We booked this holiday with Monarch, who I had no problems with. Remember the star ratings are lower than U.K.etc. The Lady Mary is good enough for a busy 7 days. If you are a constant moaner you will find things that are not to your taste, but if you just want to enjoy yourself it is a good break. The included trips alone are worth a lot of the initial cost, the food was very good, I am vegetarian and managed well enough. There is no need to tell you to go all inclusive, one or two tight people didn't and were sorry when on board, trying to cadge drinks in the day and night.
There are stairs to climb all the time no lifts, I have seen some people struggling and the restaurant is on the bottom of the five decks.
The bad points would be, evening entertainment is poor, so if you are travelling as a couple you really want to be friendly and speak to others on the boat as soon as possible, otherwise the evenings will be long.
Another warning, there is a video guy a nice man, he makes a video of your trip and sells two discs for £17. They are amateurish and in fact pathetic not worth £1.
The worst part of the holiday is that the Egyptians when you get off the boat are constantly in your face, they can get annoying trying to sell you everything and anything. but don't let this put you off, just use it as a warning and don't get involved.
Please remember, this is my honest and personal view and we are all not the same, I would recommend this holiday as good value for the money you pay, but if you struggle walking you may want to give a great experience a miss. Mel.

Just returned from a week's cruising onboard the Lady Mary and overall I would say it was an average to good experience. Considering that the cruise ship is only 4 years old I thought that it looked quite tired. Carpets had stains on them (both in the cabins and public areas), the paintwork in the bar was chipped. The cabins were a good size but also tired looking. I would agree with the other reviewer and say that this is not a 5* by English standards, definitely more like a 3*.
Very exhausting trip but great way to see the sites. Do try to do the optional extra to Abu Simbel (early start 02.30hrs) and the balloon ride, although wear warm clothing for this and shoes that can be cleaned easily as you may land in muddy fields!
Be prepared to be very hassled when off the boat by sellers wanting you to buy their wares. Just either try to ignore them and walk on or keep saying 'no thank you'.
Would I go back to the MS Lady Mary - no. Would I say to others to avoid it - no, but don't expect 5* luxury and you will be ok.

The MS Lady Mary Cruise Ship is advertised as a 5* ship was really to English standards this ship would really only be a 3+*. However we did enjoy our cruise down the Nile visiting many ancient Egyptian temples which was the whole point of our holiday. The Egyptologist, was brilliant and made the information fun to learn. Our cruise was from 22nd Sept to 29th Sept 08 inc.