Delight in the Nile
I almost didn’t book a Nile cruise, thinking it would be better to explore Egypt by car. I was wrong. In just three days, I saw more than I expected, moving from one incredible place to another with a sense of ease that would have been hard to achieve otherwise. I finished the trip completely exhausted, but in the best possible way.
The agency did not share the name of the boat because it can change until the last minute, so it was a risk we decided to take and with good results. We were placed in Amwaj Living Cruise and We were even upgraded to a junior suite, which added an extra level of comfort and great feeling to our trip.
One of the biggest surprises was the food. I had low expectations, but it turned out to be consistently excellent. There was plenty of variety, everything was flavorful, and meals felt generous and well prepared. The same can be said for the overall experience. Transfers were smooth, with clean, comfortable cars that were always on time. The schedule flowed naturally, without stress or confusion.
Along the way, there were also stops at typical tourist shops for papyrus, oils, alabaster, and spices. These visits are the typical for overpriced items for tourists but the sellers didn’t push for sales so it felt more like discovering local crafts rather than tourist traps.
What truly shaped the trip, though, was our guide, Talaat Abdo. We ended up being a group of 19, despite the promise of smaller groups, and that could easily have affected the experience. Instead, it worked because of him. He managed the group with calm authority and clarity, making sure everyone could follow, understand, and stay engaged.
Beyond his knowledge, which was extensive, what stood out was his level of care. He paid attention to everyone, checked in constantly, and made sure we were comfortable at all times. When the agency was slow to respond, he stepped in, made calls himself so we did not have to worry. He went well beyond what is expected from a guide, and it showed in every part of the trip.
We were very lucky to have him. One of the most outstanding professionals I have come across, not only for his knowledge but for how he looks after people.
In the end, the cruise was the right decision. It brings together comfort, efficiency, and a deep immersion into Egypt in a way that is difficult to match.
MariaMMSR · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Good cruise with a lot of cons
Overall it was a good cruise. The boat was nice, food good, everything well organized and Talaat Abdo an excellent tour guide (5 stars for him).
But a few things worsened the experience and made the tour feel overpriced and even a bit dodgy:
- (Mandatory) Tips upfront (30$ p.p., tip for guide excluded)
- Shopping stops (Overpriced shops/ Tourist traps)
- Refund for canceled airballon (only 800 Egp)
- Overpriced restaurant on last day (600 egp per meal)
- Late information about program for the first day
- (Mandatory) Tips upfront: At the start of the tour we were asked to already pay 30$ tips per person for the crew, drivers, etc. (Tip for the Guide excluded). It was said that the tips are "up to you" but if was kinda expected that you pay them. So plan 30$ p.p as extra costs (Which ist actually a lot if you know local salaries)
- Shopping Stops at overpriced shops / tourist traps: We had 4 stops at typical tourist shops. For the money you pay for the tour it's sad that this kind of stops are included and you can't spend the time with interesting things or that they even bring you to good stores with fair prices.
- Refund for Airballon: Our Airballon got canceled because of bad weather. The refund for it was 800 egp. This feels like a bad joke. Booking an Airballon by yourself is around 75 USD...
- Overpriced restaurant: On the last day there is no lunch included, so they bring you to a "good" restaurant. Despite the food being good the prices make it feel like a typical tourist trap (600 Egp per meal, double from what you pay for the dishes at other places)
- Late information about pick up and first day: You will get the final information for the first day just an evening before. For me it was bit unlucky because my pickup got scheduled for 11am. So i waited the whole morning just for the pick up and couldn't do anything in the city. Just to be driven 500 meters to the boat and to wait there for lunch, because the first stops where scheduled for the afternoon.
Also they added a opertunity to go to the nubian village in Aswan (for 30 USD, a bit overpriced...). Unfortunately they just told as the evening before and I already went their on my own the day before.
florianz629 · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Cruise from Aswan to Luxor
Talaat Abdo was sent as a guide for a group of 19 people we had. He is respectful and he tried his best to accommodate his guest. His knowledge about the history made the trip more enjoyable and memorable. He was on time which made the whole experience stress free.
sarasN220XL · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Expérience intéressante
Je souhaite d’abord souligner les points positifs.
Les temples sont absolument magnifiques et impressionnants. Les visites de nuit sont particulièrement agréables : il fait plus frais et les sites sont très bien éclairés, ce qui crée une ambiance unique.
Passons maintenant aux aspects plus problématiques.
