philae cruise Review

Here is a detailed review of The Oberoi Philae Nile Cruise — its strengths, weaknesses, what to expect — for people thinking of doing it. (Keyword: Oberoi Philae)

What is Oberoi Philae Cruise?

The Oberoi Philae is a luxury Nile cruise ship sailing between Aswan and Luxor. It has about 22 cabins and suites. It was refurbished (relaunched around 2015-2016) to provide more upscale, stylish, and relaxing travel along the Nile.

Highlights / What people like

Here are the strong points that multiple reviews mention:

1. Luxury and Comfort

   • Cabins are spacious with large, panoramic windows. In many cases, floor-to-ceiling windows or French doors so you can see the Nile scenery well.

   • Some suites have private terraces, even jacuzzis. Bathrooms are modern, well-appointed, often with freestanding tubs or luxury fixtures.

   • Facilities are very good: spa, gym, beauty salon, pool (often temperature-controlled), movie theatre, etc.

2. Service, Personal Touch, Small-Group Feeling

   • Because there are only ~22 cabins, guests often comment that the atmosphere is more personal and quiet compared to big cruise ships. You’re less likely to feel crowded.

   • Staff are generally praised as attentive, service levels high.

3. Dining & Cuisine

   • The food gets good reviews: varied menu (international + Egyptian / Middle Eastern influence). Presentation and quality are viewed favorably by many.

   • People with dietary requirements generally say the staff accommodate well.

4. Itinerary & Guides

   • Tours of the temples etc. are conducted by good Egyptologists, small groups, well organized.

   • Private or semi-private moorings at Luxor and Aswan are a plus: less bustle, easier embark/disembark.

5. Ambience / Overall Experience

   • Many say the cruise gives a sense of “floating hotel” luxury, relaxing pace, time to enjoy both the river and the ancient sites along it. Consistent praise for the comfort.

   • Good balance of downtime and excursions.

Weaknesses / What to Watch Out For

No experience is perfect. Here are some of the complaints or downsides people mention:

1. Cabin Location / Noise / Vibration Issues

   • Some cabins at the end of the ship suffer from more noise or vibration. These end cabins may be less comfortable.

   • Depending on direction (Aswan → Luxor or vice versa), the side of the ship matters if you want sunrise or best views.

2. Price

   • As a premium option, it is expensive compared to more basic Nile cruises. The luxury comes at a cost.

3. Expectations vs Reality

   • Some reviews say that even though the ship is “luxury,” certain materials or fixtures feel not quite fresh or show wear. Old carpets, minor maintenance issues have been flagged in older reviews.

   • A few guests were disappointed by the food not always matching expectations (though many others were very happy).

4. Crowds at Sites / Timing

   • Even with private moorings, the popular temples attract many visitors. Depending on schedule, your group may arrive when the site is busy.

   • Sometimes itineraries are tight; you might feel rushed through some historic sites.

5. Extras Cost

   • Certain services (WiFi, drinks, spa treatments, etc.) might carry extra charges. Not everything is always included. Guests warn that drinks (especially alcoholic) onboard can be expensive.

Overall Verdict

For many people, The Oberoi Philae delivers a very high-quality Nile cruise experience. If you value comfort, luxury, good service, and a relaxed pace, it’s among the best options out there. It is especially good if you want a quieter, more exclusive trip, not the mass-cruise feeling.

If your budget allows, it’s worth the splurge. But if you are more budget-minded or you don’t care about the finer details (like cabin view, terrace, spa), then some of the mid-range cruises might give you better value.

Who It’s Best For / Who It’s Less Suited

Tips to Get the Best Experience

• Choose your cabin wisely: Try not to take an end cabin if possible to avoid noise or vibration. East or port/starboard side depending on route for sunrise views.

• Check what’s included: Meals, tours, transfers, drinks, spa services — clarify what’s part of the package and what’s extra.

• Bring cash or card for extras: Some drink orders, spa treatments, souvenirs, etc., may be extra.

• Book in advance: Luxury cruises with small capacity sell out.

• Ask about group sizes for tours: Smaller groups = better feel.

• Plan your itinerary timing: If possible, pick cruise dates less likely to coincide with peak tourist numbers to enjoy quieter temple visits.

If you like, I can write a shorter review summary with photos and price comparisons to help you decide — would that be useful for your website?