MS Crown Prince Cruise Ship, Nile Cruises, Egypt

Hotel Information

User Rating:
9 / 10
(18 User Reviews)

Hotel Description:

Board the River Nile cruise ship Crown Prince, and step back in time on a voyage in which you discover the sights of ancient Egypt. Offering luxury accommodation, with large sun decks and swimming pool, sit back and take in the views of the Nile.
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MS Crown Prince Cruise Ship Holiday Reviews

MS Crown Prince Cruise Ship Reviews

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" It gets better everytime "

We have just returned from our fourth trip on the Crown Prince and it is like going home. The staff remember you, some even remember your names and Wajid the Reception Manager arranged for us to have complmentary bowls of fruit in our cabins (again) The food and service were fantastic and the rooms spotless. The towels get better every year (for the uninitiated you come back to towel sculptures on your bed, the cabin floor and even in the bathroom) The towels are changed at least twice a day. This time we took a friend and our 12 year old grandson. He had a whale of a time, everyone spolit him rotten. He drove the train at Hatshepsut's temple, he danced with the witch doctor at the Nubian night and sounded the horn on the bridge. Amro Farouk, the Bar Manager is one of the nicest funniest guys you could wish to meet. We have seen him grow from a young waiter on our first trip in 2000 to a confident professional bar manager in 2009. Nothing is too much trouble for him (and all his staff especially Nadil) One small constructive criticism the top deck is beginning to be in need of a little tlc e.g. the umbrellas and the pool tiles etc. We hope we will be fit enough to return again in a couple of years, but as our guide said you are not on a holiday but a mission, you certainly need a 2nd week to rest and we would recommend the Sonnesta St. George. It has the edge on the Movenpick Jolie Ville for classiness. The jolie ville reminds me of a butlins with hot weather with all the chalets although the infinity pool is gorgeous. Good places to eat in Luxor are Jebs, Maxims and John&Johns. Please Please do not book rides with the horses or the donkeys, they have a miserable life. It was wonderful to see all the new visitor centres at the temples and the valley of the kings. It is a pity the guides rush you through them as they are worth a short stop especially the 3d map at the valley of the kings.

Advice: take comfy shoes and lots of water

Activities: Do the Nubian Village and Kitchener Island trip

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2009
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Portland Direct

" ISIS "

I have just returned from a week's cruise on the Crown Prince and have to say I am in love with Egypt. Certainly my cabin showed no signs of "tiredness" and the staff were absolutely lovely. The food was excellent - we had a vegetarian on our table and the chef cooked something especially for her at every meal time. Meat and fish were well cooked, well presented and tasted delicious. The desserts were worth selling your soul for though - thank heavens for the exercise every day visiting the various sights. I too thought the ship was exclusively Thomson but there were Germans on our cruise too. I know we British call the Germans but this lot were the most miserable you have ever seen. They wouldn't join in any of the games at the galabayeh night and they were extremely rude. Our guide, Tharwat, was great - extremely knowledgeable (as you would expect) and always happy to answer any questions you had. I will definitely visit Egypt again (although not at this time of year because it was just too hot - 45 degrees every day). The hassle you get from people trying to sell you stuff is annoying and can sometimes be extremely intimidating but you just have to be strong and keep saying no. The stupid thing is they don't seem to appreciate that if they got out of your face and just let you browse in their shops, they would sell much more.

Advice: Research your boat very carefully before you book - some have poor hygeine standards

Activities: Abu Simbel is an asbolute must

Good for: Beach 

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:May 2009
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" Good holiday but hectic "

