Are Nile cruises just for old people?

Question

Hi all. My girlfriend and I (26 years old) are looking to go somewhere fairly relaxing on holiday for a week in October - relaxing as I will just have had a major operation on my shoulder, so none of the usual climbing/kayaking - and a cruise down the Nile popped up as a fairly affordable option. We have always wanted to visit the tombs and this seemed like a good opportunity, but will it be boring and only full of old people? I'd like to hear from younger travelers who have done this and whether you have any recommendations. Our budget is about £500 (~US$950) a head. (By the way I have nothing against old people per se, but would rather not be the only under 40s there.)

Answer 1

NO its not just for old people i love them :D go on teletext! :D

Answer 2

Hi, I am a "young" 48 but I do understand your concerns. I have been in that situation.
1). I am going to Cairo 3 days early and staying 3 days later than an organized tour. The company I am going with mainly has "older" clients. It is very possible I will be the youngest. I have done other trips whereas there were mostly the older generation and I can assure you that I wish I had half the energy those people had. I think that even if you run into that situation you might be pleasantly surprised. And if you are just looking for something relaxing rather than partying it might be better in the long run. Although some older people can out party me ; )
2). I have researched and researched Egypt for this trip. If I thought it was unsafe to go to I wouldn't go. I am adventurous but I am not totally stupid. I too am going in October and was a little hestitant when I found out it was during Ramadan and being American I was extremely hesitant at first. I believe now that it will be a great experience. I love to learn different cultures.
Just DO IT!!! I don't think you will be sorry.

Answer 3

You should be ok.
You normally get a fair mix of age groups except for children under 14 who are not allowed on the boats.
A nile cruise is relaxing but be prepared to get up early to do some of the excursions.
The Valley of the Kings is a must - try to get to the tomb of Tuthmoses III if you feel like a good climb.
Even in October it will be very hot so always have a bottle of water and a hat, and tell your girlfriend to dress appropriately ( not too much bare flesh) or the local men will consider her a prostitute. I've seen that start fights.
With your budget you should get a week on the nile but read the small print, some companies charge extra for excursions.

Answer 4

I was on a Nile cruise 2 years ago and it was magnificent! I liked it a lot, it was like in a dream. The best thing is that I went with an agency that was so well organized, so we really saw lots of places, and it was not too tiring. There were young people! Actually, there were no really old people, the oldest were middle aged. In our group of lets say 50 people, there were about 15 young people (students age), out of which 2 young couples. In my case, we really didn't spend much money in Egypt, since everything was already paid by the agency, and there is no much places where you can spend the money (maybe for some souvenirs). I doubt that you will go to some cafes or discotheques there. First of all, you don't have time since you're in a group. And second of all, their cafes seem very, how can I say, for their people. You wouldn't feel comfortable there. All in all, I recommend Egypt, it is magnificent, and Nile and everything, it's just wonderful and different. And there was no food poisoning in my group.

Answer 5

There are several ways to cruise the Nile. Fancy cruise ships like the Hilton and Radisson lines are not inexpensive. Consequently, their passengers tend to be wealthier Euros, Brits and Yanks. They also tend to be older.
There are a number of "Egyptian" cruises. Less expensive, less glitz but still quite nice. The passengers tend to be middle-class Egyptian families and some thirtyish couples. There are usually a few Euros, as well.
Finally, the backpacker types, poorer and willing to live a little rougher, travel the Nile in falukas. These are live aboard, traditional wooden sailboats. Spartan, but the sights are the same as the fancy cruises.
The upside to the luxury trips is they have great guides. The Egyptian ships have good guides and the falukas, hit and miss.
All have pros and cons.
The Nile trip is a lifetime must-do for any traveler.
But, as an earler answer points out, it is a little dicey these days.

Answer 6

I went on one last year(during ramadan) and I saw all ages. I didn't get sick from the food however, it wasn't all that great. The cruise was relaxing. The only problem with going during ramadan is a lot of tourist places close early so people can go home to eat. Some businesses open back up later but a lot don't because they have to get up early to pray and eat. I never felt unsafe. The people were all very nice to me but a lot of them want your money. If you have some money share it. A lot of them are poor.

Answer 7

Cairo is the capital of Egypt and one of the greatest cities in Africa and the Middle East and a good place to go to; learn more with hotelbye . On the Nile water, Cairo is well-known for a unique history, maintained in the wonderful ancient Islamic town and Coptic internet sites in Old Cairo. The Egyptian Museum in the centre of community is crucial see, with its numerous Ancient Egyptian artefacts because no trip to Cairo could be total with out a visit to the Giza Pyramids, and to the regional Saqqara Pyramid Complex. In Cairo you can see: The Pyramid of Cheops (also called the Great Pyramid or Pyramid of Khufu), the largest pyramid of the Giza group, and their interior of thin articles may be explored, though there isn't much to see, except an ordinary tomb step with an bare sarcophagus. Immediately behind the Great Pyramid could be the Solar Vessel Museum, which exhibits one of the ceremonial solar barques discovered in your community that has been carefully repaired to its unique glory. Further south on the plateau could be the Pyramid of Chephren (also referred to as the Pyramid of Khefre), which has an internal canal place which can be entered.

Answer 8

There is a very high incidence of gastro-intestinal problems on Nile cruises (90% in the case of the one we were on). It's worth doing, apart from that.

Personally, I would cruise the Duoro (Portugal) again, before I'd go back to the Nile.

Answer 9

i know many people who have been on the nile cruises and had super times. Enjoyed the sights and food. They have been of mixed ages. I too am thinking of going on a cruise next year. Off to the Red Sea this year.

Try longwood holidays (egypt specialists)

Answer 10

Hi, no it is not just for old people. I talk with friends in egypt everyday,we share photos and all there say if you come and visit you'll definitely will want to come back. we have an american university there in Cairo. It is a beautiful place, and the city never sleeps. just don't go there and rent a car, because they have no laws for the roads, and driving may be hazardous to your health. if you'd like i can email you some photos of places there. the beach and water is clear and beaytiful. I myself am planning a trip, just got my passport back. ok hope this helps. OH, I have also been asking all there in egypt and Cairo, and everyone says it is safe here in thse parts, cause that was one of my concerns.if you want to know more feel free to IM me

Answer 11

A friend of mine recently visited Egypt. The country isn't all that safe these days for tourists. It might not be that relaxing. But the cruises are not just for old people. A lot of young people enjoy them too.