Domina Prestige Emilio Cruise, Nile Cruises, Egypt
Hotel Information
Hotel Class:
Hotel Description:
Domina Prestige Emilio Cruise is a 5-star superior cruise boat, 72 mts long and 14.20 mts wide.Conceived with 4 main decks plus sundeck, the cruise boat has 72 Superior cabins furnished in modern style, all with wide windows overlooking the Nile. Cabin size starting from 21 sqm up to 38 sqm.
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Domina Prestige Emilio Cruise Reviews
" Domina Prestige Cruise "
Submitted By: helen@terrace-coffeehouse.co.uk
Just returned from week long cruise on The Nile,sailing from Luxor to Upper Nile and back.Booked two days before departure! with no problem all online through Preferred Egypt(part of Hays travel group) & Libra,e tickets sent immediately and flight tickets at airport with no problems.Certainly got a good deal with inflight meals,10 free excursions & transfers,plus flight supplement allin by booking late.But in hindsight I could have got it all £50 cheaper with same ship on another Eygpt cruise site! but I had committed by this time,will know better next time!Transfer from airport was pretty good, with exception of a little chaos on arrival to customs,where you have to fill two forms in there and then,one for health one for visa which we paid £20 for two visas in bank right by customs,there is a string of banks AND guys selling visas in this hall,be wary ONLY GO TO A BANK,your rep will tell you to do this also, it ranges from £20 to £40! for two visas!Do not give any tips to anyone other than toilet staff one eygptian pound is plenty,your rep does all tipping as you pay into a tip kitty on ship.Transfer very good, food well cooked but repetative and not hot on choices(but a week soon goes by)staff all very helpful and ship was spotless and compared to others very well kept overall.Be prepared to be up early for your excursions, due to heat factor,we were up and out by 6.30am one morning as it was 46c by 9am!coach driver has loads of water in small bottles for approx £1 for 3 and cool,we all bought it on there.At first we felt drinks were dear but in hindsight not really,but you in bed by 11pm ready for early start,which bothered nobody.Our Eygptoligist was exceptional her name was Moushira and we all fell in love with her kind personality and any question was answered,as she was our "rep" for the week.We were forty in total and everyone got on well, some fun nights on board and fun watching how folk live over there!As seasoned cruisers it was a bit of adventure for us but it was a holiday to remember.I would recommend it to anyone,rated as a five star,but would say more of a high 3 star,rooms very comfortable,tv,minibar,air-con,marble bathroom full bath/shower,no hairdresser on board when we went, but maybe in high season,shop sells cheap gifts and a jewellers,some bought small bits from gift shop,try it!But go between October and March(high season) when it is cooler,but also more expensive!
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" Apsolutley Fantastic "
Submitted By: nurseuk
This is definatley the best holiday I have ever had, I was a little nervous as this was my first lone holiday but I need not have worried. Arriving at Luxor airport was a little daunting, However I was quickly met by Sam our tour guide (Egyptologist) and rep for Libra, We transferred to the boat on an air conditioned coach. Once on board our bags were taken straight to our cabins so no heavy lifting, Mine was an upper deck twin cabin with sliding doors and a magnificent view over the Nile. The crew were all very welcoming and helpfull,
I read a few negative comments regarding the food on the boat but I can honestly say there was plenty of variety and lots of it. We had our welcome meeting the following day where Sam explained everything to us in great detail. The trips to the tombs and the Temples are awesome made so much more interesting by Sam and his extensive knowledge of ancient Egypt, Not once did I hear him say "I dont know" when asked a question, He is truly amazing.
I do feel that this holiday is UNDER sold as there is so many little extra touches that make the holiday so special ie. The staff were always waiting in reception when we came back from a tour with warm face towels and a cold drink and every night we got our beds turned back and a fantastic towel sculpture on the bed. The entertainment is good and lots of fun. All the trips were taken early morning to avoid the mid day heat but as Im an early riser anyway this suited me, It left the afternoons free to either sunbathe on the well laid out sundeck or just relax in your cabin with the doors open watching the beautifull Nile as you sail by.
I chose to stay full board as opposed to All Inclusive as I dont drink alcohol there would have been little point in paying the extra, The bottled water is expensive on board but the coach driver always has a well stocked fridge with water at quarter of the price. There is so much more I could write about this holiday but see for yourselves how wonderfull it is. Oh and dont miss the optional bird watching tour its well worth seeing. I was fortunate enough to be in a friendly and welcoming group, Not once did I feel lonely or left out so a big thankyou to all.
