2023 . Aug . 21

Egypt Nile River and Cruises

The Nile is the essence of life in Egypt; it is where the civilization began, evolved, and will ever last. The Nile River is not only a cradle of civilization, but it was a major way of transportation by sailing on it. The Nile River connects Egypt from the North to the South; it is like a shining artery if you look at it from the top. Cruising the Nile River is a great way to travel across Egypt, but it wasn’t a speedy option till the End of the 70th.

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The Evolution of Nile Cruising

By the End of the 70th and the beginning of the 80th, Egypt started importing small ships from abroad, and by the End of the 80th, they started building their own ships according to the International Regulations for the cruises.

Nile River Cruising is A Turning Point in Tourism

In 1870 a new technology called Speedy streams was introduced that speeded up the journey by more than half the time. Before that time, the sailing from Cairo to Luxor took around 50 days plus the days you take between Luxor and Aswan with the visits. After the speedy streams, it took only 20 days to sail from Cairo to Aswan, and just a week to cruise between Luxor and Aswan. What a difference!
The new technology wasn’t only a turning point to sailing in Egypt, but it also affected tourism from abroad. In the 20th century, Egypt became a primary tourism destination for the Westerners, especially during the winter, so the Nile cruises became the key bone behind Egyptian tourism.

What is the Nile Cruise?

Now you know the story of sailing in the Nile, time to understand what is the Nile cruise exactly?
The Nile Cruise is like a floating hotel with a reception, lounge, restaurant, swimming pool on deck, and of course, it has cabins for sleeping. The cabin sizes vary from 20 to 30 meters square, which is a moderate size for a room. There are different categories of Nile cruises, from 5 stars to 3 stars, so you have various options.

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Where does the Nile Cruise go?

Since the Nile River crosses Egypt from North to South, then you can cruise from Cairo to Aswan, but that sort of has conditions; the River level needs to be high in order for that to happen. The most common Nile cruise is from Luxor to Aswan, so you can fly or take the train to Luxor and start your journey on the Cruise from there.

Types of Nile Cruises

There are two main kinds of Nile cruises: Cairo to Aswan and the other is cruising Lake Nasser, which takes you from Aswan to Abu Simbel.

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Dahabiya Cruise

The New trend in Nile cruises is actually old-fashioned, which is the Dahabiya. It is a luxury sailing boat with no engines, it sails with the wind, and if there happens to be no wind, then no problem, a motorboat will come and push it instead. Dahabiya is a private sailing boat, it has a maximum of 10 to 12 cabins, and each cabin takes from 3 to 5 people. The Dahabiya is a fancy way of sailing on the Nile; it is such a uniquely peaceful experience.

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Nile Cruises

The Nile cruises are an essential part of most Egypt tours since it is a lovely way to discover the historical city of Luxor that is considered an open-air museum from the amount of monuments it beholds, and the magical Aswan, the city that will clear your mind and soul. The Nile Cruise also makes two stops between Luxor and Aswan, at Kom Ombo and Edfu, to see two magnificent temples.

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The Nile River: Egypt's Lifeline

The Nile River is the longest in Africa, spanning approximately 4,135 miles (6,650 kilometers). It holds great historical and cultural significance for Egypt. The river flows through eleven countries, but Egypt is often associated with the Nile due to its rich history and reliance on the river for agriculture and transportation.


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Exploring Luxor: The Open-Air Museum

Luxor, often referred to as the "world's greatest open-air museum," is a city located on the east bank of the Nile River. It boasts a wealth of ancient Egyptian temples, tombs, and historical sites. Highlights of Luxor include the sprawling Karnak Temple Complex, the Valley of the Kings, where pharaohs were buried, the impressive Temple of Hatshepsut, and the magnificent Luxor Temple.


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Enchanting Aswan: Gateway to the South

Aswan is a captivating city situated on the southernmost part of the Nile River. It offers stunning natural scenery, beautiful islands, and great archaeological sites. One of its prominent landmarks is the Aswan High Dam, a modern engineering marvel. Other attractions include the Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and the Unfinished Obelisk, a massive abandoned obelisk that provides insights into ancient stone-cutting techniques.


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Nile River Cruises: Sailing through History

Embarking on a Nile River cruise is enchanting to experience Egypt's historical wonders and scenic beauty. These cruises typically operate between Luxor and Aswan, allowing travelers to explore iconic sites along the river. On board luxurious riverboats or cruise ships, passengers can enjoy comfortable accommodations, delicious cuisine, and various amenities.


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Highlights and Shore Excursions

Nile River cruises often include guided tours and shore excursions to significant sites. These may include visits to ancient temples such as Edfu and Kom Ombo, known for their well-preserved architecture and intricate reliefs. Passengers can delve into the mysteries of Egypt's past, accompanied by knowledgeable guides who provide insights into each site's historical and cultural significance.


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Captivating Sunsets & Sunrises

One of the most fascinating aspects of a Nile River cruise is witnessing the breathtaking sunsets and sunrises over the river. As the golden hues paint the sky, passengers can soak in the tranquil beauty while cruising along the Nile. These mesmerizing moments create unforgettable memories and add an extra touch of magic to the overall cruise experience.


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