Presidential Nile Cruises, Nile Cruises, Egypt
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Presidential Nile Cruises owns and runs a fleet of 7 deluxe boats (Nile Admiral, Nile Commodore, Nile Legend, Nile Plaza, Nile Symphony, Nile Ritz, Nile Princess) , fully air conditioned, totaling 500 cabins. We offer frequent and regular cruises between Luxor and Aswan with flexible itineraries. Presidential Nile Cruises has done everything to create the utmost comfort and to ensure the best conditions of entertainment, giving our guest the possibility to enjoy and discover over 5,000 years of great civilization, the picturesque Egyptian country life, the calm and the grand beauty of the Nile. loading...
Presidential Nile Cruises Reviews
" nightmare beginings "
Submitted By: wickedwitch
Myself and two friends booked a nile cruise with portland who are part of thomson.We asked for the crown prince but were told it was not available but we could have the Ritz.We had no more info until a letter arrived refering to our all inclusive holday on the Ritz,We didn`t actually book all inclusive so this was a bit of a surprise.We arrived in Luxor and were met by a thomson rep who told us to go to a stand to find out which coach we were on.This we did and wrere told coach 7, you`re on the commadore.We said no we`re on the Ritz and were told the Ritz wasn`t sailing it was the commadore.We were taken to a grotty looking little boat moored miles out of Luxor in an equally grotty run down area and boarded the boat.The smell hit us as soon as we set foot in the reception area.It smelt damp and musty as if it had been shut up for months,which we came to believe later that this was actually the case.We were given keys and as we walked to our cabins the smell was getting stronger until we opened the door and looked at what thye expected us to spend 7 days in.It would have been no good unpacking as the smell would have attatched itself to the clothes within minutes.the bath room was disgusting toilet all brown inside with toilet brushes so black with either mould or something even worse.(we didnt get close enough to find out)Later after an awful meal that no-one could eat we went up on deck for a drink and got into conversation with a thomson managerwho said who said the Ritz wasnt sailing as there hadn`t been enough passengers.the following morning we had words with the rep and told her we had originally wanted to book the Crown Prince.Imagine our faces when she said that she could get us transfered to that boat if we were prepared to pay extra.needless to say a credit card was produced and we were off the commadore as fast as we could.we also had to pay our own taxi fare.We kept in touch with some of the passengers who told us that things were even worse an especially when we reached Aswaan and found the Ritz moored there complete with passegers.we were by then having a lovely time on a lovely clean boat with good food and great staff.Thomson should have notified people of the change instead of waiting for us to arrive when they knew none of us could do anything about the situation.Everyone felt it was a big con to use an inferior clapped out boat instead of the one promised.The only way to get off it was to pay more money to change to another thomson boat.Good dodge on their part.the moral of this story? DO NOT GO ON THE PRESIDENTIAL NILE BOATS WITHOUT GETTING SOME GOOD INFORMATION FIST AND DEFFINITELY STAY AWAY FROM THE COMMADORE.
Advice: check thoroughly booking details get as much info as possible or you could end up on a filthy tub.
Activities: japanese at Sonesta st George La Fleur at Jollie Ville Re-visiting ancient sites in Luxor
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" Very disappointing cruise "
Submitted By: ken & lesley
We have just returned from a 4 night cruise on the ADMIRAL (Cabin 203) (17.9.09)
Very disappointed especially with accommodation. Noisy ,smell of kitchen, tatty,lack of privacy.Definitely not 5 star. Ship Manager rude and not prepared to assist resolve problems in anyway. A case of having paid...so tough. Tour guide from boat useless more to be gained from a guide book available everywhere.Four night cruise no different to three,except extra night spent moored. Better value to spend a night in a hotel, especially in Luxor where it is easy to get around. Boat moored 6km out of town in deserted area in Luxor. Aswan mooring in town.There are much better cruise ships available on the Nile.
Food and general staff very pleasant. Entertainment enjoyable provided you participate.
Egypt in general, very dirty,Nile badly polluted. Bargaining and shopping unpleasant,too much hassling and pressurizing.Expensive for poor quality.
If one is there for the pyramids etc, fine. If it is a cruise you're after, better do a 4/5 star cruise on the Med with an international cruise line,for the same price.
Would not repeat or recommend.
