Nour el Nil

Press Reviews

The Guardian, July 2010
"It takes six days to meander from Luxor to Aswan aboard an elegant and stylish dahabiya. You breakfast in the sun at the front of the boat, then decant to see something wonderful, perhaps a visit to a pharaonic quarry or an enormous temple. You can walk in the desert, swim in the river, sunbathe on the poop deck or kick back in your chic room with its super-comfortable bed. As for the crew, they're as good as their boat, a highlight of your cruise."

The Guardian, January 2009
"Like millions before me, I'd chosen to travel through Upper Egypt along the Nile. But instead of joining one of the large tourist boats I opted for a dahabiyya. I've always associated the Nile with feluccas; the dahabiyya was new to me. Essentially they're a much bigger, infinitely grander houseboat that puts their poor relative to shame. The name translates as "golden", a nod to the gilded state barges once used by the Pharaohs.

The boat I'd booked, the Meroe, was quite something. At 52m long and 7.5m wide, her vast open-air upper deck was the size of a Tesco Metro. Furnished with cushions, daybeds, cane armchairs, carpets, rugs and a dining area, it was more than big enough to swallow all 20 passengers. Chandeliers reconstituted from blingy finds from a flea market in Alexandria twinkled under the huge awning that kept the relentless sun in check. Below decks, a camp Victorian-style salon led to airy white berths with colossal beds and kitsch pictures on the walls."

Frommer's
"Nour el Nil runs five absolutely lovely custom-built dahabeyas on 6-day/5-night cruises between Luxor and Aswan. The big "panoramic" cabins at the back of the boat are some of the most attractive accommodations I've seen in Egypt. They're not huge, but they're fitted with period furnishings and a big picture window nearly at water-level. They're perfect for a fantasy vacation or a honeymoon."

Guest Reviews

Reviews are only from people who have stayed there and booked through i-escape.

• “We would like to give a '5 star' rating in respect to all aspects of our trip with Nour el Nil. We are experienced travellers and thought the standard of service was excellent. The extra cost of a Panoramic Cabin is money well spent. Because of Egypt's current problems the staff to client ratio was extraordinary and so may skew our perceptions but on basis of what we experienced, I would definitely recommend this holiday.”
  Sally, United Kingdom (26.11.11)

• “Mamdou and his crew on the Meroe were very attentive to all our needs. We would strongly recommend anyone considering a Nile cruise to book with Nour el Nil. We did not experience any problems with protestors in Luxor and Aswan and think the media have done Egypt a great disservice by exagerating the effects of the protests even in Cairo. The election results send a clear and positive message to all concerned. We regretted not taking some warmer clothes for the cruise .”
  Miles, United Kingdom (26.11.11)

• “One of our best holidays ever, once in a lifetime stuff. I would have to really nitpick to find fault (hard beds and pillows) but essentially they had really thought of everything - plus they arranged lots of surprises - which I won't share in case I spoil it for you. This made us really feel that we'd got immense value for money, despite the price. Our experience was all the more unique because we were ostensibly alone on the boat - with 15 staff all looking after us - which meant our guided tours were very personal indeed. Staff were absolutely wonderful, professional and fun. Now is definitely the time to go too - the political situation has no bearing on tourists yet for once the temples and museums are empty. Go, go, go!”
  Christine, United Kingdom (22.10.11)

• “The absolute best way to go on a Nile cruise,
  Maybe the only one to enjoy really the wonderful landscape the people and the gliding without noise on this impressing river with all his treasures. Go there and support the peaceful people over there.”
  Margit, Germany (02.04.11)

• “This is a truly unique experience and one of the most amazing travel experiences of our lives. Do not worry about the fact you do not see all the sights. The extra time allows you to absorb the beauty and treasures of the Nile so much more astutely than a frenzied itinreray. Crew, room and service all excellent. Go, go, go! You would be mad to go to Egypt and not.”
  Richard, United Kingdom (06.11.10)

• “Absolutely fantastic in every respect. We were especially lucky that the boat was only 50% occupied, so the space on deck was luxurious. The design of the deck is fabulous, with low seating in separate areas so you don't feel on top of the other guests but you can easily mingle if you wish.
  The concept of hosting the trip is very good, although I had taken that to mean all the day trips would be guided. This wasn't the case for the two trips to the larger temples and this is was the only aspect that therefore didn't exceed expectations. The guides on the other excursions were very helpful.
  The crew is fantastic, very friendly and striking the right balance between between service and approachability.
  The outings were great as they took us to see things those on the larger boats would miss or wouldn't be given access to. Gave us a much better feel for everyday life along the Nile. The i-escape review was spot on.”
  Claire, United Kingdom (16.10.10)