Tout d’abord, les coûts supplémentaires sont omniprésents. Bien que certains transports soient annoncés comme inclus, il est en réalité attendu de donner des pourboires à chaque déplacement. Cela devient rapidement une contrainte, presque obligatoire.
Concernant l’organisation des visites, certains choix sont discutables. Par exemple, le départ à 3h du matin pour effectuer environ 7 heures de route afin de visiter le temple d’Abou Simbel pendant seulement une heure est très éprouvant. Ce rythme nuit clairement à l’expérience globale.
Le bateau présente également des points faibles :
• Absence de Wi-Fi gratuit
• Une option payante (12 € pour 3 jours), mais qui ne fonctionne pas correctement dans les cabines
La restauration est correcte, sans plus, mais manque de variété : les plats sont souvent répétitifs.
L’activité en montgolfière a été annulée officiellement à cause du vent. Cependant, après vérification, cette justification semble revenir systématiquement, ce qui peut laisser penser à une organisation peu transparente ou à une offre peu fiable.
Autre point important : les photos utilisées pour promouvoir l’expérience sont trompeuses. La réalité est nettement en dessous des attentes créées, avec des installations parfois mal entretenues ou mal agencées.
Enfin, il y a une forte insistance pour laisser des avis positifs (5 étoiles), ce qui remet en question les avis +
Conclusion
Si je devais résumer ces 3 jours, je retiendrais surtout :
« pourboires constants, fatigue liée aux réveils très matinaux, et organisation perfectible ».
Conseils pour les futurs voyageurs
1. Préparez soigneusement votre voyage en amont
2. Négociez systématiquement les prix
3. Sachez dire non fermement pour éviter les abus
4. Limitez le nombre de temples à visiter (3 à 4 maximum) et privilégiez les visites en soirée
J’espère que cet avis vous aidera à mieux organiser votre séjour et à éviter certaines déconvenues.
rahouia2024 · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Amazing, must-do!
The cruise was better than I could have dreamed. The ship was beautiful and clean. The food was delicious and plentiful! The staff members were attentive, kind and so amazing! Talaat Abdo was the best tour guide ever! He was very knowledgeable, articulate, and helpful! I learned so much about each location we visited! Highly recommend! I can't wait to return!!
boburquidi · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Best cruise and guide ever!
Talaat Abdo was a fantastic guide! We learned so much history and he kept us organized and showed us all the best sites. Recommend this tour one hundred percent! Best adventure ever!
urquidif · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Excellent experience, a must do on Egypt tour
Our experience with Talaat Abdo has been excellent. He is very knowledgeable, caring and patient, and our tour was quite memorable. We couldn't do the hot air balloon on last day due to bad weather, but the money was refunded for the same.
sumitkumarg2025 · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Wonderful and amazing stuff
Amazing Nile Cruise with a Mohamed abdo
I had a wonderful Nile cruise experience, and I want to especially thank our guide, Mohammed abdo from Imperial Egypt. He was throughout the trip. Very knowledgeable, professional, and his English was excellent, which made all the explanations clear and interesting.
Thank you Mohamed for making this trip so memorable!
Fa N · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Magical and High quality
So magical and fun. The ship ride was smooth and the ship had plenty of opportunities for relaxing or camaraderie with fellow passengers. The ships photos are accurate and the ship is beautiful! Cabins were very clean, mostly updated rooms and bathrooms worked well. Understand that air conditioning is mostly fine but on a 100 degree day it is still warm in the cabin, so the breeze on the deck is helpful. Mohammed Abdo, our guide, knew so much history for every place we visited, and he was extremely organized, making our experience hassle-free. He and Hany, the tour organizer for Imperial Egypt Cruise, met our expectations and helped us get to the boat and the afternoon tour easily even though our plane was 7 hours delayed! Make sure you ask for what you need. Communication through What's App worked great, but pay attention to the messages so you don't miss them. The cruise packed with tours very well priced, but make sure you understand that tips are customary and all the ship crew and outside extra transporters are very gracious but want to be appreciated. I know my this sounds too good to be true, but we are in our 70s and know a good experience when we see it.
X438MXmk · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
Tour leading extraordinaire
Muhammad Abdo is an excellent tour leader for imperial Cruise line. Had a wonderful time with his expertise. His pleasing, loud voice was needed to keep our group informed and cohesive, even with his strong Egyptian accent. Fellow passengers all seemed to have a great time as well.
Recommended.
229marylynnh · mrt 2026 · via Tripadvisor
