Reviews of Ra II, Nile Cruises

We have just got back from 4 days on the Nile (half the normal Ra II cruise) and 3 days in Cairo and what can we say - Absolutely Fabulous!! Being throughly pampered on Ra lulled us into far too relaxed a state to take on Cairo - was like being parachuted into a war zone! And we loved every second of it!!
Before booking our trip we read many reviews on the standard of boats and several stood out from the others; Ra II being one of them. Let us tell you it has been completely understated - it is brilliant! The crew cannot do enough for you, the food is superb and plentiful - unless you have cast iron will power expect to gain half a stone. Never any rubbish about the credit card machine not working (as appears common on other boats) and tipping is not the pain most people fear and well worth it for the service you get. The cabins are not huge but this is not the QE2 and they are more than adequate for the trip; clean, tidy and always loads of hot water. Be careful what you leave lying around as well, we returned from trips to find strange folk, crocodiles and snakes sat on our bed - all made by the cleaners from towels and our clothing. Wonderful!! People who had never met were knocking on cabins comparing what was in their beds - great fun. Another pleasant discovery was Egyptian wine is pretty damn drinkable! If you read other reviews you will see glowing reports on the guide Omar; well he was on our boat but we were put in a different group and we can tell you he has a rival - Osama simply brought ancient Egypt back to life.
After 4 days on Ra we flew up to Cairo and that was quite a shock to the system - from the tranquility and cosseting of Ra to 25 million people and 7 million cars that all seemed to be out and about at the same time. Having said that, we felt perfectly safe everywhere but we would recommend getting a guided trip (about £45 pp per day including transport, lunch and admissions) as the places worth seeing are well spaced out and too far to walk between.
All in all, we had a fabulous time, we were lucky enough to meet some great people on the boat, the Egyptians we met were genuinely nice people (there's good and bad at home too) and we can't wait to go back.

I know I'm nearly a year late posting this - but having read the others - I just had to sing the praises of Omar our Egyptologist on board the RAI II. What a magical journey he took us on. My mind exploded to the farthest parts of this universe - WOW WOW WOW! The Nile Cruise is one of the most fantastic holidays I have had and I've been to most places. This holiday is educational, fun, and mind-blowing. We set off leisurely down the Nile - one of the most tranquil places I have seen. We sunbathed. We ate. We visited wonderful temples: Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Aswan. I will always remember Omar getting us to re-enact "Love and Revenge" - I got the starring role of Isis. We were entertained. And Omar..... what can I say. He should be poached to make a documentary on the Temples down the Nile by a TV production company. My daughter, who is now 15, and came with me, my husband and my Mum now wants to be an Egyptologist - all thanks to Omar. After the cruise, we spent two nights in Cairo - what a city! We visited the Pyramids of Geza and of course, the wonderful museum there and then flew to Sharm El Sheikh for 5 days of sunbathing. WONDERFUL!

We had a wonderful time on this cruise.Food was excellent with a large variety catering for all tastes,vegetarian etc, salad safe to eat and chef willing to cook fresh omelettes etc. crew very friendly,cabins spotless and air conditioning very welcome. travel itinerary good,would have liked more cruising time but beggars cant be choosers! would definately recommend ms magic 1 to friends and family,best holiday we have had!! we followed it up with a week 5*hotel in luxor for a well earned rest. Excellent

My travel agent here booked a whole tour package with Eastmar that included a cruise on the RA II.



I had some issues with the tour operator in Cairo and was reticent about the cruise from Aswan to Luxor.



It was my first cruise and I originally didn't want to be cooped up in a boat for 4 days (3 nights) but I was surprised to find that ,n the end, it was the best part of my trip and with least fuss!



The trips were organised into half day (mostly mornings) and full day trips, which I found were amazing experiences into its rich past.



Everything was of a high standard from rooms to meals to service (even if the RA II was a little old).



At the end of a day trip, I would stand at the open french doors, drying my hair in the Egyptian sun, as we cruised the Nile, passing its lush green banks.

Just got back from this amazing cruise. What a great week and one that I would do again without any hesitation. The Ra II is one amazing boat, OK it may be a little dated around the edges, but the staff and the cleanliness of the boat make it amazing. I was not too sure if I was going to enjoy the trip having had a various encounter of a Cairo trip from Cyprus for a day. But the Nile cruise with Longwoods, is fab.



From the moment we boarded our trip was great, the boat is quite old fashioned with lots of woods and the cabins are quite tidy but a little tired, however saying that they are kept spotlessly clean and tidy and are cleaned twice daily without fail.



The food is excellant with a good choice, even the fussiest of eaters would be hard pressed not to find something to eat and if you are struggling the matre de will always offer something else.