Have a great holiday
I read a few negative comments regarding the food on the boat but I can honestly say there was plenty of variety and lots of it. We had our welcome meeting the following day where Sam explained everything to us in great detail. The trips to the tombs and the Temples are awesome made so much more interesting by Sam and his extensive knowledge of ancient Egypt, Not once did I hear him say "I dont know" when asked a question, He is truly amazing.
I do feel that this holiday is UNDER sold as there is so many little extra touches that make the holiday so special ie. The staff were always waiting in reception when we came back from a tour with warm face towels and a cold drink and every night we got our beds turned back and a fantastic towel sculpture on the bed. The entertainment is good and lots of fun. All the trips were taken early morning to avoid the mid day heat but as Im an early riser anyway this suited me, It left the afternoons free to either sunbathe on the well laid out sundeck or just relax in your cabin with the doors open watching the beautifull Nile as you sail by.
I chose to stay full board as opposed to All Inclusive as I dont drink alcohol there would have been little point in paying the extra, The bottled water is expensive on board but the coach driver always has a well stocked fridge with water at quarter of the price. There is so much more I could write about this holiday but see for yourselves how wonderfull it is. Oh and dont miss the optional bird watching tour its well worth seeing. I was fortunate enough to be in a friendly and welcoming group, Not once did I feel lonely or left out so a big thankyou to all.
Have a great holiday
Advice: Must do it
Activities: Valley of the Kings
- Date of Holiday:Aug 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" Far Better Than Expected "
Submitted By: Warwickshire Lad
Candidly as this was my first ever package holiday - I went with low expectations- HOWEVER it really was Jolly Good. Lovely Cabin , faultless service. The food was perfectly adequate and was prepared for boring westerners! I did manage to get the staff to put on some typical Egyptian food which was really fab - trouble was no other passengers would eat it! Shame on them!
All staff were great fun . Just be prepared to be with a boatload of rather boring badly travelled Brits! ( with the odd excetion!) However you can keep yourself to yourself and go on your own trips by taxi , fellucca etc which we did.
All staff were great fun . Just be prepared to be with a boatload of rather boring badly travelled Brits! ( with the odd excetion!) However you can keep yourself to yourself and go on your own trips by taxi , fellucca etc which we did.
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Brilliant "
Submitted By: magnificent
Just came back from a nile cruise on this ship. The only complaint is the food got repetitive and boring towards mid week. This was the best holiday I have had. I took two children with me aged 13 and 16 and they enjoyed the cruise. It would be nice if there were some activities for children while we were sailing. We had a lovely group that made this holiday even better. Our tour guide was absolutely brilliant. It was a nice clean cruise and we had a room on the top deck which was really nice while we were sailing.
Advice: It was a nice and relaxing holiday with excursions included
Activities: The tombs
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" My best holiday ever "
Submitted By: MillieNMiles
This was our first Nile Cruise, and we will definitely go again. The DOmina Prestige Emilio was beautiful. The staff were helpful and friendly and I have always been one of those people who miss my own bed, but not here. Our room had a french window that gave a breathtaking view as we sailed along the Nile from Luxor to Aswan. We saw men fishing with spears, amazing bird life and so much going on from the comfort of our air conditioned room.
The trips started early to avoid the heat of the day. They were optional although most were included in the price. Water was freely available on board and was also available from the coach driver at a reasonable price. The extra trips were fantastic, Abu Simbel and the birdwatching, where I got to hold a crocodile were my favourites. Best of all, our guide Hassan was a qualified archaeologist and we got so much more than the usual patter. He gave us pointers on what to look for in temples and about how the inscriptions were laid out. Something we can use in the future. Thanks, Hassan.
We took our travel kettle and tea bags, but the staff made excellent tea on request, so we used it much less than we expected to.If you like to wake up to a cuppa, I would advise this.For us, the food was not quite Egyptian enough, but there was a variety at every meal. Labels would have helped and an idea of what was vegetarian. The salads could heve been more imaginative and drawn from local tradition, but there was a lot of fruit ans pastries available every day. The chefs could make mouthwatering crepes too.
I could write a book abouy what I liked. Just remember, July is summer and it is extremely hot. Factor 50 would by no means be overkill.
