scenic cruise egypt Review

Here’s a professional, SEO-optimized review of Scenic Cruises in Egypt. I’ve collected information and feedback, so you can decide whether it’s right for your trip. Let me know if you’d like a comparison with other cruise lines.

Table of Contents

Scenic Cruises in Egypt: A Review

What is Scenic Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours is a high-end travel company founded in 1986. Wikipedia+1

They offer all-inclusive river cruises and escorted land tours. In Egypt, their itinerary often includes cruising the Nile (Luxor ↔ Aswan), staying in 5-star hotels, guided tours of historical sites, meals, drink, gratuities, WiFi, etc. Scenic NZ+2Nile River Cruise+2

What You Get: Highlights

Here are the strengths of Scenic Cruises in Egypt:

Luxury and comfort
Scenic uses high-quality ships (or luxury dahabiyas) with spacious cabins, elegant common areas, good food, and attentive service. If you like top-tier amenities, Scenic delivers. Luxury Cruising+2Scenic NZ+2
Inclusive & well organized
Most extras are often included: meals, guided tours, drinks, gratuities, etc. That means fewer surprise costs. Nile River Cruise+1
Rich itineraries
Scenic’s itineraries are designed to cover the major historic sites: Valley of the Kings, Karnak, Philae, etc. Plus, they often include stays in Cairo or Giza before or after the cruise for pyramids and Sphinx. Scenic NZ+3Luxury Cruising+3CruiseMapper+3
Small group, expert guides
Guides are specialists in Egyptology, providing more than just the basic facts. Also, group sizes tend to be smaller (luxury orientation), which improves the experience. Scenic NZ+1
Scenic free time & personalization
There is a good balance of guided tours and free time, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Luxury Cruising+1

Potential Drawbacks

Here are some of the criticisms and things to watch out for:

High price
Scenic’s cruises are premium. The cost reflects that—from ship quality to services. If you’re budget-conscious, this might stretch your costs more than local or mid-range operators. Luxury Cruising
Rigid schedule
Because many sites are included, and group tours are consolidated, there might be less flexibility. Some travellers report very early starts or compressed time at certain sites. Reddit+1
Nature of river constraints
The Nile’s water levels and docking conditions can affect schedules. Boats sometimes dock in less scenic locations, or move via bus when river conditions are unfavourable. Reddit+1
Possible dilution of exclusivity
Even though the brand is premium, some cruise boats are shared between operators. This means that even if you booked through Scenic, you might end up on a boat with guests from other companies. Quality on board can vary. Reddit
Expect the basic “tourist-trade”
In heavily touristed areas, you may find crowds at popular sites, rushed visits, or guided tours that are somewhat “scripted.” If you prefer off-the-beaten-path, quiet travel, Scenic still gives good value, but expect the usual tourist flow. (Not a deal breaker, but a factor.)

Real Traveller Feedback

Here are some quotes or summaries from people who have travelled:

From Scenic’s Trustpilot reviews: Many customers praise the food, wine, service, and staff friendliness. Trustpilot
On Tripadvisor, a 3-night Luxor-Aswan cruise noted:

“The boat was very nice, as well as the buffet that changed regularly… our guide Ahmed made our visits exciting.” Tripadvisor
From Reddit threads:

“The boats docked next to each other and you often walk through several boats to reach yours… the cabin window may have no clear view.” — a point about how some cabins’ views are blocked by neighbouring boats. Tripadvisor+1

How Scenic Compares to Local Alternatives

To put Scenic in context:

Local Nile cruise operators may offer lower cost and more “authentic” or rustic boats. But amenities, meal quality, guide expertise and inclusions tend to vary greatly.
Scenic aims for consistency, reliability, and comfort. For many travellers, that is worth the extra cost.
For first-time or mid-luxury travellers who care about comfort and ease, Scenic is often seen as one of the best choices.

Verdict: Is Scenic Cruises in Egypt Worth It?

If you are looking for a high-quality, comfortable, well-organized solution to seeing the highlights of Egypt, yes, Scenic is worth considering. You will pay more, but much of the stress of planning is removed.

If instead you prefer to travel independently, seek lower cost, or want more flexibility (less strict schedules, more off-the-grid experiences), then a cheaper cruise or local operator might better suit you.

Tips If You Choose Scenic

Book well in advance, especially for peak season (October-March), to get the best cabins and avoid premium pricing.
Ask for true river view or balcony cabins if that matters. Verify that view isn’t obstructed by other boats.
Check what is included (meals, drinks, gratuities, entrance fees) so you’re not surprised.
Be prepared for early mornings when visiting popular temples — the guides try to avoid crowds.
Bring appropriate clothing, sunscreen, and water for excursions; sometimes small delays or bus transfers happen.

SEO Content Summary with Focus Keyword

Keyword: Scenic cruise Egypt

I used Scenic cruise Egypt early in the article and in subheadings.
The keyword naturally appears in context (“Scenic Cruises in Egypt”, etc.)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best time of year to do a Scenic cruise in Egypt?
A1: The period from October to March is usually best. Temperatures are milder. Nile water levels are safer. You’ll avoid the extreme heat of summer. Also shoulder seasons (September, April) can offer good value.

Q2: How many days are ideal on a Scenic Nile cruise?
A2: A tour of 7-10 days gives a comfortable pace: includes time in Cairo/Giza + a river cruise between Luxor and Aswan + some free time. Shorter cruises (3-5 days) are possible, focused just on the river, but you miss some major sites.

Q3: Is Scenic good for a first-time traveller to Egypt?
A3: Yes. For first-timers, Scenic helps with logistics: guides, transfers, itinerary, safety. This removes many unknowns and makes the trip more relaxing.

Q4: How does Scenic handle Egyptian-side costs, like entrance fees, tipping & guides?
A4: Many of those are included in the price (entrance fees, guided tours, gratuities, etc.). But always verify what your specific tour covers, as some special or optional visits may cost extra.

Q5: Are there any issues to watch out for with Scenic cruises?
A5: The main issues are cost, occasionally rigid schedules, cabin views, and possible itinerary adjustments due to river conditions. Also, photo crowds and busy times at major sites. It helps to bring patience and flexibility.

Conclusion & Call to Action

If you’re dreaming of a memorable, comfortable journey through ancient Egypt, Scenic cruise Egypt delivers a premium experience. It’s especially suited to travellers who value ease, quality, and impressively curated history.