Three Ways to Enjoy a Nile Cruise
The most lavish way to make your way down the Nile River is on a luxury all inclusive Nile cruise boat. These floating five star hotels, offer everything their land based equivalents can provide, including en-suite, air-conditioned cabins, fine dining restaurants, bars, sundecks and plunge pools. You will usually find around 100 cabins onboard and each one will have large open windows, so you can enjoy the view from the comfort of your room. Higher-tiered cabins can also benefit from their own balconies and sun loungers.
Cruises are available for three, four and seven nights and run between Aswan and Luxor. Most cruises on these luxury boats will have a guide onboard who is there to help you, answer questions and take you around the many historical and interesting sights on tours throughout your trip.
A simpler and more intimate way of sailing down the Nile River is on a traditional Felucca sailboat. These wooden sailing craft are used all along the Nile River and can also be found in the waters of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
Felucca cruises are a cheaper alternative to a luxury cruise boat and are a very relaxed and fun way to see the sights along the Nile's banks. Most Felucca's will fit around 5 - 10 passengers who will sleep under the stars on the mattresses and cushions scattered around the deck. Make sure you bring a blanket or sleeping bag as well as some mosquito repellent. The crew will prepare all meals and entertain you in the evenings with traditional music and dance.
The pace on a Felucca is slower than many cruises because you travel as fast as the wind wants to take you. It is also a much simpler boat so don't expect any facilities onboard, although there will be plenty of stops along the way where you can use the services provided by the many towns and tourist attractions. Because of the basic nature of these cruises, a Felucca trip usually only lasts around 1 - 2 days and will travel from Aswan towards Kom Ombo.
Travellers looking for a luxury, boutique option can take a trip on a Nile Dahabiya. These are a great alternative to the larger luxury Nile cruise boats as they are much smaller, but still very luxurious. Generally, these boats will sleep around 16 people in a mixture of cabins and suites. These luxurious sailboats run three, four and seven night cruises and can be chartered, which is perfect for large groups or families.
These boats are beautifully crafted and come with all the luxuries you will need. Cabins have air conditioning, hairdryers, mini bars and plasma TVs with movies. Some even have libraries, massage chairs and Jacuzzis. If you've got the money to spend there really is no better way to spend a Nile cruise.
Cruises are available for three, four and seven nights and run between Aswan and Luxor. Most cruises on these luxury boats will have a guide onboard who is there to help you, answer questions and take you around the many historical and interesting sights on tours throughout your trip.
A simpler and more intimate way of sailing down the Nile River is on a traditional Felucca sailboat. These wooden sailing craft are used all along the Nile River and can also be found in the waters of the Red Sea and the Mediterranean.
Felucca cruises are a cheaper alternative to a luxury cruise boat and are a very relaxed and fun way to see the sights along the Nile's banks. Most Felucca's will fit around 5 - 10 passengers who will sleep under the stars on the mattresses and cushions scattered around the deck. Make sure you bring a blanket or sleeping bag as well as some mosquito repellent. The crew will prepare all meals and entertain you in the evenings with traditional music and dance.
The pace on a Felucca is slower than many cruises because you travel as fast as the wind wants to take you. It is also a much simpler boat so don't expect any facilities onboard, although there will be plenty of stops along the way where you can use the services provided by the many towns and tourist attractions. Because of the basic nature of these cruises, a Felucca trip usually only lasts around 1 - 2 days and will travel from Aswan towards Kom Ombo.
Travellers looking for a luxury, boutique option can take a trip on a Nile Dahabiya. These are a great alternative to the larger luxury Nile cruise boats as they are much smaller, but still very luxurious. Generally, these boats will sleep around 16 people in a mixture of cabins and suites. These luxurious sailboats run three, four and seven night cruises and can be chartered, which is perfect for large groups or families.
These boats are beautifully crafted and come with all the luxuries you will need. Cabins have air conditioning, hairdryers, mini bars and plasma TVs with movies. Some even have libraries, massage chairs and Jacuzzis. If you've got the money to spend there really is no better way to spend a Nile cruise.