Worth every penny. If you get the chance, go for it!
The trips started early to avoid the heat of the day. They were optional although most were included in the price. Water was freely available on board and was also available from the coach driver at a reasonable price. The extra trips were fantastic, Abu Simbel and the birdwatching, where I got to hold a crocodile were my favourites. Best of all, our guide Hassan was a qualified archaeologist and we got so much more than the usual patter. He gave us pointers on what to look for in temples and about how the inscriptions were laid out. Something we can use in the future. Thanks, Hassan.
We took our travel kettle and tea bags, but the staff made excellent tea on request, so we used it much less than we expected to.If you like to wake up to a cuppa, I would advise this.For us, the food was not quite Egyptian enough, but there was a variety at every meal. Labels would have helped and an idea of what was vegetarian. The salads could heve been more imaginative and drawn from local tradition, but there was a lot of fruit ans pastries available every day. The chefs could make mouthwatering crepes too.
I could write a book abouy what I liked. Just remember, July is summer and it is extremely hot. Factor 50 would by no means be overkill.
Worth every penny. If you get the chance, go for it!
Advice: Best holiday ever, we're going nack soon.
Activities: Bird watching from a boat. Not to be missed.
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2009
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:NileCruise4u
" best time of our lives "
Submitted By: dave cutter
My partner and i went on this cruise for the second time on 6/10/2008 and as with the year before we were greeted by happy smiling staff.The boat was clean and welcoming,the staff were polite and friendly.when we got to our cabin the excellent service continued we were met at the door by a grinning porter who had come to deliver two very heavy cases he passed them over and expected no tip.Our cabin was clean, comfortable and refreshingly cool,next was our welcome meeting we were placed in hassan's tour group,this i have to say was a real bonus as the year before we were with a guide called Sam and i thought we would not get a guide to match him, happily i was mistaken as hassan was another amazing guide to the treasures of egypt.Next came meal time there was a full range of food which was well presented and extremly tasty .In conclusion the cruise went as fabulously as we expected it would due to prior experience,in fact it was so good that we are booked on the same cruise in august of this year,all i can say is we would and have reccomended it to anyone who asked.
Advice: do not visit egypt without booking one.
Activities:
Good for: City Breaks
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" Spioled by the Details "
Submitted By: peterdholmes
Egypt is great even with the apparently inevitable tummy problems. Our only complaints are that the food was unexciting and bottled water which is an essential was charged on board at about 4 times the going rate on shore. We took notice of previous comments about this cruise and we took out own wine and gin from duty free at Gatwick. An all-in basis including local drinks would avoid most of the negative comments about this cruise.
Advice: Well worth the visit even with the inconvieniences
Activities: Balloon ride & Valley of the Kings
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Great week on the Nile! "
Submitted By: pwilson8@sky.com
We arrived in Egypt with trepidation as some previous reviews have been negative. We were pleasantly surprised! The boat is clean and well laid out with plenty of room. The bedrooms are to a good standard, with large picture windows that slide open to reveal the magnificent Nile. Many of the other boats did not have such good picture windows. The bathroom is functional and has both bath and shower facilities.
The restaurant was nicely laid out with lots to choose from at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Freshly cooked omelettes for breakfast and pancakes and Crepes for dinner, on occasion. We were grouped with four other couples on a round table and we all got on from the off, making the holiday and even more enjoyable experience! lots of laughs and good conversation.Food was tasty and plentiful, on a buffet service. Everybody ate everything, salads etc. without any problems
No problems with Egyptian tummy, although and adjacent boat, we were docked with, experienced 30% of guests with diarrhoea!!!
The bar/drink prices were a little expensive, but water could be purchased at a fraction of the boat price from the excursions bus driver.
The sun deck was well laid out with a plunge pool and jacuzzi, but be prepared to be chilled if you dare to enter!!lots of available sun loungers and seating with a bar under cover.
There was entertainment on an evening... dancers , belly dancer,fancy dress, fun and games but the Bingo is a complete rip off so don't buy a ticket! 100 Egyptian for 5 cards and the first and only prize is a 75p metal piece of jewellery. I assume the money goes into the boats back pocket!!
All in all it was a fantastic holiday and the tours were out of this world , but you don't have to go on any of them if you so wish you can just pick the ones you fancy , but do be prepared for some early starts ! The valley of the Kings was my personal highlight. Enjoy !!
