Meroe

The primary difference between each of our dahabiyas is (a) how spacious the accommodations are and (b) how large the deck is. The price difference between our dahabiyas is based on these factors. Other than that, the design, style, service and experience are the same across all four of our dahabiyas.

Your Nour El Nil cruise includes all room and board, travel from Luxor to the cruise, entrance to the sites that we visit and the guide.

Not included in the cost of the trip is: alcohol, tips for the crew and guide, and transportation at the end of the cruise.

Yes. Beer, wine, champagne and spirits are available for purchase on the cruise. In regards to spirits in particular, we have managed to acquire a nice vodka and gin, but if you prefer whiskey you should buy this yourself at Duty Free in the airport.

Beer and Wine are available for purchase at the Guesthouse.

Absolutely! We have special rates for privatizations. Please e-mail us at info@nourelnil.com to get more details and pricing for privatizations.

Yes, we will have a guide present with you at all major sites that we visit along the Nile. Guides are available in several major languages. If your preferred language is other than English, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate. Of course, you are welcome to leave the guide a tip as a small “Thank You” for the time they will spend with you.

Yes, air conditioning is available aboard the cruise. However, much of the year Air Conditioning is not available. Each room has multiple windows that typically help keep the room comfortably cool. It should be noted that the air conditioning system runs off of our generator, which we turn off at night, in order to ensure that our guests have a restful sleep.

Cruise: While we discourage guests from using WiFi too frequently, it is available for those who need to check in with family, friends or for business via e-mail. We discourage guests from sending/posting photos, videos, making Skype calls, etc. given that it will drain the limited Mobile WiFi data that is there to be shared by everyone.

Beit Sabee Guesthouse: Yes, free WiFi is available at the Guesthouse.

Nour El Nil understands that sometimes plans change as a result of unforeseen circumstances. Our official cancellation policy is:

• More than 1 Month: Full Refund of Purchase Price
• 10-30 Days in Advance: 75% Refund of Purchase Price (in cash) or 100% Credit Towards a Future Trip.
• Fewer than 10 Days: 50%Refund of Purchase Price (in cash) or 100% Credit Towards a Future Trip.

This being said, Nour El Nil prides itself on being considerate of all circumstances that might cause you to cancel your trip. Historically, we have always given full refunds in the event of any circumstances that effect the stability or security of Egypt (e.g. 2011 Revolution). Moreover, we try to give refunds or credits towards a future trip whenever possible. Please note that refunds can take between 45-60 Days to process.

Our standard trips last 5 nights/6 days. We are able to shorten or lengthen the trip only in the instance of a privatization (charter), in which case we can customize the trip according to your schedule and desires.

The cost for a Single Person to have their own room aboard the dahabiya is the Per Person price +35%. This rate is sometimes flexible depending on boat, accommodation type and the week you are traveling.

The reason for this pricing is that, as a single traveler, you are still taking up a room that would otherwise potentially be booked at the Double Occupancy price.

Please e-mail us if you would like to make a single-occupancy booking.

All rooms are based on double-occupancy. It is our policy that no more than two people be allowed per room, except in rare instances of young children. If you have special circumstances, please let us know and we will address your case on an individual basis.

Pricing for both the cruise and guesthouse is the same for both residents and non-residents.

Yes, we allow and welcome children aboard the cruise. We have found that children, old and young, thoroughly enjoy the cruise and excursions. That being said, please understand that the dahabiya provides an intimate atmosphere and therefore it is important that your children are well-behaved.

We are very willing and able to accommodate special dietary requirements. For example, if you are vegetarian or pescatarian, we will include plenty of vegetables and/or fish at each meal. If you have any food allergies, please be sure to alert us as soon as possible so we can ensure that we properly accommodate these concerns.

We serve only the most authentic Egyptian cuisine, made from fresh ingredients purchased from local farmers and fishermen. From freshly caught Nile Perch to the delicious felafel, you will look forward to each and every meal.

For those who have special dietary concerns, we can adapt to most any allergies or special requests. We ask you to notify us of any special dietary needs as soon as possible so that we can prepare properly.

Yes, of course! Every week our guests swim in the Nile without any problems or cause for concern. The currents ensure that you are swimming in clean, non-stagnant water. We’ve had everyone from children to the elderly take a dip in the Nile with us and no one has ever become sick as a result.

Absolutely not! Unlike the sea, the Nile is completely calm and experiences no waves or abrupt movements, therefore you can feel completely confident that being on the river will not adversely affect you. We have never had a single guest complain of being “seasick” on the Nile.

While you are welcome to tip as much or as little as you like, when asked by guests we recommend a tip of 100 Euros per guest. This tip will be split evenly among the entire crew (typically 15-17 staff) who work 12+ hours/day. As you will see, our crew will take great care of you and your tip is a small and generous way that you can thank them for their hard work and care.