Very disappointed especially with accommodation. Noisy ,smell of kitchen, tatty,lack of privacy.Definitely not 5 star. Ship Manager rude and not prepared to assist resolve problems in anyway. A case of having paid...so tough. Tour guide from boat useless more to be gained from a guide book available everywhere.Four night cruise no different to three,except extra night spent moored. Better value to spend a night in a hotel, especially in Luxor where it is easy to get around. Boat moored 6km out of town in deserted area in Luxor. Aswan mooring in town.There are much better cruise ships available on the Nile.
Food and general staff very pleasant. Entertainment enjoyable provided you participate.
Egypt in general, very dirty,Nile badly polluted. Bargaining and shopping unpleasant,too much hassling and pressurizing.Expensive for poor quality.
If one is there for the pyramids etc, fine. If it is a cruise you're after, better do a 4/5 star cruise on the Med with an international cruise line,for the same price.
Would not repeat or recommend.
Advice: Presidential Cruisers misrepresents, not 5 star accomodation. 3 nights more than enough
Activities: Walking in burial chambers in the Valley of the Kings and postulating meanings of the hieroglyphics
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:ITT Durban, Sylvia Tours Cairo
" nile cruise "
Submitted By: ian & sian
we recently came back from a seven night cruise on the odyssey ship which was amasing experiece,all the staff were exceptionaly good our guide micheal was really knowledgeable and made everything intresting.i would recomened it to anyone especially the extra trip to abu simbel,ian & sian wales pembrokshire.
Advice: we loved ity
Activities: all sites and abu simbel truly breathtaking
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Longwood
" Cruise with Style "
Submitted By: stephenmodt
From start to finish, this is an amazing holiday. The Nile Commodore was built back in 1993 and is a little old, but that only adds to the elegance and class of the vessel. The crew are top-notch and always extremely helpful and funny. There is almost one member of crew to every passenger so rest-assured you will always be well-catered for.
With all the excursions included you know exactly what is in store for you. There are optional excursions. Abu Simbul (which is a bit pricey, but, hey, it includes a plane flight) and the magical balloon flight above the Valley of the Kings at dawn add to the holiday alot. Even if, like me, you are afraid of heights go on the balloon flight. I was so not worried after we took off!
You will be in small groups with a very knowlegable egyptologist (Ours was Sam and Thomson should have her full-time as she was excellent and a brilliant compere on the evenings too!). She took us to many sights and gave us a very good insight to the history of builgings and the history of Egypt.
The food is plentiful and with lots of variety there will always be something to your taste. The drinks bill is settled at the end of the week and can get very expensive if you drink a lot of alcohol (this is a muslim country). A pint of lager is about £4.50.
You will need to tip the Tour Guide and staff at the end of the week so save 500 Egyptian Pounds (about £60) per couple. Bear this in mind when you get your currency in the UK. The reception can also exchange Sterling but the rate is not as good. They will also break down any large note you have so you can give tips autside the cruise (eg the bus driver).
Most nights have entertainment like Nubian music, bellydancer, bingo,treasure hunt, etc and are all good fun.
The weather was excellent all week and apparently a good time of year to go before it gets too hot.
The Nile Commodore was excellent and well-worth the money. An immensely great holiday.
With all the excursions included you know exactly what is in store for you. There are optional excursions. Abu Simbul (which is a bit pricey, but, hey, it includes a plane flight) and the magical balloon flight above the Valley of the Kings at dawn add to the holiday alot. Even if, like me, you are afraid of heights go on the balloon flight. I was so not worried after we took off!
You will be in small groups with a very knowlegable egyptologist (Ours was Sam and Thomson should have her full-time as she was excellent and a brilliant compere on the evenings too!). She took us to many sights and gave us a very good insight to the history of builgings and the history of Egypt.
The food is plentiful and with lots of variety there will always be something to your taste. The drinks bill is settled at the end of the week and can get very expensive if you drink a lot of alcohol (this is a muslim country). A pint of lager is about £4.50.
You will need to tip the Tour Guide and staff at the end of the week so save 500 Egyptian Pounds (about £60) per couple. Bear this in mind when you get your currency in the UK. The reception can also exchange Sterling but the rate is not as good. They will also break down any large note you have so you can give tips autside the cruise (eg the bus driver).
Most nights have entertainment like Nubian music, bellydancer, bingo,treasure hunt, etc and are all good fun.
The weather was excellent all week and apparently a good time of year to go before it gets too hot.
