Community

Some of automated booking platforms ignore clarifying crucial operational details, such as the long waiting times at Esna Lock, the real disparity in the quality of the ships that are rated as “5 stars”, the impact of the trip direction on the available time, and fundamental differences in food quality. Details don’t appear in the traditional booking platforms:

• Times of passing through the locks (Esna Lock): The platforms don’t tell you that passing Esna Lock sometimes requires hours of waiting depending on the congestion of ships, which leads to missing some sightseeing or being forced to wake up early or late at night to cross.
• Difference in the ship quality (They are all 5 stars): The rating “5-star” in Egypt is very wide. The site doesn’t clarify that you are booking standard 5 star that the ship suffers from poor maintenance, instead of a Deluxe or Ultra-Luxury 5-star ship.
• The importance of choosing the trip direction: Sailing with the current from Aswan to Luxor (Usually 3 nights) is faster and saves time on board the ship, while sailing against the current from Luxor to Aswan (4 nights) gives the tourist longer time for relax, enjoy the Nile cruise, and distribute.
• Difference in food and service: The sites suffice with words (All exclusive), but doesn’t clarify the difference between the open buffet on commercial ships, and customized Á la carte menu and the fresh ingredients that the boutique and luxurious ships offer.

– Nile Cruisen Team

Nile cruise prices vary due to differences in the quality and renovation date of the ship, the level of hotel service provided, room details, in addition to timing, and what the package includes (like sightseeing spots and hidden fees), even though the trip path may look identical on paper. Details of price difference reasons

• Age of the ship and renovation date: A modern-built ship or a completely renovated offer higher prices compared to old, worn-out ships that suffer from issues in the engine or central air conditioning, even if they have the same star rating.
• Service level: There is a huge difference between large commercial ships that rely on quantity and Boutique ships and the luxury sailing boats (Dahabiya) that offer dedicated crew members, premium hospitality, and attention to the smallest detail.
• Cabin size and location: Standard rooms that have small windows are completely different in price from the luxury suites or the cabins that are equipped with French panoramic windows that directly overlook the Nile.
• Docking and sailing location: Docking costs in private marinas close to temples and city centers differ from ships that dock in remote areas or in back rows requiring crossing multiple ships to reach the beach.
• Tourist season: The prices noticeably rise during peak times (like Christmas, New Year, and Easter) compared to the quiet summer seasons that witness large discounts.
• What does the price include (Inclusions) on the Nile Cruise: Some offers appear cheap because they exclude sightseeing entry tickets (whose prices recently increased), the cost of a private tour guide, tips, and drinks, while the more expensive offers provide all-inclusive packages.

– Nile Cruisen Team

Yes, Egypt offers an ideal mix of romance, relaxation, and the luxury services that make it an exceptional destination for newlyweds.

• Exclusive Nile experiences: renting a cabin or booking a luxurious sailing ship (Dahabiya) one of the most romantic experiences, which includes quiet sailing and absolute privacy far away of the noise of the large tourism cruise ship.
• International resorts: Egypt has a collection of the historical hotels that overlooking Nile, in addition to resorts and private villas equipped separated pools in Red Sea coast.
• Exceptional activities: the destination offers unforgettable experiences like hot air balloon rides over the temples of Luxor at sunrise, or enjoying a private romantic dinner in the deep of the desert.

– Nile Cruisen Team

The daily living expense for the traveler in Egypt (Including accommodation, food, and transportation) ranges between 50 USD for a limited budget; it could exceed 500 USD for customized luxury trips.

• The affordable budget (50$-80$): cover an accommodation in economical hotels, experiencing local and street food, using public transportation, and tickets for basic tourist attractions.
• The mid-range budget (120$-200$): offers comfortable accommodation in 3-4 star hotels, dining in tourist restaurants, moving via private vehicles or smart transportation apps, and taking a comfortable Nile cruise.
• The luxury budget (300$- +500$): allows accommodation in 5-star hotels, hiring a private tour guide along the trip, and planning exclusive and exceptional tours(like planning private visits to the Pyramids or Sphinx areas outside official working hours).

– Nile Cruisen Team

It is not recommended to drink directly from tap water for the new visitors and tourist, recommended to entirely rely on the bottled water. The reasons and health recommendations.

• The quality: the water that coming out from government filtration plants is treated and subject to safety standards, but the old networks and pipes in some areas and building water tank may lead to a change in the water taste or contain a high percentage of chlorine and minerals.
• The local bacteria: The stomach of the visitors are unusual to the bacterial and mineral composition of the local water, which can cause intestinal disturbances or what is known as (Traveler’s Diarrhea).

The safe uses of tap water

• Safe for: Showering, washing clothes, and washing dishes.
• Brushing teeth: Preferred to use bottled water for people with sensitive stomachs, if the use is for a short time, tap water is harmless
• Cooking and tea: Completely safe as long as it is boiled for a few minutes.

– Nile Cruisen Team

Transportation in Cairo is available with affordable prices, the transportation options are range between Metro (the cheapest and fastest) and smart transportation apps (The most comfortable) Details of the transportation and prices Metro (The fastest to avoid the traffic jam):

• The cost: The tickets range between 20 to 40 Egyptian pound depending on the number of stations.
• The best use: Mowing between Downtown, Maadi, and the old Cairo areas.

