I often
wonder why travelers to Egypt frequently skip what could be the highlight of
the trip- a cruise on the Nile. The combination of relaxing on board in
comfort, the chance to see some of the most fabulous monuments in history,
and seeing a timeless side of rural Egypt that calls to mind images of
Biblical days is unparalleled. It’s a sharp contrast to the bustle and noise
of Cairo and gives the traveler a more complete view of the people and
culture of Egypt. So why miss it?
Cruise
ships vary in quality from 3 stars to Super Deluxe. If you go, I suggest
booking a more expensive boat with a solid reputation as it will most likely
fit the hygiene and sanitation standards of westerners. (My favorite line is
Oberoi.) Boats of any class will usually have air conditioning, a pool, a
Jacuzzi, a restaurant, a gift shop, a lounge, and a disco.
Evening
entertainment will vary according to the cruise line you are on. Ships
typically include a belly dance show, a Nubian show, and a galabeya party. I
suspect the galabeya party is designed primarily to get tourists to drop
their dollars on colorful caftans, but it is certainly worth the price. (You
may wish to avoid the small boats that come alongside the ship throwing
plastic bags full of galabeyas up on deck to tourists.) The party includes
games such as “potato butt”, “wrap the mummy,” musical spoons, and even a
belly dance contest.
Meals are
usually western fare served buffet-style. There is a wide selection of
salads, hot and cold dishes, and dessert. Most cruises have “Egyptian night”
when local food is served, but even then, there are some western options.
Four o’clock is tea time. Hungry tourists can gather for a drink with cookies
or just to socialize.
Three and
four night cruise options go back and forth between Luxor and Aswan. Both
cities can keep the interested traveler busy for several days, but there is
only time to stop at the major sites. To see more of either city in detail,
you can extend your visit by checking into a hotel before or after checking
into the cruise.
Highlights
of the Luxor east bank include the Luxor Temple, Karnak Temple, the Luxor
Museum, and the Mummification Museum. The west bank is the land of the dead,
signified by the sun setting in the west. Here we find the Valley of the
Kings and Valley of the Queens where royals were buried. The mortuary temples
of many ancient rulers are also found here, including the most impressive,
the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut. The Colossi of Memnon, guardians of
the ruined mortuary temple of Amenhotop, attract many visitors.
Between
Luxor and Aswan lie Edfu and Kom Ombo. Edfu is the site of the famous battle
between Horus and Seth. The temple is dedicated to Horus. The Temple at Kom
Ombo is unusual in that it has twin entrances, halls, and sanctuaries- one
for Horus, the falcon god, and one for Sobek, the crocodile god. This site is
unique also for the mummified crocodiles found here and the carvings
depicting medical procedures.
A cruise
package will usually include excursions to see the Unfinished Obelisk of
Queen Hatshepsut, the High Dam, the Temple of Philae, and a felucca ride in
Aswan. This itinerary hits the highlights, but there is so much more to see
in Aswan if you have the extra time. No visit is complete without stopping at
the souk. While it has become more touristy recently and the shop keepers are
more aggressive than in Cairo, it is worth the trip to see the exotic and
colorful atmosphere. Also be sure to stop at the Old Cataract Hotel. Agatha
Christie stayed here while writing part of her novel “Death on the Nile”.
Since then it has become an overpriced tourist attraction that’s a bit
rundown. I don’t recommend staying there, but it is worth it to pop in for
lunch and to enjoy the best view of the Nile.
The ease,
comfort, and value of Nile cruising makes this an excellent way to see Egypt.
It’s the perfect compliment and getaway from the dirty, frantic pace of
Cairo. No trip to Egypt is complete without it.