The restaurant was nicely laid out with lots to choose from at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Freshly cooked omelettes for breakfast and pancakes and Crepes for dinner, on occasion. We were grouped with four other couples on a round table and we all got on from the off, making the holiday and even more enjoyable experience! lots of laughs and good conversation.Food was tasty and plentiful, on a buffet service. Everybody ate everything, salads etc. without any problems
No problems with Egyptian tummy, although and adjacent boat, we were docked with, experienced 30% of guests with diarrhoea!!!
The bar/drink prices were a little expensive, but water could be purchased at a fraction of the boat price from the excursions bus driver.
The sun deck was well laid out with a plunge pool and jacuzzi, but be prepared to be chilled if you dare to enter!!lots of available sun loungers and seating with a bar under cover.
There was entertainment on an evening... dancers , belly dancer,fancy dress, fun and games but the Bingo is a complete rip off so don't buy a ticket! 100 Egyptian for 5 cards and the first and only prize is a 75p metal piece of jewellery. I assume the money goes into the boats back pocket!!
All in all it was a fantastic holiday and the tours were out of this world , but you don't have to go on any of them if you so wish you can just pick the ones you fancy , but do be prepared for some early starts ! The valley of the Kings was my personal highlight. Enjoy !!
Advice: Fantastic watching the world pass by !
Activities: Tombs and temples were wonderful .... exceeded expectations !!
- Date of Holiday:Feb 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Good Holiday "
Submitted By: ilbainbridge
We travelled on the Domina Prestige Emilio over New Year. The food was good and we all thought varied, with something for everyone. There were queues in the restaurant, though they soon went down. We got over this by going in to eat a little after the specified time and as there was always plenty to eat this was not a problem. Though on one occasion we did not read the notice board and the meal was half an hour earlier than usual, luckily Mohammed spotted us still sat in the bar so we were not a lot later than normal.
Mohamed was out guide (and also the Libra rep) and he was excellent making the history come to life. He was very knowledgeable and funny. The trips (we only went to those included in the price apart from Abel Simple) were very well organised. Over New Year there were a lot of travellers but there were three buses and guides so we were not overcrowded on the tours. The itinerary was changed to allow us extra sleep for the New Year festivities, which we thought was very good. Some of the trips did start very early, but as we were back for lunch and had the afternoon to relax this was no problem.
The room was larger than an ocean cruise (though not enormous) with a patio window. We were able to take advantage of this but our friends, who were on the other side of the boat, only saw other people’s cabins when docked. The room and boat generally was very clean. Some people did come down with Egyptian tummy, including some on our table. It may have been a coincidence but this only happened after we had prawns on New Year’s Eve.
The staff were very friendly. Perhaps the cabin boy was a little too gushing.
Our main criticism was the bar prices. A cheep bottle of wine was £20; a half litre of local beer was £5. It was £6 for the spirits and £2 for the mixer. This kept the bar fairly empty so there was not much atmosphere in there. There was also a problem when we went to pay (at the end of the trip). The boat company said there was a 3 per cent charge on both debit and credit cards. Earlier in the trip Libra said there was a 3 per cent charge on credit cards but nothing on debit cards (though this was for their trips). As we had not drawn out enough money to pay in Egyptian pounds, thinking we could pay on out debit card for no extra cost, we were very annoyed. Initially we paid the bill on our debit card but thought about it and queried the extra payment. We asked the reception desk to call our rep (I also mentioned the internet) and we were refunded the 3 per cent.
Also when we booked the Libra trip to Able Simble we were told the exchange rate was 8.5 Egyptian pound s to the pound. The trip was £75 each (£150 total). We were paying on our debit card so they multiplied 150 by 8.5 to get 1275 Egyptian pounds. When we got home the rate was 8.0 so the trip cost us £160. My advice is to pay for any trips advertised in English pound in sterling. When we went to pay the ships bar bill the rate was then 7.1 Egyptian pounds to the pound (they must pick the rate so they get the best profit). Therefore it would be better to pay this bill in Egyptian pounds (or by Debit card if there is no charge). Overall the best rate was on our Nationwide debit card both at the cash machine and for the bar bill on the boat. Our rep, Mohamed, did not inform us about the debit card changes. When I told him what had happened I got the impression that he did not know about them though I could be wrong.
