written by CatherinePayton on 01/04/2015
Excellent pre travel information and Itinerary. Very helpful and knowledgeable Tour guides. Cruise ship very clean and comfortable with a spacious cabin. Excellent food and the staff were very helpful and friendly. Itinerary covered a wide variety of tours enabling us to get a wide view of life in Egypt, its history and amazing sites and landscapes. Felt safe at all times. An amazing experience...would recommend to anyone.
written by WendaS on 22/06/2013
I don't want to write this review - I'm afraid that there will be no cabins left for my 2014 holiday- but here we go. Ms Royal Viking is spacious, comfortable, organised and very beautiful. This was my third (yes third) year using the Royal Viking (via Discover Egypt). The staff are the most polite and helpful that I have ever come across, and are a credit both to themselves and the Viking Egypt Company. Nothing is too much trouble. They now have a private dock near Luxor bridge - I have to confess that this made me a little sceptical, in previous years we had docked in the heart of Luxor - but it was wonderful, and when docked in Luxor you can spend your evenings in their private garden where there is a small café selling Turkish coffee and speciality teas, without fear of hassle. Trader hassle in Egypt seems no greater than previous years, although they no longer offer a trip to the Botanical Island in Aswan (which was beautiful) because it has become little more than a big market with traders constantly following you. My friend and I wanted to experience a couple of things that were not on the set visit list (which was amazing, Philae Island is my new favourite)- afternoon tea at the Old Cataract Hotel in Aswan. Our Guide Hussein arranged for the ship staff to find us a horse drawn carriage, and for ten English pounds (the price was agreed BEFORE we started) our driver took us to the Hotel, waited for two hours and then returned us to the boat. It was beautiful, and if the Bird watching trip is not for you, and you want to see where Agatha Christie stayed when in Egypt, its a great visit. We also went to the Winter Palace in Luxor for cocktails one evening - fabulous sitting in the garden drinking Gin Fizz. I do believe though that the Duty Manager thought that the two middle aged English women were truly mad... The Royal Viking staff were amazing - so very patient with us when I miscounted my laundry time after time... yes, you can get your laundry done for a small fee. The cabin was cleaned and tidied beautifully twice a day, and the 'elephant' towel sculpture was my absolute favourite. The evenings are full of entertainment - you can join in or not, but these evenings really 'break the ice' between passengers. Sadly my DVD did not survive the Easy Jet flight, so nobody will ever realise my belly dancing calling (not). The food was great - the chefs are amazing - my favourite was the Egyptian themed meal - so good. The waiting staff are attentive without being intrusive, and although it is in a buffet style, they can't do enough for you. Top -tip from me though, keep hydrated, don't lay in the sun all day drinking beer - you WILL get ill, and it will not have anything to do with the food, or flies landing on your beer bottle...... Duh. The guides work for the travel company, and not the boat - third year, third guide, learnt so much more - thank you Hussein. Thanks to the deck staff, who moved sun beds about for us, bought us drinks to our exacting requirements (which was often and many), and did this politely and with a smile (always). For seven days we were Nile Royalty, and I can't wait for next year.
