Egypt River Cruises 2022 Review
Discovering the Magic of Nile River Cruises
If you’re curious about whether an Egypt river cruise is worth the experience, the 2022 season offered a wide variety of options — from budget-friendly group packages to high-end luxury sailings. Most travellers focused on the classic route between Luxor and Aswan, rarely beginning from Cairo due to river navigation limits — but the journey still promised unforgettable highlights like the ancient temples of Karnak Temple and Valley of the Kings. Reddit
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown based on traveller reviews, expert reports, and cruise company feedback from the 2022 season.
Highlights of Egypt River Cruises in 2022
Exceptional Experiences
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Luxury and comfort: Luxury liners like Viking Cruises’ Osiris and Osiris Hathor offered five-star cabins, infinity pools, spa facilities, and themed dinners. Guests shared moments like hot-air balloon rides and night tours of temples — all with full guides to enrich the story behind Egypt’s pharaonic legacy. Condé Nast Traveler
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Onshore discoveries: Small-group landings at villages like Esna were popular for immersive cultural encounters. Even less-known sites such as Qena’s Dendera Temple added flavour to itineraries beyond the standard Luxor–Aswan route. Condé Nast Traveler
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Economical packages: Mid-range cruises also offered strong value, combining full-board meals, daily excursions, and guides. TUI and AmaWaterways flights-to-cruise packages offered bundled deals under £1,500, including shuttle transfers and periodic sightseeing tours. The Sun+1
Criticisms and Common Issues
While many travellers raved about their experiences, several recurring complaints from the 2022 season deserved attention:
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Old and noisy boats: Reviews often mentioned worn interiors, strong generator smells, and cramped cabins — especially on older ships like MS Hapi5 or MS Zeina. Tripadvisor+1
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Crowds at sites: Because many boats visited the same ports at the same times, popular places could get extremely busy. This was especially true in high season. Reddit
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Sales push and vendor pressure: Several travellers reported persistent shop stops and requests for tips. Booking with reputable agencies reduced these issues. Reddit
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Mixed food experiences: Food quality ranged from “delicious and imaginative” to “repetitive and bland,” depending on the operator. Tripadvisor
Standout 2022 Routes & Cruises
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Luxury choice: Viking Nile Osiris — included guided tours and a five-star onboard experience with free excursions.
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Boutique option: Historia Nile Cruise — elegant and secluded, often emphasised for its premium service and small number of guests. nilecruisers.com
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Value pick: TUI Al Horeya — affordable all-inclusive packages, perfect for first-timers. The Sun
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Small-group unique: Dahabiya Dream — a restored 19th-century sailing boat that stopped at sites inaccessible to larger vessels. Trustpilot
Tips Before Booking Your Nile Adventure
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Book early: Most popular cruises filled up 12–18 months ahead. Reddit
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Expect certain standards: Five-star Egyptian cruises often rank closer to 3–4 stars compared to European standards. Reddit
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Check inclusions: Always confirm what’s part of the package — drinks, transfers, and excursions can significantly impact total cost. Cruise Mummy+1
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Avoid Christmas week: Sites become extremely crowded during high season. Reddit