Overall we really enjoyed our trip, though the problem paying did put a slight damper on thin
Mohamed was out guide (and also the Libra rep) and he was excellent making the history come to life. He was very knowledgeable and funny. The trips (we only went to those included in the price apart from Abel Simple) were very well organised. Over New Year there were a lot of travellers but there were three buses and guides so we were not overcrowded on the tours. The itinerary was changed to allow us extra sleep for the New Year festivities, which we thought was very good. Some of the trips did start very early, but as we were back for lunch and had the afternoon to relax this was no problem.
The room was larger than an ocean cruise (though not enormous) with a patio window. We were able to take advantage of this but our friends, who were on the other side of the boat, only saw other people’s cabins when docked. The room and boat generally was very clean. Some people did come down with Egyptian tummy, including some on our table. It may have been a coincidence but this only happened after we had prawns on New Year’s Eve.
The staff were very friendly. Perhaps the cabin boy was a little too gushing.
Our main criticism was the bar prices. A cheep bottle of wine was £20; a half litre of local beer was £5. It was £6 for the spirits and £2 for the mixer. This kept the bar fairly empty so there was not much atmosphere in there. There was also a problem when we went to pay (at the end of the trip). The boat company said there was a 3 per cent charge on both debit and credit cards. Earlier in the trip Libra said there was a 3 per cent charge on credit cards but nothing on debit cards (though this was for their trips). As we had not drawn out enough money to pay in Egyptian pounds, thinking we could pay on out debit card for no extra cost, we were very annoyed. Initially we paid the bill on our debit card but thought about it and queried the extra payment. We asked the reception desk to call our rep (I also mentioned the internet) and we were refunded the 3 per cent.
Also when we booked the Libra trip to Able Simble we were told the exchange rate was 8.5 Egyptian pound s to the pound. The trip was £75 each (£150 total). We were paying on our debit card so they multiplied 150 by 8.5 to get 1275 Egyptian pounds. When we got home the rate was 8.0 so the trip cost us £160. My advice is to pay for any trips advertised in English pound in sterling. When we went to pay the ships bar bill the rate was then 7.1 Egyptian pounds to the pound (they must pick the rate so they get the best profit). Therefore it would be better to pay this bill in Egyptian pounds (or by Debit card if there is no charge). Overall the best rate was on our Nationwide debit card both at the cash machine and for the bar bill on the boat. Our rep, Mohamed, did not inform us about the debit card changes. When I told him what had happened I got the impression that he did not know about them though I could be wrong.
Overall we really enjoyed our trip, though the problem paying did put a slight damper on thin
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Dissapointed "
Submitted By: paulmcevoy
14 members of our family cruised on the Domina prestige for a new year treat and were all sorely dissapointed by the service and food on the boat. Egypt itself is of course wonderful and the temples, balloon ride and other trips were great experiences. We have all been to Egyppt before before, my mother as recently as last year on a cruise so we do have other holidays to compare . Our main complaint was the quality of food and and price of drinks on the boat. The food was bland and repetetive and meals were badly organised buffets where you had to stand in long queues. I understand that Egypt is a moslem country, alcohol is not widely available and you will pay a premium. But over £20 for a low quality bottle of wine and £5 for a bottle of weak beer is a rip off. We were also docked miles from Luxor and outside Aswan so you coulod not easily get off the boat to buy more reasonably priced drinks.
To add insult to injury on our departure day we were informed that reception did not have three of the passports that had been handed over on our arrival. Instead of trying to be helpful they insisted that we had not handed them over in the first place and a farce ensued which finally saw two of our party having to stay two more days before they could leave the country. No apology was made and the last day of our holiday was ruined.
To add insult to injury on our departure day we were informed that reception did not have three of the passports that had been handed over on our arrival. Instead of trying to be helpful they insisted that we had not handed them over in the first place and a farce ensued which finally saw two of our party having to stay two more days before they could leave the country. No apology was made and the last day of our holiday was ruined.
Advice: Be careful what boat you choose
Activities:
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" Great holiday "
Submitted By: Elaine Headley
My sister and I were a litte apprehensive about sailing on the Nile(Luxor to Aswan)
but this holiday has been one of the best we have spent together. Libra organization was superb. The boat was a pleasent suprise. Lots of marble and chandeliers. Our cabin was on the top deck (paid extra) The sliding windows opened to give us a glorious view when the boat was sailing along. However, the boats are moored together and some times we only had views of another boats windows. The cabin was nicely furnished and the bathroom shower was great, plenty of hot water. Towels were
changed frequently and the cabin was cleaned twice a day.
