MS Crown Prince Cruise Ship, Nile Cruises, Egypt
Hotel Information
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.
MS Crown Prince Cruise Ship Reviews
" ISIS "
Submitted By: shebasmumAdvice: Research your boat very carefully before you book - some have poor hygeine standards
Activities: Abu Simbel is an asbolute must
Good for: Beach
- Date of Holiday:May 2009
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Good holiday but hectic "
Submitted By: roddersWay 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.
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Nile Delight "
Submitted By: PegwynThe 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
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Booked Independently
" Lovely trip "
Submitted By: jacknormanAdvice: do it
Activities: the pyramids and sphynx on the day trip to cairo
- Date of Holiday:Dec 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Portland Direct
" What an Experience!! "
Submitted By: juliesteveThe 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
- Date of Holiday:Nov 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" I can say without a shadow of a doubt... "
Submitted By: Ms V Smith- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" This was our 4th time on the boat and... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Baineseach 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
- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Select
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" As this was my first holiday to a... "
Submitted By: Miss P O'' Connorthe 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
- Date of Holiday:Jul 2007
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Budget Travel
" We had a fabulous holiday on board... "
Submitted By: kikigym- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Everything about this holiday... "
Submitted By: Mrs J Shortall- Date of Holiday:Mar 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" HOLIDAY OF A LIFETIME, BEAUTIFUL... "
Submitted By: Mrs E JONES- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" The MS Crown Prince/Thomson Nile... "
Submitted By: Mr I Dunsford- Date of Holiday:Feb 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" i have to say that this was our first... "
Submitted By: Ms K MundyAs 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
- Date of Holiday:Sep 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson
" Wot can i say! took my daughter... "
Submitted By: Miss L M JohnsonIf 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,
- Date of Holiday:Jan 2008
- Board Basis:Full Board
- Tour Operator:Thomson

Advice: take comfy shoes and lots of water
Activities: Do the Nubian Village and Kitchener Island trip