Written on: 08/12/2010
Where do I start!
Left Cairo for Luxor on a late flight and did not arrive at the boat until 11.45pm and set sail south immediately. Consequently we did not sleep well as come 3am we docked at Edfu and had the noise of coming alongside another vessel to keep us awake. Other overnight sailings had the same problem - don't expect a quiet night when sailing/docking!
Our room was average at best and in dire need of a refit (the carpet fitter should do one more job and give up - or just give up...
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Written on: 12/06/2010
Recently we returned from a 14 night holiday in Egypt, 7 nights of which were spent, cruising the Nile, on the Royal Rhapsody. This was the third time we had been on a Nile cruise and it was the best so far. We had the most wonderful time and I felt quite emotional on our last night, particularly when all the ladies received a red rose on entering the restaurant. The service at meal times was superb and the food was excellent - if the menu choice didn't suit you they would provide... (read more)
Written on: 29/05/2010
Read spirit dancers comments before we went. Felt a bit down hearted and wondered what would happen to us. The fact was we had a wonderful time. Yes the itinary was changed - yet again - to accomodate the 5 day cruisers, but I feel it was for the better in the end. We saw every site expected, in fact we got to the sites in some cases before the 'crowd'. Our little cruise ship got to Aswan a day before the rest, we saw the places with ease. We sat one night and watched, boat after boat,... (read more)
Written on: 31/03/2010 by spritdancer (1 review written)
We did our first cruise of this boat 6 years ago, doing the golden Nile.
we were looking forward to doing 7 days this time and repeating the wonderful time we had. The staff and food on the boat cannot be faulted, but this week because we had 4 passengers who just did the 5 day cruise our whole schedule was changed to accommodate them. This ment that most of the cruising was done at night, which was noisy and we didn't see anything, day times were spent alongside, in a stack of 8 or 9 other...
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Written on: 26/10/2009
We have just returned from Egypt having had a 7 day cruise on this boat followed by 4 days in Luxor and 3 in Cairo. I have to say that the cruise was excellent, the staff were friendly and helpful. The food was great and the choice superb. After every days trip out it was interesting to see how our towels would be laid out next, one day it was a crocodile the next a swan etc. The Saturday evenings entertainment was great with everyone joining in. It was like a family party, staff and us... (read more)
Written on: 21/04/2009 by TCT (1 review written)
I spent a week onboard Royal Rhapsody (Thomas Cook) and i was pleasently suprised by the crew and rooms and facilities! (read more)
Written on: 30/03/2009
wonderful nile cruise on the Thomas Cook Royal Rhapsody. Everyone so friendly and helpful. Boat not full so was like a big family and got to know everyone. Our guide knew absolutely everything about Egypt and was a mine of information on the trips. will definately go again in the future.
Food v.good. nice touches like warm wet towels when arriving back on board and a drink waiting. Bedding and towels always being changed. Cannot fault this cruise at all.
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Written on: 30/03/2009
We have just had a wonderful 7 nights cruise on Royal Rhapsody with Thomas Cook Signature. All the crew were so nice and friendly and couldnt do enough for us. Boat not full so made for knowing all other passengers great ,we were like a one big family. Saw everything that we were expecting to. Tour round the boat was excellent, as was the food. Beds and towels seemed to get changed even if we hadnt used them! The little things like warm towels when arriving back on boat after a trip, and ... (read more)
Written on: 17/03/2009 by R Stewart (1 review written)
We were on the Royal Rhapsody boat in November 2008 and would recommend this as an ideal time, it was never cold and it did not get too hot for the trips to temples and other sites. Crew could not have been more attentive or friendly. Relativly small boat on our cruise there were 39 passangers who were outnumbered by the very attentive crew. The cabin boys made animal shapes out of towels etc very interesting wondering what we would come back to. Food was good, plentiful and varied, the... (read more)
Written on: 15/11/2008 by angela3335 (1 review written)
This is an amazing holiday. The Royal Rhapsody was a lovely boat and all the staff were very friendly and helpful. We had a junior suite, definitely was worth the extra money as not as noisy as standard cabins. The Prince Abbas was a lovely boat too. Our tour guide was brilliant, a very nice lady who really made the holiday special. A bit hectic especially with the early starts but you see all the main sights. Beware of the tipping, can add another £200 to cost of your holiday. Well... (read more)
Written on: 15/03/2010
Thank you...you are the first person to comment on the suites.
<br/>Was there a balcony in the suite?can't bear to be hemmed in!
Written on: 13/11/2008
Overall a very good experience but maybe not a 5* because it is in need of some updating. The crew were much more friendly than on the Prince Abbas which is where we spent the following 4 nights but the rooms were a lot nicer on the Prince Abbas. (read more)
Written on: 08/10/2008
Just got home after a week on the Royal Rhapsody followed by another in Cairo/Petra/Sharm. The boat was excellent and the crew genuinely cared and did all they could to make our trip enjoyable. I'd echo the previous comments about the tour manager - she was a delightful lady who was really on the ball. If you're considering a trip on the RR, go for it. You'll have the time of your life. (read more)
Written on: 29/05/2008 by lindyloo50 (1 review written)
The first week of The Golden Nile cruise is spent on The Royal Rhapsody or one of its sister boats, the second week was split into 4 nights on the Prince Abbas (Lake Nasser) and 3 nights in Cairo (Semiramis Intercontinental).
Anyone staying on The Royal Rhapsody will be looked after to the highest standard. The food served at breakfast, lunch and dinner was excellent - I cannot praise the chefs enough. Choice was out of this world and the staff could not do enough for us. The food and...