The food was varied and I enjoyed tasting different dishes. The Egyption evening was great fun. The best part was the visits to the temples. Our Egyption guide must be the best in Egypt. She asked us to call her Mummy which was very apt as we were guided around the temples not one of us got lost in the crowds. Her knowledge was extensive and she could tell stories of the Gods and the history of the temples
in a facinating and amusing way. We all became very fond of Mummy.
I have only one complaint and that is the cost of water and soft drinks. The only time we were given tea or coffee was at breakfast. This could only be paid at the end of the holiday. There were a few tummy upsets.
Over all this was a great holiday.
but this holiday has been one of the best we have spent together. Libra organization was superb. The boat was a pleasent suprise. Lots of marble and chandeliers. Our cabin was on the top deck (paid extra) The sliding windows opened to give us a glorious view when the boat was sailing along. However, the boats are moored together and some times we only had views of another boats windows. The cabin was nicely furnished and the bathroom shower was great, plenty of hot water. Towels were
changed frequently and the cabin was cleaned twice a day.
The food was varied and I enjoyed tasting different dishes. The Egyption evening was great fun. The best part was the visits to the temples. Our Egyption guide must be the best in Egypt. She asked us to call her Mummy which was very apt as we were guided around the temples not one of us got lost in the crowds. Her knowledge was extensive and she could tell stories of the Gods and the history of the temples
in a facinating and amusing way. We all became very fond of Mummy.
I have only one complaint and that is the cost of water and soft drinks. The only time we were given tea or coffee was at breakfast. This could only be paid at the end of the holiday. There were a few tummy upsets.
Over all this was a great holiday.
Advice: Definately do this for a once in a life time experience
Activities: Temples were awe inspiring
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" One of the best holidays "
Submitted By: Elaine Headley
Libra's organization was brillient, couriers, coach drivers, staff and crew were very attentive. Food was good. Sailing on the Nile and visting the Ancient sites was
magic. Our guide(Mummy) was excellent and we all became very fond of her. She loved talking about the ancient Gods and temples and could be very amusing.
My only complaint is that we had to buy all our water and soft drinks accept for tea and coffee at breakfast. You cant pay until the end of the holiday so make sure you have enough money for the bill. The average age of people was over 40+.
Overall this was one of the best holidays we have had.
magic. Our guide(Mummy) was excellent and we all became very fond of her. She loved talking about the ancient Gods and temples and could be very amusing.
My only complaint is that we had to buy all our water and soft drinks accept for tea and coffee at breakfast. You cant pay until the end of the holiday so make sure you have enough money for the bill. The average age of people was over 40+.
Overall this was one of the best holidays we have had.
Advice: You must do this once in your life.
Activities: The temples were awe inspiring
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" NOT THE BEST BOAT - BUT THE BEST GUIDE EVER!!!! "
Submitted By: TIME LORD
I have been on a cruise before, on the RAII about 13yrs ago. How times have changed, even though Egypt remains much the same.
The Domina is an okay boat, but as previous reviews, there is a lot of niggles.
I knew to take the kettle and tea bags and instant coffee, plus alcohol, as these are very expensive on the boat and money seems to just disappear if you have to keep paying for all the extra's and the tips. The food was nice to start with, but when it is very much the same everyday, it does get a little bit boring, but I suppose this is the same on many of the boats. On the RAII we had waiter service at the night time meal, but I believe this is very rare on boats now.
The Bingo night, which is on all the boats, was a RIP OFF on the Domina. We paid 10 English Pounds for 4 tickets, and one that was free (making 5 in all) and the prize for two lines and a full house, was a gold cartouche (not sure of the spelling, but you will know what I mean no doubt). I would have said that they came out of a lucky bag! There were no cash prizes and they must have pocked a whopping amount from that little scam, so BEWARE, don’t bother to play Bingo if you are on the Domina.
