cruises to egypt 2024 Review

Below is a detailed 2024 review of cruises to Egypt, especially Nile River / Red Sea cruises: what to expect, pros & cons, top options, pricing, safety, and tips. If you like, I can also pull together a shorter “top picks” summary.

Cruises to Egypt 2024 — Overview

Cruises in Egypt—especially Nile River cruises between Luxor and Aswan, or full itineraries including Cairo—remain very popular in 2024. Many operators are upgrading amenities, improving itineraries, and offering more immersive cultural experiences. However, there are also challenges: safety concerns (particularly on Red Sea excursions), price variability, and operational details that can affect experience.

What People Like: Highlights & Strengths

Here are what travellers generally praise:

Scenic, historic sites
Temples, tombs, and sights like the Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Abu Simbel, Philae. These are major draws and tend to deliver. Discover Egypt+3CruiseKings+3Telegraph+3
Luxury & comfort improvements
Higher-end ships (or refurbished ones) offering better cabins, suites, verandas or French balconies, sun decks, pools and hot tubs. For example, TUI Al Horeya, which launched in winter 2024, is modern, bright, roomy, with good river views and decent deck amenities. Sailawaze
Good guides / Egyptologists
Many reviews note that knowledgeable, passionate guides make a big difference. They enrich the journey by giving context to the monuments and history. Discover Egypt+3Trustpilot+3Ramasside Tours+3
All-inclusive convenience
Cruises that include transfers, flights (for fly-cruise options), meals, and guided excursions get high marks for ease of travel. Reviewers appreciate destinations “just show up, relax, learn, enjoy.” CruiseKings+2Ramasside Tours+2
Atmosphere & relaxation
Between excursions, guests value deck time, sun, views etc. A slower pace is appreciated—no constant rush. Boats with fewer guests or more intimate settings (e.g. “dahabiya”-style boats) often score higher for ambience. Reddit+1

What People Criticize: Weaknesses & Challenges

Not everything is perfect. These are the common complaints and pitfalls:

Safety issues on Red Sea / smaller vessels
There have been serious incidents: a tourist boat “Sea Story” capsizing in the Red Sea in November 2024, with fatalities, and safety equipment shortcomings cited. Wikipedia+2The Times+2
Also, carriage and safety standards among operators vary. It’s important to verify credentials. The Times+1
Price and value confusion
Cruises can be expensive. Sometimes you might pay much more for less, especially if the cruise is marketed as luxury but operates on older vessels or with limited amenities. Buffet meals, basic rooms, sometimes extra charges for “premium” services, etc. Reddit+2That Travel+2
Too many tourists / rushed itineraries
Some cruises try to pack in as many sites as possible, meaning early mornings, late evenings, almost no downtime. Also, popular temples/tombs can be crowded. If you prefer slower travel, this can feel overwhelming. Reddit+2World of Cruising+2
Authenticity vs. tourist feel
Some travellers feel cruises become “touristy” — shops pushed, food more Westernised, entertainment generic. If you’re after local colour or off-the-beaten-path cultural immersion, you may need to do some research or choose smaller operators. That Travel+1
Accessibility issues
For travellers with mobility challenges, some sites, boats, or shoreside excursions are not well adapted. The infrastructure (ramps, lifts, wheelchair access) is still imperfect in many cases. World of Cruising

Top Cruise Options & Itineraries in 2024

Here are some of the cruise options people are liking in 2024, and what makes them stand out:

Cruise / Operator	Highlights	What to Expect / Price
TUI Al Horeya	Modern ship (first by TUI River Cruises on the Nile), good deck amenities (pool, hot tubs), roomy cabins with views, balanced itinerary (temple visits + relaxation). Sailawaze
Uniworld – Splendours of Egypt & the Nile (SS Sphinx)	Full itinerary: Cairo–Luxor–Dendera–Kom Ombo–Aswan etc. Luxury features onboard, curated excursions, all airport transfers. CruiseKings
Intrepid / Premium Egypt Holidays	More flexible, good for families, cultural exchange included; often hotel nights in Cairo + river portions. Telegraph
Luxury vessels like Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, Oberoi Zahra	High end experience: elegant suites, gourmet meals, smaller ships, more personalised service. Ramasside Tours+1

Safety & Practical Tips

To make the most of a cruise to Egypt, knowing the following is helpful:

Check safety credentials
Ask about vessel inspections, lifeboats, safety briefings, crew training. Particularly for Red Sea excursions or smaller boats. Use recent traveler reviews. Discover Egypt+2Wikipedia+2
Watch the season
Temperatures can be extreme in summer. Winter months (roughly Nov–Feb) are cooler, more pleasant. But nights can be chilly. Travel Dudes
Dress and gear appropriately
Lightweight clothes, sun protection. Also modest clothing for temple/mosque visits. Good walking shoes; insect repellent. Rain is rare but occasionally relevant. Travel Dudes
Plan for comfort days
Don’t pack each day full. Save midday for rest on deck, slower mornings or afternoons to absorb the experience rather than rushing.
Local guides make a difference
Having a good Egyptologist or guide shows in how meaningful the experience is. They help with context, help you avoid crowds, explain architecture, etc. Trustpilot+2Ramasside Tours+2
Food & water caution
Be cautious with certain foods on some cruise boats (e.g. salads washed in local water, unpeeled fruit) — food hygiene can vary. Always drink bottled water unless assured otherwise. Reddit+1

What It Costs (Typical Ranges)

For a mid-range Nile cruise of ~4 to 7 nights including major temple visits, expect £ / USD equivalent from budget options (lower end older ships or less amenities) going up to more premium vessels. Often between US$500–US$1,500+ per person depending on inclusions. Reddit+2Telegraph+2
Luxury cruise / 10+ night itineraries with flights, transfers, high-end ship + full services can run significantly more (several thousand dollars or equivalent). CruiseKings+1

Is a Nile Cruise Worth It?

Yes — for many people, it’s a powerful way to see Egypt’s historical treasures in comfort. Here are strengths vs. trade-offs:

Strengths

Unique perspective seeing temples from the river.
Relaxed pace on many itineraries.
Convenience (transfers, guided tours packaged).
Scenic beauty and sunsets on the Nile.

Trade-offs

Less control over schedule.
Sometimes tourist crowds.
Possibly less authentic than travelling independently or staying in smaller lodgings.
Cost may be higher than exploring on land + local transport, depending on style.

Summary: My View

From reading multiple reviews and recent 2024 itineraries, cruises to Egypt are strongly recommended for first-time visitors who want history + comfort + ease of travel. If you invest in a good operator, you’ll likely have a memorable trip.

If you prefer very off-grid travel, slow journeys without schedules, food that is local/local markets etc., you might find some aspects of cruises too polished or mass-market. But there are options (smaller ships, dahabiyas, etc.) that bridge that gap nicely.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below are common questions people have along with answers, to help you plan.

1. How many days do I need on a Nile cruise to see the main highlights?
Usually 4–7 nights is enough to cover the key sites between Luxor and Aswan (Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae). If you also want Cairo, Abu Simbel or more remote temples, you may need 10+ nights.

2. Which cruise season is best?
Late autumn to early spring (November to February) is ideal: cooler weather, more comfortable for sightseeing. Avoid peak summer (June-August) when it’s very hot.

3. What should I check before booking a cruise operator?

Recent reviews (especially from travellers in the past year).
Safety certifications, boat condition.
What is included (meals, drinks, excursions, visas, transfers).
Size of the boat / number of passengers (smaller often gives more personal service).
Guide/Egyptologist quality.

4. Is it safe now to travel/cruise in Egypt?
Yes, many travellers report feeling safe, especially on guided tours and cruises. But risks exist: safety standards vary, some incidents at sea (particularly small vessels/Red Sea) have prompted stronger regulation. Always choose reputable operators and stay updated with travel advisories. Discover Egypt+1

5. What kind of ship should I pick? Luxury vs budget vs “dahabiya”?

Budget / mid-range ships: decent comfort, standard cabins, basic amenities. Best for cost savings.
Luxury ships: spacious cabins/suites, high quality food, more inclusions, better decor, better service.
Dahabiya style & smaller boats: slower pace, more intimate, often more scenic and relaxing; fewer crowds; great for travellers who prefer atmosphere over glitz.

Closing / Call to Action

To conclude: cruises to Egypt in 2024 offer very rich, memorable experiences. With proper planning—choosing the right operator, itinerary, and season—you can get excellent value, deep cultural insight, and comfortable travel.

If you want, I can pull together Top 5 cruise packages for your budget or interests (luxury, mid-range, culture, family etc.) tailored for 2024 or early 2025.