The Nile Commodore was excellent and well-worth the money. An immensely great holiday.
Advice: If you can, you must experience this slice of history in the style and grace of a cruise.
Activities: The balloon flight overlooking the Nile and the Valley of the Kings is breath-taking
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Not what I paid for. "
Submitted By: CALLUNA
I booked a nile cruise on the nile president but when arriving at the dock I was without notice put on another boat the nile commodore.
Thomas Cook charged me a room supliment and then put me in a single cabin which was not fit for purpose. I have complained to Thomas Cook but they are not interested they reply with standard letters without trying to address the complaint, they also said I filled a form in on the return flight saying all had been fine but asked to produce a copy of the form they could not because I did not fill one in, the reason I did not was because I felt cheated and let down.
Please be aware if you book a nile cruise with Thomas Cook make sure you get what you pay for and also make sure if you book on a named boat that is the boat you spend your cruise on.
Thomas Cook charged me a room supliment and then put me in a single cabin which was not fit for purpose. I have complained to Thomas Cook but they are not interested they reply with standard letters without trying to address the complaint, they also said I filled a form in on the return flight saying all had been fine but asked to produce a copy of the form they could not because I did not fill one in, the reason I did not was because I felt cheated and let down.
Please be aware if you book a nile cruise with Thomas Cook make sure you get what you pay for and also make sure if you book on a named boat that is the boat you spend your cruise on.
Advice: nile cruises are very good providing you get what you pay for.
Activities: all the tours are a must, once seen never forgotten
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" Perfection "
Submitted By: GLSyrett
My daughter, a keen amateur egyptologist, wanted a first visit to as many of the important ancient egptian sites of interest as we could see along the River Nile. Thomson Holidays sold us a package starting with this cruise that included visits to many of our required sites. With an additional charge a must see visit to Abu Simbel completed a superb value cruise. The Nile Commodore is a very clean and comfortable vessel. The staff to a man cannot do enough for you, the food is superb, the itinerary well balanced and our egyptologist guide Mohammed a most knowledgeable and pleasant young man. The Nile is beautiful and we had the most perfect week aboard this boat. We were able to visit all the sites of interest with Mohammed a constant source of help and information. Each day the afternoon relaxation and cruise gave time to meet fellow travellers with some very good quality shops on board to buy souveniers.A personal birthday cake given to my daughter on board was a wonderful gesture she will never forget. We recommend this company and this particular boat to any traveller who wants a friendly, great value and overall superb experience. A day visit to Cairo is also available from the boat but our package covered a three night stay in Cairo after the cruise to enable visits to the Pyramids and the Gold Mask in Cairo Museum. A well done to Thomson for a good value package, but the star of the show is without doubt The Nile Commodore Cruise Boat!
Advice: Great value, superb scenery, wonderful staff, wonderful accomodation. Lots too see, great relaxation
Activities: The Nile Commodore Resteraunt
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" christmas on the nile "
Submitted By: janal
we have been on the pnc boat commadore 3 times before.this time we decided to try the cruise at xmas.We did not expect too much as we didnt know if xmas was the same in egypt.What a surprise!Cocktails then every lady was given a red rose before sitting down to a delicious 9course dinner.Wehave always loved our holidays on the boat and this one was even better!We met really nice people(Alex & carol we have lost your e mail address),spent xmas day in the valley of the kings and we saw a mirage on our way to Abu simbel!We will most certainly return,we know the holiday is the best experience ever.P.S If you go in the winter,it is only hot for a few hours in the middle of the day,mornings and evenings are cold enough for cardie and coat.Best wishes and a happy new year to everyone on the commadore.Alan&Janet
Advice: IT.IS A MUST .Do the balloon ride at dawn,see Abu Simbel its awesome.
Activities:
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" A wonderful week "
Submitted By: Chuffed
We booked our trip less than a week before we went to Egypt through Egypt Air in Cyprus. They offered one pre-set package with not many options - probably because this was a last minute booking at the start of the high season - end of October 2008
The travel agent was Karnak, the hotel was the Nile Hilton and the river boat belonged to the Presidential lines - the Nile Admiral.
Of course I went on the internet and tried to get some information. The Nile Hilton, I found out, will no longer be a Hilton hotel after the end of 2008 and I couldn't find any reviews on the Nile Admiral, which wasn't exactly reassuring.
