Many people around the world dream of going to Egypt, and one of the best ways to discover the many sights from ancient times is by taking a Nile Cruise. The Pharaoh’s temples and quiet little villages that sit along the banks of the Nile are but some examples of what the Nile has to offer - the journey into Egypt's past through historical sites and cities gives you insight into how Egypt developed over several centuries.
Many people still believe that cruising on the Nile River is reserved for wealthy travelers, but with proper planning and preparation, anyone can take advantage of all the experiences available on a Nile riverboat and enjoy them on a budget.
A Nile Cruise combines relaxation with cultural immersion and sightseeing, making it one of the most balanced travel experiences available in Egypt today. From first-time visitors to returning travelers wanting to see even more historic sites in Egypt, by learning how to optimize their travel options, they can save a considerable amount of money during their trip.
The following are five practical, proven strategies recommended by travelers to ensure you have a great experience on your Nile Riverboat while keeping within a budget.
One of the most important factors for cost of our Nile Cruise is the time of year we take it! Just like every cruise, time of year has a great influence on the overall cost of your cruise. Tourists travel during Winter (and especially December to January) so the prices during this timeframe are at their highest! Thusly, if you wish to travel and experience the beauty and history of Egypt for a fraction of what tourists pay, we suggest you look at taking your trip during Off-Peak (Shoulder) season of the year. Hindsight being 20-20; you will receive all of the same beautiful and exciting experience during this time as you would during High season.
Off-Peak season is typically March-April and September-October & November). The advantages to this time of year are numerous:
During Off-Peak season you will experience all of the same wonderful experiences and cruise stops as you would during Peak Season. Budget-Friendly travelers will find this time of year perfect to find not only excellent values, but also great value without losing out on comfort and the enjoyment of sightseeing.
The perception is that a week-long Nile Cruise is the minimum time needed to experience a full itinerary. While a longer cruise can be enjoyable, it isn’t a requirement to see the majority of Egypt's ancient sites. A 3–4 Night Nile Cruise between Luxor and Aswan offers visitors all the key sites along the Nile, providing you with a complete Nile River experience.
On a Shorter Itinerary, You Will Have Time To:
Shorter Nile Cruises tend to be more budget-friendly for those wanting a set itinerary without having to spend money on an extended stay at one place. Short Nile Cruises also allow guests to add flexibility to their travel itinerary by combining their Nile Cruise with a stop in Cairo or ending their trip at the beaches of the Red Sea.
For budget-conscious travellers, the 3–4 Night Nile Cruise is the best option available to meet their travel needs while providing them a full, meaningful experience.
Consider a complete Nile Cruise Package to avoid unexpected costs, which can be very damaging to your budget. The benefits of an all-inclusive package are as follows:
Having an all-inclusive package allows you to plan your travel budget so that you don't need to worry about any other costs during your trip (hotel, meals, sightseeing, etc.).
Cruise lines provide numerous options depending on your budget; thus, you can select a standard, deluxe or luxury package. Choosing an all-inclusive cruise package reduces the financial stress associated with planning a social event, allowing you to relax and appreciate the breathtaking scenery and rich history of Egypt.
Many cruise line ships have shops on board with a variety of items including souvenirs, jewelry and local crafts. These stores can be convenient but they may also charge you more for the same items that you can find in local Egyptian Markets for example like the markets found in Luxor, Aswan and Edfu.
When you do your shopping at the local market you will find:
Inexpensive Souvenirs
All of the Different Egyptian Spices and Teas
Handmade Crafts and Textiles
A Great Opportunity for Interaction with Local Craftspeople
Therefore, not only do you save money by shopping locally but you also get to know more about the way of life in Egypt. The majority of items purchased in Egypt and numerous other countries you purchase what you have purchased likely supports local families and small businesses.
Local Markets are consistently rated by Budget Travelers as one of the Best Parts of their Nile Cruise Experience!
When getting ready for your Nile Cruise, there are several great ways to save money, one of the best ways to save you money is to book in advance. Many cruise companies provide low rates for early reservations. Sometimes cruise companies will offer discount rates or an additional advantage such as a complimentary upgrade when you make your reservation early.
When reserving your cruise early you have the following benefits:
Availability in the Prime Seasons such as Challenges/Uncertainties of many travelers who think of travel during the Holiday Seasons, School Breaks, or Festival Season many travelers plan 3 to 6 months in advance of the upcoming travel to be able to get the best prices and ease of making the planning effort.
Many people combine their Nile River Cruise with independent travel to better maximize their dollars spent. This means instead of reserving your entire trip through a cruise line, you will have various options for how to experience the sights of Egypt, including:
Exploration in Luxor and Aswan before embarking on your cruise.
Utilizing public transportation for short visits around the city.
Choice of dining establishments, either fast-food joints or local eateries, instead of solely relying on the ship's dining facilities.
Possibility of booking privately arranged tours with independent local guides, as opposed to those arranged through a cruise operator.
By mixing independent travel experiences with a cruise, you will find that your level of freedom is much higher compared to a strictly cruise-based trip, and you will also develop a greater appreciation and understanding of Egyptian culture beyond your cruise experience.
Taking a Nile cruise will provide you with one of the most memorable opportunities to see both the majestic history and beautiful landscapes of the River Nile in Egypt. You can take advantage of all these opportunities while still staying within your travel budget by planning smartly - such as traveling during shoulder seasons, booking short itineraries, and choosing to book all-inclusive options.
Many travelers that are looking at Egypt travel packages from the USA find that a Nile cruise gives them the best of both worlds in regards to comfort, culture and affordability. With proper planning and consideration, anyone can have this fantastic experience of once-in-a-lifetime at an enjoyable pace and price.
