Here’s a review & guide of sea cruises from Egypt, focusing mainly on Nile Cruises, Red Sea cruises, and related boat-trips. This should help you understand what to expect, the pros & cons, plus tips to get the best experience.
What types of cruises are there in Egypt
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Nile River Cruises — sailing between Aswan, Luxor, sometimes including Cairo or Abu Simbel. Usually on riverboats, dahabiyas (traditional sailboats), or larger cruise ships.
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Red Sea Cruises / Live-aboards / Day trips — snorkeling, diving, sun, marine life; departing from Hurghada, Marsa Alam, Sharm el-Sheikh etc.
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Short sightseeing cruises — e.g. dinner cruises on the Nile in Cairo; or sunset/fishing/reef tours.
Highlights: what people like
From recent reviews, these are the common positive features.
| What people praise | Examples / Details |
|---|---|
| Scenery & historical sites | Temples, tombs, ancient monuments along the Nile are spectacular. Many say the views between Luxor-Aswan are magical. discoveregypt.co.uk+2Reddit+2 |
| Guides & Egyptologists | Having a knowledgeable guide adds greatly to the experience; local history, culture, temples are much more meaningful. discoveregypt.co.uk+1 |
| Service, food & hospitality | On better cruises and dahabiyas, staff service is often described as warm, attentive; meals good; cabins clean. Trustpilot+2discoveregypt.co.uk+2 |
| Unique experiences on small boats / dahabiyas | More intimate, quieter, ability to stop in less touristy places, more flexibility. Reddit+1 |
| Value for money (if well chosen) | Many feel that when everything is included (meals, transfers, guide etc.), the cost is reasonable. Especially compared to what you’d pay for similar experiences elsewhere. Reddit+1 |
Common complaints / negatives
No cruise is perfect. Here are what people warn about.
| What people dislike | Examples / Details |
|---|---|
| Quality varies wildly | Some ships/boats are old, not well maintained; décor, cleanliness, comfort differ. What’s promised isn’t always delivered. Tripadvisor+2Reddit+2 |
| Pushy vendors & extra charges | Onshore, in temples or stops, vendors sometimes aggressive. Also, drinks, water, tips may cost more than expected. Reddit+2Tripadvisor+2 |
| Safety concerns | Incidents in recent years (boat capsizing, submarine accidents, sinking) have raised concern. Some boat-crews or vessels do not always provide adequate safety briefings or equipment. Wikipedia+2AP News+2 |
| Crowds & schedule rush | Big river cruise ships often have tight midday agendas; less time on side-trips; arriving early/late can be tiring. Dahabiyas and smaller boats have more relaxed pace. Reddit+2Reddit+2 |
Specific recent incidents to be aware of
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Sindbad submarine disaster: In March 2025, a tourist submarine off Hurghada sank; 6 Russian tourists were killed. Raises serious questions about safety standards. AP News+1
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“Sea Story” boat capsizing in late 2024 near Marsa Alam during a multi-day diving trip. Vessel sank within minutes; several missing, injuries. Wikipedia
These events indicate that even “safe” cruises need careful vetting.
How to choose a good cruise: tips
Here are guidelines so your sea-cruise from Egypt is enjoyable and safe.
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Research reviews, recent ones – focus on the last year or two. What was feedback for the exact ship or operator (not just the route)?
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Check safety credentials – life jackets, emergency protocols, vessel condition. Ask the operator about crew training, licensing.
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Size & pace – smaller boats (dahabiyas, boutique ships) tend to give more personal, relaxed experience; large cruise ships offer more amenities but can feel rushed.
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What’s included – meals, drinks, transfers, tip/gratuities, excursions. Hidden costs can add up: visa, entrance fees, extra activities.
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Comfort & cabin condition – check photos, if possible recent ones. Especially bathrooms, bed comfort, air conditioning.
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Guide & itinerary – good guide makes a big difference. Also check how much free time vs structured schedules you get.
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Time of year / weather – certain seasons have hotter temps, or rougher sea conditions in Red Sea. Also fewer crowds off-peak.
Sample cruises & reviewer impressions
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Alexander the Great (Nile, 7 nights): Modern boat; good food; excellent staff; relaxed atmosphere. Many reviewers say it exceeded expectations. discoveregypt.co.uk
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Dahabiya Dream: Smaller, traditional, very positive. Comfortable cabins, friendly crew, excellent meals; feeling of intimacy and more authentic journey. Trustpilot
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Farah Nile Cruise: Mostly positive, especially for staff service, cleanliness, food. Some negatives: cabins smaller; some safety hazards in layout, steps etc. Trustpilot
Who these cruises are good for
These are especially suitable for:
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History & culture lovers – who want to visit temples, tombs, ruins etc.
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Nature / marine-life enthusiasts – diving, reefs, marine fauna in Red Sea.
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People who enjoy slow travel, relaxing, scenic journeys.
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Those who want an immersive local experience, maybe willing to pay a little for comfort.
Less suitable for:
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People who want very luxurious, ultra modern ships everywhere; in some parts Egypt’s infrastructure is more modest.
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Those sensitive to rough seas, or expecting very frequent “western style” amenities.
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Travellers who dislike haggling or crowds; some ventures involve shopping stops etc.
Overall verdict
On balance, sea cruises from Egypt (especially Nile cruises or Red Sea ones) are an excellent way to see the country’s highlights in comfort. When done well, the experience is unforgettable: history, beauty, relaxation, good food, and friendly people.
However, the variation in quality is wide. A “bad” cruise can leave you disappointed if you select one based only on price or brochure pictures. Given recent safety incidents, vetting matters more than ever.
Recommendations
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If this is your first time, consider a reputable operator with many recent positive reviews.
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For a richer (but calmer) experience, try a dahabiya or smaller boat between Luxor and Aswan.
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Make sure your cruise itinerary includes the things you want most: temple visits, free time, marine life, etc.
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Travel insurance is essential.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
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Is cruise travel safe in Egypt now?
Safety is generally OK in well-organised cruises, especially with good operator reputation. But recent incidents show there are risks in some cases. Always check credentials, recent reviews, and ensure safety measures are in place. -
How much does a Nile cruise cost?
Prices vary widely. For example, a 4-day Nile cruise from Aswan-Luxor could range from USD 400 to USD 900+ per person depending on comfort, amenities, inclusions. Reddit -
What is the difference between a large riverboat and a dahabiya?
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Large riverboats are bigger, more amenities, may have more passengers. More structured schedule.
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Dahabiyas are smaller, more intimate, more relaxed pace, often more authentic and scenic.
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What to pack / prepare for a cruise?
Bring sunscreen, hat, light clothing; swim gear if doing snorkeling/diving; modest clothes for temple visits; comfortable shoes; possibly a small first aid kit; any personal items you might not find easily. Also cash for tips and local purchases. -
When is the best time to go?
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Nile cruises: cooler months (October-March) are more pleasant. Summers can be very hot.
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Red Sea diving/sun cruises: also cooler months are better (also visibility for underwater). Avoid peak summer heat.
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