Life on boardThe boats that we use have spacious communalareas, including an upper deck where you cantake full advantage of the Nile scenery.Comfortable seating or sunbeds adorn thedecks. Some boats have a small plunge pool,providing the perfect opportunity to cool off.There is a bar or lounge, usually open in theevening and providing the perfect place to relaxon comfortable sofas and enjoy a cocktail before dinner. The restaurants on board offerbuffet-style or à la carte meals, with all cruisesoperating on a full board basis. All of the boatswe offer have double or twin bed en suitecabins with panoramic windows. All the roomsare air-conditioned and may have additionalbenefits, such as a fridge, TV or balcony. Thenumber of cabins depends on the boat that you choose and suites are available for extraspace. Excursions are usually done in themornings and afternoons, in groups of around15 people, with a qualified guide.Choosing a boatThere is a huge range of choice when it comes to picking a Nile cruise, from the smalldahabiyyas (traditional boats with just eightcabins each) offering long, unusual itineraries, to the grand luxury of the large cruise boatswhich provide suites for all their passengers.Boats with character are available, including arefurbished steamship, once in the possession of the Egyptian royal family, while other cruiseshave all sorts of facilities for a very comfortablestay, such as plunge pools, spa treatments andsmall gyms.Cruising the Nile has long been seen as themost romantic way to visit the monuments ofAncient Egypt. Most Nile cruises today ply thewaters between Luxor and Aswan, visiting themajor sites at both towns and along the courseof the river. The boats are essentially floatinghotels and sightseeing is done in organisedgroups. There are a huge number of Nile cruiseships and given the relative scarcity of goodhotels in the region, a Nile cruise is, for manypeople, the best way to see Upper Egypt.RoutesCruises take between three and seven nights to complete their itinerary. In general, the stopsalong the way are the same no matter whichboat you choose and no matter which way youare travelling along the river. Visits will includeplaces such as the Aswan High Dam, PhilaeTemple, Edfu and Kom Ombo Temples, theValley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Some ofthe longer itineraries may include Dendera andAbydos and some dahabiyyas (traditional styleboats) stop at smaller sites and islands, where itis impossible for the large cruise boats to moor.Nile Cruises22Ruins on the banks of the NileView of Luxor from the NileBoat captain, Steam Ship Sudan

www.audleytravel.com/egypt ?01993 838 410 ?Egypt23M/S Sonesta Star GoddessSteam Ship SudanPresidential Nile cruise shipOberoi ZahraSanctuary M/S Nile AdventurerMövenpick M/S Royal LilyHadeel DahabiyyaSTEAMSHIPSUDANBuilt in 1885, for King Fouad, this steamship has had many eminent guests over the years.Agatha Christie was inspired to write Death onthe Nile after travelling on the boat and decadeslater, the Steam Ship Sudan provided the set formany of the film's scenes. With just 23 cabins,five of which are suites, there is a cosy, intimateair on board. The boat is propelled by a hybriddiesel/steam engine, resulting in a quieter andmore energy-efficient journey. The Steam ShipSudan offers three and four night itineraries.SANCTUARYM/S NILEADVENTURERWith only 32 cabins, the Sanctuary M/S NileAdventurer offers an extra sense of space whichreally contributes to the relaxing atmosphere onboard. The boat was completely renovated in2009, and has all the comforts you wouldexpect. The Nile Adventurer has private dockingareas in Luxor and Aswan, meaning that theboat is not moored alongside other vessels.Itineraries are of three or four night duration.PRESIDENTIALNILECRUISESThe Presidential Nile cruise ships are among the larger boats travelling between Luxor andAswan, often catering for slightly bigger groupsthan the smaller boats. Standards of comfortand service are good but not luxurious,however they are perfectly adequate and offergreat value. The cabins are comfortable andspacious, and all are air-conditioned with a goodsized window. Each boat has a sizeable sun deckwith a small pool area. You can do three, four,six or seven night trips on the Presidential boats.MÖVENPICKM/S ROYALLILYANDROYALLOTUSThe Lily and Lotus were launched towards theend of 2007. There are 56 cabins and foursuites, all with air-conditioning, TV and en suitebathrooms. The salon decks with panoramicwindows are equipped with a lounge and bar,while the sun decks each have a swimming pooland heated whirlpool, as well as a canopied areafor shelter. The Mövenpick boats offer trips ofthree and four night duration.OBEROIZAHRAThe Oberoi Zahra sets the standards in luxuryfor those cruising the Nile. The 25 suites aretastefully appointed, their large windows offeringpanoramic views of the Nile. The restaurantoffers a daily changing menu, while the spaopens regularly to leave its visitors pamperedand relaxed. The seven night itineraryincorporates visits to all the major sites.HADEELDAHABIYYAThe Hadeel is a Nile dahabiyya boat with onlyeight cabins, offering a combination of traditionalstyle and modern luxury. The public areas evokea colonial atmosphere with dark wood panellingand lavish furniture. Itineraries include additionalvisits not offered on other Nile programmes.The Hadeel can also moor on islands in the Nile for refreshments and relaxation, meaning it can offer a range of enjoyable extras to atypical Nile cruise. The seven night itinerariesare extremely relaxing.Om Kolthoum DahabiyyaM/S TiyiOMKOLTHOUMDAHABIYYANamed after a famous Egyptian singer, the OmKolthoum Dahabiyya offers eight comfortable,well-equipped cabins. There is a sun deck with a small Jacuzzi for relaxation and contemporarydecor throughout. This is a good choice forthose who prefer a more modern cruise.Itineraries are a relaxed seven nights.M/S TUYAANDTIYIThe M/S Tuya and Tiyi offer a great value wayto see the Nile. There are 60 cabins on board,each of a decent size, and well equipped with all necessary amenities. There is a pool andJacuzzi on the sun deck, perfect for relaxing in-between sightseeing. The Tuya and Tiyi eachoffer three and four night itineraries.M/S SONESTAMOONANDSTARGODDESSThe Moon and Star Goddess boats both offerexcellent facilities and standards of service. The Star Goddess is a smaller, more modernboat with just 33 cabins, while the MoonGoddess offers a more traditional style, with 39 cabins. Cabins on both are large and verycomfortable, boasting a private balcony andlarge bathroom. Itineraries are of three or fournight duration.