The staff of the boat could not do enough for you, whatever you wanted they would go out of there way to help you. All in all they were so attentative, unlike any other hotel I have stayed in before.



As for drinks, we found them to fairly reasonable considering you are a captive audience, wine was ok if you got the bottles, after reading reports from earlier reviews i was apprehensive - but it was ok.



As for entertainment this is a cruise were you tend to make your own entertainment, you certainly do as when you board and go for your evening meal you are given a designated table with other guests. And it is really nice to mix with others we were very lucky to be on a table with 2 other lovely couples and we all got on really well.



The trips to the temples along the Nile were awesome and beyond my wildest dreams. This was brought to life by the lovely Omar - what a guy - talk about being passionate about the history of his country. He must be the best guide on the Nile - hope you get him if you take the Ra II cruise with Longwoods.



All in all I would recommend the cruise to anyone and will be doing it again - ok there are more modern boats on the nile, and sleeker looking ones, but I loved our little Ra II.

Great - people, management, food - all splendid



Guide Omar unique and a joy. Not least excellent english trained in Putney.



Cabin cleaned twice daily.



But demand to know the tour program each day at the beginning and demand a vote on going to Alabastor Factory, Carpet Training Centre, Papayrus Exhibition.



Forget Balcony as normally defined - think french doors with a window ledge - not for sitting out with a pre dinner drinkie.



R

Having never been to Egypt or a nile cruise before, we did not know what to expect. The RA II and the cruise exceeded all our expectations. From the friendly staff, the excellent and variety of food, the tour guide and the sights. The only bad thing was getting off after a week, we could have done it again for the following week. We were well and truly spoiled!! We would recommend the RA II to anyone especially if its your first time as they cater for your every whim.

From the first moment to the last, the RA II was wonderful. From the helpful staff, the excellent food, excursions and sunshine. The RA II exceeded all of these. This was our first time in Egypt, and after reading some horror reviews, we were aprehensive. This was not the case, we were immediately put at ease by the warm welcome from the staff, the cabins are a bit dated but this adds to the overall charm of the boat. The food was fresh, lots of variety, and very well presented, something to suit even the fussiest of eaters! We crammed an awful lot of Egyptian sights and history, but at no time, did we feel rushed. There was a good balance between leisure and activites. We would recommend the RA II to everyone it was wonderful and can't wait to do it again!

Went with the Holiday Place (no connection) and upgraded to an upper floor which is recommended. Sometimes (not often) the boats moor up against each other so you may be nearer someone’s engines if lower down the boat.



RA and RA II are owned by Eastmar who have their own moorings about 2 miles out of Luxor (this is actually an advantage 'cause it's very quiet unlike the centre!) Taxi to centre is £3 each way.



Very nice boat. Guide Osama was fantastic! Not only did he know about the subject but his attention to detail and delivery was very good, a real people person. Went from Weds to Weds (1 week) starting at Luxor then to Aswan and back via one stop. Valley of the Kings was superb as were the other temples. Staff on board cannot be faulted at all. The reception staff always gave me the correct cabin key without even asking (that's service).



Take £1 coins & sterling, Euros and try to get small Egyptian notes (almost impossible!).



At Luxor go on the horse and trap ride (ask for Adil) and you with have the best 1hr 30mins of your trip, all through the back of Luxor and the stuff you don't see. We did it twice and it was awesome. On the second trip we stopped again at the waterwheel, met adil's family, had some tea, had a ride on their camel, smoked on a water pipe had our photos taken (no hassle for money), even Disney couldn't have organised a better time. Came back through the market which is 8 inches wider than the carriage! People wave and say hello and welcome - very friendly people although some will ask for money but never felt threatened. Even stopped by the sugar cane fields whilst Adil got use some sugar cane to try! Cost was £25 (£12 each) for 1.5hr although on the second trip it took 2hrs 20mins and we tipped properly. My other half even got to drive the cart on both occasions and even cantered the horse! - Awesome!



I was amazed how many people tipped very small amounts, crazy how we tip a £5 for a meal yet think twice about giving the people who really need it some money.



Extra trip in Aswan (Aswan experience) well worth it.



Food was good for buffet style to suite all nationalities and number of waiting staff was spot on. I haven't had that service in 5 star European hotels.



Well recommended. I would go again to the same place and same boat if it wasn't for the fact that I've now done it! - Would go back and do Lake Nassaur though (below Aswan).



Cost of things on the boat was very good indeed. £2.50 for a beer.



Great experience and weather was about 23-25 every day (Dec 19th-26th).

We stayed in Sofitel hotel Karnak Luxor, had booked for week but the weather was far too hot to venture, out only if you went 4 morning.



We went to reps meeting and Chrissy the rep who was the best we ever had, talked us to going for a 2 day taster Nile cruise as we never cruised before.