I needn't have worried. From the moment we landed in Egypt it was 5 Star all the way. The airport 'meet and assist' man was waiting for us and another couple as was the Karnak minivan and driver. The minivan tried to die out on us on the way to the hotel but the driver finally did his own little bit of mechanics and got us there all in one piece so we won't hold that against them.
It is a real shame that the Hilton hotels will loose this really great location and the accommodation, service and hospitality was nothing less than one would hope to find in a 5 Star hotel. I hope the staff are getting a good package because they are certainly working flat out. We got a Nile view room and sat on the verandah watching the lights and the river - it was noisy but beautifully spectacular.
Next day we had a private guide take us to visit the Giza plateau with its pyramids and Sphynx in the moring and to the Cairo museum in the afternoon.
Day three was an early one to catch the morning flight to Luxor where we were met and escorted to our boat. The Nile Admiral was not the newest boat on the river but it has been recently refurbushed with new carpets and bathroom fittings. The staff is friendly, cleanliness is meticulous and meals, while they may not be of Michelin standards, are plentiful and varied enough for anyone to find something they like, which more than makes up for the couple of extra years it may have on some of the newer boats.
Our guide deserves full marks for trying. He may have been a bit long winded but he tried his best to whip us in shape as a group rather than as a bunch of strangers who happened to be together in the same place at the same time. The sights are magnificent and have to be seen. I am certainly not qualified to describe them but my personal favourite was Luxor Temple which we saw in the evening under the special effects lighting.
One of the best things about these cruises, as a gentleman from Txas put it, is that you get to meet a whole lot of nice people. He is right and we did. Hopefully we will keep in touch. There were Australians and Americans, Indians and Singaporis, Philippinos and British and of course us - a Belgian and a Cypriot. The peaaceful rural sites along the river banks, tea on deck in the afternoon and a bit of after dinner fun in the bar with a Nubian folk show, Belly dancer or party game made for complete relaxation so that we were ready for the early mmorning wake up calls and a full day's sightseeing.
4 days later we were flown back to Cairo for a free day and then the Sound and Light show at the Giza Plateau. It was a bit cheesy and also a bit chilly out in the open and not the highlight of our holiday as it was overlong and repetitive at 1 hour. If there was one thing below standard during the whole trip it was this show.
Finally one full week later we were escorted to the airport by a Karnak driver and returned home feeling as if we had been away for a month. It was absolutely great and at great value.
When you are calculating the cost of your trip take into consideration that you will easily need an additional 10% - 20% over and above in tips as this is a place where 'baksheesh' is a way of life and expected from visitors and locals alike. Also do not be conned into buying things from the shops that the tour guide will have you visit as these will most likely be way overpriced no matter how much you haggle and 'get a good price' - 50% of the asking price is probably at least twice what they are worth.
The travel agent was Karnak, the hotel was the Nile Hilton and the river boat belonged to the Presidential lines - the Nile Admiral.
Of course I went on the internet and tried to get some information. The Nile Hilton, I found out, will no longer be a Hilton hotel after the end of 2008 and I couldn't find any reviews on the Nile Admiral, which wasn't exactly reassuring.
I needn't have worried. From the moment we landed in Egypt it was 5 Star all the way. The airport 'meet and assist' man was waiting for us and another couple as was the Karnak minivan and driver. The minivan tried to die out on us on the way to the hotel but the driver finally did his own little bit of mechanics and got us there all in one piece so we won't hold that against them.
It is a real shame that the Hilton hotels will loose this really great location and the accommodation, service and hospitality was nothing less than one would hope to find in a 5 Star hotel. I hope the staff are getting a good package because they are certainly working flat out. We got a Nile view room and sat on the verandah watching the lights and the river - it was noisy but beautifully spectacular.
Next day we had a private guide take us to visit the Giza plateau with its pyramids and Sphynx in the moring and to the Cairo museum in the afternoon.
Day three was an early one to catch the morning flight to Luxor where we were met and escorted to our boat. The Nile Admiral was not the newest boat on the river but it has been recently refurbushed with new carpets and bathroom fittings. The staff is friendly, cleanliness is meticulous and meals, while they may not be of Michelin standards, are plentiful and varied enough for anyone to find something they like, which more than makes up for the couple of extra years it may have on some of the newer boats.
