Orbital Travel, MS Stephanie Review

We've Just returned from our first trip to Egypt sailing on the MS Stephanie. We both had a fantastic week, Peter and his team looked after everybody on board excellently. We travelled on the all inclusive package and I would recommend this to anybody as it includes all your drinks (alcoholic and soft from 11.30am - 23.30). Remember to get you bottled water for the next day the night before. Please bear in mind that although the MS Stephanie has been classed as a 5 star ship it is not 5 stars. I would say a 3 star hotel due to the cabins decoration. However, the cabin was cleaned every day and fresh towels twice a day. The buffet food on board was in plentiful supply with a large variety, however I'm sad to say that it was on the whole quite bland. The itinerary is very well planned and organised (our tour guide was Walid and he was excellent!) I have to say the biggest treat of the week was our visit to the temple of Karnak. With regards to the optional trips I thought Abu Simbil was a bit expensive at £65 (the entrance fee is LE80 £10 if that) and you spend 5 hours on the coach (2.5 hours each way and 2 hours at the temple which is ample), you are also not allowed to take photo's inside the temple. Likewise no photography is permitted in the Valley of the Kings and Queens, if the security guards see you with a camera they will take it off you. With regards to shopping you will get hassled to buy all sorts of merchandise from the markets, just keep your head down low, don't make eye contact and keep saying 'no thank you' If you are tempted to purchase anything remember to haggle. Our guide Walid gave an excellent talk about the art of shopping and haggling. For this trip we took 1000 Egyptian pounds and the rest in Sterling cash (you will need to pay for any optional excursions, the tip and your visa in cash sterling). The tip works out at £28 per person for the week and this is entirely justified. On the whole I found all the people I met were really friendly and made the week a really enjoyable experience. I would recommend this trip to anyone, although on your trips remember your alcohol hand gel, always have a bottle of water with you and wear a sun hat and try and keep to the shade between 11.00 - 14.00 to minimise sun stroke and don't forget to wear sun screen, sensible shoes are also a must as some of the flooring in the temples is very uneven. Hope this helps.