egypt cruise and stay holidays Review

Here is a detailed review of Egypt Cruise and Stay Holidays — what they are, what people like and dislike, tips, and whether it could be a good fit for you.

Table of Contents

What are Cruise and Stay Holidays in Egypt

“Cruise and stay” holidays combine a river or Nile cruise with time spent in a resort or hotel stay. Usually you’ll:

Start with city/historic site visits (e.g. Cairo, Luxor, Aswan)
Embark on a cruise along the Nile, stopping at temples, tombs, villages
Finish with relaxing time at a beach resort (Red Sea Riviera e.g. Hurghada, or similar)
All transfers, some guided tours, meals are included depending on package

They are designed to offer a mix of sightseeing + relaxation. egyptholidays.co.uk+2Wowcher+2

What people say — Positives

Based on reviews from travellers and travel companies, here are common strengths:

Rich historical & cultural experience
Many enjoy seeing ancient sites (Pyramids, Luxor, Aswan) plus learning from good guides/Egyptologists. Tripadvisor+3Trustpilot+3Tripadvisor+3
Comfort & variety
Holidaymakers often praise the balance: historic exploration + comfortable nights on the cruise + relaxing hotel stays. Good food, service, and the cruise boats get many positives when they are well-maintained. Tripadvisor+3Trustpilot+3Best at Travel+3
Value for money
Many deals offer good value especially in off-peak seasons. Packages from the UK with flights + transfers + boat + hotel are considered reasonable. egyptholidays.co.uk+3HolidayPirates+3Wowcher+3
Good customer service
Many reviewers mention helpful, friendly, and knowledgeable staff — from travel agents to on-boat crew and guides. Tripadvisor+3Trustpilot+3Trustpilot+3
Relaxation after sightseeing
Staying by the Red Sea after the cruise gives travellers time to unwind. Beach, sun, spa etc. are good counterpoints to the active touring. HolidayPirates+2egyptholidays.co.uk+2

What people complain about — Weaknesses / Things to Watch

These are common criticisms or drawbacks, based on several sources:

Crowds & Over-tourism
Popular sites can be very busy. Cruises often dock at the same points where many other boats come. This can mean queues, busy temples, loss of intimacy. Travelodeal+2Reddit+2
Varying quality
Boats/cruise ships differ a lot. Some are very basic, some luxurious. Food, cabins, amenities, cleanliness may be great in some and mediocre in others. Always check recent reviews. Reddit+1
Extra costs
Side tours, tipping, entrance fees at temples, drinks, WiFi are often extra. Some reviews complain about hidden costs. Feefo
Noise, logistics & comfort issues
Some cabins (especially near engines) can be noisy. There might be early starts, long drives, less downtime than expected. Also, walking on uneven surfaces in temples, climbing steps etc. can be tiring. Reddit+1
Accessibility issues
For travellers with reduced mobility, cruise + stay can be challenging. Some sites are not very accessible. World of Cruising
Season & climate extremes
Very hot summers especially inland (Luxor etc.), or crowds around peak times. Also, some excursions may be uncomfortable due to heat, sun, dust. egyptholidays.co.uk+1

Key Tips for a Better Experience

To get the most out of a cruise-and-stay holiday in Egypt, here are best practices:

Choose your season carefully: November to March are cooler, more comfortable for touring. egyptholidays.co.uk
Check what’s included: Make sure the package includes guide, entrance fees, transfers, meals, etc. Otherwise the extras add up.
Read recent reviews of boats you might stay on: look for recent traveller feedback about cleanliness, cabins, food, noise.
Stay more than one night in key cities: At least 2 in Cairo to adjust, see the pyramids, museums without rushing.
Balance cruise vs. stay time: If you prefer relaxing, make sure you have enough days at the beach or resort.
Travel insurance & safety checks: Verify health & safety standards of boats; ask about lifeboats, safety briefings.
Use good guides/Egyptologists: They make a big difference for historical sites.

Who It Suits Most / Who Might Not

Great for:

Travellers who want both history/culture and relaxation.
Those who like structured travel with both guided elements and leisure time.
Families, couples, first-time visitors to Egypt.
People preferring a mix: stay in comfortable hotels, then a cruise, then beach resort.

Less ideal for:

People who dislike crowds or want entirely remote travel.
Travellers with mobility issues (due to accessibility constraints).
Those who prefer ultra-luxury (need to pick high-end cruise/hotel carefully).
Travellers on very tight budgets, if hidden costs push the final price high.

Verdict

Overall, Egypt Cruise and Stay Holidays offer a strong value combination of culture, scenery, and relaxation. If planned carefully (season, quality of boat, included services), they deliver memorable experiences. However, relying on generic packages risks encountering mediocre quality, crowded sites, or unexpected extra costs.

If I were to rate: for most travellers, I would say the pros outweigh the cons, especially if you pick trusted operators and aren’t expecting ultra-luxury for low budget.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Egypt safe for cruise and stay holidays?
Generally yes, especially in tourist areas. Use reputable operators, check safety standards of boats, avoid risk zones. Also ensure you have travel insurance.
How many nights on the Nile cruise are enough?
Typically 3–5 nights give a good balance. Longer cruises add more temples but also less time to relax.
When is the best time to go?
Between November and March is ideal: cooler, fewer extreme temperatures. Avoid peak summer months (June–August) if possible.
What level of comfort should I expect on a Nile cruise?
Varies widely. Some boats are luxury with excellent cabins, food, services; others are basic. Always read reviews and see what amenities (air-conditioning, private bathrooms, etc.) are included.
How to avoid hidden costs?
Ask exactly what’s included (meals, drinks, entrance fees, tips, transfers); check if shore excursions cost extra; inspect WiFi policy; budget for tipping and small extras.

If you like, I can pull together a set of the best cruise-and-stay deals currently available (with pros/cons) to compare. Do you want me to do that?