We boarded the Crown Prince in Luxor and the first meal was a sort of Christmas feast of about 9 courses.
Way too many after eating on the plane and travelling all day but well were on holiday so go for it.
The alcohol on board was very expensive as has been said in other revues at about 45 Egyptian pounds per 500 cl bottle (£5.30) ish depending on exchange rate.
The food after the first night was buffet and really I would have expected more local cuisine but it is an international resteraunt so I suppose they are having to cater for the people who do not wish to be to out of their comfort zone as well as the seasoned ( no pun intended) traveller.
The boat as has been said before is a little tired but I did read that it had had a refit just prior to us going on our holiday (Dec 2008), however if this boat has had a refit it is only the bar area and not the cabins.
The fixtures in the cabins are well worn along with shelves etc in the wardrobe.
Cannot fault the organising of the trips or the guides who really know their stuff but after studying for as long as they do I'm not surprised.
What I did find a bit naughty though was the fact that we were almost told what amount to tip. I would say do not take any notice and tip what you think is reasonable.
The galabaya night was very good also, but I would say that you will find an outfit cheaper in Luxor market than you will in the fixed price shop on board the boat, and the market is very easy to find believe you me.
The tip about ignoring all sellers anywhere unless you want to buy is great but a bit alien at first, however you soon get the hang of it when it stops you getting hassled.
As for the boats being moored side by side this is not a problem as there is always a walkway through each boat and as long as you take note of the one moored nearest the bank there is no problem finding yours later on.
Locals are friendly not threatening unlike a lot of towns in the UK, I would and did, feel safe walking about at night.
Just be aware of the scam/con artists who can do more tricks with money than Paul Daniels can with a pack of cards.
Oh and take every opportunity to try and get one pound egyptian notes/coins for tips as you can, because they seem to be in very short supply. Unless that is the locals don't want to give them to you because they want something larger for a tip.
The waiters as has been said are very good and to be quite honest are gratefull for any size tip & they really do make your break so to these guys be generous as well as the cabin boys. Do however be wary of anyone picking up your suitcase as you get off the coach at the airport because these guys just want you cash and everything that end has been paid for believe me.
Anyway enjoy what is basically a really good but hectic holiday.
There is however always time to relax on deck on free days or whilst sailing so just enjoy.

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" Nile Delight "

We were worried about spending Christmas away from the family for the first time. After Christmas Day in the Valley of the Kings, brilliant sunshine and fantastic food we are truly converted. The Crown Prince is now a bit tired and faded, but clean and comfortable. The crews are excellent and go out of their way to help you. Drop a fork at mealtimes and they will have caught it before it hits the floor and have a new one on your table in no time! Nothing is too much trouble. Food is very good with an excellent choice. A person on our table needed a special diet and this was provided personally every day by the chef. Drinks are extra on board, so be warned, this does add up. Beer is £40.00 Egyptian (about £5.00)per half litre bottle for example. Many people went out to stock up at less than half price. The shop opposite the gang plank in Luxor sells water a half the price of the boat.
The trips out are very good. The guides know their stuff and make history come alive for you. Some of the sights are abslutely incredible. You can feel a bit "templed out" by the end, but it is worth it. Our trip to Abu Simbel was not by plane, and the coach trip was over three hours each way - avoid that unless you like coach travel. We did't fancy the optional whole day trip to Cairo, an extremely long and tiring day. They left at 5.00am and didn't get back until nearly 10.00pm. All credit to the staff for keeping the restaurant open for them. Most trips start early and are back for lunch - although this is "Egyptian time" and highly flexible!
We did an optional trip to a Nubian village - the information was tucked away at the back of our literature. As a result there were just two of us, and we had our own personal guide, Abrahim, who was absolutely lovely. It was a whole morning out by boat, involving tea in a local house, and a tour round the village. This trip was a delight and is highly recommended. You actually meet local people and get at least a hint of what life is like for them away from the main tourist towns.
A few tips: Take some hand cleaning gel with you and use it all the time. When out and about, don't stop, don't make eye contact, and don't talk, unless you want to buy. It goes against the grain, but it works like a charm. According to our guide people are not offended by this. If you do intend to buy, you must haggle - it's all part of a great game and you can get quite good at it! Have some £1.00 Egyptian notes for tips as tipping is a way of life in Egypt and you just have to get used to it. Many people found it a hassle, but £1.00 Egyptian is about 14p and some of these people are on the breadline.
Over all. this is a fantastic holiday, and I recommend it to anyone - particularly couples, or those with grown up children. I wouldn't take young kids.

