MS Crown Prince Cruise Ship

just returned from cruise which was very good value for money .The staff on board could not do enough for you.sitting on the sun deck drinks coming as and when you want.The only parts which i didnt like was when we where docked in either Luxor or Aswan we had to go through other boats that were being refurbed and wires and building materials and in some instances no lighting. Also it was a shame that you had to have your curtains closed as a lot of the time another boat was parked next to you and the only thing you could see was some one elses cabin curtains . However when you where cruising it was faultless. Apart from the rep who was giving us false information of times. etc and always was of a scruffy appearance.Seemed more interested in the other boat rather than us on the Crown Prince.

This cruise was extremely pleasant. The entire staff on this boat was more than friendly and helpful. Cabin cleanliness also is 5* . I will not ever bother trying out another cruise boat, now that I have experienced the Crown Prince.

Just back from our nile cruise - aboard the crown prince. Funtastic time had by those willing to join.We had a really good friendly bunch aboard the CROWN PRINCE.

The egyptologist were as promised very knowledgeable and kept us interested.Onsi our guide named our group as the bestest grouppa. (wonder if there are any more groups with the same name!).I did get templed out come the end BUT the weather, food and company really kept me going.All the staff so friendly, perhaps a little too helpful at times, there were occassions when you needed time to reflect on the day over a quiet drink and not have a smiley person chatting.

Just want to mention Sarah, Barry, Chris ,Cerrie, to name just a few,nice to have met you.

We were busy every day with a little time for the deck. This was because we put in to do everything we ever wanted to do.Hot air balloon and the camel ride, Abu Symbu,. needed a hol to get over the 7 night cruise.Not sorry to not being hastled now back in Blighty, However I was getting good at bargaining come the last day.

Anyone thinking about doing a nile cruise ask for a high deck but if you are on floor 4 be prepared to hear the chairs being dragged across the deck late at night and at 0530 when they are cleaning the deck. Cant complain it was a clean area. Drinks very expensive so get some in !!! Cabin ok clean and towels change twice a day. Towels for deck clean.

Meals ok.Table company- very pleasant couples

Have completed Egypt for now , but always a lot more to learn and experience.I may even get my hubby to go with me next time. LOL PMF

Overall holiday was best ever! Couldn't stay more than a week as you would have to spend a fortune at the gym after you got back. Guide was brilliant. He was so passionate about the history of his country that he sometimes lost us along the way, but nobody could accuse him of not keeping us informed! Would go back to same ship tomorrow and do it all over again.

Have been on this boat 4 times and currently booked again for January 09.

The staff are very attentive and are always happy.

The space onboard is fine even with a full booking, you're never cramped.

The food is plentiful and delicious and certainly a lot of choice.

We are going back in November 2008 for our third consecutive trip. I would recommend this boat to anyone. Entertainment, food and value for money all 10 out of 10.

Spirits on board were expensive (£7.50 per tot for whisky) but didn't bother us as we don't drink. Bottled Water is easily available on board and also from the excursion coach drivers. Wish we had taken a pack of cards as evening entertainment was sparse but we met many lovely people to chat to. Sterling can't be changed on board but can readily be changed opposite the boat dock in Luxor. The boat will split large egyptian notes to smaller ones which you will need for tips off the boat. I booked with Portland.

We arrived at 6pm in august and it was 40 degrees celcius; the heat just hit you as you stepped off the plane. As we traveled to the MS Crown Prince Cruise Ship from the airport we saw very old shanty buildings I thought were to put live stock in, how wrong was I they lived in the buildings with no roofs, just some palm leaves, I suppose why have a roof if it never rains, our guide at 38 years has only seen rain twice in her life. Luxor exists I believe because of tourism so you will get hassled a LOT I mean a LOT here. It depends how you handle it. It also depends on what you want to do in Luxor. Each time we went ashore we were glad to get back onboard. Water was always the first item on your list, you need at least 2 litres day, The ship was great, air-conditioning throughout. The tombs were amazing, a once in a lifetime experience and entry entitles you to visit 3 of them. We saw Ramses II 1V and nine Tutankhamuns temple is an extra cost, an many people advised us that it was not worth it, so we did not visit. But it was amazing to think they were done so long ago, conditions must have been very very bad in those days. On our way back to Luxor we visited an alabaster factory and saw the craftsmen working with the material. I'm not a great buyer of souvenirs, but we bought a beautiful, ornament which we got home to England safely. Each time we arrived back onboard from a trip out we were greeted by the staff who gave us mint tea. The final part of my trip included Aswan and a visit to the unmissable Abu Simbel. Sailing down the Nile from Thebes was an incredible experience, you could see how the river was essentially the source of all life with a small patch of green farmland on either side which soon disappeared into sand and mountains. Aswan is in the south of Egypt and consequently has a more Nubian influence. The main things to visit here are the impressive Aswan Dam (if you like that kind of thing) and the Kom Ombo Temple, which is on an island.

The visit to Abu Simbel cost around £135 extra because you have to fly down to it we had to get up at 4.45 to travel. I would stress that this trip is well worth the money, I guarantee you have probably never seen anything like this incredible monument before in your life. It was built by Ramses II and had to be moved piece by piece when the Aswan Dam was constructed to save it from the rising water. The temples and ancient face of Ramses II and his queen, I must admit, it took my breath away. Try not to allow yourself to be intimidated into buying anything you don't want by avoiding eye contact and walking away. Also remember that the heat is intense so be prepared.

Sun lotion is a must if you miss a tiny square inch on your body, expect to be burnt late.

All in all Egypt is fantastic, the monuments are among the most impressive in the world, the people are friendly if you make an effort and you will feel as if you have really travelled after immersing yourself in this unique culture. Go with an open mind, it's no use feeling sorry for them as it will spoil your holiday, it's a way of life for them it's nothing your ever expected and never will again. Listen to your rep, ask lots of questions about tipping and how to avoid all the hassle, but most of all enjoy this unique experience and don't miss any trips to see what life was like 4.500 years ago.