My partner & I just returned from a long awaited trip to Cairo & the Nile. We cruised on board Miss Egypt - 5* Luxury advertised. On the whole this was a very memorable trip with a lot to do and see, with adequate rest in between leaving you very well informed about Ancient Egypt.

As a first trip the itinerary gave us a very complete introduction to the very impressive history. Our guide Mustafa was a passionate, considerate, informed & very mature young man who controlled our small group of 9 extremely well and providing for all our needs with a genuine smile.

Our room was cosy yet spacious with more than adequate storage. However, the shower cubicle was too compact & the water pressure was just about adequate. The bed, sheets, safe, toiletries were all good quality but not the best as warranted by the 5* rating. We had a 'balcony' which was wonderful but more a window railing rather than a balcony, use of which was limited thanks to heat and other ships alongside. But the patio door style window gave us wonderful views for about 50% of the time.

What brings the rating down are the Full Board meals which were basically variations of the theme - bland attempts with chicken, beef and fish. We only had two Egyptian meals, plenty of salads but not much in the way of dressings. On the whole very filling but not fulfilling, lacking taste and variety.

I do feel a hospitality in a hot climate should include at least one large bottle of water per day per couple.

The TV was very frustrating - no BBC or CNN on board the ship until much nagging and then not available when the ship was sailing. We felt very out of contact with the rest of the world. The very expensive internet was tentative at best.

We were not warned about the excessive tipping required, ill advised that credit cards were accepted everywhere or about the huge pressure to buy at all stops by the local sellers.
I am glad we went to Cairo first as the sightseeing there was at our own pace with a guide in our own car. We did not book the day trip recommended by Nile Cruise Direct and saved a considerable sum. We did the Night Cruise in Cairo having originally decided against it which was a better version of the enetertainment and food to come on board Miss Egypt. I am sure we would have been too tired to enjoy Cairo after the cruise. Oasis Hotel is a good 4* set in beautiful landscaping almost at the foot of the Pyramids with all the amenities required.

I have rated this down because of the food and entertainment on board but must emphasise this we still had a wonderful holiday in a wonderful land with beautiful people.

I highly recommend this trip as we have come away with only fantastic memories having had a thoroughly good time.