cruises to egypt 2023 Review

Here’s a detailed 2023 review of cruises to Egypt, especially Nile river cruises and Red Sea cruises. If you like, I can also write a version you can use on your site with SEO-optimization.

Overview

Cruising in Egypt in 2023 remains a popular way to experience the country’s ancient sites, culture, and landscapes. Most cruises are river cruises on the Nile between Luxor, Aswan (and sometimes Cairo and Abu Simbel), along with some shore-based or Red Sea cruise excursions. Reviews show mixed but generally positive feedback, with common praise and frequent complaints.

What works well (Pros)

Scenery, Temples, Historical Sites
Travellers almost always praise the quality of the stops: the temples, tombs, Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Philae, and the feeling of seeing ancient monuments up close. The cultural and archaeological value is high. Discover Egypt+3Reddit+3Tripadvisor+3
Good Guides / Egyptologists
Many reviews mention that guides are knowledgeable, helpful, and make a difference. Having a good local Egyptologist enhances the cruise experience. Discover Egypt+1
Relaxing Pace Combined with Exploration
Cruises offer a nice mix: one day sightseeing, the next cruising, some downtime. Many travellers enjoy floating on the Nile, relaxing on deck, watching life along the riverbanks. Reddit+1
Food and Service (Often Good)
In many cruises, food, staff attentiveness, and services receive favourable reviews. For instance, Avalon Waterways’ “MS Farah” has several reviews praising the staff and accommodations. AffordableTours.com Also Esmeralda Cruises receives positive feedback for cleanliness, peaceful atmosphere, and friendly staff. Tripadvisor+1
Variety of Options
There are luxury-cruise options, mid-range ones, boutique dahabiyas, etc. This gives travellers a chance to pick what they want based on budget / comfort preferences. Nile Cruisers+2Reddit+2
Ports like Alexandria growing in importance
Cruise ship calls to ports like Alexandria have increased, showing that Egypt is reclaiming or boosting its role as a Mediterranean cruise destination. APA

What tends to go wrong or areas for improvement (Cons)

Over-promotion vs Reality
Some travellers felt that what was advertised (five-star all-inclusive, “luxury”) fell short. For example, hotels or cabins being older than expected; amenities promised but not fully working; issues with cleanliness in some boats. Tripadvisor+2Tripadvisor+2
Food Quality Inconsistency
While some praised meals, others complained: too much repetition, blandness, overcooking; western tastes not always addressed well. Tripadvisor+1
Boat Condition / Facilities
Problems like broken or poorly maintained facilities (jacuzzis, pools, air conditioning, WiFi) appear in some reviews. Also cramped bathrooms; small showers or old fixtures. Tripadvisor+2Tripadvisor+2
Noise, Engine Issues
Some cabins are noisy (especially near engines). Noise can affect sleep and comfort. Reddit
Crowds at Popular Stops
Many cruises dock at the same popular temples and sites, so it can be quite full at certain times. Ancient sites can get busy. Also, boats and guests may cluster, reducing sense of exclusivity. Reddit+1
Value vs Price Perception
Some travellers felt they did not get enough value for the money, especially when paying high prices expecting “luxury”. Budget or standard options sometimes underperform their price point. Tripadvisor+1

Specific Examples

Here are a few cruise operators / ships with notes:

Avalon Waterways – MS Farah (Taste of Egypt)
Reviews are very positive. People praise the accommodations, staff, itinerary, and food. AffordableTours.com
Esmeralda Nile Cruises
Many travellers say it’s peaceful, beautiful, staff are friendly, good food. Some small complaints: WiFi, some small maintenance issues, but overall a good experience. Tripadvisor+1
Alexander the Great (Discover Egypt / Wings)
Travellers enjoyed its small size (more personal), good cabins, excellent service, nice decks, outstanding food & excellent Egyptologists. Discover Egypt

Overall Rating & Who It Suits

If I were to summarise:

Average rating: Many cruises are rated between 3.5 to 5 stars depending on price class. Luxury options score highly in comfort and service; mid-range ones are mixed; cheaper ones sometimes disappointing.
Suitability: Great for travellers who are more interested in history, culture, archaeology, and don’t expect the amenities of big ocean cruises. Good for couples, older travellers, or anyone who doesn’t mind simpler comfort in some legs. Less ideal for travellers expecting high luxury for low cost.

Tips for Getting the Best from a Cruise in Egypt

To avoid disappointment, here are some recommendations:

Research the ship: Read recent reviews, especially about cleanliness, maintenance, and food.
Check what’s included: Some cruises include all meals, entrance fees at temples, guided excursions; others expect you to pay extras.
Choose the route & duration carefully: Cruises that combine Cairo, Luxor, Aswan, possibly Abu Simbel give more variety. Shorter cruises (3-4 nights) are fine, but longer ones give more depth.
Avoid cabins near engines / back of ship: Noise can spoil rest.
Expect some crowds: Especially at Giza, Valley of the Kings, most Nile cruises visit the same sites. Consider travelling in the off-peak season for fewer crowds.
Balance expectations: Egypt is amazing, but infrastructure and “luxury” may differ from what western markets consider luxury.

Was 2023 Better or Worse Than Previous Years?

From what I found:

There has been resurgence of cruise activity after the disruptions of past years (e.g., due to COVID, regional instability). Ports are handling more cruise calls now. APA
More modern ships or upgraded boats are appearing, pushing standards up. But issues persist in cheaper/older boats.
Traveller expectations are higher now; so disappointments occur when service or facilities don’t match the promise.

Conclusion

Cruises to Egypt in 2023 offer a compelling experience for those interested in culture, history, and unique landscapes. When planned carefully, they can be deeply rewarding. There are trade-offs: cost vs comfort, luxury vs authenticity, crowds vs solitude.

If you want, I can pull together “Top 5 Egypt Cruises 2023” with pros & cons of each, which might be useful for your clients or website. Do you want me to do that?