written by on 01/05/2013
Our trip involved three nights in Cairo based at a hotel near the Pyramids and then seven on the Royal Viking boat from Luxor to Aswan and back. The organisation was through Discover Egypt. This was very satisfactory with smooth transfers and arrangements at all times. Our previous experience on cruises has all been on ocean-going larger vessels so this was an interesting contrast. Our mid-deck cabin on the Royal Viking was spacious in traditional wood-pannelled style and had a good sized bathroom, though storage was a little cramped. It was good to have an opening window to lean out as well as look out over the Nile. The cabin was well looked after by the two cabin stewards. We missed lots of places and nooks and crannies to go to on board, but the sundeck was very pleasant and the main and really only social space apart from a lounge bar where the mostly homespun, low key entertainments took place, including a jolly galibiya dress-up evening. The "swimming pool" was really just a plunge pool but useful nevertheless to cool down in as temperatures hit the high thirties during the week. The trip included several excursions which were led by very knowledgable and enthusiastic guides. The passengers were divided into two groups and both guides, Hussain and Radwan, were highly and rightly praised. These tours often required early starts, but were neatly arranged to get everyone back in time for lunch and to avoid the real heat of the day. The tombs and temples were really stunning. Having seen Greek and Roman temples before we were bowled over by the beauty and wonderful state of conservation of the Egyptian monuments despite their mostly being 1000+ years older. The other highlight was drifting along the Nile and seeing the timeless scenes along the banks. Meals were always by buffet with a reasonable selection, though this was often rather bland, certainly very edible but hardly cordon bleu given the five star status. The best exceptions to this were the local Egyptian dishes somethimes served (not often enough). Soups were always rather watery. There wasn't much of a selection of fresh fruit despite the piles we could see in local markets and coffee was disappointing - Nescafe sachets plus hot water for breakfast. Cleanliness was good however and no-one seems to have had any major tummy problems. Egypt is in an uncertain phase at the moment since the Revolution. Two aspects underlined this. Firstly, there is a great dearth of tourists. Whilst this made it pleasant for us visiting the great sights, it was sad to see the majority of Nile cruise boats empty and forlornly tied up three or four deep on their moorings in several places. We were told tourism is 90% down in the last two years. As a result the local hawkers who have never been shy of doing all they can to get a sale are now totally "in your face" and incredibly persistent, so that you run the gauntlet every time you stop and venture off the boat or tour bus. Secondly, those of us who went on the optional 3-hour trip to Abu Simbel via army-protected convoy were prevented from returning for about 6 hours by a roadblock caused by a local dispute. No-one in authority seemed initially to be willing, able or basically around to "negotiate" our way out for most of that time. Demos and roadblocks are common in Cairo but this was the first time it had happened so far south. Despite this we certainly didn't feel directly threatened in any way and Hussain, our guide, did a great job of calming everyone down, keeping us informed and somehow rustling up lunch for everyone. Overall then, this trip was a great EXPERIENCE. It wasn't a particularly relaxing holiday but then that wasn't the point. The arrangements were very smooth and the boat perfectly adequate with all its staff doing their best for the passengers.
written by Cathiedaviesfry on 01/04/2013
The boat and everything to do with the trip cannot be faulted.It was a fantastic trip. The company need to monitor the service of videoing the experience. I bought the DVD package for £20. It was three discs. One of our experience of the trip, the other two of various areas of Egypt. The one of our trip worked. The other disc was only music and the third was completely blank. Nothing had been burnt onto it. I am glad the one of our trip worked but feel put out by paying money for something that was not as advertised,I felt I was done.
written by LauraWollongong on 07/01/2013
Initially we were going to book another cruise boat but the MS Royal Viking was recommended by our tour company as being a better option. The boat is beautiful and cabins are excellent BUT with the current situation in Egypt there is a huge shortage of travellers, I think 31 passengers on our cruise. This caused our boat to sit at a dock way out of Luxor for most of our cruise, waiting for more passengers to join the cruise. We boarded the boat Monday morning and it didn't leave Luxor until Wednesday night, dreadful, thankfully our wonderful Memphis Tours guide suggested some extra tours for us at a good price or it would have been a lot worse. I understand the economics of this but I believe passengers should be notified beforehand and given the choice of making other arrangements but we were just told it was a "change of itinerary". Once our day tours were done we were left sitting around the boat waiting for it to cruise, also nothing was open, such as the pool bar, we were told it only opens once the boat sails. On day 3 we were told we could have asked reception and they would get anything we needed, perhaps being told that on day one may have been helpful. I did try to complain to the person in charge who just dismissed my complaint, again saying "change of itinerary". We were looking forward to seeing things like cruising through Esna lock, that was done overnight while we were sleeping. We had already stayed 2 nights in a Luxor hotel and if we had wanted to stay another 3 days we would have chosen one of the lovely hotels in the middle of town, with full service, not sitting on this boat. There was four in our group in two cabins which cost over $2,000, we don't think this was money well spent and unless the situation changes would not recommend this cruise to anyone.
