Here is a detailed review of Egypt Cruises in 2024, especially focusing on Nile & Red Sea cruises. It covers what to expect, what’s new in 2024, pros & cons, tips, and FAQ. If you like, I can tailor the review to luxury / budget / adventure cruises.
What’s New in Egypt Cruises 2024
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New Ships & Refurbishments
TUI’s Al Horeya debuted in winter 2024. It’s TUI River Cruises’ first Nile ship. The cabin interiors are modern, with French balconies. The top deck features a pool, hot tubs, and lots of lounging space. Sailawaze
Luxury lines like Oberoi (Oberoi Zahra), Sanctuary, and Mövenpick are offering refreshed comfort, improved amenities (spa, elegant cabins). Ramasside Tours+1 -
Variety in Itineraries
Longer cruises combining land & river are more common. Some include Cairo, Abu Simbel, Luxor-Aswan, smaller temples off the beaten track (e.g. Edfu, Kom Ombo). Telegraph+2Travel Weekly+2 -
Focus on Luxury & Smaller Ships
Intimate cruises (fewer cabins, more personal service) are increasing. For example, “dahabiya” style cruises, boutique ships under premium operators, etc. Reddit+2Ramasside Tours+2 -
Safety & Regulation Concerns
There have been serious incidents in 2024 in the Red Sea (e.g. the Sea Story boat sinking) raising safety questions. Wikipedia
What’s Good (Pros)
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Rich Historical & Cultural Experience
Cruising the Nile gives you access to a sequence of unique archaeological sites: Luxor, Valley of the Kings, Philae Temple, Karnak. The gradual river journey allows relaxed pacing. Also some cruises include immersive cultural visits (local villages, Nubian culture). Telegraph+1 -
Comfort & Amenities Improving
Better ships, more luxury options, spa, hot tubs, pools, better cabins. Newer boats are more modern. You get a mix of relaxation and sightseeing. Sailawaze+2Ramasside Tours+2 -
Good Value for Luxury (sometimes)
Compared to similar-style cruises in Europe or Asia, high-end Nile cruises can feel “luxury at lower relative cost” especially when inclusive of flights, meals, guide. For mid-range, the offerings are improving. Reddit+1 -
Scenic & Serene Moments
On smaller boats (e.g. dahabiyas) you get quiet, slower travel, less crowding, more time to enjoy views, riverbank life. Reddit+2Reddit+2
What’s Less Good (Cons / Challenges)
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Safety & Incidents
The Sea Story disaster in the Red Sea, and other incidents, remind that safety regulations, crew training, life-saving equipment etc. can vary a lot. Wikipedia
Also complaints about hygiene / food safety on some lower-end cruises. Tripadvisor -
Quality & Standards Vary Widely
Even boats claiming “3-star” may be far below what some travellers expect. Issues like cold plates, lukewarm food, weak WiFi, cabins with less maintenance. Tripadvisor+1 -
Price vs What’s Included
Some cruise fare looks good until you realise many extras (excursions, tipping, premium drinks, certain access sites) cost extra. If you don’t check, you might end up paying considerably more. -
Climate & Timing Issues
Very hot in summer; river levels fluctuate. Also big difference of experience depending on season. Some travellers report cold nights (if system is poor), or extremely hot sun daytime. -
Crowds & Port Congestion
On popular boats/routes, multiple ships dock at the same sites at same times. This can make big crowds. Also boats sometimes tied closely together, complicating disembarkation. Reddit
Best Cruises / Operators Mentioned
Here are some that get good feedback:
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Dahabiya Dream (via Explore Travel & Cruises) — small, very personal, good staff, excellent guide/Egyptologist. Many reviewers felt very well-looked after. Trustpilot
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TUI Al Horeya — good for modern amenities and comfort, especially with pool, hot tubs, etc. Great for a mix of sightseeing + rest. Sailawaze
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Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, Oberoi Zahra — noted in guides and traveller discussions as luxury options. Ramasside Tours+1
Tips for Travellers
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Choose your season wisely. Late autumn (Oct-Nov), early spring better for cooler weather and pleasant river levels. Avoid summer heat if unaccustomed.
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Pick the vessel carefully. Larger river cruise ship vs small dahabiya vs boutique luxury: comfort, pace and personalization differ a lot.
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Check what’s included. Excursions, entrance fees, drinks, gratuities, transfers. Sometimes cheap cruise ends up expensive with add-ons.
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Focus on hygiene & food safety. Bring some medication for stomach upsets. Avoid raw salads unless you trust water / food prep.
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Safety questions should be asked. Especially for Red Sea excursions or older vessels. Life jackets, emergency plans, stability, licensing.
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Book premium experiences (like hot air balloon rides) early. Those tend to sell out.
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Use a reputable operator. Read recent reviews (late 2023-2024), especially from people who actually did the cruise, not just marketing.
Overall Verdict
Egypt cruises in 2024 offer a rich and increasingly varied experience. If you go with a high-quality operator, choose the right season, and manage expectations, the cruise can be a highlight of an Egypt trip. However, there remain disparities in comfort, hygiene, safety, and inclusions. The luxury sector is strong; budget or standard cruises need more research.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Are Nile cruises safe in 2024?
A: Mostly yes, especially with reputable operators. But there have been serious safety incidents in the Red Sea and on some lower-end boats. Always check the safety record, inspect life-saving gear, and choose credible companies.
Q2: When is the best time to cruise the Nile / Red Sea?
A: Autumn (October-November) and spring (March-May) are best: good weather, more comfortable temperatures. Avoid peak summer for heat, especially inland. Also, ensure water levels are suitable in shoulder seasons.
Q3: How long should a Nile cruise be?
A: 4-5 nights (Luxor to Aswan or vice versa) is a common and manageable length. For more in-depth, 7-10 nights lets you include Cairo, Abu Simbel, more temples. But more nights = more cost + potential fatigue.
Q4: What level of luxury can I expect?
A: There’s a wide range. From basic cabins with shared facilities to full luxury suites with spa, gourmet dining, large decks. Luxury options include Oberoi, Sanctuary, etc. Smaller dahabiyas give intimacy vs big river cruise ships which offer more amenities but may be more crowded.
Q5: How much should I budget?
A: It depends. Mid-range Nile cruises might cost a few hundred to ~1,000 USD per person for multi-night trips (depending on route, inclusions). Luxury cruises can cost several thousand. Always factor in flights, shore excursions, tips, entrance fees, optional add-ons.
If you like, I can prepare a “Top Egypt Cruises to Book in 2025 (Luxury / Budget / Mid-Range)” article for Zaho Tours. Do you prefer that?