Our guide deserves full marks for trying. He may have been a bit long winded but he tried his best to whip us in shape as a group rather than as a bunch of strangers who happened to be together in the same place at the same time. The sights are magnificent and have to be seen. I am certainly not qualified to describe them but my personal favourite was Luxor Temple which we saw in the evening under the special effects lighting.
One of the best things about these cruises, as a gentleman from Txas put it, is that you get to meet a whole lot of nice people. He is right and we did. Hopefully we will keep in touch. There were Australians and Americans, Indians and Singaporis, Philippinos and British and of course us - a Belgian and a Cypriot. The peaaceful rural sites along the river banks, tea on deck in the afternoon and a bit of after dinner fun in the bar with a Nubian folk show, Belly dancer or party game made for complete relaxation so that we were ready for the early mmorning wake up calls and a full day's sightseeing.
4 days later we were flown back to Cairo for a free day and then the Sound and Light show at the Giza Plateau. It was a bit cheesy and also a bit chilly out in the open and not the highlight of our holiday as it was overlong and repetitive at 1 hour. If there was one thing below standard during the whole trip it was this show.
Finally one full week later we were escorted to the airport by a Karnak driver and returned home feeling as if we had been away for a month. It was absolutely great and at great value.
When you are calculating the cost of your trip take into consideration that you will easily need an additional 10% - 20% over and above in tips as this is a place where 'baksheesh' is a way of life and expected from visitors and locals alike. Also do not be conned into buying things from the shops that the tour guide will have you visit as these will most likely be way overpriced no matter how much you haggle and 'get a good price' - 50% of the asking price is probably at least twice what they are worth.
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Fantastic Time "
Submitted By: Nicky B
I must say this was going to be a great holiday right from the start. Went with Longwood who i must say have been brilliant right from the first arrival in Cairo, to the hotel opposite the Pyramids - Le Soffitel Sphinx what a view we had!!! The tour guide we had Heba was a lovely young lady and very knowledgeable about her city but made it fun with lots of laughter and as we were nearing the end of ramadan i thought this was good going. Collection from hotel in Cairo back to Cairo airport for internal flight to Luxor. Longwood had reps with us every step of the way even booking us in at the hotels and checking us in at the airport. Arrival at Luxor again had reps waiting to take us to Presidential Nile Cruise Boats. Arrival on MS Odyssey ran smoothly again due to the Longwood rep who was with us and the Reception staff on board. The Cabin was on the water level but as you only sleep in it this was fine with us as we wouldn't be in it during the day. All the staff were very helpful. We met our Nile guide who was excellent again working for Longwood, we have nothing but praise for this firm. The guide Medhat knew his stuff and was so informative and helpful. He was on the cruise with us the whole week so anything that you had a query with if the crew couldn't help he could.
So many places of interest we were taken to and told so much that the brain has to work overtime trying to remember everything. Looking forward to going back to Egypt and the Nile and definately booking with Longwood.
So many places of interest we were taken to and told so much that the brain has to work overtime trying to remember everything. Looking forward to going back to Egypt and the Nile and definately booking with Longwood.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Bed & Breakfast
- Tour Operator:Longwood
" Where to start. The holiday itself... "
Submitted By: Miss Z L Colling
Where to start. The holiday itself was fantastic. The sights are truly amazing and worth getting up early for. It gives you a real sense of mortality to see what they achieved. It is defiantely worth the money and early start to go to both Abu Simbel and Cairo if you can. Karnak Temple was also a highlight. Got to at least one of the light shows as it is nice to see the temples in a different light. However they are a bit naff so dont expect too much.
The boat was nice. A little tired around the edges but very clean. The creatures in your room are fab and really inventive. The staff on the boat are very helpful and noticably so as the week progressed with a view to tips. Only tip the reception with money in an envelope - do not tip staff individually as they can get stroppy. The food is plentiful and on the most part very tasty the pasta and rice being the mainstay of our diets for the week. We stayed away from the uncooked food and didnt get sick although some passeengers did. The cakes in particular were great. Watch the drinks prices - you sign for what you have but they dont always put the price on before you sign so often put extra on top. Its the way the waiters make extra. The whole system is bribes and corruption even the police will look to be helpful for a tip.
If you dont like the heat go in March and April - Even late September it was 40 degrees in the shade.
