princess egypt cruise Review

Here’s a review-style article of Princess Egypt Cruise / Nile cruises using “Princess”-style boats, drawing on recent traveler feedback. This will help you decide if it matches your expectations.

Table of Contents

Princess Egypt Cruise Review

What to Expect from a Princess Nile Cruise

If you’re considering a Princess cruise on the Nile (Egypt), you’ll typically get:

A river-boat experience cruising between Luxor and Aswan (or vice versa), sometimes including stops at Karnak, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Valley of the Kings, temples etc.
Comfortable mid to upper-class accommodation, often with balcony cabins, shared dining spaces, decks for sunbathing, and evening entertainment.
Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), local guides, and included excursions.
Cultural/historical immersion, scenery, hot weather, sometimes strong smells (because of river etc.), varying quality in infrastructure.

Pros (What People Like)

Based on recent reviews:

Friendly staff & good service
Many guests compliment the crew, guides, and stewards. They often go out of their way to be helpful. CruiseEra+2Tripadvisor+2
Beautiful views and cultural sites
People appreciate being close to the historic temples, riding feluccas, watching life along the Nile, especially during sunset. CruiseEra+2Tripadvisor+2
Relaxing atmosphere, especially on Dahabiyas
Boats like Princess Farida leave a serene feel because of slower pace, fewer crowds, more charm. Tripadvisor
Good dining experiences (in some cases)
Some boats have very good food and variety, and guests enjoy special touches (desserts, local cuisine, themed nights) when all works well. CruiseEra+2Tripadvisor+2

Cons (Where They Often Fall Short)

But there are common complaints you should know:

Maintenance & Cleanliness Issues
Many reviews point out that cabins, bathrooms, fixtures are “tired,” “dated,” or poorly maintained. Showers leaking, stained linens, weak water pressure, floors that feel soft in spots. Tripadvisor+3Tripadvisor+3Tripadvisor+3
Food Problems
Repetitive menus, lukewarm food, sometimes poor presentation, meals served on cold plates, delays in restocking buffet items. Some guests even got ill (tummy trouble) from food. Tripadvisor+3Tripadvisor+3Tripadvisor+3
Service & Management Gaps
While many staff are praised, others felt ignored — e.g., requests not fulfilled, poor front-desk attitudes, or unhelpful management. Some visitors felt a lack of attention especially for non-western guests. Tripadvisor+1
Overrated vs Price
A recurring theme: some cruises are labelled 5-star (by Egyptian tourism authority etc.), but visitor expectations not met. Cleanliness, comfort, facilities often more 2-3 star quality. Tripadvisor+2Tripadvisor+2
Facilities & Comfort Shortcomings
Problems reported: showers leaking, heating (or cooling) systems inconsistent, TVs not working, WiFi poor or only in public areas, bathrooms damp or smelly. Deck chairs broken, some spaces feeling cramped. Tripadvisor+1

Case Studies / Specific Boats

Princess Sarah II: Generally rated well. Many compliments about comfort, route schedule, guide quality. But some notes about modest facilities in spots. CruiseEra+1
MS Royal Princess: Mixed. Some love the atmosphere, staff, and views. Others report “dilapidated” engines, delays, basic entertainment, and that the boat “could do better.” Tripadvisor
Princess Farida (Dahabiya boat): Often very positive. Described as luxurious, peaceful, with excellent service and design. Best choice if you want calm, charm, and fewer crowds. Tripadvisor

Verdict: Is It Worth It?

If you are okay with medium-luxury standards (not ultra-luxury), appreciate the historical and cultural richness of Egypt, and don’t expect perfection in every facility, a Princess Egypt Cruise can be a very good choice.

However, manage your expectations:

Don’t expect top-tier hotel-style service everywhere.
Choose boats with clear recent reviews.
Be ready that some “5-star” rating may reflect local standards rather than international luxury.
Bring patience, especially for small things: WiFi, food timing, noise, etc.

Tips Before You Book

Read the most recent reviews (last 6-12 months) for the specific boat you’ll use (e.g., Princess Sarah, Princess Farida, Royal Princess).
Ask what category you’re booking (upper deck, balcony etc.). Those often make a difference in comfort.
Clarify what is included: meals, drinks, excursions, tip, guide fees, WiFi cost.
For food: avoid raw salads if you have sensitive stomach; maybe bring snacks you trust.
Pick a Dahabiya boat if you prefer quiet, atmospheric cruising.
Travel in the cooler months if possible (Nov-Mar) to avoid extreme heat.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Princess cruises safe?
Yes, generally safe. The main concerns are comfort and hygiene. Boats adhere to safety norms, but maintenance may vary. So check recent reviews and ensure the one you pick is in good condition.
Will I get seasick or feel motion?
Because these are river cruises (Nile), not ocean liners, motion is minimal. Unless there’s a strong wind or choppy water (rare), most people are fine.
What level of luxury can I expect?
It depends on the cruise line and boat. “Princess” Nile cruises range from comfortable mid-luxury to luxury (especially Dahabiyas). But many fall short of what international travellers would call 5-star.
Is food safe?
Usually yes, but food safety standards vary. Avoid raw or undercooked food where unclear. Drink bottled water. If you have a sensitive stomach, bring medicine just in case.
Which itinerary is best? Luxor → Aswan or Aswan → Luxor?
Both are beautiful. Some prefer starting in Aswan, ending in Luxor so that the scenic temples (Karnak etc.) are the climax. Others don’t mind. It depends on your connecting transport, flight times, and personal pace.

If you like, I can prepare a comparison of different Princess boats (Sarah, Farida, Royal…) or recommend the best ones in value/quality. Do you want that?