary.
Water in Egypt is potable, nevertheless, we advise you to use only bottled mineral water.


Entertainment


Apart from a full range of excursions, entertainment is provided in the lounge bar on most evenings. Drawing inspiration from the traditions of the surroundings, the distinctive entertainment includes belly dancing, Nubian dancers and music plus the legendary Galabeya Party renowned as a hugely entertaining evening, where guests can dress up in traditional Egyptian costume.


You may want to spend the evening adventuring at the open market place in Aswan & Luxor.  In ancient times the cataracts made it impossible for ships to pass this point, so the traders from the Mediterranean and Africa met here.  The present town still contains some of this history and feeling.  Or you might also visit the Nubian Museum, Gold & Silver Markets.


Language


Arabic is the official language but English, French, Italian and Spanish are widely spoken. Multi-lingual staff is available to assist onboard.


Electricity


Egyptts electricity is 220 Volts, alternating at 50 cycles per second (50 Hz).
If your devices donnt accept 220 Volts at 50 Hertz, you will require a voltage converter. The plugs in use have two round pins, and you might need an adapter if your plugs are different. If you plan on spending a great deal of time abroad, you might want to consider purchasing a combination voltage converter and plug adapter.


Bank Service


Bank Service is available in both cities; Luxor and Aswan.


Banks are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. Main bank branches are generally open from 8:30 AM to 2 PM, Sunday through Thursday, while government offices are open between 7 AM and 2PM, Sunday through Thursday.


Main Banks in Luxor & Aswan are:


Credit Agricole Bank
CIB
Al Watany Bank Of Egypt
Banque Misr
Cairo Bank
National Bank of Abu Dhabi
National Bank of Egypt
  
Weather Forecast


 Town/Month


 Aswan


 Komombo/Edfu


Luxor 


 January


 5-23


 6-23


 8-24


 February


 7-29


  7-29


  9-27


 March


 11-35


 12-35


 13-30


 April


 16-35


 17-36


 17-37


 May


 21-38


 21-38


 21-42


 June


 23-41


 23-41


 24-41


 July


 24-43


 24-43


 24-42


 August


 23-42


 24-41


 25-40


 September


 22-35


 22-36


 22-36


 October


 18-33


 15-32


 9-30


 November


 12-25


 13-25


 14-25


 December


 8-25


 9-25


 10-25


Handicap


We must receive any notification about any of the two cases in order to be able to arrange any special services for them.