It was 99 pound each for full board including transfers and excursions to temples. It was the best thing we ever done.



Food was great including candle lit gala dinner, 7 courses. Staff fantastic especially Nasser the bar manger every thing was perfect...except the journey back to Luxor from Aswan where you dock.



We were the only 2 going back. We were supposed to have a air conditioned coach but it was a small van with no airconditioning. It was hell for 3 half hours back.



You stop for literally 4 mins. As the convoy leaves you there, we told the rep, she was annoyed and said she will look in to it.



Other than that it was the best time of my life, although would liked to see a few more temples, so hopefully go back one day best time to go January, as in July it peaked 114 degrees...ugh!!



Any how if you go book a week’s one and you cruise back you won’t be sorry.

Just got back from a wonderful week on the RA II, we originally booked the RA I for our honeymoon and got upgraded on arrival not only to the RA II but also to a suite.



Food was fabulous, I had not tummy troubles at all - beware the puddings, they're scrummy and I put on 5lbs in the week.



Drinks weren't too bad, we spent £100 between us for the week. A large bottle of water works out at 60p as well as coke etc, it's just things like spirits that are £4 a shot, beer was £2.50 a can but we were quite happy to pay the prices as we had such a fabulous time.



Our guide, Omar was great, he really knows his stuff and made it fun and interesting even in temperatures approaching 50 degrees at times. We were sure glad of the swimming pool and Jacuzzis.



The room was a good size and cleaned up to 3 times a day, there were always fresh towels in the room and the cleaners all seemed to speak English as well.



Meal times were mostly at 1pm and 8pm on the dot and you can't miss it as they go round with a little bell.



I'd definitely recommend the balloon ride £60 each (although I understand if you organise it yourself it'll only cost £35 each) again happy to pay the extra to be part of an organised tour. We also did the Aswan Experience Tour for £30 - excellent value for money - best trip ever. We even rode camels in the desert (£10 each).



Everyone expects a tip, we paid our guide £10 for the week, and he took care of everything. Keep some 1 LE notes to give as tips when using toilets out and about and pens always go down well for the kids who beg from you. We paid £15 each at the end of the holiday as a tip which is shared out between all the staff - a really fair way to do things.



Luxor airport is much improved now, the duty free shops have some stuff which is cheaper than you pay in places like the Alabaster factories, so if you don't find what you want it's no problem to wait until you go home and buy at the airport.



I'd definitely recommend this holiday to anyone who can walk as it's so fascinating, you really feel like you've gone back in time.

Our stay on the RA 2 was very enjoyable and pleasant. The staff aboard the boat were, pleasant, funny and just overall great. The rooms where kept very clean and there were many surprises left waiting for us!



They were very much enjoyed. The food gives a wide choice for nearly everyone’s taste. The birthday cake was fab. And the Egyptian night was so much fun, even the belly dancing. This was my best holiday ever, and I would go again.



I would recommend this trip to anyone. Thank you

This was one of the best holidays that I have had. The boat was beautiful and the staff fantastic.



I am 26 and went with my Mum on this holiday, the cabins suited our needs perfectly and the balcony was great to be able to sit and watch the world go by as we travelled up and down the Nile.



Thomsons were great we had a great Egyptologist who made the holiday 10 out of 10 for me. ISIS rule!



This is a fantastic way to see this beautiful area of the country.



We did only one additional tour that was not included in the holiday, which was the Philae Light and Sound and it was worth it.



The entertainment was good and the food great, you eat so much but you manage to walk it off the following day.



The weather was just right around 28/30 deg C, any hotter and it might have been unbearable.



Want to go back now!

I spent one week on the RA II cruising along the Nile last year and have a mixed reviews about the experience.



The room was small but comfy and well furnished. It also had a little balcony.



There was a swimming pool and two Jacuzzis on the roof of the boat which was where we spent most of our time! There was quite a few sunbeds on the roof and also a handy bar.



The food aboard the ship was fine - there was a good variety and different choices everyday.



The cleaning staff were also very helpful, the rooms were changed every day and animal shapes made from the bedclothes were arranged on our beds each day!



However, the disadvantages to staying aboard this ship were that the drinks were very, very expensive. We were told not to buy wine or beer off of the ship because it could be out of date (!!!??) but when we did we found exactly the same brands to be a tenth of the price on board!



We also felt pressured to buy very expensive trips and when we declined the Thomas Cook rep became annoyed and unfriendly for the rest of our stay.



Some of the trips such as visiting the famous hotel where Agatha Christi wrote Death on the Nile could easily be done by yourself instead of paying Thomas Cook to take you there. The hotel was very easy to find and we also had time to explore the town for ourselves.