At a glance
- Choose comfort over style, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking and exploring on a Nile River cruise
- During the winter months, temperatures can drop significantly at night, so it’s a good idea to pack a light jacket or jumper
- Avoid overpacking and don’t bring a huge suitcase, as cabins on Nile ships are smaller than their ocean-going counterparts
One of the best things about embarking on a river cruise is that you only have to pack and unpack once.
However, dressing for a Nile River cruise is different from dressing for a European sailing. So, before you start packing, check out our guide on what to take on your Nile River cruise and, crucially, what to leave at home.
The essentials
Given that you’ll join your river ship in Egypt (the classic seven-night Nile cruise sails between Luxor and Aswan), you’ll need a visa. These can be purchased on arrival for £25 (cash only) or online in advance for £20 (at the time of writing). It’s important to note, too, that your passport must be valid for at least six full months after the date you arrive – anything less than this and you will likely be denied entry into Egypt. World of Cruising recommends that you visit the FCDO website for the most accurate and up-to-date information about travelling to Egypt.
Travel insurance is another must – chances are it’s the last thing you’ll think about when packing for a Nile cruise, but the first thing you’ll need should anything (think medical emergencies, lost luggage, etc) go wrong.
It’s also worth packing a small stash of Egyptian Pounds (the local currency) as cash is still King in Egypt. Many local restaurants and shops don’t have credit card facilities.
Lastly, Wi-Fi is either infuriatingly slow or non-existent in Egypt, so if you don’t fancy a digital detox, look to invest in a local SIM card when you land at Luxor airport (or an eSIM before you travel).
What to wear: shore days
It's important to pack a practical wardrobe for your Nile River cruise as you’ll be spending a lot of time ashore exploring ancient temples, local markets and Nubian villages. To this end, comfortable footwear – be it a pair of trainers, light trekking shoes or sturdy sandals – is essential, as well as sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen to protect against the fierce Egyptian sun (temperatures regularly top 40C).
And always respect the country’s Islamic culture by covering your arms, legs and head in temples and religious buildings.
What to wear: ship days
For laid-back days spent on your ship, you’ll want to have a good selection of comfortable and casual clothing such as skirts, shorts, sleeveless tops and dresses – there are no restrictions on what to wear onboard.
Don’t forget your swimwear too, as the lion’s share of Nile ships feature a swimming pool – ideal for a refreshing dip – as well as a Jacuzzi or two.
Many Nile vessels are also equipped with small gyms, so if you want to work out while away, throw your exercise clothes into your suitcase too. When night falls, you can keep it smart-casual – read a summer dress for women and smarter trousers for men.
Most Nile cruises host a gala evening, so you might want to bring a dressier outfit – perhaps a cocktail dress (women) or collared shirt (men), although it’s not vital.
One night per cruise, there's an Egyptian-themed party on board, and guests are invited to join in the fun by wearing a galabeya (traditional Egyptian dress). These can be purchased in the onboard shop or at a colourful local market (don’t forget to haggle) for around US$20-30.
At the galabeya party, you can expect entertainment in the form of whirling dervishes, belly dancers and performances from Nubian musicians.
Toiletries
Tap water in Egypt isn’t safe to drink, and while most modern cruise ships provide passengers with two complimentary bottles of water each day, it’s worth packing some purification tablets.
Diarrhoea, which can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps, is another common ailment for Nile cruise-goers. To avoid holiday tummy, be sure to drink clean water and steer clear of ice, uncooked and raw foods, and wash your hands frequently. While following the aforementioned will significantly reduce your risk of getting sick, there are no guarantees, so you may wish to consider taking antidiarrheal medicine, which can stop diarrhoea for a few hours. Mini hand sanitisers are another essential to carry wherever you go. Having one on you ensures you can keep your hands clean and virus-free, even when there isn't water available to wash them.
Finally, keep in mind that the Nile River region can be prone to mosquitoes, particularly from April to October. If you are a mosquito magnet, make sure you pack insect repellent to protect yourself from bites.
Technology
Clothing, accessories and toiletries aren’t the only things you’ll need to pack for your Nile River cruise. Chances are you’ll also want to take some electronic gadgets (iPads, tablets, etc) if you want to be digitally entertained and easily catch up with emails and news back home.
Gadgets need charging, too, so don’t forget their respective chargers and, as Egypt uses European-style power outlets, an array of adaptors to ensure that you’re never caught with a low battery.If you’re planning on spending a lot of time by the pool, consider investing in a waterproof phone case to help protect your mobile.
With most Nile River cruises, you are allowed one piece of luggage, which is usually a large suitcase size. However, resist the urge to pack everything but the kitchen sink, as cabins tend to be smaller than on ocean ships. Subsequently, storage options are fewer.
Now that you can pack like a pro, the only thing missing is your cruise ticket!
For the full low-down on the best Nile cruises and the optimum time to set sail, browse our expert guides:
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