Ra II, Nile Cruises, Egypt
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
The Ra II is a 73 cabin cruiser, built by Tempest Diesels UK and classified by Bureau Veritas to the highest river craft standards. The boat has long been a favorite with British tourists, offering first class facilities and the highest level of customer service, with excellent food, this is the perfect base from which to explore the wonders of egypt. The Ra II is fully air-conditioned with fire precaution and alarm systems approved by the British board of Trade. loading...
Ra II Reviews
" Excellent holiday, shame about the cabins "
Submitted By: ZGB
Nov09 Just returned from an amazing trip to Egypt which included a 7 day cruise on the Ra 2. The staff are fantastic and nothing is too much trouble for them. The cabins let the whole ship down. They are in poor state of repair and the bathrooms also. We were told to expect small rooms so that was not a shock to us but the rooms are in desperate need of redecoration and refurbishing - even down to the carpet. This also goes for the bathrooms. We changed cabin and were told not to inform anyone else as they obviously couldn't change everyone's rooms - so for us that spoke volumes as to the fact that they know that the cabins are in poor repair. We didn't let this spoil our holiday as everything else was wonderful. The food is 'OK' with lunch often being better than the evening meal but if you weren't happy with any of the food, the staff would sort out something else for you. One other 'gripe' - you couldn't brush your teeth in the bathroom with the water. We had to constantly buy bottled water. On the boat a 1.5litre bottle was 10 Egyptian pounds (£1.25) whereas if you bought the water elsewhere, you could get 2 1.5 litre bottles for 5 Egyptian pounds (65p). The guide was fantastic. This trip was an amazing experience and one I wouldn't have missed.
Advice: Worth checking out the state of the cabins and not just going by 1 picture in a brochure.
Activities: Egyptian night on the boat was fantastic
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Stunningly Fantastic! "
Submitted By: kelstew
We have just returned from a 7 night cruise on the MS Ra II Cruise boat. We had been upgraded from the MS Ra I. Everything about the RA II is perfection in itself. The minute that you embark the staff are there to welcome you and help you. They simply cannot do enough for you.
The cabins are small, but big enough for what you need them for. They are cleaned meticulously every day, sometimes twice a day. When you get back from dinner there are various creatures that creep in onto your bed! They are made from blankets and anything that you have left lying around, including clothes and sunglasses!!
The cruise boat itself is very rustic looking, with dark wooden fittings. There are two small shops on board, but the prices are a little bit expensive compared with going out into the towns and haggling your own prices. One shop sells souveniers and the other sells everything that you may need for the Egyptian night (held on the Saturday night of our stay).
The restaurant is fantasic, they have a choice everyday, and for every meal that will suit everyone. The staff in the restaurant are very helpful and attentive. I celebrated my birthday whilst on board, and for this a cake was brought at dinner by the staff playing instruments!
The sundeck is spacious with enough sunbeds for everyone. There are little wooden baskets and inside you will find fresh towels for sunbathing. There are two jaccuzzis and a quite surprisingly spacious swimming pool. However early in the day the water tends to be very cold!!!
The boat is owned by Eastmar, and they have a private dock in both Luxor and Aswan. This means that you are not docked up alongside any other boats and can disembark straight onto the bank. (Some other cruise boats line up next to each other and you have to cross through all of the other boats to get on and off.)
Having read some reviews prior to going we were hoping to get Omar as our Egyptologist! However, Omar has a rival in the form of Hani. Hani made the history come to life for us. He was enthusiastic and passionate about the places we went to visit. He never had 'enough' of people asking questions. He also spoke to us when we were not on trips to places, and patiently answered any questions. Thank you Hani xxx
The way of paying for your drinks is done at the end of the cruise. Every time you order a drink, you sign a reciept slip. At the end of your cruise you pay for all of this in one go. The boat operates a cashless system. Tipping is also done at the end of the cruise. You decide how much you want to tip and then you put the money into an envelope and hand it to reception. This money is then shared out between the crew members (some of whom you do not see) every month. You also can tip your egyptologist separately.
I would have no hesitation in reccommending the MS RA II to anybody. It was amazing and suberb. It made our holiday just that little bit more perfect. We then went on to do 3 nights in Cairo.
The cabins are small, but big enough for what you need them for. They are cleaned meticulously every day, sometimes twice a day. When you get back from dinner there are various creatures that creep in onto your bed! They are made from blankets and anything that you have left lying around, including clothes and sunglasses!!
The cruise boat itself is very rustic looking, with dark wooden fittings. There are two small shops on board, but the prices are a little bit expensive compared with going out into the towns and haggling your own prices. One shop sells souveniers and the other sells everything that you may need for the Egyptian night (held on the Saturday night of our stay).
