Home on the Nile

So, welcome "home" for the next 7 nights, the MS Tulip. This ship will take us to Upper Egypt, and bring the wonders of this ancient land to us, as we sail between Aswan and Luxor and return. This will allow us the luxury of onboard informal lectures and discussions, as well as give some well-earned "down time" after the hectic rush of arrival in Cairo and a full-day's touring.

I have to tell you, though, I wasn't always "sold" on the concept of cruises. For 30 trips, I worried about time, connections, "down time" on the cruise. I also had the misconception based on the "Carnival Cruise Lines" models that we see constantly on TV commercials. All of this changed when I was convinced to "try it, you'll like it" by the people at Wings Tours and Nile Cruises- the agency I have used in Egypt for a couple of decades.

Don't start thinking "Carnival Cruise Lines" when you think of the Tulip. It holds only about 100 passengers total. It's a small, intimate ship that was built in 2001, and refurbished just a couple of years ago. It's design is unique to Nile cruisers as well, in that all of the cabins are on the 2nd and 3rd deck, well away from engine room noise, and are very spacious. The large windows afford an incredible view of the Nile and the landscape of Upper Egypt as well.


The crew and staff are wonderful folks and are tuned in to your every need. They truly enjoy working (and having a good time!) with their guests while on the Tulip.

This intimate setting allows for Egypt to "come to you", rather than you traveling around on buses all the time to it. We are able to dock, offload and visit sites, and then return to our "home" to continue on our way. In between times can afford the luxury of study and watching the Nile pass by. But sometimes it can get REALLY CROWDED on the river, with nearly 90 boats afloat! Thanks to the British, on days that we are sailing between ports of call, there is a 4pm Tea Time... complete with tea and scones!
Coming up............. first visits in Aswan!