The Thomson reps are not at all good. They were not particularly helpful and you only see them at the beginning and end of your trip. They are very dismisive of you and one of them was particularly rude to us (and the rest of the group) when we were late for a departure despite having been told at the depature meeting one time and the time on the schedule on the notice board also being later than we were!
The Guides on the boat are really informative and enthusiastic.
Beware the hassel. This was the reason we only gave this holiday a 9. It was awful - it felt so wrong being rude to people and ignoring them but you just have to do it. We were sworn at and a lot of the sellers were very rude when you didnt respond.
Overall a fantastic holiday but would not return to Egypt because of the sellers and problems in this regard.
xx
The boat was nice. A little tired around the edges but very clean. The creatures in your room are fab and really inventive. The staff on the boat are very helpful and noticably so as the week progressed with a view to tips. Only tip the reception with money in an envelope - do not tip staff individually as they can get stroppy. The food is plentiful and on the most part very tasty the pasta and rice being the mainstay of our diets for the week. We stayed away from the uncooked food and didnt get sick although some passeengers did. The cakes in particular were great. Watch the drinks prices - you sign for what you have but they dont always put the price on before you sign so often put extra on top. Its the way the waiters make extra. The whole system is bribes and corruption even the police will look to be helpful for a tip.
If you dont like the heat go in March and April - Even late September it was 40 degrees in the shade.
The Thomson reps are not at all good. They were not particularly helpful and you only see them at the beginning and end of your trip. They are very dismisive of you and one of them was particularly rude to us (and the rest of the group) when we were late for a departure despite having been told at the depature meeting one time and the time on the schedule on the notice board also being later than we were!
The Guides on the boat are really informative and enthusiastic.
Beware the hassel. This was the reason we only gave this holiday a 9. It was awful - it felt so wrong being rude to people and ignoring them but you just have to do it. We were sworn at and a lot of the sellers were very rude when you didnt respond.
Overall a fantastic holiday but would not return to Egypt because of the sellers and problems in this regard.
xx
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I've just returned from my 2nd visit... "
Submitted By: Miss D Button
I've just returned from my 2nd visit to Egypt on the PNC MS Commodore...and I loved it!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm in love with Egypt...being a culture and history freak the country really appeals to me and a real benefit of the PNC cruise is that most of the excursions are inclueded.
I am slightly confused as to whether the MS Commodore is a 3 or 4T boat... Ive been twice and both times I paid for 3 and wa on the same boat as people who paid for 4. Personally I feel its a 3T boat as it is aging a bit.
I love the Commodore, the staff are really friendly and work really hard to please. The cleaners are really reallt dedicated and tidy the rooms three times a day...you get fresh towels twice a day....and they only get paid about £5 sterling a week!
I cannot praise PNC enough! They are wonderfull!!!
Thomson's service leaves a lil to be desired...mainly as the rep only visits the boat for the welcoming meeting and the departure meeting.
Please be aware that haggling is part of lie in Egypt and the reason we get pestered is because compared to the locals we are very rich...they need to make a living. But, dont fall into the 'tipping trap' at Luxor airport...IGNORE the locals and dont tip the airport staff. You are expected to tip the boat staff and tour guide at the end of the week, and if you wish you can give a lil extra to your favourite members of staff (normally the very hard working and dedicated cleaners).
I love the commodore and PNC. I was almost crying when we drove away towards the airport.
I recommened this visit whole-heartedly. Its not a holiday for people who like lie-ins...but its deently the best way to see Egypt.
One more thing...Hod Hod Balloons and Abu Simbel....expensive but worth every single penny. They are both once-in-a-lifetime experiences. :)
I'm in love with Egypt...being a culture and history freak the country really appeals to me and a real benefit of the PNC cruise is that most of the excursions are inclueded.
I am slightly confused as to whether the MS Commodore is a 3 or 4T boat... Ive been twice and both times I paid for 3 and wa on the same boat as people who paid for 4. Personally I feel its a 3T boat as it is aging a bit.
I love the Commodore, the staff are really friendly and work really hard to please. The cleaners are really reallt dedicated and tidy the rooms three times a day...you get fresh towels twice a day....and they only get paid about £5 sterling a week!
I cannot praise PNC enough! They are wonderfull!!!
Thomson's service leaves a lil to be desired...mainly as the rep only visits the boat for the welcoming meeting and the departure meeting.
