Reply To: Tips for a cruise on the Nile

[masaccio]

Amy C wrote:

Done it 2x but with Orbital (not luxury). If you want luxury you probably can’t beat the SS Sudan

We did this last year after 3 Covid cancellations.

Go for the SS Sudan if you can afford it; you won’t regret it. Southbound probably better as you get the gruelling day in the valleys done early leaving the leisurely bit to the end. Pay the upgrades for the extra tombs, especially Nefertari.

We sneaked a peak at some other rooms as we left and they all look great. Food was very good and service excellent. Tour groups are the same for the whole trip, so if you get on you can ask the restaurant staff to rearrange tables to sit together at dinner. We did that the last night which was a nice change. The French groups did it every night, but I guess French people are more sociable about food than us Brits. Drivers change during the trip so ask about that if you are the kind of person that wants to tip a driver.

Once you get to Aswan, it has to be the Sofitel Legend. The hotel has loads of history, is in a stinking location and is just lovely.

We did a side trip to Luxor which is quite a drive and in hindsight I would not have done it; we saw plenty of things just as impressive on the Nile. There is a flying option if you don’t mind splashing the cash, but they don’t fly Sunday. I think that would take the edge off 6 hours in a car for a 60-90 minute tour.