Here is a detailed review of Egypt cruise holidays in 2022, based on travellers’ feedback, overall experiences, positives, and things to watch out for. This can help you understand what worked well, and what to consider if planning similar holidays.
Egypt Cruise Holidays 2022: Overview
“Egypt cruise holidays” usually refers to Nile River cruises (Luxor → Aswan or vice versa), sometimes combined with visits to Cairo or stays on the Red Sea. In 2022 many travellers returned or tried Egypt cruises, often commenting on service, safety, itinerary, guides, food, and value.
What Travellers Liked
Below are key strengths repeatedly mentioned in reviews.
| Category | What stood out |
|---|---|
| Guide & Egyptologists | Many travellers praised the quality of guides. Knowledgeable, enthusiastic, able to explain history clearly. For instance, reviews for the MS Tulip mentioned the Egyptologists (Ahmad Badawy, Ahmad Al Mozamel) as exceptional. discoveregypt.co.uk+1 |
| Service & Staff | Friendly, helpful crews; good customer service. Examples: MS Hamees reviews mention polite, friendly staff and cabins and boat looked well-maintained. Tripadvisor |
| Boat & Cabins | Clean, comfortable cabins. On many Nile cruises travellers felt pleasantly surprised by the spacious cabins and deck areas. discoveregypt.co.uk+2Tripadvisor+2 |
| Food & Dining | Generally praised. Good variety, well prepared, tasty food. Many liked Egyptian dishes, international options, and presentation. discoveregypt.co.uk+2Tripadvisor+2 |
| Itineraries & Attractions | Temples, tombs (Valley of the Kings, etc.) were highlights. Bonus experiences like hot-air balloon rides or side trips were appreciated. Tripadvisor+2discoveregypt.co.uk+2 |
| Atmosphere & Value | Many found the overall experience excellent in relation to price. Good balance of comfort + authenticity. Many said the trip exceeded expectations. discoveregypt.co.uk+3discoveregypt.co.uk+3Classic Holidays+3 |
Common Criticisms & Things to Watch Out For
No experience is perfect. These are frequently raised issues by travellers in 2022.
| Issue | Details & Examples |
|---|---|
| Boat Quality Variation | Not all boats are alike. Some are old, in need of refurbishment. For example, a review of “MS Emilio” described small cramped cabin, grubby condition, repetitive food, even food poisoning risk. Tripadvisor |
| Cleanliness and Maintenance | Sometimes bathrooms or cabins had issues: poor lighting, stained sheets, smells from being moored beside other boats, dirt in carpets, etc. E.g. “rust bucket” description in a review of the “Happi-5” boat. Tripadvisor |
| Covid-19 Concerns | In early 2022 especially, travellers noted risk of catching Covid onboard, lack of distancing in dining areas, shared utensils, packed dining rooms. Tripadvisor |
| Boat Changes / Over-booking / Agent Issues | Instances where boat assigned changed last minute, or promised amenities weren’t delivered. E.g. travellers booked one boat but were allocated a different one. Tripadvisor |
| Cost of Extras | Optional excursions, drinks, tips add up. Alcohol tends to be pricey (imported) because of local import costs. Some travellers were surprised by these extra costs. Tripadvisor+1 |
Safety, Comfort & Other Important Considerations
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Safety: Overall, many felt safe during their cruises. Guides and crews were often praised for professionalism. However, attention to boat safety and cleanliness varied. Checking boat reviews specifically for safety and hygiene is important. Tripadvisor+2Tripadvisor+2
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Comfort: Cabins on most well-rated boats were comfortable; deck / sundeck areas gave good relaxation options. Some boats less so (older or budget models).
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Covid-Related Protocols: In 2022, depending on time of year, Covid restrictions or passenger behaviour (mask wearing / vaccination) had an influence on experience. Some travellers reported outbreaks on cruises. Tripadvisor+1
Highlights from Specific Cruises / Boats
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MS Tulip: Frequently praised for space, comfort, excellent food, attentive service, great guides. discoveregypt.co.uk+1
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MS Royal Viking: Good organisation, wonderful guides, enjoyed excursions, value, safety, and hospitality. Tripadvisor
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MS Hamees: Clean, good staff, nice meals, lovely experience overall. Tripadvisor
What 2022 Taught Us: Trends & What Customers Want
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Luxury & Boutique Options Are in Demand: Many prefer smaller, more intimate boats (e.g. dahabiya style) or luxury Nile cruise ships. More privacy, higher service standards.