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Written on: 06/03/2009
I found this review helpful because...We intend to book spring 2010
Written on: 30/03/2008
Didn't appreciate having to get up at 4.45am on several mornings to leave the boat at 6am. The description in the brochure "an early morning start" should have been made clear.
Also the curtains in the cabins were FILTHY and the lampshades above the beds were dusty and yellow with age.
This, to me, does not fulfill Thomas Cook's description of "Accommodation is of a very high standard" If you are going on "The Golden Nile" 15 day holiday, be prepared for lots of early starts and not much time...
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Written on: 25/03/2008 by binksy69
This was a small boat so you got to know every one including the staff, who I have to say were really friendly and helpful. Food was ok'ish they served us food most of the time as a set menu. It says that it is 5* unfortunately I have to disagree with them there, to me it was only a 3* certainly not as grand as some we saw there and walked through. Also there was no entertainment which was a bit of a let down, we had one night where we all dressed up and played silly games but that was it... (read more)
Written on: 21/03/2008 by KimEaton (1 review written)
My Daughter and I went on a Thomas Cook Signature holiday, we went on the Nile Discovery cruise for 7 nights ( Royal Rhapsody) the boat's crew did all they could to be helpful and make the holiday special, the facilities, our guide and excursions were also excellent. We went onto Cairo and Sharm El Sheik which I would also highly recommend. This holiday really was an experience not to be missed and I would recommend it to anyone who has an interest in Ancient Egypt. (read more)
Written on: 20/02/2008 by chrispage
Clean, comfortable cabin, good food, courteous & helpful crew, exceptional guide. A trip of a lifetime. I thoroughly recommend the Royal Rhapsody. No bad points. (read more)
Written on: 11/02/2008 by lymahu (1 review written)
I'm often suspicious when something gets top ratings from everyone but this cruise deserves such praise. The boat was slightly smaller than I'd imagined but you quickly realise this is an advantage, fostering a cosy atmosphere and allowing you to get to know all the staff and other passengers. The food, (especially the pastries) was excellent, and this is coming from a fussy, semi-vegetarian. Trips onshore usually start very early in the morning but it's worth it to beat the crowds of... (read more)
Written on: 12/02/2008
I found this review helpful because...I am booked on the Nile cruise in May and so far have not read a bad review of this boat or its sister which I am very glad about. Hopefully Thomas Cook will keep to its promises in the brochure and deliver an exceptional and memorable holiday.
Written on: 25/01/2008 by Alison Vaughan
My 2 friends and I did this trip in November 2002....absolutely fabulous. Our Egyptologist Sonia was fantastic and so were all the staff and crew. Our travelling shipmates were a diverse bunch of people and we all got on so well that we made good friends who we continue to meet up with even now. Would recommend this trip without reservation. (read more)
Written on: 06/01/2008 by JimyB
excellent service crew bent over backwards to make sure we were comfortable (read more)
Written on: 25/09/2007 by billyboybrad
We had a fabulous holiday. The Royal Rhapsody was very friendly boat where the staff could not do enough to make our stay very enjoyable. (read more)
Written on: 03/05/2007 by littlesistoria
We arrived at Luxor airport quite late, around 10pm, took a short coach ride to the boat expecting to be shown to our cabin and go to bed. When we arrived the crew were all on hand and had prepared dinner for us. It was lovely, all the food was of a high standard and remained so through the week. I especially enjoyed the fresh pastries! Early mornings, amazing trips nearly everyday if that's what you were after, smiling, friendly and amusing crew waiting for your return with hot towels and... (read more)
Written on: 21/01/2008
I found this review helpful because...I'm off on the very same cruise in May 2008 and it was great to read info from someone who had been on the same one. Thank you.
Written on: 25/10/2006 by Roy Lean (1 review written)
The local Thomas Cook office organised every detail of our holiday. From Heathrow to Luxor it was plain sailing. We were met at Luxor airport, taken to the boat and met by a smiling helpful crew who could and would do anything to ensure your holiday was a lasting wonderful experience.
Finally, I would without reservation, strongly recommend the Thomas Cook Royal Rhapsody Nile Discovery cruise to anyone wanting a care free trip of a lifetime. It was both restful and exciting on-board the...
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Written on: 25/03/2008
I have to say that I would not give it a 10/10 more 6/10 there was no entertainment, boring evenings really. You either went shopping or for a walk or sat drinking all night. The food was not too bad have had worse. Staff were excellent and very friendly.
Written on: 17/04/2006 by PLeCompte (1 review written)
Had a wonderful time on the Royal Rhapsody, the boat manager and staff could not do enough to make you feel welcome and comfortable. The food and service were first class, and nothing was too much trouble for those that did not want what was available. The boat was very comfortable and a nice size so easy to get to know everyone. Highly recommended. (read more)
Written on: 14/03/2006 by peasto (2 reviews written)
The Thomas Cook Nile cruise must please anyone. Royal Rhapsody (and her sister Seranade) are small boats that offer an exceptionally high standard of service. The staff are determined to make your holiday enjoyable. Food is fantastic - everything cooked on board and offers an incredible choice, with first class serving. The Treasures of the Nile Criuse took us to all the main sights, along with a very knowledgable, friendly and experienced Egyptologist. I have scored 10 for entertainment... (read more)
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Gregorypb's Comment
Written on: 27/02/2010
I found this review very helpful because...It gave us an idea of what to expect and backed up what we had been told else where.