Advice: Book it, but avoid mid-summer

Activities: Nubian Village

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  • User Rating:
    9 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Booked Independently

" Lovely trip "

We have just come back from a trip on the Crown prince, and had a lovely time. The staff are great all round and very attentive. the cabins are nice, with a fridge and picture window, the restaurant is very well staffed and a reasonable choice of food. We were surprised to find Germans and Chinese on board as we assumed it would be all thomson people. The chinese were great and really enjoyed themselves. most people dressed up and enjoyed the Galabeya night. the entertainment is limited, with a belly dancer on the last night with a whirling dirlish.Very nice to be on deck when sailing, watching the nile go by, and that is where a set of binoculars are handy to pick out the activities on the nile banks. you soon get used to the early starts and you are always back for lunch.Overall a lovely experience on a very nice boat

Advice: do it

Activities: the pyramids and sphynx on the day trip to cairo

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Portland Direct

" What an Experience!! "

The Crown Prince has the best staff we have ever had the pleasure of being with for 7 days..nothing was too much trouble,always pleasant,polite,courteous & very entertaining!! The food was delicious - I'm vegetarian & did not eat the same meal twice.
The room are a decent size & very clean - fresh towels twice daily for the duration of our stay.
Egypt!! - what a historical adventure- we've never digested so much awesome history & the guide was an absolute gent & very very knowledgable.
Highly recommend this - so much so we will return hopefully next year.

Advice: Fell totally in love with Egypt.

Activities: See as many temples as possible, something new to discover in each one

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" I can say without a shadow of a doubt... "

I can say without a shadow of a doubt that a nile cruise is an unforgettable experience in more ways than one. Firstly and definitely the best thing about the cruise were the fantastic guides who are extremely knowledgeable and give a facinating and unique insight into the life of the ancient egyptians. However, I have to admit to being less than impressed by the rather dated and shabby ship the Crown Prince. Five star it is not! The accomodation generally needs a complete refurbish and overhaul. Rooms are of an acceptable size but fittings are rather well worn. The shower is an experience in itself alternating between freezing cold and scalding hot. Food is buffet style with plenty of choice but very limited for vegetarians. Staff are helpful but ultimately only interested in the size of tip you intend to leave at the end of the week. Overall it was an enjoyable and enlightening week.

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  • User Rating:
    4 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" This was our 4th time on the boat and... "

This was our 4th time on the boat and it felt like coming home, the service is top class and i dont think anyone could fault it ,the food was excellent plenty of choice and the deserts were fantastic, the breakfasts were plentiful and the chef cooks eggs whichever way you wanted (we had perfect omelettes) have to thank mostafa who does the salads
each day he had mine ready and with a lovely smile as all of the crew do,
george is the maitre d and nothing was too much trouble,at the start of the week he was going roundall tables asking if there were any dietry requirements ie vegetarians diabetic etc ,the boat is comfortable and when you have done a days sight seeing then you wont have any trouble sleeping,some of the previous reviews mention about ths boats being docked side by side ,this should be pointed out to you by the tour operator as it its not really a problem , i suggest that anyone going to egypt for the first time should do their homework first as this will help enormousley and save you from any unexpected nightmares as some people who have been to seaside resorts can have quite a culture shock,
we have been to egypt over 20 times and never been ill,this is due to a few tips
always take wet ones with you ,the local money is disgustingly dirty,
have some plain yogurt daily with the fresh fruit this helps protect your tummy against nasty bugs,take some rehydration sachets with you ,if you have had avery hot day you will have lost water and minerals from your body and these help if you are feeling a little off,
the only gipe that i have is with the thomson staff strongly advising on the tipping which is way out of most peoples pocket and you would b paying for your holiday all over again if you did give what they suggest,
all the guides (egyptologists) are of a very high standard as they have to do 6 years university before they can get a licence,
give this trip a go its the best value and best boat on the nile,we have tried others ,this is the best