One thing I will say in support of the Domina was our guide AZZA. She was a very large Egyptian lady who spoke very good English - which believe me you need, as some of the guides are very hard to understand. She made the visits to the temples a trip to remember for a life time. Instead of the usually rhyming off of all the gods, which you cannot remember two seconds later, she told us about the temples in a story fashion (much like we were kids at school) but with great humour and boy did we remember the temples. He famous words were 'my great grand father Ramses II' and she had us enacting out the scenes as though we were the gods, but put lots of humour into the scenes. Her special way of getting us all back together from the temples was a loud whistle and boy could she whistle for Egypt! We felt like a gang of school kids in no time at all and we used to laugh at the way we all just fell in line and were together in no time. We never lost one of the group in those temples!
I would only go on a trip again if I could have AZZA as my guide. We bombarded her with questions in the lounge bar, at night, if we did not understand something and she would sit all night explaining what it was we didn’t understand, or go into more depth regarding scenes on the walls, if we wanted to know more information. Nothing was too much trouble for her.
I event learnt more things about the temples than the first time around, because she took so much trouble to explain the temples before you started clicking the camera and anyone who started taking pictures before she had done her lesson, got a humourous reminder that there was 'plenty of time later for taking pictures'! She was a very special lady to us all by the end of the trip and everyone said what a good time they had!
Abu Simbel was good - even though you had an early start at 3pm and it was a 6hr round trip - buy hey you only go to Egypt once (well in my case two) but I had never been the first time around and it was well worth the money and effort!
The lock had the usual fascination, on rising from one level to another, and the delicate manoeuvres they had to do in getting two boats in at one time and I even got up at 5am to see the boat going through the lock. (Must be mad, I know)!
Never went on the balloon ride, but all the rest of the gang who did, said it was awesome - so if you have the pennies (or pounds to spare) I would say it was worth it. Although it was another early rise.
I must have bored you by now, so I will go, with my thoughts of Egypt and AZZA saying that everything that was ever invented - 'It was invented by the EGYPTIAN's'! Mind you - it probably was!
The Domina is an okay boat, but as previous reviews, there is a lot of niggles.
I knew to take the kettle and tea bags and instant coffee, plus alcohol, as these are very expensive on the boat and money seems to just disappear if you have to keep paying for all the extra's and the tips. The food was nice to start with, but when it is very much the same everyday, it does get a little bit boring, but I suppose this is the same on many of the boats. On the RAII we had waiter service at the night time meal, but I believe this is very rare on boats now.
The Bingo night, which is on all the boats, was a RIP OFF on the Domina. We paid 10 English Pounds for 4 tickets, and one that was free (making 5 in all) and the prize for two lines and a full house, was a gold cartouche (not sure of the spelling, but you will know what I mean no doubt). I would have said that they came out of a lucky bag! There were no cash prizes and they must have pocked a whopping amount from that little scam, so BEWARE, don’t bother to play Bingo if you are on the Domina.
One thing I will say in support of the Domina was our guide AZZA. She was a very large Egyptian lady who spoke very good English - which believe me you need, as some of the guides are very hard to understand. She made the visits to the temples a trip to remember for a life time. Instead of the usually rhyming off of all the gods, which you cannot remember two seconds later, she told us about the temples in a story fashion (much like we were kids at school) but with great humour and boy did we remember the temples. He famous words were 'my great grand father Ramses II' and she had us enacting out the scenes as though we were the gods, but put lots of humour into the scenes. Her special way of getting us all back together from the temples was a loud whistle and boy could she whistle for Egypt! We felt like a gang of school kids in no time at all and we used to laugh at the way we all just fell in line and were together in no time. We never lost one of the group in those temples!
I would only go on a trip again if I could have AZZA as my guide. We bombarded her with questions in the lounge bar, at night, if we did not understand something and she would sit all night explaining what it was we didn’t understand, or go into more depth regarding scenes on the walls, if we wanted to know more information. Nothing was too much trouble for her.
I event learnt more things about the temples than the first time around, because she took so much trouble to explain the temples before you started clicking the camera and anyone who started taking pictures before she had done her lesson, got a humourous reminder that there was 'plenty of time later for taking pictures'! She was a very special lady to us all by the end of the trip and everyone said what a good time they had!
Abu Simbel was good - even though you had an early start at 3pm and it was a 6hr round trip - buy hey you only go to Egypt once (well in my case two) but I had never been the first time around and it was well worth the money and effort!
The lock had the usual fascination, on rising from one level to another, and the delicate manoeuvres they had to do in getting two boats in at one time and I even got up at 5am to see the boat going through the lock. (Must be mad, I know)!