The restaurant is fantasic, they have a choice everyday, and for every meal that will suit everyone. The staff in the restaurant are very helpful and attentive. I celebrated my birthday whilst on board, and for this a cake was brought at dinner by the staff playing instruments!
The sundeck is spacious with enough sunbeds for everyone. There are little wooden baskets and inside you will find fresh towels for sunbathing. There are two jaccuzzis and a quite surprisingly spacious swimming pool. However early in the day the water tends to be very cold!!!
The boat is owned by Eastmar, and they have a private dock in both Luxor and Aswan. This means that you are not docked up alongside any other boats and can disembark straight onto the bank. (Some other cruise boats line up next to each other and you have to cross through all of the other boats to get on and off.)
Having read some reviews prior to going we were hoping to get Omar as our Egyptologist! However, Omar has a rival in the form of Hani. Hani made the history come to life for us. He was enthusiastic and passionate about the places we went to visit. He never had 'enough' of people asking questions. He also spoke to us when we were not on trips to places, and patiently answered any questions. Thank you Hani xxx
The way of paying for your drinks is done at the end of the cruise. Every time you order a drink, you sign a reciept slip. At the end of your cruise you pay for all of this in one go. The boat operates a cashless system. Tipping is also done at the end of the cruise. You decide how much you want to tip and then you put the money into an envelope and hand it to reception. This money is then shared out between the crew members (some of whom you do not see) every month. You also can tip your egyptologist separately.
I would have no hesitation in reccommending the MS RA II to anybody. It was amazing and suberb. It made our holiday just that little bit more perfect. We then went on to do 3 nights in Cairo.
Advice: A Nile cruise is probably the ONLY way to see as many things as we did in the time available.
Activities: Best thing to see were Luxor and Karnak Temples
Good for: City Breaks
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:The Classic Traveller (Part of Eastmar)
" you must go "
Submitted By: dclarke1954
We went to celebrate a friends special birthday 10 girls together.The boat was excellent the staff to the food. The rooms cleaned twice a day leaving made up crabs etc really looked great the cabin staff were really good. Food excellent catering for all tastes and
also vegetarians etc well what can i say about the waiters feel in love again not 1 but all even the cheif got involved with the guests. we had a great rep hani was like an encyclopedia on legs gave us 100% of his time no problem to small not that we had any. Overall i would rate the week as 100% would go again to see the staff and also trips missed You must go if thinking about it.
One down fall is that unable to pay for trips and get eygptian pounds at rception with a visa debit card credit cards ok though.I only had visa but ok as hani showed us were to go to a cash machine thank goodness.
enjoy your trip if you go
Denise Clarke nr stratford on avon
also vegetarians etc well what can i say about the waiters feel in love again not 1 but all even the cheif got involved with the guests. we had a great rep hani was like an encyclopedia on legs gave us 100% of his time no problem to small not that we had any. Overall i would rate the week as 100% would go again to see the staff and also trips missed You must go if thinking about it.
One down fall is that unable to pay for trips and get eygptian pounds at rception with a visa debit card credit cards ok though.I only had visa but ok as hani showed us were to go to a cash machine thank goodness.
enjoy your trip if you go
Denise Clarke nr stratford on avon
Advice: the boat great allround
Activities: all the temples were great
- Date of Holiday:Apr 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Longwood
" Wonderful !!! "
Submitted By: getawaygal
I have recently returned from a wonderful holiday spending 2 days in Cairo and 6 on board Ra11. Everything was so clean and the staff could not do enough for us.The trips were amazing and the past brought vividly to life by the wonderful Omar.I cannot reccomend this holiday enough.
Advice: Do not hesitate to go.
Activities: Philae Temple
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Classic Traveller
" Surprising "
Submitted By: OSTRICH07
I was recommended this boat /ship. the food was very good.
The tours made very interesting.
Cabin was a bit small, always the same on a river cruise got use to it after first day.
Good entertainment in the evenings, they like to get you involved.
Like in most countries there is a tipping plan on board,where you put some money in a envelope which you hand in to reception. They suggest £3.00 per person per day, up front which is for the coach drivers etc.
Then on last day another £3.00 per day for the guide, the one we had earned every penny.
Then another £3.00 per person per day one for the crew.
The envelope is sealed so it is down to you what you put in it.
I still recommend this boat, there is a RA1 which I have no info about.
Also the marriot in cairo is very good as well.
