Embarking on a Nile River cruise is a dream come true. However, with so many options available and few reviews online, choosing the right one felt like searching for a needle in a haystack. I wanted the best experience I could have as I knew cruising the Nile River is a once in a lifetime experience. Hence, I was looking for a clean and hygienic modern-designed cruise, with various excursions included. After a lot of research, I came across the Mayfair. In this comprehensive Mayfair Nile Cruise review, I’m sharing my experience, hoping to help you decide whether it is a good fit, and so you know exactly what to expect.
Things to consider
- Nile River cruise ships do not run every day. Most of the cruise lines depart on Mondays from Luxor and on Fridays from Aswan. I would recommend planning your trip to Egypt around the cruise as this is a highlight of the trip.
- The internet is free; however, it is spotty. If you need to work while on the cruise, good luck!
- If this is your first time going to Africa, please bring medications for travelers’ diarrhea as it may happen.
- Be mindful that this is a river cruise, therefore it is smaller than the cruises you may have been to before.
What is included?
- Accommodation.
- Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including soft drinks with meals, and teatime.
- Free welcome drink upon arrival.
- 1 bottle of mineral water daily.
- Transportation, guide services & entrance fees to the below sites:
- Luxor: Karnak & Luxor Temples, Valley of Kings & Queens, El Deir El Bahari of Hatchepsut & Colossi of Memnon.
- En Route: Edfu Temple, Kom Ombo Temple.
- Aswan: High Dam, Unfinished Obelisk, Philae Temple, Felucca Sailing and view of Agha Khan Mausoleum.
What is the cost?
The 5 days/4-night cruise from Luxor to Aswan was $540.00 per night for a double deluxe cabin in November 2022. Thus, a total of $2160. And let me tell you, the price was completely worth it!
It seems that the price has gone up as the website shows a price of $2,640 for 2 adults in a deluxe cabin.
What about tipping?
Tips are usually paid at the end of your cruise when you check out.
You can pay this in cash in either dollars or Egyptian pounds. Or, add it to your final bill when you pay for your drinks and extras you bought on board.
Crew ship fees are different from porter fees. So, you can pay a tip to the guys who helped you with your luggage when you get here or before you leave.
What about accommodations?
The Mayfair Nile Cruise boasts an array of cabins and suites, each providing comfort and style. The spacious rooms are elegantly furnished, offering panoramic views of the Nile. With plush bedding, modern amenities, and attentive staff, you’ll truly enjoy your stay.
We stayed at the double deluxe cabin, which has an ocean view but no balcony. There are rooms with balconies, however, those are more expensive and we did not care about the balcony as there is a deck that provides a view.
What about food onboard?
The restaurants serve a diverse range of cuisines, blending Egyptian and international flavors. Mayfair offers various meal options, such as breakfast buffet, lunch buffet, and diner a la carte. I must say that my favorite food was the Egyptian dishes! Also, afternoon tea and snacks are served on the sun deck each afternoon at sunset.
Recreation activities
I was surprised to know that the cruise had a small spa with a masseuse. So, if you’re on the cruise with your significant other, you might as well get a couples massage.
Tourist guides
Mayfair provides knowledgeable Egyptologists who serve as guides during the trip. My guide’s name was George and I must say that he was an amazing storyteller! I learned so much about Egyptian history.
Excursions
Day 1 – Monday: Luxor’s Majestic Temples
After a smooth check-in process, we settled into our room: the double deluxe. The cruise offered a delicious lunch buffet, which we ate while admiring the breathtaking views of the Nile.
After, we got our English-speaking guide assigned. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the impressive Karnak Temple and Luxor Temple.
In the evening, we had dinner a la carte on board, which was followed by music in the lounge, creating a perfect ambiance for relaxation.
Day 2 – Tuesday: The West Bank’s Hidden Secrets
We started the day early with a breakfast buffet. Then, we ventured to the West Bank, where we visited the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the final resting place of pharaohs and nobles. We were amazed at the tombs and ancient artifacts that have been preserved for centuries.
Next, we explored the temple of Hatshepsut, also known as El-Deir El-Bahari. We went back to the cruise ship where we had lunch buffet while the ship sails to Esna. In the evening, we enjoyed a Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Party followed by a sumptuous dinner.
Day 3 – Wednesday: Temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo
This day, we started with a breakfast buffet. Our guide told us that we would ride the horse carriage; thus, I asked the server to pack carrots for the horses. Once we stepped out of the cruise, we saw the horses and we were in shock – the horses were in really bad shape! We decided to ride a taxi instead because we felt bad.
We explored the remarkable Edfu Temple, dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus. It was impressive. After a few hours, we returned back to the cruise to sail to Kom Ombo.
After lunch, we visited the unique Kom Ombo Temple, dedicated to both the crocodile god Sobek and the falcon god Horus. As the day came to a close, we enjoyed a dinner on board. Then, we enjoyed the vibrant Galabeya Party, experiencing the colorful traditions of Egypt.
Day 4 – Thursday: Aswan’s Enchanting Sights
After an amazing breakfast, the cruise arrives in Aswan, a city renowned for its natural beauty and historical sites. We began with a visit to the High Dam, an engineering marvel that tamed the mighty Nile River. Next, we discovered the Unfinished Obelisk, an immense stone structure that provides insights into ancient Egyptian craftsmanship.
We concluded our tour with a visit to the Temple of Philae, dedicated to the goddess Isis, and were captivated by its graceful columns and intricate carvings.
After lunch on board, we set sail on a traditional felucca boat, encircling Kitchener’s Island and Agha Khan. This was the most amazing experience on the Nile River. We got to see a water buffalo and step into the desert. In the evening, we had dinner and were enthralled by a vibrant Nubian Folkloric show, an enchanting display of music and dance.
Day 5 – Friday: Disembarkation
We had breakfast and got ready to disembark. We left an envelope with a $120 tip for the cruise members.
Mayfair Nile River cruise is an extraordinary way to immerse yourself in the wonders of ancient Egypt. From the awe-inspiring temples of Luxor and Karnak to the serene beauty of Aswan, each day on this tour is filled with breathtaking sights, delicious cuisine, and cultural experiences that will leave an indelible mark on your memory. I met nice people on board, which I still talk to this day.
I hope this Mayfair Nile cruise review was exactly what you were looking for! This is your sign to embark on this amazing journey and let the mystique of the Nile guide you through the ancient treasures of Egypt.
Written by my lovely big sister, Andrea. She absolutely loves to travel and she will be sharing all of her travel stories, recommendations, itineraries, reviews, and more here.
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