Domina Prestige Emilio Cruise

My second Nile cruise, the first on this boat. The boat was clean and well maintained although the carpet was worn in some high volume areas. The two guides were very knowldgeable and helpful. The scenary on it's own would make these trips but when you add in the sites it make a holiday to remember. The food was very good and there was a very reasonable variety. There are a few downsides to a Nile Cruise, but as long as you're prepared they shouldn't impact too mch. As always on Nile cruises ensure you take tablets to counter Pharaoh's Revenge and take them in advance. By the time you get the symptoms its too late to prevent the worst of them. In addition always use the antibacterial wipes/gels before eating. You will be chased by yhe locals every time you set foot off the boat. Be polite but firm unless you want constant pestering and they will leave you alone. Everyone in Egypt from the top down expects a tip. Just a fact of Egyptian life. Most of them earn very little.

We were "upgraded" to the Emilio but there was some discrepancy on arrival and they did not seem to have our booking. As a result, we were disappointed with the type of cabin we had (only high portholes so no view). Even so, the trip itself was brilliant and the crew were great and full of fun. We loved the attentive cabin boy and his amazing towel designs. Also loved chilling on the sun-deck, watching the Nile flow by and life on the banks. We were disappointed with the food. Having lived in the Middle East, we were looking forward to some tasty, exciting, local food. We found the menus very bland and unimaginative, although the fresh tomatoes and aubergines were lovely. We would suggest that water and tea-making facilities be made available. It was annoying to have to keep ordering. I liked that the service charge was included as it gave a break from constant tipping. I would definitely recommend this holiday to other people, as we had a wonderful time.

It would be easy to pick faults like the lack of snacks and afternoon tea on non sailing days, but for value for money this trip takes some beating. The guide was worth the money on his own. what a gem! The heat was appresive 45 degrees in the shade and much worse in the sun but the early starts missed the worse of it for the tours.

The Domina Prestige Emilio Cruise boat is new to all inclusive and it shows, some of the passengers are full board and so everyone has to sign for drinks and it gets sorted at the end of the holiday. This was a pain and meant that soft drinks and water weren't freely available as in previous all inclusive holidays we have been on.

Libra who organsied the trip were brilliant and for value for money this was the best holiday ever

The food was ok for week with a reasonable choice everyday.

Take some imodium you will need it! but it won't spoil your holiday.

Avoid the bingo the tickets are expensive and the prize is a small 'gold' trinket!

They have an organised tipping system which takes away the hassle but once off the boat it can't be avoided. Keep plenty of change to tip especially at toilets etc.

Be warned you will continuosly hassled to buy items whilst arriving and exiting tours but the sites are well protected.

Domina Prestige Emilio Cruise had a well fitted out boat and very clean. Food was excellent and the people with celebrations were made a big fuss of with a cake and the staff keeping the celebraton going.

The highlight of every evening was the discovery of the towel sculpture on your bed. These were innovative and fun and obviously took the staff member some considerable time.

Cruise began 27.4.09

With Domina Prestige Emilio Cruise we had a modern boat which is lovely and clean, Good food, and friendly staff. Top deck lovely to chill out on with a cool beer,and take in the beautiful views whilst sailing .

You tend to pass through many boats whilst getting on and off your own boat at the stops along the way, and in my opinion ours was always the nicest one .

a very good boat, was the second trip on the nile and would recommend the domina prestige cruise to friends and family and would travel again with them.

good clean boat, rooms very clean and cleaned everyday

good choice of food, staff very helpful and polite, nothing was too much trouble. However drinks quite expensive and it was easy to run up a large drinks bill. Tea and coffee charged as an extra, except at breakfast time and mid afternoon.

excursions well organised.

date of holiday 29th december 2008