Get your visa in cairo airport, change money there as well, get plenty of Egyptian one pound notes for tips, any beggers or sellers in street just walk swiftly past no eye contact and they will not bother you after that.
The tours made very interesting.
Cabin was a bit small, always the same on a river cruise got use to it after first day.
Good entertainment in the evenings, they like to get you involved.
Like in most countries there is a tipping plan on board,where you put some money in a envelope which you hand in to reception. They suggest £3.00 per person per day, up front which is for the coach drivers etc.
Then on last day another £3.00 per day for the guide, the one we had earned every penny.
Then another £3.00 per person per day one for the crew.
The envelope is sealed so it is down to you what you put in it.
I still recommend this boat, there is a RA1 which I have no info about.
Also the marriot in cairo is very good as well.
Get your visa in cairo airport, change money there as well, get plenty of Egyptian one pound notes for tips, any beggers or sellers in street just walk swiftly past no eye contact and they will not bother you after that.
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" RA II Cruise "
Submitted By: chrismorgan194@btinternet.com
Just got back from a superb 7 night cruise from Luxor to Aswan and back on Ra II. We had read many reviews before deciding to book Ra and were delighted with our choice. We chose Ra because it had its own moorings and the cabins had step-on balconies.
I hadn't truly realised what an advantage the own moorings would be until we saw the other boats moored up at Luxor and Aswan. It meant that we did not have to walk through other boats and that the top deck always had good views. We were also fortunate in that our cabin was the right side (Starboard and correct!) so that on this trip we always had an open view.
It was also great to have the balcony. Although before we went we were slightly disappointed that the balconies were not large enough to sit on, the reality of having opening doors and a step on which we could stand was extremely good.
The food was very good, and the service excellent, friendly and efficient. The Maitre d' was extremely helpful with our allergies and often arranged for suitable food to be cooked especially for us.
The cabins are small, but have everything you need, including a small seating area to enjoy the view and fresh air. The blanket/towel characters fashioned by the cabin staff were amusing.
Our Egyptologist, Salah, was very knowledgeable and the trips were well organised. They were planned to avoid the largest crowds and generally achieved this, although Kom Ombo was a bit hectic! We went downstream to Dendara on the first day, which many trips don't appear to do, and that was a relaxing start to the holiday. The Aswan Adventure (optional) was very enjoyable, particularly the boat ride through the nature reserve with a bird expert guide. Abu Simbel is well worth the early start, and the included trips to Luxor and Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings worth the trip alone.
I will certainly recommend RA II to my friends.
I hadn't truly realised what an advantage the own moorings would be until we saw the other boats moored up at Luxor and Aswan. It meant that we did not have to walk through other boats and that the top deck always had good views. We were also fortunate in that our cabin was the right side (Starboard and correct!) so that on this trip we always had an open view.
It was also great to have the balcony. Although before we went we were slightly disappointed that the balconies were not large enough to sit on, the reality of having opening doors and a step on which we could stand was extremely good.
The food was very good, and the service excellent, friendly and efficient. The Maitre d' was extremely helpful with our allergies and often arranged for suitable food to be cooked especially for us.
The cabins are small, but have everything you need, including a small seating area to enjoy the view and fresh air. The blanket/towel characters fashioned by the cabin staff were amusing.
Our Egyptologist, Salah, was very knowledgeable and the trips were well organised. They were planned to avoid the largest crowds and generally achieved this, although Kom Ombo was a bit hectic! We went downstream to Dendara on the first day, which many trips don't appear to do, and that was a relaxing start to the holiday. The Aswan Adventure (optional) was very enjoyable, particularly the boat ride through the nature reserve with a bird expert guide. Abu Simbel is well worth the early start, and the included trips to Luxor and Karnak, and the Valley of the Kings worth the trip alone.
I will certainly recommend RA II to my friends.
Advice: Must see Abu Simbel. Take warm clothes for mornings and nights and a torch for late night ventures.
Activities: Abu Simbel, Valley of the Kings, Aswan Adventure
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Holiday Experts
" A week for pharoes to remember "
Submitted By: jeangordonwoods
We have just returned from a wonderful holiday with two of our friends. Our arrival at East Mar Dock was a bit of a surprise it being about 6k from the centre of Luxor, but it proved to be a quiet berth if a bit of a squeeze for the coach drivers. The whole holiay was a success with excellent organisation and attention to detailfrom the staff of Ra2 and Longwood reps.
The awe inspiring magnificence of Egypt's monuments never failed to impress; our guide Osama was absolutely brilliant. His passion for history and his learning was inspirational. He had a natural gift for teaching without ever being boring. (And I liked the kind and friendly but firm way he dealt with the children on our party) He was very helpful, ready to answer any question, and his organisationwas impeccable.