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
  • Board Basis:Select
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" As this was my first holiday to a... "

As this was my first holiday to a foreign country i wasnt too sure what to expect. but from the moment we stepped off the couch we were treated like royalty. our luggage was brought to our cabins before we even knew what our room numbers were. all members off staff are so helpful and really could not do enough for you.
the men who come every day to clean the cabin make animals or creatures from towels or clothes and they are really artistic. the waiters are so pleasant and kind. there was some nights where we'd stay up on the deck having a few drinks and lose track of time but they wouldnt go to bed until the last person had gone to there cabins. these same men would then be up at the crack of dawn preparing the restaurant for breakfast. they must be exhausted but not once did they show it. also because of this fantastic ship we have made friends who we still keep in contact with. i would most definitely love to go back aboard this wonderful cruise ship again. it was such a pleasurable and relaxing experience

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Budget Travel

" We had a fabulous holiday on board... "

We had a fabulous holiday on board this boat. It was a bit frayed at the edges but is going in for a re-fit in May so it should look great after this. The Nile Cruise trip was an amazing experience with a few minor problems which others should be aware of. Firstly, you will be pestered for money all the time. From the guy loading our luggage on to the coaches at the airport who only wanted English pounds to the bus drivers who took us on the excursions who all expected 5 Egyptian pounds. We were hassled every time we got off a bus by sellers who could be quite pushy. What they were offering for sale for 1 English pound suddenly became 25 when we entered their shops. There was also a scam at Luxor airport with charging for excess luggage. We were asked for money from a porter at the desk before he put the suitcases on the weigher, which we refused knowing we were well under the weight. The people at the next desk paid the bribe and were still charged £30 excess when they knew they were well under the limit. It has not put us off going again because we feel that we have only scratched the surface and would like to know more. The guides are fantastic and answered all our questions back on the boat.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" Everything about this holiday... "

Everything about this holiday exceeded our expectations. The boat was spotless, rooms lovely, towels changed twice a day. Food superb, staff very friendly. Iwould rate this boat at 5 star at least. Our tour guide was Shamel, he was very knowledgable and a very pleasant man. I would recommend this holiday. Don't miss the balloon ride, it was wonderful. I wouldn't do the nubian village trip again, although the boat ride there was most enjoyable, once there everybody was intent on extracting as much money from you as possible. Paid for camel ride and then they demanded more money at end of ride, they were very threatening.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME, BEAUTIFUL... "

HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME, BEAUTIFUL CABIN AND FOOD WAS EXCELLENT,STAFF WENT OUT OF THERE WAY FOR YOU. AND A WONDERFULLY KNOWLEDGEABLE GUIDE .ALL THIS AND THE DARNED NUISANCE OF THE HAGGLERS! I ,WHO CAN USUALLY TALK FOR ENGLAND FOUND MYSELF TOTALLY OVERWHELMED BY IT ALL AND DIDN'T ENJOY GOING OUT IF IT WASN'T IN A CROWD AND ALSO I WAS UPSET WHEN i GAVE OUR CABIN BOY A TIP (£10) HE ASKED FOR THREE MORE .ALL IN ALL I THINK I WOULD GO BACK AGAIN BUT WILL GO AND DO A FEW DAYS AT CAIRO TO SEE THE PYRAMIDS AND THEN THE RED SEA. BUT WHAT AN EYEOPENER!PLUS ON OUR RETURN HOME ,AT LUXOR AIRPORT I WAS CHARGED £27 ODD EXCESS BAGGAGE AND MY COMPANION £76 AND WE HAD ONLY BOUGHT A TOY CROCODILE ! gO FIGURE ...STILL I WILL RETURN INSHALLAH!

