A Closer Look: Aswan to Luxor Overnight Nile Cruise Review

Planning a trip to Egypt, and that also includes the bit that everyone talks about – a Nile cruise? Maybe you are looking at the overnight cruise from Aswan to Luxor, complete with meals, and wanting some straight opinions? Right then, you have arrived at just the right spot. That bit is a look at what the experience is actually like, a few insights gained, and probably also what you might expect, that is, so you know if it fits what you’re seeking from your adventure in Egypt.

First Impressions and Setting Sail

Making the choice of an overnight Nile cruise may seem, you know, very exciting, it is true. Almost think about yourself standing on the dock in Aswan, probably feeling a bit excited as you get ready to board your floating lodging. So, you are greeted right at the door by the cruise staff; they help get you comfortable. Too, it’s almost a bit overwhelming, getting to see how, really, pretty amazing, the ship seems right from the start.

The cabins tend to be cozy. Very few are really roomy. That is not to say they are not well fitted with a view of the Nile right out the window, probably allowing for those, kind of, serene glimpses of the riverbanks drifting by. Anyhow, taking in the details and maybe exploring the ship will get you a feel for what life will look like in the next twenty-four hours or so. It might even turn out that the top deck with its chairs is where you can spend your leisure time, and also the restaurant is definitely where you might hope to spend the best bit of your waking moments.

Food on Board: What You Can Expect

Food has a tendency to be one of those important features that anyone looks forward to on their vacations, so let’s chat about it a little on the cruise. What’s the offer, then? Is it all tasty and nice? Buffets are probably the norm, you know, featuring stuff which runs the usual range of local food to worldwide food, hopefully enough to please anyone, yet possibly pleasing nobody just that much, to be clear.

Maybe you will discover that the salads and vegetarian stuff will be reliably tasty and fresh, but sometimes, I guess, those things left sitting under warming lights can be just that bit less tempting. Anyway, keep in mind, you have paid for your stay with these meals, so, like your granny always said, it would be rude not to try a bit. Also, drinking water may or may not be included as part of your ‘all inclusive’ rate; so arguably verify before you open that container.

Sights Along the Way: Philae Temple

Probably after setting sail from Aswan, one of your first, possibly amazing, visits will likely be to the Philae Temple. Basically, you can only get there by boat; it may or may not add even a little something amazing to your visit, maybe that’s a reason it’s that bit more enchanting. Obviously the temple got moved to Agilkia Island so it wouldn’t get swamped after they built the Aswan Dam, which probably added a lot to the character of the place, too it’s almost really special. When you meander about you can also take in the stories in the walls and columns, very, very cool to enjoy this temple and how people honored Isis way back then.

Just a tip when getting on the small boat to arrive to Philae, everyone will be keen to find that tour guide job for your boat crew, that really doesn’t mean that you will have a tour guide all the way around the temple complex, but maybe get that arranged when you get off the boat on the island side and maybe even you can link in with another smaller tour group, so it’s a lower price.

Kom Ombo Temple: A Double Delight

Usually, as night arrives, or seemingly a bit after dawn, you’re arriving at Kom Ombo Temple, which stands gloriously along the Nile. What makes this temple pretty unique is that it’s, kind of, like two temples in one. Dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, and Haroeris, the falcon-headed god, you know, so offering twice the view for your time, really.

As a matter of fact it’s, kind of, exciting wandering round looking at the designs, probably the reliefs that show off olden medical things are worth a gander. Almost keep an eye out for the displays devoted to crocodiles as well, it shows how very important they must have been for these old civilizations. This place really gives off ancient vibes and maybe provides an intriguing break along your river trip.

Edfu Temple: The Temple of Horus

Edfu Temple, arguably called the Temple of Horus, tends to be surprisingly maintained; like your pictures will seem to burst a bit more! One would assume it probably took some hard work getting that there temple constructed, honoring Horus; it definitely shines as one, maybe one of the best ancient spots around, right then.

Since this spot sits slightly further off from the Nile banks than perhaps others you have visited, there is often an interesting trip into Edfu. Anyway the method is that most tour groups take horse-drawn carts into Edfu from the bank; the horse driver will try it on to sell you his guided service for an inflated amount, even though it is pretty straightforward and pretty hard to get lost, in fact!

The entryway’s huge size really can strike you the most. Obviously while walking all around it, give yourself time to pause and actually see all the wall art and learn about Horus’ stories and olden Egyptian festivities. Maybe that time you dedicate, looking around really gives a feel for what ancient beliefs were all about, which I feel tends to add greatly to its charm and worth!

Reaching Luxor and Disembarkation

Basically, after what, very likely, felt like a fast, one-day tour, you’ll come, likely around to Luxor. Even though your boat will be amazing, very few travellers really rave on the beds. Just be advised that the best idea would to arrive refreshed for checking out the next spots! And stuff!

Keep an eye out. The disembarking may be that bit stressful because people may be that bit keen to assist you in the best route, so be informed before getting off so you know what will come. Probably just confirm, where and when, you are due to hook up with any tour operator; once off and that done, take in all the magnificent ancient sights Luxor has on hand, honestly one for everyone to add to that travel list.

Is an Overnight Cruise Right for You?

Before you sign for any short Nile cruise, have some points sorted, which could influence whether you go with these kind of cruises. I mean is it good to squeeze in such cool spots as Philae, Kom Ombo and Edfu with very little, possibly very long road travel and being well located?

The plus stuff goes with all things, the comfort and views are awesome, without forgetting those bits could also turn out so you seem squeezed because of space constraints and dining stuff that only hits middling level, maybe just think these bits through.

This choice generally depends a lot upon taste of comfort against taste of timing. Any traveller wanting to be on their feet and pack everything into only very little timing usually can rate that cruise. Instead, someone fancying more in depth exploring plus wants finer cuisine needs longer plans with stops at accommodation set inland. Anyway if your timing feels tight on reaching from Aswan up to Luxor this one-night is OK; longer could usually turn out much better so one can appreciate totally.