Never went on the balloon ride, but all the rest of the gang who did, said it was awesome - so if you have the pennies (or pounds to spare) I would say it was worth it. Although it was another early rise.
I must have bored you by now, so I will go, with my thoughts of Egypt and AZZA saying that everything that was ever invented - 'It was invented by the EGYPTIAN's'! Mind you - it probably was!
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" We have just returned from a 7 day... "
Submitted By: Ms L Waugh
We have just returned from a 7 day cruise from Luxor to Aswan & had a wonderful time. We booked last minute (Saturday evening for a departure on Monday morning!) and must say that Libra's organisation throughout the holiday was faultless. The tickets were ready & waiting for our collection at the airport, our egyptian guide was wonderfully friendly knowledgeable and helpful, the same coach accompanied us throughout the journey so we always had someone whom we knew with us. Rooms were ready immediately on arrival, late checkouts arranged for departure and all tours and connections were dealt with promptly & efficiently.
The ship itself is very nice. Being on a lower deck we were worried that we might have issues with drainage etc., but these were unfounded. Our cabin was quite roomy & had french doors to open onto the Nile. If you expect a UK-style 5 star accomodation/service though, you will be disappointed. The level of cleanliness in the bathroom was not great, although the cabins were cleaned & tidied twice daily. The rest of the boat was fine though. There is a good range of food at each sitting, but this is buffet-style and not cordon bleu style cuisine. The highlight for me was definately the Egyptian nights with the local dishes which were wonderful. A few people on the cruise had upset stomachs, but none that I spoke to thought that this was because of dodgy food, because even the salads were prepared with mineral water.
Staff themselves were very courteous & helpful, although the waiters in the sunlounge dissappeared from time to time without explanation. Reception had to be asked repeatedly before things were actioned but these are real nit-picking points as the cruise generally was great. Most importantly, there were a number of people who had already been on the cruise & were returning for a second time, which speacks volumes.
The ship itself is very nice. Being on a lower deck we were worried that we might have issues with drainage etc., but these were unfounded. Our cabin was quite roomy & had french doors to open onto the Nile. If you expect a UK-style 5 star accomodation/service though, you will be disappointed. The level of cleanliness in the bathroom was not great, although the cabins were cleaned & tidied twice daily. The rest of the boat was fine though. There is a good range of food at each sitting, but this is buffet-style and not cordon bleu style cuisine. The highlight for me was definately the Egyptian nights with the local dishes which were wonderful. A few people on the cruise had upset stomachs, but none that I spoke to thought that this was because of dodgy food, because even the salads were prepared with mineral water.
Staff themselves were very courteous & helpful, although the waiters in the sunlounge dissappeared from time to time without explanation. Reception had to be asked repeatedly before things were actioned but these are real nit-picking points as the cruise generally was great. Most importantly, there were a number of people who had already been on the cruise & were returning for a second time, which speacks volumes.
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
" Egypt was wonderful and a cruise is a... "
Submitted By: Ms RA Mathewson
Egypt was wonderful and a cruise is a great way to see it. No moving hotel every night, fewer long bus rides although still a few of those. We had a very knowledgeable guide and a congenial group; all British except for me, the lone American. We were a bit disappointed with the Domina Prestige. It was all fine and servicable but no better than a high end 3 star or low end 4 star. The food was plentiful but undistinguished except for the 2 "Egyptian nights." The rooms were comfortable but somewhat "tired' and the draperies and upholstery and bedspread would all benefit from a thorough cleaning. The bathroom amenities were minimal; we had to repeatedly request replacements for the tiny soap bars and shampoo and a minimum number of towels were provided. None of that diminished our enjoyment of the sites which are spectacular. It's a shame that all the boats travel in lock step and all the groups go to the sites at more or less the same time. At some temples that made for an unpleasant crush. But that was all pretty marginal and our overall enjoyment of the experience was still great. Our problem was with Libra. We had bought and paid for the 5 star Nile Festival. We weren't informed until our charter flight arrived in Luxor that we had been bumped to the Domina Prestige. The explanation was "contractual difficulties" that were "sudden." We were given no options, no reimbursement, not even much in the way of sympathy for the demotion. Only when we complained to Libra did they send each of us a paltry 30 British Pounds. Egypt was marvelous; Libra was lousy.
- Date of Holiday:Oct 2007
- Board Basis:All Inclusive
- Tour Operator:Libra Holidays
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