Packing Essentials for Your Nile Cruise

So, you have looked into top-notch Nile cruises in Egypt. Maybe even spent ages scouring through dozens of Nile cruise packages. And now you cannot wait to go on an epic adventure on the world’s most fabled river.

But a nice trip is not just about what you see or where you go. It is also about what you pack. The truth is, bringing the wrong stuff can ruin even the best Nile cruises.
Seriously, you don’t want to be swatting mosquitoes on the boat deck at dusk or sweating buckets in leather pants on a Karnak tour.

Packing for Egypt can be tricky, considering its climate and conservative culture. Still, it can be as exciting as booking Nile cruises.

We believe that overpacking is as bad as not packing enough. With that in mind, we created a detailed packing list with items that you will use. Here is everything you need for a fun and smooth-sailing Nile cruise.

1- Light, Breathable Clothing.

Summers in Egypt (Jun, Jul & Aug) are scorching hot, with temperatures shooting up to as high as 42°C (107°F). Nights may be cooler, but for those not used to dry heat, it can still feel pretty warm.

For your comfort, loose-fitting and airy clothing is a must in your packing list. Pick light-colored fabrics made of linen or cotton, as they help you to stay cool. Plus, they dry quickly and are less likely to cling to your body when you sweat.

Long-sleeved shirts and long pants are another practical add-on to your checklist. They protect you from sunburn and insect bites.

If you travel in winter, take note that it can get a little chilly along the Nile. At night, temps can drop to as low as 12°C (54°F). You may need a sweater or a light jacket to keep you cozy while hanging out outside.

2- Modest Outfits for Temples and Towns.

Dress comfortably, but at the same time, be mindful of local customs. Egypt, after all, is a highly conservative country.

Did we mention full-sleeve shirts and pants? They’re also for modesty apart from keeping insects and the sun away.

You don’t have to cover up like the locals. But showing a lot of skin is a no-no. That means no short shorts, miniskirts, tank tops, or even tight-fitting clothes.

Capri pants, long dresses, and skirts that go below the knees are your best bet during daytime trips. Make sure you have a good scarf or shawl to cover your shoulders, arms, or knees when entering a religious site, temples, or rural villages.

Egypt’s dress code is not as strict for men. But you may get unwanted stares if you wear shorter-style shorts, ripped jeans, or tank tops. You can don knee-length shorts in tourist hubs. Though long pants, polo shirts and T-shirts are generally more acceptable.

3- Evening Wear for Onboard Dinners.

Not everything in your suitcase should be casual. Unless, of course, that’s the way you want it.

Nile cruises in Egypt love their fancy dinners on board. And you need a couple of sleek outfits to go with the vibe.

There is usually no dress code, but it doesn’t hurt to wear something nice. So, don’t leave out that chic sundress or that good-looking pair of trousers.

4- Swimwear and a Cover-up

Should you pack a swimsuit? Most Nile cruises in Egypt have a pool. It would be a shame to miss out on a dip just because you didn’t bring any swimwear.

Choose a swimming attire that is not too revealing. Then, always have something to cover yourself with when you leave the pool area. Remember the shawl we talked about? That’ll double as a wrap in case you have no cover-up.

Cruises give their guests leeway when it comes to what they wear on board. That doesn’t mean you can be in your bikini at the buffet or walk around the ship in swimming trunks. Dress code or not, always respect the norms.

5- Comfortable Walking Shoes.

Just because you’re on a cruise, doesn’t mean there won’t be a lot of walking. In fact, among the highlights of your trip are guided tours on foot on uneven ground to boot!

You don’t want to be dealing with blisters or falling over rocky terrain. Pack durable, comfy, and preferably “broken-in” footwear.

Sneakers are ideal since they protect your feet from dust and heat. But you can also go for hiking sandals with secure backstraps.

After hours of walking, you’ll want your feet to breathe. Get some flip-flops that you can use on board the ship. You might also want to bring a pair of cutesy sandals or loafers for those fancy dinner nights.

6- Sun Protection Must-Haves.

Going on a daytime excursion in Egypt can be a royal pain if you’re not ready for the sun. There’s barely any shade out there, so a hat with a wide brim and a scarf that covers your neck are your best protection.

Get some good sunglasses that block UV rays. Too much sunlight can hurt your eyes and mess with your vision.

Take with you a high-SPF sunscreen at all times. Then, throw in some lip balm for good measure to protect your lips from dryness and chapping.

7- Reusable Water Bottle.

Prolonged sun exposure can be dangerous. We’re not talking about sunburn. We mean something more serious, like dehydration or heat stroke.

That’s why it’s vital to rehydrate frequently while you’re outdoors. But you probably won’t find many stores selling water at the ancient sites you’re visiting. And if there are, a bottle is most likely to be overpriced.

To remedy this, bring your own water. Get your hands on a high-quality, reusable water bottle and fill it with filtered water on the ship. You’ll save not only money, but also the environment.

8- Daypack or Small Backpack.

A bag with a capacity of 10 liters or below works best for your shore excursions. Just be sure it has ample space for your basics (sunscreen, shades, phone, snacks, cash, and a towel).

If you’re bringing your own water, it only makes sense to get a bag with a water bottle compartment.

Also, you might be walking around crowded places like markets. A daypack with secret pockets to store valuables and secure zippers to prevent petty theft is ideal. Bonus if the bag is foldable, so that it will not take up a lot of space in your suitcase.

9- Travel Adapter and Power Bank.

Whenever and wherever you travel, always bring a universal power adapter. It’s essential, as different countries use different types and you want a plug that will fit.

The common plugs and sockets in Egypt are two-prongs, similar to the ones used in most European countries.

Consider packing a power bank. Sure, you can charge on the cruise ship. But it’ll be handy to carry one in case you run out of battery in the middle of an excursion.

10- Personal Toiletries, Basic First Aid Kit and Medications

Soap, shampoo, and toothpaste are usually provided by the cruise ship. But you can always pack your own travel-sized toiletries if you prefer specific brands.

A hand sanitizer and wet wipes are useful when you go out. So are insect repellent, moisturizer, and deodorant.

You can customize your own first aid kit. A basic one contains painkillers, anti-diarrheal, rehydration salt, motion sickness pills, and antihistamines. Include an insect bite cream, anti-bacterial wipes, bandages, and aloe vera gel for sunburns.

Don’t forget your prescription meds, if any. Local pharmacies may not carry the ones you need, so check with your doctor if you can bring a few extra.

For women, pack feminine hygiene products, especially if you have a particular preference.

11- Credit Cards and Money.

You’ve probably paid for the entire trip when you were booking Nile cruises online. Still, you might need to use your credit card while abroad. To sidestep any issues, notify your bank about your upcoming trip.

It’s also wise to have cash in the local currency (Egyptian Pounds). Most small businesses, like cafes, souvenir shops, and markets, don’t accept card payments.

Tipping is common, even expected, though not really required. Carrying small bills makes doing so convenient.

12- Travel Documents and Copies.

Sort your travel documents. To some, this is the most boring part of packing, but it’s also the most important.

Pertinent documents include your passport (valid for at least six months from the date of your trip), visa (if required), travel insurance (optional), and emergency contact numbers. Prepare at least two physical copies of every document. Keep a digital copy as well.

You may be required to show your travel itinerary. No sweat. Just contact the company offering the Nile cruises in Egypt.