written by Meg345 on 10/05/2013
My sister and I have just returned from a Nile cruise on the MS Monica. We had a fantastic holiday and one made memorable by the superb service we received throughout our trip. The ship was very clean, the food was excellent and the staff were exceptionally attentive and helpful. The boat manager was outstanding and provided information and assistance at every opportunity. His crew members from the waiters to the engineers were fantastic. We booked with Orbital travel and their tour guides were extremely knowledgable and spoke excellent English. They made our holiday one to remember. At no time did we feel unsafe or threatened even though the street vendors can be fairly harassing. The tour guides gave us information about what to watch for at every trip. It is time that Egypt as a tourist attraction is put back on the world map. We would not hesitate to recommend this trip
written by iwanknott on 07/04/2013
We have just returned from a cruise on the MS MONICA and it was absolutely wonderful. The staff were both courteous and friendly and went out of their way to make your stay an enjoyable and special one. Even the cleaning staff were incredible with their 'towel' sculptures. The tour guides were excellent - our tour guide George was unbelievably knowledgeable. This rates as one of our best holidays ever!! We took our 2 adult sons with us and they both had a great time. The Knott family.
written by on 30/03/2013
Guides did great job ,our guide was Adil who was very helpful and well informed . All the staff where wonderful , food was pretty good and entertainment great.Would love to do again
written by mortonan on 14/03/2013
A party of 4 of us have just returned from a 7 day cruise on the Monica and had a really good holiday. We were met at Luxor airport and cheerfully and quickly supplied with entry visas by Orbital's staff just at the entrance and then moved on to passport control. We collected our cases and were swiftly on the 20 minutes coach journey to the riverside.Once onboard we were allocted our cabins and ushered to the dining room on the lower deck for dinner.The meals are self service with a variety both hot and cold dishes. Our guide for the week was Romany who spoke excellent english, and who with great tact and a lovely sense of humour, melded our group together and held our interest throughout, with his vast knowledge of the wonderful sights we saw each and every day. Tours began early each morning and we were back onboard in time for lunch and a leisurely afternoon on the sundeck as we floated towards Aswan in the south.Afternoon tea was served around 4.30 and dinner was at 8.00pm. The lack of foreign visitors is a tragedy for the Egyptians who are so welcoming and friendly, but a bonus for us, with no crowds and whole temples and other sites virtually to ourselves. Yes there are hawkers but we found that by avoiding eye contact and walking on, we had absolutely no hassle. I cannot recommend Orbital Travel and our guide Romany highly enough. Every little detail is well planned and if there is any need for medical treatment, [name removed] the tour mansger,will organise things very swiftly and efficiently. Romany went out of his way to explain and answer any question in an understanding and patient manner.
written by on 16/04/2012
What more can we say except we would come back tomorrow if we could!
written by Clarewitco on 15/04/2012
Words alone can't really describe the week we had on the MS Monica. There were 7 of us, all family, and not too sure what was in store, we weren't disappointed. The boat looked a little dated when we saw it but is was beautiful inside and spotless. The cleaning staff never stopped and our rooms were very comfortable, always a surprise in store when we returned in the evenings to find a 'towel art' animal waiting for us on our bed! Nothing was too much trouble, the staff were attentive and remembered all our names, especially Meena, who looked after us at meal times. Our tour guide Sam made our trips out fun and exciting. His knowledge of ancient Egypt was awesome and his enthusiasm shone through when he was telling us the history of this wonderful country. For anyone who is uncertain about visiting because of recent events, please come, Egypt's economy and people are suffering terribly because of the fall in tourism. You do get pestered by the locals to buy their goods, but that is understandable given that they depend totally on tourism to survive. PLEASE COME AND TELL EVERYONE WHAT A FANTASTIC TIME YOU HAD :-)
written by hatshepsut on 01/04/2012
We stayed on the MS Monica from the 7th-14th of March 2012. We had never done this type of holiday before and were not sure what to expect. What a surprise - it was the best holiday ever!! The staff were out of this world. Nothing was too much trouble, they were very friendly and always had a smile on their faces even after a long day and a lot of hard work. We would especially like to thank Mena our waiter who worked so hard - we loved him. We had the best tour guides ever. Waleed and Sam. Sam was our guide during our excursions. He was amazing, his love of Egypt and it's history was exceptional. It never got boring and his sense of humor came across quite a few times. Sam made it special for us. The ship was a bit dated in some places but spotlessly clean as the staff never stopped cleaning. Our rooms were ok. Again a bit tired but cleaned to a very high standard every day. The towel arrangements were an added bonus and we could not wait to see what would appear next. The food was very good and varied, something for everyone - loved the birthday celebrations! Thanks also to Emad at reception who always had a smile on his face and took time to chat to us. Peter our Orbital rep had everything very well organized and all our transfers etc went like clock work. We really enjoyed all the entertainment on the ship and loved getting dressed up in our galabeyas. Never did we feel unsafe and anyone thinking about going should not hesitate as it is a life changing experience. For us though it was the staff that made this holiday so special :) and we will try our hardest to save up so we can return and see more of this beautiful country.