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  • User Rating:
    8 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" The MS Crown Prince/Thomson Nile... "

The MS Crown Prince/Thomson Nile package is first class. The standards of hygene, quality of food and service on the ship were all of an extremely high standard. Although there are more modern, glitzier ships on the Nile, this package is extremely good value for money. Moreover whilst the ship is pretty large it can travel between Luxor and Dendera, which the larger boats can not currently do because of the water depth. (It is safer that way due to security issues). Under our guide Ahmed, the Horus group were introduced to the history and beauty of ancient Egypt by a highly knowledgable and charming individual who could discuss matters at all levels of interest for both the young and the veteran. If minded to take children 11 is probably the youngest unless the child has a particular interest. Having said that our jetsetter sons of 11 and 14 thought it was the best holiday ever. Whilst there are many otstanding temples you will be shown on the tour, if you can stretch to the extra trip to Abu Simbel, you will not be disappointed - it will literally take your breath away. The reason why Thomson fly to Abu Simbel rather than offer a coach alternative is that there have been a number of serious accidents as the road across the desert becomes extremely slippery due to the sand being blown across the surface. If going in the winter take jumpers and warm jackets - it can get very cold at night. One critisism is the Karnak Sound and Light show. This has the feel of a thirty year old show with very limited lighting effects, and even worse narration. On the night we went a third of the people attending left before the end. So save your money. Other than that it was a fantastic trip with great towel sculptures.

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" i have to say that this was our first... "

i have to say that this was our first visit to Egypt and on a Cruise.
As soon as you step aboard the boat you are welcomed with a drink and meet all the staff including the Captain.

Then you are shown to your cabin which has a large window with a fantastic view of the Nile as you Cruise along.
Everyday we would return to our clean cabin and find the towels changed and a presentation of towel displays eg;-
Swan / Elephant / Crocodile / Monkey and one day even a surprise guest made up of towels in our bathroom.

The Restaurant food is good with a variety of food to choose from everyday.
You are shown to your table of which you share with at least 6 other people, this is a great idea as you make friends with people from the start. The waiters are very friendly wanting to learn as much from us as we wish to learn from them.
They taught us tricks and we taught them a few too.

The excursions were terrific with an excellent guide to take us on our journeys, he named us his Mango's because he wore an orange cap.
The trips were early in the morning to avoid the Hot Sun in the afternnons, and we were always back in time for lunch. The trips are included in the price of the holiday with the exception of Abul Simbu and The balloon flight which is extra if you wish to go.

The sunbeds and towels in abundance are free and are plenty as is the SUN.

The staff are who made our holiday apart from the trips and we are looking forward to going again this year in May.

We did go to the Red Sea Beach resort of Macradi Bay the 2nd week and did not enjoy it as much as our stay on the cruise, because the resorts are so much bigger and do not have the same personal service you get on the "Crown Prince"

We heard many stories of the Egyptian being dirty and pestering you before we went on our holiday and i will say dont believe any of them.
You are thoroughly pampered and protected by all you come in contact with.

One tip when you go to the toilets off the boat is to take loo-paper with you or you will have to pay each time to use their paper.

One hundred percent reccomend the Crown Prince for a memorble experience.
See you soon

Kim and Dave from London

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson

" Wot can i say! took my daughter... "

Wot can i say! took my daughter 'gemma' for her 18th birthday surprise holiday of a lifetime, and it was certainly that, we arrived in Luxor at The crown prince and on entering it, its like you've stepped back in time, it was fabulous. the staff could not do enough for you to make our holiday perfect. look out for George (the restauraunt manager) he's lovely. and of course Amro, (the lounge bar and sundeck manager) he is just so funny,
If when you go on you day trips around the temples and tombs youll be blown away with these vast ruins and all the history that goes with them, you see them in books and on tv documentaries and they look great, but theres nothing like the real thing you just look at them in awe, you cant imagine that they were built by people well over 3,000 years ago, all i can say is they are fantastic, our guide was Isham, he was simply the best out of the four guides we could of had, not only quite goodlooking for his age, but was so funny and his passion for egypt history was amazing, if you book onto this boat you will certainly have a holiday of a lifetime, as we did,

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  • User Rating:
    10 / 10
  • Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
  • Board Basis:Full Board
  • Tour Operator:Thomson
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