written by on 22/09/2012
We have just returned from a fantastic Nile cruise on the Royal Viking, it turned out to be one of our best holidays. From the moment we arrived at the airport to our final departure every little detail was well organised. The boat itself was superb, lovely and clean inside, the decorations were very tasteful and in keeping with the rest of the boat. The restaurant was excellent, the food was varied, of great quality, and there was plenty of it. Hygiene was very good with compulsory hand washing before going into the restaurant and bar. The cabin was a good size, with a nice bathroom, the Juliette window was very nice but we did not use it much as we spent most of the time on the pool deck, the towel art made us laugh returning to the room every afternoon and evening to see different creations, crocodiles wearing sunglasses, elephant, swans and an Egyptian man with bottle top eyes. The top deck was lovely with a good sized splash pool and plenty of chairs and sun loungers. All the staff on-board were courteous and friendly, the boat tour was a great way to see how much effort everyone puts into making the holiday memorable and the Boat Manager was always available and often chatting to the guests. The tours were spectacular and our guide Yasser was excellent and full of enthusiasm for his subject, his explanations using audience participation were the highlight, bringing to life the fact that you were standing amongst 4,000 year old Temples reliving the history. He looks after you really well, even explaining the art of haggling and the prices you should pay, the traders are a bit of a pain but you have to remember if they don’t sell they don’t eat, so that puts into perspective why they are begging you to buy things. The trip to the perfumery and papyrus shops were also very good. The entertainment on-board was a great laugh, once again audience participation the order of the day with the guides organising the very funny Galabaya Party and Treasure Hunt. All in all a great holiday and one we would highly recommend to everyone.
written by on 09/08/2012
Just back from 7 nights on the Royal Viking boat. All crew outstanding for service and friendliness, food excellent boat lovely and clean throughout, cabins fabulas. example every time you went into the restaurant for food you had to sanitize your hand, and if you went in by mistake without cleaning your hand the restaurant manager would call you back. That's the kind of stand this boat had. However some issues not the control of the boat. The holiday was fabulous but you don't spend enough time cruising 4 days the boat is moored up while you visit the sites ,which means your cabin is dark because other boats are moored alongside NO VIEW YOU HAVE TO KEEP YOUR CURTAINSED CLOSED
written by Wenda on 11/05/2012
I have just returned from a Nile cruise on the MS Royal Viking. This was a return visit as I enjoyed it so much last year. Chances are if I can save enough money, i'll be returning next year as well... It is exactly what i needed as a hloiday. I am not a lay on the beach type person, and this holiday gives you just the right mix of culture and relaxation. I went with a friend who normally takes foreign walking holidays, and was at first sceptical about whether she would enjoy the 'down time', but because there is so much to see just sitting in the sunshine from the top deck, she is now a convert. I don't know of any illness on the ship from either this year or the last - except for the man who had ice in his drink whilst at the Valley of the Kings in 2011. Sadly the large cafe there is now closed - the government have put the rent up, and no egyptian can afford to run it with tourism the way it is at the moment. The ship and her staff are fabulous, they really can't do enough for you. The only thing that I would ask for is proper coffee... nescafe just doesn't do it for me. Cafe prices are getting on to about double what they were in 2011, this is probably a reflection on tourism rates, which are running at about a fifth of pre revolution numbers. The trips are really good, and being accompanied by experienced guides is a real bonus. I thought that as we had already been, we would have heard all of the information, but different guides seem to focus on different things - therefore in about ten years, i'll be an expert! One of the real highlights of our holiday though was outside of the tour. A group of us walked down to the Winter Palace Hotel in Luxor, we were made to feel so very welcome, and had cocktails in the bar. The service and ambiance is of a bygone era, so fabulous that we returned on our last evening, and had drinks in the garden - so very beautiful. Please be aware though that there are some shop keepers that try to rip you off. I needed some after sun and tablets from the pharmacy at Karnak Temple, and the pharmacist tried to charge me 370LE. I ended up paying only 69LE for the tablets that I was desperate for. Later, accompanied by a sailor in Luxor, I visited another pharmacy, and got the same tablets for 11LE. The price on the box printed in LE under the expiry date had been blacked out by the pharmacist at Karnak Temple. Otherwise everything was wonderful, I will have no hesitation booking again. Thank you Royal Viking staff for making my holiday perfect - again.
written by on 16/04/2012
Watch out for the bloke who puts your luggage on coach on arrival - he is not the coach driver - trying to make a fast buck. Food terribly average - not five star at all - but they try hard and make the most of turning over food not used to the fullest for the next day. My husband didnt fare well here and actually had a cheese roll for his anniversary - however most people would manage with most of the food. Bear in mind that there is a bit of a food shortage for the majority of Egyptians. Cabin fine although each night you are moored up against another boat so keep your curtains closed. Generator close by kept husband awake most nights - so may be go for a cabin that is higher up and not on main deck. He is a light sleeper. Our guide, Sherry, was incredible - knew so much and very passionate. Out of 600 ships only 30 operating so Egyptians clearly seeking tourists - can be in your face - but then only 30 per cent employment. Life could get even tougher for the Egyptians after the up coming elections.