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Authentic Local Experience: Good guides, local food, less “touristy” feel are viewed very positively. People value history, culture, immersive experiences.
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Reliability & Transparency: Changing boats, promises vs what’s delivered are negatives. Customers want clarity in what they are booking.
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Comfort vs Price Trade-offs: More people are willing to pay for clean, comfortable cabins, good food, and reliable service rather than the cheapest option.
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Health & Hygiene Are Now Expected: Post-pandemic, clean bathrooms, good ventilation, hygiene on boats are essential in reviews.
Pros and Cons Summary
Here is a quick Pros vs Cons summary.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Rich cultural and historical sites (temples, tombs, Upper Egypt) | Older boats may lack modern comfort or maintenance |
| Friendly, knowledgeable guides | Hidden extra costs (drinks, tips, excursions) |
| Good food and variety on many cruises | Covid-risk / hygiene concerns on some boats |
| Good value relative to what’s included | Changes in itinerary or boat, sometimes mis-managed expectations |
| Beautiful scenery, relaxing pace along Nile | Some cabins small, crowded communal areas |
Recommendations for Travellers Seeking Egypt Cruise Holidays (based on 2022 experiences)
If you are considering booking an Egypt cruise holiday similar to those in 2022, here are suggestions to ensure a good experience:
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Research the boat
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Check recent reviews for service, cleanliness.
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See if boat has been refurbished.
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Check what is included
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Do meals, excursions, tips come in the quoted price?
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Are optional add-ons clearly priced?
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Choose itinerary with variety
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Try to include both major temples and less crowded sites, bonus excursions (e.g. balloon over Luxor).
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Don’t overload – leave time to relax.
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Verify safety and hygiene
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Read reviews for these specifically.
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Ask about COVID protocols (though many restrictions may have eased).
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Book through reputable agent / tour company
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If boat changed last minute or service fell below standard, having a strong agency backup helps.
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Agents with good local partners tend to deliver better guide quality and smoother transfers.
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Budget for extras
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Drinks, tips, optional excursions, gratuities for guides all add up.
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Was 2022 a Good Time for Egypt Cruise Holidays?
Yes—with caveats.
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Demand was recovering after COVID-19-related slowdowns. Many operators/staff were re-establishing service levels.
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Many travellers felt pleasantly surprised; trips often exceeded expectations.
BUT:
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There was variability. Those who picked cheaper / less well-known boats sometimes had disappointing experience.
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Some health/hygiene / safety concerns remained, especially early in 2022.
Conclusion
Overall, Egypt cruise holidays in 2022 offered excellent value for many travellers. When things aligned — good boat, great guide, well-planned itinerary — the experience was memorable and rewarding. The downsides mostly came from lower-end boats, inconsistent hygiene or maintenance, and unexpected costs or changes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs based on travellers’ experience and what people often wonder about such holidays.
1. What is the best time of year to take a Nile cruise?
The cooler months (October to April) are best. Temperatures are more comfortable for sightseeing and nights. High summer can be very hot, especially in Upper Egypt.
2. How many nights is ideal for a Nile cruise holiday?
Most people are satisfied with 4-7 nights. Shorter cruises (3-4 nights) cover key temples (Luxor, Aswan, Kom Ombo, etc.). Longer cruises allow more relaxed pace, extra excursions, more depth.
3. Are Nile cruises safe regarding health & hygiene?
Usually yes, if you choose a well-rated boat. Important to check recent reviews, verify cabin cleanliness, see if measures (ventilation, food hygiene) are good. Also check water safety (drinking water).
4. How do I avoid hidden costs?
Read what the package includes. Confirm if drinks, tips, airport transfers, and excursions are included or extra. Sometimes cheaper offers omit important parts. Always ask.
5. What level of comfort should I expect for different price ranges?
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Budget / Midrange: basic but clean cabins, standard meals, simple boat décor.
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Upper mid-range / Luxury: larger cabins, en suite facilities, high quality food, better deck areas, optional extras included.
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Boutique / Premium: small boats or dahabiyas, more personalised service, more luxury amenities and exclusivity.
If you want, I can write a current up-to-date review for 2025 or comparison (2022 vs 2025), or include photos/tips specific to certain boats. Do you prefer that?