written by on 29/03/2012
My wife & I have just returned from a weeks cruise down the nile. On the M.S.Monica Cannot fault the whole experience. Very well organised right from the start at Gatwick airport. The boat was first class as was all the crew & staff members. always very helpful nothing was to much for them to do.Food was very good with a large choice to select from.Entertainment also was enjoyable In the evenings. Marco our tour guide was very knowledgeable & gave us an insight into ancient Egypt Again nothing was to much For him to do or explain.. Manager Peter was always at hand if required. We did not have any tummy trouble during the trip.Eat on board only And drunk bottle water.We would recommend this boat & trip to anybody thinking of going down the Nile. .
written by elpond on 03/02/2012
Review of our cruise on MS Monica- January 2012 To celebrate my 60th birthday my sweetheart, Harry secretly organised a Nile Cruise on the MS Monica from Luxor to Aswan and back again. He could not have chosen a more wonderful holiday. I knew very little about Egypt (past and present) beforehand, but now I know so much about this beautiful country and its warm, friendly people. I can’t wait to return. This was far from a slow resort holiday. Everyday was full of new experiences. But the smooth organisation of Orbital Travel and Peter Barnett, the tour manager, the professional hospitality and steady, silent , every present river achieved the perfect balance of rest and interest. Excursions were varied but all was beautifully explained and made accessible by Ayman our Egyptian Egyptologist and guide. He made sure we learnt about the present strengths and challenges of Egypt as well as it history and past triumphs and treasures. He kept us well entertained, combining the skills of teacher, performer and shepherd ! The Monica itself is a very beautiful boat and the crew looked after us perfectly and with great good humour. I would recommend this cruise to anyone……… Jo Engelkamp Aberystwyth
written by marilyn hayes on 31/03/2011
a wonderful experience - everyone should have one !
m.s. monica/orbital travel operates so professionally in egypt from the minute you land until you come home. Sam (prince of thebes) was our tour guide - what he didn't know about egypt wasn't worth knowing. he has a degree in this field and spoke passionately - he was the best ! Peter Barnett is the orbital rep.on board who was also very helpful and couldn't do enough to make your trip a most memorable one - well done !
Egypt is not a war zone the people are fantastic and are very welcoming - PLEASE GO !!!!!
you don't need to change any money before your cruise as all english pounds are excepted and if you do its a better rate over there.
written by janmasterson on 29/03/2011
Orbital Nile Cruise Luxor to Aswan.Everything we hoped for-The Egyptian people most welcoming, shouting "Thank you for coming". NO PROBLEMS ANYWHERE WE WENT. The Monica was just as in the photographs,our room was lovely and the balcony just made it perfect. Service with a smile at all times, Abraham our waiter was just wonderful, and our room was cleaned and serviced with clean towels to a high standard. Our Tour Guide, Mena, was the best we have ever encountered- so knowlegable, but explained in a way we could all take it in and have fun everywhere he took us- a very special gift. He didn't smoke either which is nice. Peter Barnett, the Tour Manager did an excellent job as everything ran as smooth as clockwork- never a hitch, and his team well organised too. The only critiscism was that the pool was too cold for most of us to dip into. Otherwise, the deck area was very good. In all, a most memorable and wonderful cruise in this most interesting country.Abu Simble and balloon ride are a MUST
written by on 18/02/2011
We have returned from a week on the MS Monica, we did three nights in Cairo first then flew to Luxor to pick up the boat Monica from the 1 st January 2011 to the 8 th january 2011. The boat is lovely, very clean and a great hallway and staircase! The cabins are small and it can feel quite closed in when you are moored as there are boats either side of you, however once sailing it's fantastic to open the full length windows and watch the Nile go by! The sundeck is great as well, the only day it was crowded was the day we were sailing back to Luxor so everyone wanted their last bit of sunshine
The staff is brilliant; they can't do enough for you. The waiters will serve you drinks on your sunlouners and make sure your glass is always topped up! The room boys do the most fantastic towel art we've ever seen, I won't spoil the surprise by telling you about some of them
The guides are really knowledgeable about all the sites you visit and they really make it interesting and bring it all to life...it's really unbelievable to think how long ago it was all built..and how
All in all a fantastic holiday, loved every minute and I would definitely recommend the M/S Monica
written by on 12/02/2011
My wife and I cruised on the MS Monica from the 16th December 2010 to the 23rd December 2010. We booked on the Internet with Classic tours
The whole experience of seeing and exploring the sights and sounds of the Nile is totally awesome and the Monica is one of the best boats on the river
The MS Monica appears typical of its type. The public areas are smart and clean. The foyer on the boat is really beautiful with sweeping marble staircases, brass rails and chandeliers. The dining room on the lower deck is practical with tables arranged around a central buffet. The bar area on the main deck is large and comfortable. On the top deck is the swimming pool and the outside seating area, with plenty of comfortable seats and sun beds.
The entertainment in the evening included the Galabia party. Everyone dresses up in Arab costumes for a special table service dinner and then the entertainment in the lounge/bar afterwards.
