Orbital Travel, MS Stephanie

We had our cruise from the 26/9/12 - 3/10/12 and were originally booked on the Monica but informed a week before departure that we where being transferred to the Stephanie. From the time we arrived in Luxor we were met by the staff and quickly and efficiently booked in and transferred to our cruise ship. Although the ship was a bit tired looking it was spotlessly clean and the room cleaners were very inventive with what they could do with the towels, amazing, the animals and art work created, their talents are wasted.

The staff were unbelievably friendly and helpful, they could not do enough to make our holiday perfect.

What can I say about our guide Romany, he was beyond fantastic, his knowledge and enthusiasm made the history of Egypt come alive, he made it fun by re-enacting history with us guests as the actors, He must be such an asset to you as a company and very popular with his group.

The food was superb and varied, the chefs went over and above as there was several birthday's and the birthday cakes and music to mark their occasion must of been very special to them and us.

Peter Barnett our tour manager was always on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly, he had his finger on the pulse all of the time, he was approachable and very informative.

We would recommend this trip, you certainly never feel threatened by the recent troubles in Egypt. The Country is full of History and the people are extremely friendly and welcoming.

We had booked the MS Monica but had to change to the Stephanie. From the moment we arrived at Luxor we were in the very capable hands of Orbital reps. A very swift transfer to our boat where we were greeted by our Egyptologist Waleed who turned out to be the most informative guide you could possibly wish for. His passion for all things Egypt both ancient and modern was highly infectious. It was impossible to not be charmed by his friendliness and gentle humour.

Most of the trips were fantastic even though some of them are very early starts, you'll be rewarded with a visual feast. The entire staff were faultless and nothing was too much trouble. We even looked forward to the "towel art" each evening.

Apart from the overpowering hassle of the street sellers, the locals were very friendly and welcoming and you soon learn the art of haggling.

If anybody thinks Egypt is too unstable to visit, think again. It's the perfect time to go, the tourist sites are empty so there's no queuing anywhere.

Go now, you wont regret it and if, like me, you'll be wanting to go to Egypt next year

Booked MS Monica but were informed the week before we went that we had been switched to MS Stephanie. We were a little worried as the reviews for this ship were not as good.

NO NEED TO WORRY!!!!!

From being met at Luxor airport everything was organised to perfection.

We were immediately made aware of everything we had to do to ensure our wellbeing and everything we would need on our tours.

This was our 5th visit to Egypt and Adel (our tour guide/holiday rep) was the best we'd ever had. So passionate and informative about his countries history ancient and modern. The included trips were excellent and the optional ones were varied and reasonably priced. Most tours were early to avoid the heat of the day, so don't expect too many sleep ins.

The food was excellent, a little repetitive, but it's not exactly a cruise liner! The all inclusive package is a steal and the local drinks are good quality. Even got packaged meals for those trips when you were off the boat for meal times.

All the public areas were very clean and maintained to a good standard and the reception area is very grand. Yes the cabins are a little bit tired. But the beds are very comfy, the aircon works a treat and there is a hairdryer, TV and fridge. What more do you need!

The sunbeds are very comfy, lots of shade and the drinks service was fine.

The staff could not do enough for us, wake up calls and late breakfasts were arranged upon request. Towel art left on your beds every night. Waiters got to know what we drank so we didn't even have to ask.

The evening entertainment was limited to when we were docked, but their enthusiasm is infectious and you can't help but join in.

The onboard shops are cheap and they very helpful and honest!!!

A big thank you to Adel who called and treated us like his family.

The troubles in Egypt have all but gone and have not affected this area. Tourism is down by 80% and they are struggling. Don't be afraid folks, now is the time to go, it's quiet and relatively cheap and it's guaranteed sun.

My husband and I have just returned from a Nile cruise on board Ms Stephanie and it was fantastic. We were originally booked on the Ms Monica but was changed to Ms Stephanie. We were a bit unsettled by the reviews that had been written but when we arrived we were very happy, the boat is very very similar to the Ms Monica. Our cabin was very clean and our housekeeping boys were so kind making us figures with the towels in the evening and everything we asked for it was of no trouble to them The food was good and their was always something different on the menu with a good choice. We could not fault all the arrangements that were made and as for the guide we had he was absolutely fantastic. This holiday we could not fault I would highly recommend it.

Just returned from a weeks cruise on the Nile and a week at the Red Sea. Newly refurbished boat (could still smell the varnish!0. This boat and staff are highly recommended and we would do the cruise again tomorrow!!! Early starts for the visits to the the temples and late nights spent drinking on the deck. All inclusive stay was well the extra upgrade as no-one was on full board. Had a super week. The company was ace. Only about 50 people on the week we went (25th July 2012)and all English. Felt like a little family. Children,teenagers, middle aged and older! Everyone got along and the bar was drunk dry. All visits well worth it, even the optional trips.

Food was hot and plentiful and always a choice. The wine at lunch times was very nice. The service excellent. Rooms basic but had everything you needed. Towel art different every night. Galabeya night is a must. Much fun and fancy dress was brill as everyone joined in. Every night the guides and staff provided entertainment such as brought in shows, live music and Egyptian night.

You'll not be disappointed with this boat.

Did Ayman write those reviews I have just read,no they are genuine.My group had his colleague George for most of the site tours including Abel Simbel,he was equally qualified to explain things in a way that was easy to comprehend and brought the Temples to life.

Having come to Eygpt and done the same trip about 16 years ago I was very pleased to find things for the tourist are improved(especially the airport). Thanks to all the staff on board MS Stephanie and also at our second weeks location at the Stella Mikadi.

Maybe I won't wait 15 years before my next visit!!!!

An amazing and value for money experience. Cairo for 3 nights at the Meridien Pyramids was excellent,with a knowledgeable guide and a well planned itinerary. MS Stephanie cruise for 7 nights was an equally amazing experience made all the better by our guide Aymon who was able to make Egyptology both informative and entertaining. My return to the UK was affected by the protest problems, but local Orbital staff were on hand throughout to give help advice and information whilst other bigger company's reps vanished into thin air. The UK office were equally helpful, even though the situation was beyond their control. A brilliant company giving value and service and who will go the extra mile when needed.

We have just returned from a fantastic 7 nights Nile cruise on the MS Stephanie.The experience was amazing from the first day until the last.Our guide Ayman, made all the difference.Everything was really well organised.Despite the early starts, he made all the tours interesting and informative,and he has a great sense of humour.The food was good,as was the accomodation.The staff were very helpful and worked hard to ensure that everyone enjoyed their holiday,I cant wait to return.

We have just spent amazing 3 weeks in Egypt, topped off by a most delightful week travelling from Luxor to Aswan on the ms Stephanie There is nothing more to say - everything was perfect from the first to the last minute of our stay!

Many thanks to stephaniie's General Manager and his crew as well as to our fantastic guide ayman, who was capable of captivating us with his sound knowledge of ancient and modern Egypt. They made our last 7 days in Egypt unforgettable!

I have just come back from Egypt after 1 week on the MS Stephanie and then 3 day's in Cairo the cruise was fantastic the staff were brilliant the food was excellent this was my first time to Egypt and going on the Nile my mum and me couldn't have picked a nicer boat the tour guide ayman was great and very helpful was great at his job explaining about the history and taking us on the tours the Egyptian night was brilliant also I would recommend this cruise to any one who has never been on the Nile as I really enjoyed myself