The Smart Transportation Apps (Uber, Careem, and InDrive)

• The cost: Short trip (15-20 minute) 150-200 Egyptian pound. Long trip or from airport to downtown 300-500 Egyptian pound.
• Features: Safety, automatically prices, and helps in avoiding the taximeter issues.

The White Taxi

• The cost: The starting fee of turning on the meter around 12 Egyptian pound, with adding some coins to each kilometer.
• Note: You must make sure to turn on the taximeter before the trip starts.
The buses and Micro Buses
• The cost: 15-50 Egyptian pound.
• Note: Uncomfortable for the new comers or the tourists due to the lack of clear signs in foreign languages and their crowded.

– Nile Cruisen Team

Egypt is a very safe country regarding violent crimes, but it witnesses some of common practices and scams in crowded tourist areas, which often depend on persistence and price gouging. The most famous forms scams in the tourist areas:

• Camel and horse rides (especially at the Pyramids): Agreeing on a cheap price at the first, then demanding a huge number from the tourist for get down or capture photos.
• Unlicensed tour guides: Some people around the landmarks claims that they provide an exclusive tour or closing specific area to direct you to a private shop.
• Unannounced taxi prices: Refusing to turned on taximeter and demand for a huge amount upon arrival.
• Free gifts: Providing papyrus or simple gifts then asking for a huge tip to avoid embarrassment.

Golden tips to avoid scams

• Use smart transportation apps: Like Uber or InDrive to ensure pre-determined price.
• Advance and pre-agreement: Don’t ride a Camel or bus or receive a service except after determine the final price and ensure the tip is included into the agreement.
• The polite ignorance: A firm and quiet “No, thanks” is enough to stop most of harassment.
• Booking services through official agencies: Preferred book pyramids, museums, tourist activities tours with certified companies like NileCruisen.com.

– Nile Cruisen Team

Egypt is distinguished by a huge variety of restaurant prices that suit all budgets, as the meal cost starts from 6 to 20 USD for the local food, and reaches up 40 to 60 USD in the luxury restaurants and hotels. Details the meal cost according category

• Local and street food: The average price per person: 100 to 400 Egyptian pound (2 to 8 USD).
• Examples for the meals: Koshari, Ful and Taameya, Shawarma, and Feteer Meshaltet.
• The mid-range restaurants and cafes: Average price per person: 500-1500 Egyptian pound( 10 to 30 USD).
• Dishes examples: Grilled meat (Kebab and Kofta), local sea food and fast dishes in cafes.
• Luxury restaurants and cafes: Average price per person: 1500 to 5000 Egyptian pound (30 to 100 USD)
• Dishes example: The international restaurants, luxury sea food, 5-star hotels ,and Nile view restaurants.
• Beverages cost and daily needs: Bottled water (1.5 liter): 20 to 40 Egyptian pound.
• Cup of coffee and cappuccino in a café: 100 to 300 Egyptian pound.
• Fresh natural juice(from juice shops): 50 to 200 Egyptian pound.

– Nile Cruisen Team

Legally are not, but it’s a social culture and and economic tradition known as “Baksheesh” expected provide it as an acceptable or good services Tips in Egypt are considered as an integral part of the income of the workers in the tourism filed and service. Although some restaurants and hotels are add a 12% service charge to the bill, this charge is not go directly for the workers, so its preferred to provide an additional coin tip in Egyptian pounds.

• Restaurants and cafes: 10% to 15% of the total bill (left in cash at the table)
• Bellhops and Luggage porters: 30-50 Egyptian pound for every luggage.
• Taxi drivers and ride-hailing apps: Round up the cost, or add 20-50 Egyptian pounds if they help with luggage.
• Tour guides: 300-600 Egyptian pound for the whole day (depending on the level of service and group size)
• Private tour drivers: 200-400 Egyptian pound for the whole day .

Tip for travelers: Always take care to keep small bills like (10,20,50 Egyptian pound) in a separate pocket for easier tipping without pull out your wallet. Note - 12% is a service charge for hotels, but VAT is 14% apply for all things
– Nile Cruisen Team

Yes, Egypt is considered a cheaper and more saving tourist destination compared to Turkey. Egypt offers an exceptional competitive advantage in terms of hotel accommodation costs, domestic transportation and food which offers for the tourist with higher value for their budget.

• Accommodation and tours: The cost of resorts Red sea booking like (Hurghada and Sharm El-Sheikh) and Nile River trips is less than their coastal counterparts in Turkey.
• Experience and attractions: Egypt possesses an unique historical character that focused on pharaonic antiquities, and it is unmatched product with a small entry fee compared with Europe and neighboring countries.
• When booking the customized trips with trusted local companies with a wide experience like Nile Cruisen, the tourist can maximize his budget utilization and avoid any hidden costs.

Note:

Trip for 3 days in Cairo costs 350 USD Per Person/; in Istanbul is 430 USD
• A 4-star hotel in Cairo average night is 60 USD per person, while in Turkey it is 70 USD
• A 5-star hotel in Egypt averages 90 to 150 USD per person per night in Turkey is 100 to 160 USD

– Nile Cruisen Team