10 Things to Avoid When You Go For Nile Cruise Tours 2025 Update

By Hesham Elgammal on 06 Apr 2025

• Do not book a Nile cruise with the global portal booking websites

International online hotel booking websites such as booking.com are very expensive and not flexible enough to fit with the nature of Nile Cruise itineraries, which can be changed or canceled in some circumstances. It is recommended to book with a local Egyptian tour operator that has experience in the Nile River cruise and also the latest situation and conditions about the Nile cruises. The many tricks tour companies can apply to avoid some problems can spoil your trip for good.

• Do not book non-renovated old ships

For so many years Nile cruise ships had sailed between Luxor and Aswan and vice versa. Some cruises are under strong cruise line management and apply renovations and maintenance schedules regularly, which allows passengers to enjoy the modern facilities together with classic luxurious atmospheres. But still, plenty of old Nile cruises that do not have the real standard of their categories and are not renovated or maintained as supposed to be, avoid booking such boats, or you will suffer from bad food, bad services, noise, and the ship’s motor. Most of those ships you can see on a Nile cruise in Luxor and Aswan

• Do not book a low-rated Nile Cruise ship

Before you finalize your Nile cruise booking, you will have to do your search, check reviews,s and the rank of the ship.

• Do not book a cabin close to the boat motors

The Nile cruises are made to relax during your tours in Egypt. Do not book a cabin near the motors of the boat; the noise will spoil your trip

• Do not book a cabin under the waterline

One of the most enjoyable things during the cruise is the scenery. Don’t deprive yourself of the magical view by booking a cabin on the waterline

• Avoids using tap water

Do not use tap water even for toothbrushes

• Do not buy from a street vendor

Never buy souvenirs from street vendors! It is almost fake and much more expensive than its actual value, but in response to insistent offers or demands, try to avoid being rude or aggressive in refusing. They are extraordinarily friendly people.

• Do not eat street food

Many kinds of Egyptian street foods are very delicious and smell good, but unfortunately can harm your health badly! If you want to try traditional Egyptian food, go to trusted restaurants. There are many of them that serve traditional Egyptian food like Koshari and Falafel, also within hotels and Nile cruise ships menus you will find many Egyptian food items

• Women to avoid contacting strangers

When traveling alone, ladies should aim to stay in public spaces and refrain from going to bars or going for nighttime walks. Egypt is a statistically very safe nation. The people of Egypt are kind and hospitable to visitors, and they will go above and beyond to show you the greatest aspects of their country.

• Do not go on the daily sightseeing tours yourself without a tour guide

Sightseeing tours in Egypt need a professional tour guide and strong operational knowledge, you will save nothing if you try to do it yourself, it will end with more spending and less joy. It is better to buy a complete package with your agency or operator.

• Do not swim in the Nile River

Schistosomiasis is a parasite that can be contracted by swimming in the Nile River, however, the majority of crocodiles now reside in Lake Nasser rather than roaming free in the Nile.

This article was updated and re-written in part by Hesham El Gammal; on April 6th, 2025 + fact-checked.