Please be aware that haggling is part of lie in Egypt and the reason we get pestered is because compared to the locals we are very rich...they need to make a living. But, dont fall into the 'tipping trap' at Luxor airport...IGNORE the locals and dont tip the airport staff. You are expected to tip the boat staff and tour guide at the end of the week, and if you wish you can give a lil extra to your favourite members of staff (normally the very hard working and dedicated cleaners).
I love the commodore and PNC. I was almost crying when we drove away towards the airport.
I recommened this visit whole-heartedly. Its not a holiday for people who like lie-ins...but its deently the best way to see Egypt.
One more thing...Hod Hod Balloons and Abu Simbel....expensive but worth every single penny. They are both once-in-a-lifetime experiences. :)
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" My wife & I have just returned... "
Submitted By: Mr T.A Johnson
My wife & I have just returned from our second outing with Longwood & Presidential Nile cruises, we boarded the M/S Nile Odessey.
We cannot fault anything with the cruise, from the minute we arrived to the day we left it was nothing but amazing customer service.
From the food cooked by the amazing chefs, from the bar service to the waiting staff, from afternoon tea to the tours & a fantastic guide in Basim, we cannot fault anything, the only downside was the hoilday went so quickly.
We recommend both the holiday company (Longwood) & the cruise ship line itself, we have been advised that the service & cleanliness of each & every boat is the same. We will be back again. Well done to everyone.
Many thanks for once again making our holiday one that will live with us both for ever.
Tim & Karen Johnson
We cannot fault anything with the cruise, from the minute we arrived to the day we left it was nothing but amazing customer service.
From the food cooked by the amazing chefs, from the bar service to the waiting staff, from afternoon tea to the tours & a fantastic guide in Basim, we cannot fault anything, the only downside was the hoilday went so quickly.
We recommend both the holiday company (Longwood) & the cruise ship line itself, we have been advised that the service & cleanliness of each & every boat is the same. We will be back again. Well done to everyone.
Many thanks for once again making our holiday one that will live with us both for ever.
Tim & Karen Johnson
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Longwood
" just returned from the nile... "
Submitted By: Mr M Horne
just returned from the nile commodore.the boat is a little tired now must have been a palace in its day.room was on upper level.clean and comfortable.the crew are great.the food is very good and plenty of choice.drinks are not included however the bill at the end of cruise was very inexpensive and i do like a beer.the guide we had was a guy named shereff.he made the trip fantastic with his great knowledge of egypt mixed with a great sence of humor.this is not the best boat on the nile for looks however.its got to be right up there for comfort.sevice and a most relaxing way to travel along the nile
- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Just returned from my third visit to... "
Submitted By: Miss J Wallace
Just returned from my third visit to Egypt with Longwoods on Nile Odyssey. The first time in 2006 a friend recommended Longwoods,who i had not heard of before. Now i wouldnt travel with anyone else, their reps are first class, well organised and have a good sense of humour. I am amazed how everyone remembers you as they must see thousands of tourists pass through in a year. Everyone on board the boat is friendly and so helpful, nothing is too much trouble and always with a smile. Food is excellent and so much choice .The tours and temples still amaze me, Abu Simbel is a must,although my personal favourite has to be Philae or maybe Karnak, all the temples have something different to offer. When we arrived it was a heatwave a scorching 42 but by the time we reached Aswan it was almost 50,hot sun guaranteed as any time of year. Special thanks to top No. 1 guide Bassem, who is so knowledgable, enthusiastic and as most of the egyptian people has a good sense of humour . Have met some really nice people from all over the world on the Odyssey, some who are now good friends. Anyone who hasnt been on a Nile cruise should definately try it , it is such an amazing experience , i cannot fault anything about it , its so well organised . Egypt is a beautiful country and its people are friendly, yes you do get hassled to buy things in the streets but its their way of life. People still think its a dangerous place to go, well that can be said of anywhere in the world in this day and age, i have never felt unsafe, as tourism is vital to the egyptian economy and security and safety are paramount. Dont hesitate. Go cruisng the nile its the experience of a lifetime and i cannot wait to do it again.
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Longwood
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The staff and accomadation on board were excellent the food above ower expectations.
There were six adults on this tour and we all had the same views.
The tour guide suzanne from Kuoni was the best guide that you could ever ask for. She was so helpfull and knowledgeable and made ower trip very enjoyable.
Advice: Very well worth a visit
Activities: Every thing was well worth it