written by jabbathehutte on 22/03/2012
Great holiday, but biggest complaint was the quality and choice of food on the boat. Fish fingers as a main course for dinner is not acceptable on a 5 star+ boat. Excursions were superb, Abu Simbel worth every penny of the £85 fee. Egyptologist, Amira, extremely knowledgeable. Quality of cabins is good, with a different 'animal' made of towels every night. vendors VERY aggressive in all locations, but good deals to be had if you can weather the storm! 3 days in Cairo followed the cruise, local guide Mohammed was incredible. Hotel Le Meridien Pyramids is a joy. Upgraded to a pyramid view room for a small fee was well worth it. magnificent view. organisation by Discover Egypt was perect, all transfers completed with no problems. Would recommend them to all, but would personally not return to Egypt as the 'WOW' factor could never be repeated.
written by Nirs3 on 28/02/2012
We were upgraded to the Royal Viking from the Viking Princess We were a party of 6 and everything was done to accommodate us. The service and food was excellent. Although the entertainment was a bit hit and miss it really depended on whether you were prepared to take part. The galabeya party was great fun with about 75% taking part. The whirling dervish was fantastic although I have seen better belly dancers. All the trips were well organised. There were some early starts but this was so we could return to the ship for lunch. Hussein our egyptologist was fantastic and free with his views about the "Revolution". We took the optional trip to Abu Simbel which was well worth the £85. We were accommodated at the rear of the ship which meant we were subject to some engine or generator noise in the evenings. The hassle from the traders was far worse than on previous trips to Egypt - they were very very persistant!!! We were warned not to go off the ship on our own as there had benn a couple of incidents where people had been pickpocked or mugged. This was disappointing as previously we walked everywhere in Luxor without any sign of trouble. Weather was a little misty and windy but it did not stop us sunbathing on deck. Although we had been to Luxor before we really enjoyed seeing the othe Nile temples. WEe went with Discovery egypt and there organisation was first class - very impressed!!
written by on 23/03/2011
Booked a Nile Cruise with Discover Egypt but through the travel agency EXTRA MILE and saved over £100 pp. on the 2 week holiday. First week on the 5 Star deluxe boat the Royal Viking and a second week in the Nile Palace Hotel. However with the problems over in Egypt the holiday was cancelled. Through out the whole booking procedure and then the uncertainty regarding the possible cancellation of our holiday, Martin at Extra Mile was fantastic, keeping in touch on an almost daily basis. When Discover Egypt had to cancel the holiday because the foreign office felt it was not safe to travel the full refund from Extra Mile was sorted in a matter of a few weeks. Cannot praise Martin and his company for the service he gave us and we will definatly be using them again.
written by on 19/12/2010
we had never been on a cruise before and as fit and active peple were uneasy.No need to be. On this cruise you are active most of the time - up at unearthly times for the trips, tramping over uneven surfaces but all so worthwhile as the tombs and temples will not disappoint.
Royal Viking is a lovely boat. We paid for top deck - def worthwhile. Cabins smart and clean with sitting area. Disappointing that you sometimes moor in the middle of a line of boats so you can't open your curtains but this is true for all boats on Nile.
Food was rather bland, over cooked veg, a bit like school dinners to me. I expected better for 5 star. No filter coffee only Nescafe sachets.
Staff are wonderful. Kind, helpful and funny. The towels on the beds are brilliant - elephant with my sunhat, crocodile in sunglasses etc
In spiteof my feelings about the food it was a wonderful trip which I would repeat happily.