All in all I would certainly recommend the MS Monica
written by on 26/11/2010
We just returned from a 16-day trip to Egypt. We started our journey in Luxor, boarding the ms Monica Nile Cruiser for a 5 day trip from Luxor to Aswan. Two words -- simply remarkable.
The beauty and cleanliness of the ship was incredible, the service was so personal and genuine, the food was delicious and plentiful, and the excursions were very well organized and informative. Thank you to our fabulous guide who's passion about the Egyptian history and culture made it so delightful.
Every room has a balcony, something that most Nile ships do not have. Many times when we were relaxing in our room we would sit on the balcony and just say wow, we are sailing the Nile, a long time dream of mine.
The roof deck had a pool and plenty of chairs for sunbathing or lounging in the shade, whichever you prefer.
The food was incredible, usually mixing up Egyptian, Lebanese, Indian and We ate Egyptian, after all, we were in Egypt. The wait staff was extraordinarily friendly and courteous.
We had Egyptian night as well where we all bought galabiyas, and wore them for the party. I dressed up like Cleopatra. After the dinner, there was belly dancing music in the bar lounge. So much fun.
Would I go again? In a heartbeat. This was a fantastic way to start our trip in Egypt -- highly recommended. Thank you to the entire staff of the ms Monica
written by on 15/10/2010
Recently we returned from a 14 night holiday in Egypt, 7 nights of which were spent, cruising the Nile, on the ms monica . This was the third time we had been on a Nile cruise and it was the best We had the most wonderful time and I felt quite emotional on our last night
The service at meal times was superb and the food was excellent the service was so good.
We felt welcomed from the time we arrived and spent a lovely week with a friendly and wonderful crew the ms monica crew made the holiday very memorable
written by on 15/10/2010
We have just returned from a cruise on MS monica organized by orbital travel. She is a lovely boat with a marvelous crew. The cabins were comfortable and the food was very varied and very tasty, nice touches like warm wet towels when arriving back on board and a drink waiting. Bedding and towels always being changed. The balance between cruising and shore tours was perfect. The trips were exciting and the guide was very knowledgeable. Everything was excellent. We will definitely recommend this trip to everybody we know.
written by on 22/06/2010
What a fantastic holiday on the MS Stephanie.We have never experienced a holiday so well organised. Peter our tour manager and our guide Ayman were fantastic and couldn't have been more helpful. We enjoyed every minute of it, I can't imagine anybody complaining about anything and I certainly didn't hear any complaints. The rooms didn't feel like a cabin more like a hotel bedroom. The itinery was full and we saw the most interesting sights (did the hot air balloon - what an experience!) Buy fancy dress from the hawkers who throw the costumes up onto the top deck and when you've tried them on you can hagggle, great fun.
written by on 29/05/2010
What An excellent holiday , everything was well organized . the tours and guide were excellent Alaa excellent all staff very friendly they work very hard there was lovely peaceful atmosphere and staff always ready to help , we have enjoyed every minute of every day we cannot fault anything we will be back ,would recommend to friend and family.
written by maryomi on 14/05/2010
Wonderful holiday. Monica and staff fantastic!! Our lovely guide, Mina(Horus)brought the history of the temples and tombs alive for us. Met some really great people. Wish we could go back tomorrow. From the Temples of Devon.
written by on 03/05/2010
Magnificent Monica
MS Monica was great, better than I had hoped given all the reviews prior to our departure. I Booked 7days A/I Nile Cruse/2nts H/B Cairo/5nts.A/I Hughada.
On arrival at Luxor Airport an Red Sea Tours representative their All we had to do was get our suitcases and head for designated coach. Fabulous! I have been to Egypt before and all that can be a nightmare after a long flight.
First of all M/S Monica.... was awaiting for our arrival just a few miles from Luxor, a blessing because it is such a noisy place - cabin was booked for us and both were almost as big as any hotel room (not quite enough space to walk past between bottom of bed and wall cabinets) but hay it is as big as I had on an outside cabin on a big cruise liner! We had two giant single beds, lovely little balcony - just right for taking a rest some days and watching all of life on the Nile drift past. More than adequate on wardrobes space too and beautifully fitted bathroom. Clean towels twice a day - how many hotels do you know do that? Food was good although beef was very tough; but this is Egypt! Wine, Red in particular was very drinkable all staff could not have been more helpful and friendly. The tipping at the beginning was a great idea and it meant we were free to tip more if we wanted. Doing it earlier did not seem to diminish the food/service. We paid for Visas at this time too.
The tours were just so well organize and good. Early starts to avoid the heat, packed meals were applicable. They do it so well and the guides are just great. We had Hassan the most informative and kindest of men. I took 'Egypt's revenge' and he brought meal and pills to our cabin - he was determined that I wasn't going to miss anything if possible. But thank you everyone on MS MONICA for a wonderful and never to be forgotten cruise!!! Thanks to Red Sea Tours who organize our trip to Egypt we got what you wanted and more!!
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Aniove's Response to Meg345's Review
Written on: 14/05/2013
Going on this ship in September, so nice to see a positive review.