America Israel Travel - Nile River Cruise FAQ

America Israel Travel suggests that all travelers refrain from drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. This can be especially problematic for those with equilibrium issues. Drinking large amounts can put you, the other guests, and staff in danger.

Travels with equilibrium issues are encouraged not to spend a great deal of time on deck at night-the ships move quickly and this can be very dangerous should you fall overboard.

Travelers are asked not to smoke in bed as the mattresses are very flammable!

Travelers with sleepwalking habits should not book cabins with balconies. America Israel Travel suggests that travelers that sleepwalk stay in inside cabins for safety.

Travelers should note the location of muster stations in case of emergency situations where passengers are ordered to abandon ship.

If you get sick on board an Egyptian Nile cruise, some boats have resident doctors on board. If one is not present, assigned doctors are located in each town which can be called in an emergency situation.

For additional safety and health tips please contact America Israel Travel regarding your upcoming River Nile cruise.

Your Ancient Egypt River Nile cruise may be subject to slight changes at a limited time's notice while you travel in Egypt for practical reasons while traveling on the Nile.

The majority of sailing on your Nile cruise tours will be done during the day, however, some sailing at night may be required at different points. There may be short waiting periods to get through the lock during the busy periods on the Nile at Esna.

Several cruise boats may be required to moor side by side, which can restrict the view and require travelers to cross multiple boats to reach the shore. If required, assistance will be provided to travelers.

America Israel Travel suggests that travelers leave valuables in the ship's safety deposit boxes when checking in on the cruise ship. Safety deposit boxes are typically available at reception or private safes may be available in certain rooms.

For travelers that wish to purchase souvenirs, there will be limited shopping on board due to the smaller size of individual shops. However, travelers will still have the opportunity to practice haggling!

Should you wish to call home while on your River Nile cruise, most of the cruise ships have telephone facilities—though connection quality is not as clear as on the shore.

America Israel Travel suggests that travelers exchange their money at a bank prior to going on your River Nile cruise because most of the cruise ships do not have the ability to exchange your money for you and you will not have access to onshore banks while traveling down the Nile.

Suggested Daytime Cruise Ship Wear: Travelers may wear what they like while on their Nile River cruise, however, America Israel Travel suggests wearing lightweight clothing due to the extreme heat in the summer. Additionally, Egypt is a Muslim country and it is important to respect this in regards to clothing choice, especially when touring religious monuments and temples. America Israel Travel suggests that women not wear tight, suggestive, or clingy clothing, choosing instead flowing, cool cottons. For example, long-sleeved shirts and paints should be worn in busy city regions. Shorts are not really worn in the city and most Egyptian men wear long pants. Military-style clothing should be avoided entirely.

Travelers can wear beach attire on board the felucca or River Nile cruise ship-shorts, swimwear, etc. may be worn. Breakfast and lunch does not require any special dress, however, travelers are asked to wear semi-casual or formal attire.

America Israel Travel offers two different Nile cruise holiday:

Most of the Nile cruise tours offered by America Israel Travel are on Full Board Basis. All meals are included in this package and are served in an open buffet style. Some cruises have set menus. There is typically some variety on different days depending on the quality and type of cruise ship. These meals are typically serviced on a fixed schedule. Some cruise ships serve tea and coffee around 5 pm daily. Drinks are served in the bar.

A limited number of Nile cruises are on an All-Inclusive Basis-typically pricey and for 7 nights only. All Inclusive packages offer Full Board Basis and all beverages-soft drinks, mineral water, hot drinks, coffee, tea, juice, local alcohols (by the glass), etc.

Nile cruises offer the following forms of entertainment:

Most Holiday Nile cruise ships offer many different forms of entertainment such as a discotheque, belly dance show, Nubian folkloric show, and extravagant Galabia party. Full entertainment programs are offer daily and differ from cruise ship to cruise ship.

Depending on the class of the cruise ship, some cruises will have a cocktail party the first day during which drinks are free and the onboard staff is introduced. This cocktail party is typically referred to as "the manager's party" as the manager introduces the guests to his crew. This does require formal attire.

Another form of entertainment offered one night is called a Galabia party of long dress party. Travelers are encouraged to wear Egyptian outfits and local Galabia. Games may be conducted during these parties, which are run by onboard Egypt travel guides. The cost to purchase a Galabia is approximately $10 USD, however, if you do not wish to purchase one you can rent one from the onboard bazaar shop.

The entertainment another night may include a Nubian show in which Nubian dancers and singers will perform in traditional outfits. This usually includes things such as a belly dance show, local singers, a juggler's show, and bands.