All the staff were kindness and consideration iteself and could not do enough for the guests. The food was excellent and the restaurant staff friendly and attentive.
The standard of hygiene on the boat was excellent and it was lovely to have fresh towels each time they were used.
I would recommend doing every trip offered, even if it gets a bit tiring, especially the Aswan Experience. Our Nubian Birdman was lovely! Also don't be stingy with the tipping at the end of the week! There are many crew you never see working hard to make the holiday a good one and they share out all the tips at the end of your trip.
A holiday to be remebered!
The awe inspiring magnificence of Egypt's monuments never failed to impress; our guide Osama was absolutely brilliant. His passion for history and his learning was inspirational. He had a natural gift for teaching without ever being boring. (And I liked the kind and friendly but firm way he dealt with the children on our party) He was very helpful, ready to answer any question, and his organisationwas impeccable.
All the staff were kindness and consideration iteself and could not do enough for the guests. The food was excellent and the restaurant staff friendly and attentive.
The standard of hygiene on the boat was excellent and it was lovely to have fresh towels each time they were used.
I would recommend doing every trip offered, even if it gets a bit tiring, especially the Aswan Experience. Our Nubian Birdman was lovely! Also don't be stingy with the tipping at the end of the week! There are many crew you never see working hard to make the holiday a good one and they share out all the tips at the end of your trip.
A holiday to be remebered!
Advice: Make the most of every trip offered...
Activities: Luxor Museum on the last day and Abu Simbel and Philae temple and...and...
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Longwood
" Nile cruise & Cairo "
Submitted By: Mike Walsh
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.
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.
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" I know I'm nearly a year late posting... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Sutcliffe
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!
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomas Cook
" We had a wonderful time on this... "
Submitted By: Mrs Donna Hollands
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
- Date of Holiday:Jun 2008
- Board Basis:0
- Tour Operator:Cosmos
" My travel agent here booked a whole... "
Submitted By: Ms M Chaing
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.
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.
- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Amazing Destinations
" Just got back from this amazing... "
Submitted By: Mrs S Green
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.
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.
- Date of Holiday:May 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Longwood
" Great - people, management, food -... "
Submitted By: Mr R Wilding
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
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
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Longwood
" Having never been to Egypt or a nile... "
Submitted By: Mr R W Renton
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.
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Holiday Place
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The transfer from Luxor Airport I recall was only about 15 mins or so.
The RA 2 is certainly not the newest boat on the Nile, but is certainly one of the nicer boats. The decor within the reception area is quite striking, sort of 'Art Deco'design with a lot of polished brass. It is pleasant and welcoming.
When making an assessment of the cabin, it is fair to say that it is not as big as an average size hotel room. It is entirely functional in design. I believe there are plans for the cabins to be refurbished shortly. They are more than adequate and are cleaned thoroughly every day. The best part of your cabin is the balcony doors, though you will notice that the RA 2 is one of the only Nile boats that has them. Being able to open the balcony doors whilst gently cruising down the Nile is lovely. I had complete trust in every member of the crew and had no worries about leaving valuables around the cabin. You will also discover the occasional 'guest' in your cabin.....usually a creation made out of your towels/clothing/personal items. You name it...the cleaner creates it - crocodiles, birds, and alike. It certainly brings a smile to your face when you open your cabin door.
Listen out for the ding of a bell....dinner is served ! The food was absolutely lovely. The Chefs are always around at meal times. The food is buffet style. Personally I'm quite a fussy eater, but I loved the food. We looked forward to meal times.
The various tours to the temples are presented to you by 'your' guide. You will retain the same guide for the whole week. The guides are extremely knowledgeable and help to bring the history to life for you. Very interesting stuff. The itenary is subject to change, but we found that it over the week was nicely scheduled. It provided enough time for everything. I nice time for history lovers and sun worshippers. Everyone seemed happy!
The crew are the friendliest staff that I have ever come across. Fadi the general manager is the most accommodating manager that I've ever met. They certainly aim to please all the passengers. One of the barmen called George was the happiest person I think I've ever met ! Nothing was too much trouble. The evenings were guaged around the itenary. Some evenings were simply quiet drinks in the bar or on the top deck. Some evenings were party/fancy dress evenings. Everyone got involved !
Some guests were doing the 7 day Nile Cruise then going on to a Red Sea beach resort aswell. That would have been a perfect mix.
If you've booked this holiday....well done good choice.....if you're looking to book it....do it!!!
Advice: Luxor.....absolutely packed with history !
Activities: The temple tours