Nile Cruise Accommodation
Accommodation is normally based on 2 adults sharing a standard cabin or room with facilities as specified. In the case of sole occupancy, a supplement will be chargeable. The third bed in a triple room/cabin is normally a foldaway or sofa-bed.
The rating system used is based on the views and appraisals of the operators staff and are given in good faith as a guide only.
Baggage
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The baggage allowance is usually 20 kilos per person but may vary according to the individual airline regualtions. In some instances, this allowance may include your hand baggage and there may be restrictions on dimensions and number of pices per passenger, particularly with carry-on baggage. Security regulations at any given airport may modify the individual airline's regulations. Precise information will accompany your tickets and travel documents.
Clothing Recommended for Nile Cruises
The summer in Egypt can be very hot, so loose lightweight clothing is the most comfortable. Sunglasses, comfortable walking shoes and a sunhat are advisable. A lightweight jacket for cooler evenings may be required in the winter months (October - February). In the evening smart casual dress is fine and gentlemen are required to wear long trousers for the evening meal.
Nile Cruise Itineraries
Nile Cruise itineraries and excursions can, for operational reasons, be subjest to alteration locally at short notice. With the introduction of a second lock at Esna it is anticipated that there will no longer be the need to close it during June and early December. If a lock closure does occur then guests will join and leave the boat in Esna. Cruises will then sail Esna-Aswan-Esna. All excursions will take place but not necessarily in the order given. During certain periods the boat may have to sail after dark therefore the number of hours of daylight sailing is subject to change.
When the boat is moored, vessels may have to berth alongside each other restricting views and requiring clients to pass through a number of boats to disembark. Upon disembarkation guests will be required to walk along a gangplank and there may be steps to climb. For this reason Nile Cruises are not recommended for the disabled or those with impaired mobility.
Currency
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The local currency is the Egyptian Pound. Sterling travellers' cheques and debit/credit cards are generally accepted but can be subject to a fee. Cash machines are available in all main towns and cities.
Elecricity
220 AC volts. An adaptor is necessary (usually two-pin)
Health & Safety
Vaccinations are not mandatory but it is advisable to check with your GP about those that may be recommended. Remember to drink plenty of water particularly in the summer months, even if you don't feel thirsty, to prevent dehydration. It is recommended that you drink bottled water only. This is generally available at restaurants and shops. Stomach upsets can occur due to the heat and change in diet, so don't forget to take preventative medicines (available at your local pharmacy). To make the most of your trip to Egypt it is recommended that you check the advice given by the Foreign Commonwealth Office bt either calling 0845 850 2829 or visiting www.fco.gov.uk/travel
Language
Arabic is the official language but English is widely spoken.
Local Customs
Egypt is a Muslim country and follow the Muslim tradition and it's important that local customs and etiquette are respected. Whilst these countries are more used to seeing Western holidaymakers in little clothing, shorts and swimwear are acceptable by the pool or on the sun deck but not in public places. Women should cover their upper arms and should not wear revealing tops or shorts in public especially when visiting religious sites. It is also advisable for men to wear shirts and long trousers.
Passports & Visas
All British passengers require a passport which must be valid for at least six months after your intended return to the UK.
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Non British passport holders should check visa requirements with the relevant High Commission.
As of June 2007, first-time adult passport holders, and for those children applying for an adult passport that were previously included in a parent’s passport will be required to have an interview as part of the passport application process. This does not apply to people who held their own passport as a child.
All children, from new-born babies to the age of 15, must now have their own individual passport. Once they reach their 16th birthday they then become eligible for a standard 10-year passport. Before 5th October 1998 many children were already included on a valid passport. These children can still continue to travel abroad with the passport holder until either the child reaches the age of 16 or the passport on which the child is included is submitted for amendment
Adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country. For more information, please contact the Egyptian Consulate.
Please note: These details may change and it is your responsibility to ensure that your passport is correct and valid.
British passport holders require a visa to visit Egypt.
British passport holders require a visa to visit Egypt & Jordan. A Single Entry Tourist visa is required. The cost is approximately £15 per visa and can be obtained from the Egyptian Consulate in London prior to departure or on arrival at Luxor airport. Payment for visas must be made in sterling notes(regrettably Northern Iseland and Scottish banknotes are not acceptable)
If any of these details change or should new visa fees or any other tourist tax be imposed, we will write and let you know, time permitting. We regret that we cannot be held responsible for impositions such as this as they are totally beyond our control.
If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the Egyptian Consulate.
Egyptian Consulate
2 Lowndes Street
London SW1X 9ET
Telephone: 020 7235 9777
It is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure that they have the necessary documents and visas for travel to Egypt. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly.
Ramadan
During the holy month of Ramadan there may be certain restrictions but these do not generally affecr tourist facilities.
Special Requirements
Facilities for the disabled or those with impaired mobility are very limited in Egypt. Therefore, we would ask you to advise us before making any booking to ascertain the suitability of a resort and accommodation. Wheelchair or other special assistance is available at most airports ans it is essential that, if needed, this is requested at the time of booking so that we can endevour to meet your needs.
Swimming Pools
It is recommended that you familiarise yourself with pool depths and the layout of the pool before entering it. Occaisionaly hotel pools may be closed for maintenance. It should be noted that most pools in Cairo and Alexandria will be closed during the winter months between November and April.
Tipping & On Board Accounts
All meals on the Nile Cruises are included. The nly additional expenses are drinks (unless on an All Inclusive basis where drinks are included), tips, souvenirs and optional excursions which are available to book onboard. A credit system operates on board the boat whereby all extras will be billed to your cabin and settled at the end of your cruise. There are limited money exchanging facilities onboard so it is advisable to ensure you have enough local currency although your guide will allow time for a bank stop during the cruise. Tipping is considered a way of life in Egypt. On a Nile cruise you will be asked to pay an amount at the start of your cruise from which your guide will pay all tipping onshore throughout your cruise. It is then customary to tip the staff on board at the end of your holiday.