At a glance
- Nile cruises are well suited to a wide range of travellers, including those going solo, first-timers and the over-50s crowd.
- Riviera Travel is best for travellers looking for a balance of adventure and luxury. Think days spent exploring historic sites and nights on a five-star ship.
- It offers several itineraries, including ones sailing all the way from Cairo to Luxor and Aswan (most other cruise lines sail more limited routes).
- Riviera Travel employs local tour managers with genuine insight and insider knowledge.
- The shore excursions take you through 5,000 years of history, including sacred temples and burial sites.
- Riviera Travel's Nile ships offer a luxurious onboard experience; a particular highlight is the high quality of the food.
As a key account manager at Riviera Travel, Chris collaborates closely with travel agents and partners, offering expert guidance on creating unforgettable journeys. In addition to his wealth of industry knowledge, he shares his real-life experiences to help others make informed decisions about their travels.
Here, Chris reveals why a Riviera Travel cruise of the Nile ranks high on his list of must-do adventures.
Who are Nile River cruises best suited to?
Nile River cruises are at the top of many people’s bucket lists. Some are seasoned cruisers – the type who have sailed all seven seas and rivers from the Douro to the Rhine – but that’s only part of the picture. The appeal stretches across a wide spectrum of travellers, from solo adventurers and the over-50s crowd to first-time cruisers and honeymooners.
It's not hard to understand why Egypt sparks wanderlust in such a broad range of people. From its mighty monuments, including the only Wonder of the Ancient World still standing, to enigmatic hieroglyphs, often called ‘the language of the gods’, there’s something about its 5,000 years of history that ignites the imagination.
For Chris, it’s been a place of profound fascination since he was a child. He says, “I remember studying Ancient Egypt at school, and it always stuck with me.”
He’s well aware that many others share this interest: “The appeal of Ancient Egypt is hard to resist for a lot of people. Cruising the Nile gives you the chance to explore the cradle of civilisation, where it all began. History buffs love it, as you’d expect, but it suits a broad range of interests and energy levels.”
Its widespread intrigue was something Chris experienced for himself when preparing for his own Nile cruise with Riviera Travel. He was struck by just how many people around him were equally excited about the idea.
“Even my parents were jealous that I was getting to sail the Nile,” he smiles.
Why cruise the Nile with Riviera Travel?
Chris says, “Riviera Travel’s Nile cruises are definitely one for curious travellers who want a mix of discovery and comfort. Let’s be honest, it’s very different from a holiday at a resort where you often feel like you could be anywhere in the world. And it’s also different from a traditional land tour of Egypt, where you’re constantly packing up and moving from one hotel to the next.”
He explains, “It’s an immersive travel experience, but you’re still enjoying the comfort of a five-star Riviera Travel ship, with a balance of exploring iconic landmarks and enjoying exceptional onboard service.”
What can you expect from Riviera’s Nile cruise itineraries?
Riviera Travel offers several unique itineraries. Unlike most cruise lines, it sails all the way from Cairo to Luxor, or even further to Aswan. These routes mean you can take guided tours of lesser-known sites, such as the ancient city of Amarna, established by Pharaoh Akhenaten and Queen Nefertiti.
Alternatively, you can fly into Cairo, explore the city and then take a short flight to Luxor, setting sail from there. Regardless of your choice, you’ll have the chance to visit the Pyramids of Giza, located near Cairo. This is not something all cruise lines offer, as some focus solely on the stretch of river between Luxor and Aswan.
What are Riviera’s shore experiences like on a Nile cruise?
Chris grins, “Every single shore excursion we went on was carefully thought out, and seamlessly woven together into an experience that was incredible from start to finish.”
Crucially, he never felt as if their group was just ticking off the typical tourist checklist. He explains, “It wasn’t like our guides were thinking, ‘We’re just going to take you to see X, Y and Z.’ In our case, some of my fellow travellers had read about a specific site they wanted to see, which wasn’t in the original plan. Our tour manager was like, ‘Yes, absolutely, let’s find a way to squeeze it in.’”
Highlights for Chris included the Valley of the Kings – the burial ground for pharaohs from Egypt’s 18th, 19th and 20th dynasties, including the tomb of Tutankhamun discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 – and the Karnak Temple complex, known for its gigantic columns and the Avenue of Sphinxes.
That said, the most memorable experience was one that was worth waking up at the crack of dawn for. Chris says, “We woke up at 6 am in Luxor and took a hot air balloon ride. It was amazing to get up and see the city from the air as the sun rose above it.”
What’s the onboard experience like on a Riviera Travel Nile ship?
Chris sailed on the freshly refurbished MS Mövenpick Darakum, one of only two five-star vessels cruising the Nile from Cairo all the way to Aswan.
In terms of what it offers, he says, “People who regularly cruise with Riviera Travel know exactly what to expect from our river ships, and the Nile vessels are no exception. From the attentive service provided by the staff to details like showers with high water pressure, everything is about quality.”
Onboard, you can expect thoughtful touches in every cabin and suite: individual climate control, Egyptian sheets, branded toiletries and a turn-down service means you feel pampered after a busy day of exploring. The ship also has a wealth of amenities, from a refreshing swimming pool and spacious sun deck to a well-equipped fitness centre.
For Chris, however, the real standout was the restaurant. He says, “The food onboard blew me away – it was phenomenal. You could tell everything was cooked with love. Most meals were served as high-quality buffets, but the captain’s celebration night was a full sit-down seven-course dinner served to our table.”
The cuisine itself is a fusion of North African flavours, blending Egyptian and Moroccan classics with global influence. After a day of sightseeing, you can satisfy your appetite with both local delicacies and familiar favourites.
Book your Riviera Travel Nile cruise
Fancy following in Chris’s footsteps – not to mention those of thousands of other intrepid travellers, from Cleopatra to Agatha Christie? Riviera Travel offers a huge number of Nile River departures, with flights available from London and Manchester. Choose your ideal dates and start packing for this immersive adventure.
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