In fact there was 1 elderly man on our cruise who was on his 23rd trip on the Nile!! Need I say more?
written by on 09/12/2010
We have just returned from a Nile cruise on the Royal Viking. Like previous reviewers I was not sure that I would like a cruise but it turned out to be one of our best holidays. I can only re-iterate the opinions of other passengers - the food was very varied, of excellent quality, and there was plenty of it. We didn't have stomach upsets and I didn't hear of any other passengers being ill. Hygiene on the boat was very good with compulsory handwashing before going into the restaurant and bar, and particularly when returning back to the boat after sightseeing. The staff were courteous and friendly, our guide Hussein was excellent and full of enthusiasm for his subject. The towel artists made us laugh every night when we returned to the room to see a crocodile wearing sunglasses, a monkey hanging from a coathanger, and more ... For us, it was a great holiday and we shall go back on The Royal Viking.
written by on 09/12/2010
Beautiful ship,wonderful staff, meals were excellent, extremely high standards of hygeine that truly surpassed expectations. Staff were friendly, helpful and diligent in their duties. Excursions were fabulous. The guides (Egyptologists)were exceptional.
Cabins were spotlessly clean and attended to with towel changes twice a day.
Special thanks to our guide Ahmed and a very special thank you to Kairy the towel 'artist'- his creations were the best I've ever seen.
Thank you to all management, staff and crew of/on Royal Viking - it was a pleasure to cruise the Nile on your ship.
written by on 28/11/2010
We have just returned from a cruise down the Nile. All four of us in the party were unwell with tummy problems during the trip - as were lots of other passengers. The cruise was not as per the itinerary we were given from Discover Egypt. This meant we repeated things on the return leg from Aswan to Luxor. Stopping for a second time in Edfu, Kom Ombo and having another Galabaya party. The food,whilst nice, was the more or less the same for lunch and dinner and this was repeated 7 times. The rooms are comfortable & the cabin boy's towel arrangments are superb. This is not a 5 star cruise.
written by on 11/11/2010
Although the staff were friendly and the boat in good condition both my boyfriend and I were very poorly during and following the cruise. Many other people on the boat also reported upset tummys and several were forced to miss trips due to D&V. Since returning home I have been told that this is most likely Dysentery. Not really what you expect from an expensive 5* cruise.
The guide on the cruise boat was very knowledgeable but quite rude and surly on occasions. Another guest also reported that her took gifts meant for the children in a poor village for his own children.
However, despite these difficulties the other staff on the boat could not do enough to help and were very friendly. The sights were amazing. Reading through other reviews / forums it does not seem that this is unusual for Egypt holidays but I am surprised and a little disappointed given the amount that we paid.
written by on 04/11/2010
Have just returned from cruise on the Nile on Royal Viking booked with Discover Egypt - what a fantastic week. Our Guide Kalid was brilliant and extremely knowlegeable. Nothing was too much trouble for the staff. The 'towel animals' each night were best I have seen. Trips were fantastic, even though some very early mornings, it didn't matter. Abu- Simbel is a must along with the balloon flight. The extra trips available were reasonably priced which was a bonus. I travelled with my husband and friends, all very pleased with the cruise and would thoroughly recommend this to our friends and anyone else thinking of doing this trip.
written by on 18/10/2010
Fantastic and to be recommended. The Royal Viking ship is very clean (hand wash gels in all rooms and by entrance to dining room). Fluffy towels changed twice a day. Good choice of food although vegetables a little over-cooked. The Discover Egypt tour guides are excellent; very knowledgable. Evening entertainment might be a little limited for some but personally we went to see the historic sites so it was unimportant. Nobody was ill and we didn't see one mosquito - bliss! We will be definitely be holidaying on the Royal Viking again in the future.
Tips: take lots of small change for tips(e.g. lots of 10 Egyption pound notes).
Pay the extra for the Abu Simbel trip as spectacular and well worth the early start. We didn't do the "ballooning" but other guests said this was excellent too.
If possible get a cabin towads the front of the boat as there is a lot of noise from the engines towards the rear.
The street vendors can be a problem so just blank them and do not get into a dialogue as this will encourage them.
If you travel on to Cairo/Giza, don't go into the pyramids if you are claustraphobic as it will bring on a panic attack.
written by juliejones21 on 17/09/2010
We were supposed to be travelling on the Viking Princess but on arrival were told we had been upgraded to the Royal Viking. What a lovely cruise boat, the cabins were fantastic, the staff were amazing as was the food. The pool on deck was really welcome after being out on tours in the morning, and the top deck facilities were really great. You could sit and chill on large sofa's and watch the world go by. The tour is quite hectic but you do have the afternoons to relax. The only downside is the markets you have to walk through after each temple visit, the sellers can be very annoying, in the end you have to be rude to get rid of them. All in all a fantastic cruise.
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