It’s perceived as being one of the most glamorous and romantic ways of seeing one of the world’s most mysterious and spellbinding countries.
But is a Nile river cruise in Egypt really worth it?
Travel vlogger Sam Mayfair set about discovering the pros and cons, with a seven-day round trip aboard the five-star cruise ship the Steigenberger Royale on one of the most popular routes – Luxor to Aswan, 240km (150 miles) away.
Cruise ships on this route offer tourists the chance to see some of Egypt’s most fascinating cultural sights and stunning landscapes.
Thirty-nine-year-old Sam, from Surrey, posted footage of his journey to his TikTok account – @Sam.Mayfair – and told MailOnline that it’s a ‘hassle-free’ way to see Egypt.
Sam begins the video by showing his spacious suite, a room upgrade that includes a generously proportioned bathroom. He claims: ‘There are smaller rooms, but they’re not much different in price.’
He then moves onto the rest of the ship, revealing that the upper deck has a sun lounging area. He says: ‘There was also a pool… which I actually really enjoyed. There’s nothing like jumping in a cold pool when it’s 44 degrees [Centigrade].’
Sam continues to film, revealing an outside bar and a small gym and massage area, before showing a large indoor lounge complete with red carpets and wooden furniture. This space, he says, was used in the evenings, as it was ‘difficult to stay outside with the mosquitos’.
On the food-and-drink front, Sam says meals were included in the package, but drinks had to be purchased additionally.
He adds: ‘The food on the cruise was actually really good. It was a buffet every day with a different theme’.
Sam says these cruises may include tours, depending on which package you book. He adds: ‘However, if like me, you haven’t booked it as part of the package, then you will need to pay extra for all your little tours.’
One thing passengers should be aware of are the small boats selling souvenirs, Sam notes. In the video, Sam says they will ‘attach themselves to the ship and hang on for life trying to sell you a towel’.
While Sam says there is ‘nothing wrong with buying from them’, he adds: ‘Just make sure you negotiate the price.’
Sam paid £1,500 ($1,886) for two tickets aboard the cruise. ‘We started in Luxor and finished in Luxor, but most passengers finish at Aswan after four days,’ he explained.
Was the voyage worthwhile? He told MailOnline Travel: ‘One hundred per cent.
‘It’s a very interesting way to travel and explore, and you can’t help but imagine that you are taking the same journey that people have taken for thousands of years.’
He said those on board can expect to see a new location every day, ‘including the Valley of the Kings, Luxor Temple, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philea, and the Unfinished Obelisk’.
Is there any room for improvement? Sam said: ‘You are a bit limited for time at each location. I would have liked to spend a bit longer exploring.’
But he added: ‘If you want to explore and travel hassle-free, it’s very good… and I would recommend it as an experience.’
For more from Sam visit him on YouTube at www.youtube.com/@SamMayfair and TikTok www.tiktok.com/@sam.mayfair.
Emily Foster is a globe-trotting journalist based in the UK. Her articles offer readers a global perspective on international events, exploring complex geopolitical issues and providing a nuanced view of the world’s most pressing challenges.
