Nile cruises are a well-established, heavily supervised form of travel, and most problems visitors encounter are minor and preventable. These are the things actually worth preparing for.
Water and food
Drink bottled or filtered water only, and use it for brushing teeth. Avoid ice in drinks bought ashore unless you know it is made from purified water.
On board, food is prepared for tourist stomachs and is generally reliable. Ashore, stick to busy places with high turnover. Peel fruit yourself. Rehydration sachets are the single most useful thing to pack.
Heat, which is the real risk
Heat exhaustion causes more trouble on these trips than anything else. The Valley of the Kings is enclosed rock with no shade, and the tombs themselves are hot and airless.
- Drink far more water than feels necessary, before you feel thirsty
- Take the early excursion times seriously rather than sleeping in
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat and loose long sleeves
- Rest during the middle of the day, especially May to September
- Tell your guide immediately if you feel dizzy or stop sweating
On board
Sun decks get slippery around pools. Stairs between decks are often steep with shallow treads. Most on-board injuries are simple slips.
Note where life jackets are stored when you board. Gangplanks between ship and shore can be narrow, and ships sometimes moor side by side, meaning you walk through another vessel to reach land.
Valuables
Use the cabin safe for passport, spare cards and cash you are not carrying. Take a photocopy of your passport ashore rather than the original.
Petty theft is uncommon on ships but crowded markets warrant normal city precautions. Carry small amounts of cash in a front pocket.
Persistent sellers and unofficial guides
At every temple you will meet vendors and people offering to show you something, take your photo, or point out a detail, then ask for money. This is normal and rarely aggressive.
A firm, polite no thank you and continuing to walk works. Do not accept an item placed in your hand, since it will be followed by a price. Stay with your group guide rather than accepting help from someone unofficial.
Health preparation
Check routine vaccinations are current and consult a travel clinic well before departure. Carry prescription medication in original packaging with a copy of the prescription. Take out travel insurance that covers medical repatriation.
Women travelling
Modest dress reduces unwanted attention noticeably, particularly in smaller towns like Edfu and Kom Ombo. Solo female travellers report Nile cruises as one of the easier ways to see Egypt, since you are in a supervised group at every stop.
Related Reading
See our dedicated guide to common tourist scams in Egypt for specifics, or our guide to why Nile cruises get delayed or cancelled for what to expect if your schedule shifts.
