The Napoleon fish is
one of the largest reef
fishes in the world.
They can grow up to
7.5 feet and weigh
about 450 lb. They
have fleshy lips and
a hump over the
head that is similar
to a Napoleon hat.
The hump becomes
more prominent
with age






The White Desert
has a white,
cream color and
has massive chalk
rock formations
that have been
created as a result
of occasional
sandstorms in
the area






Nile Soft-shell
Turtles spend most
of their lives in
the water. They can
absorb 70% of
oxygen from skin and
can spend a long
time under water






Mount Sinai is a
7,500 feet - high
mountain in the
Sinai Peninsula.
It is surrounded
on all sides by
higher peaks of the
mountain range






Chameleons thrive in
Egypt's deserts.
They have very long
tongues, sometimes
longer than their
own body length






Fennec foxes are
found in the
Sahara Desert.
Their ears serve to
scatter heat and
to hear the
movement of
prey at night.
Its ears are sensitive
enough to hear
large insects, such as
beetles and locusts,
walk on the sand






Every year between
June and September,
most of the world's
population of white
storks (over 400,000)
migrate through the
Sinai on their
way from Europe
to South Africa

Life Onboard Your
Floating Hotel


ACCOMMODATION: The vessels cruising along The Nile River and Lake Nasser offer an array of travel experiences and we strive to choose the finest floating accommodations possible. The vessels are deluxe in nature and offer the finest amenities, cuisine and sightseeing experiences. Your cabins will be comfortable with private facilities and modern amenities. Each vessel purifies its water, but we suggest you use only bottled water, even for brushing your teeth. Most ships allow charges to be added to your account which will be reconciled via cash, credit card or traveler's check before your departure.

ON BOARD - SHIP AND YACHT INFORMATION:
SONESTA NILE CRUISES - NILE GODDESS/SUN GODDESS/MOON GODDESS:
This trio of luxury Nile cruise vessels offers some of the finest sailing experiences in the world. Each sister ship is built with design and ease of travel in mind. There are a few suites on each vessel but the accommodations in the standard cabins will also delight. Each cabin offers en suite facilities with full bathtubs, telephone, music and television. Hair dryers and safety deposit boxes are either included in the cabin itself or at the reception desk. The Nile and Sun Goddess offers panoramic windows on all cabins and the Moon Goddess boasts sliding glass doors that open onto a private balcony. On all vessels, room service is available until midnight and there are several options for exquisite dining. The main dining room offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. The Sun Deck offers light fare and refreshments from morning until sunset and the Lounge offers lunch and dinner as well. All extra charges for drinks, laundry or other items not included can be charged to your account which will be reconciled upon disembarkation using cash, traveler's checks or credit cards (American Express, Visa and MasterCard.) Smoking is permitted on board in all locations except in the dining room where it is prohibited.

These floating hotels offer comfort from the hot sun with an outdoor swimming pool and covered deck nearby. Other options to while away the hours include table tennis and billiards. The Moon Goddess has the additional highlights of a casino, fitness center and jogging track. The ships' captains will host a welcome cocktail party on each voyage. Evening entertainment includes nightly disco dancing, fancy Galabaya party, belly-dancing and a Nubian folklore performance.

The voltage on board is 220 volts, so you will need to bring an adaptor. Each ship travels at 22 knots and carries a crew of 70 qualified and dedicated staff members. Your daily excursions to some of Egypt's most wondrous and historical temples are led by knowledgeable guides. A doctor is on board at all times for your safety and good health. More information can be found at http://www.sonestaegypt.com.

 

Nile Goddess

Sun Goddess

Moon Goddess

Length (feet)

236

252

236

Total # Cabins/ Passengers

62 / 124

62 / 124

50 /100

Total # Decks

5

5

4

OBEROI SHEHRAYAR / SHEHRAZAD & PHILAE NILE CRUISER: The Shehrayar and Shehrazad are identical 5-Star vessels offering the finest in service and décor. The centrally air-conditioned home-away-from-homes offer guest cabins with ample windows, twin beds, mini-bar, hair dryer, radio, television, safety deposit box and telephones featuring international direct dialing capabilities, as well as en suite facilities with showers. The deluxe category of cabins (29 in all) boasts the added delight of two bathrooms per cabin each with a shower. Although the water on board is run through a purification system, it is wise to use only bottled water.

The Philae Nile Cruiser continues the Oberoi tradition with elegantly appointed cabins boasting private balconies in addition to all the features its sister vessels offer.

There are many opportunities to feast on the marvelous cuisine while you cruise the Nile. The elegant main dining room with its view of the Nile serves continental and Egyptian dishes with one seating for each meal of the day. Breakfast and lunch are served as buffets while dinner offers a chance to choose from the generous menu. You will delight in the other highlights of these vessels with their outdoor swimming pool, beauty salon, barber shop, gift shop, gym, library, table tennis, billiards, and stylish lounge. Professional qualified Egyptologists guide you each day as you explore the temples and other awe-inspiring sights along the river's shores. Evening entertainment includes disco dancing, fancy Galabaya party, belly-dancing and a Nubian folklore performance.

The voltage on board is 220 volts, so you will need to bring an adaptor. There is a socket in the bathroom that supports 110 volt. A doctor is on call at all times (but not on board) for your safety and good health. All extra charges for drinks, laundry or other items not included can be charged to your account which will be reconciled upon disembarkation using cash, traveler's checks or credit cards (American Express, Visa, Diners Club and MasterCard.) Smoking is permitted on board except in the dining room, a section of the lounge and 18 of the cabins where it is prohibited. More information can be found at http://www.oberoihotels.com.

 

Shehrayar

Shehrazad

Philae Nile

Length (feet)

223

223

217

Total # Cabins / Passengers

40 / 100

40 / 100

55 / 110

Total # Decks

5

5

5

Speed (knots)

10

10

12

Crew

85

85

72

M.S. KASR IBRIM/EUGENIE: These two vessels both feature itineraries exploring Lake Nasser, a continuation of sorts of the mighty Nile River, ending near the infamous temple at Abu Simbel. The M.S. Kasr Ibrim was launched in September 1997. Like the citadel, its namesake, the Kasr Ibrim is a superb feat of engineering that combines traditional luxury with present day comfort and all the refinement of the Middle East. Fully air-conditioned and decorated in 1920s style, the Kasr Ibrim has its own hammam (Turkish bath) built of ancient marble, a sauna and a massage parlor. The greatest luxury aboard, however, is sheer spaciousness.

Its companion vessel, the Eugenie, was proudly named to evoke a historic event in Egypt's recent past. The opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 attended by the crown heads of Europe marked Egypt's rite of passage into modernity. Just as the presence then of the Empress Eugenie of France was a tribute to the significance of the Canal, so too the cruise ship Eugenie became the first cruise vessel to sail Lake Nasser.

On each vessel, the main dining room offers breakfast, lunch and dinner. All extra charges for drinks, laundry and other items not included can be charged to your account which will be reconciled upon disembarkation using cash, traveler's checks or credit cards (Visa and MasterCard.) Smoking is permitted on board in all locations except in the dining room where it is prohibited.

These floating hotels offer outside cabins with en suite facilities and showers. (M.S. Kasr Ibrim boasts cabins with tubs as well.) Each cabin is equipped with music system, internal telephones, mini-bar, individually controlled air-conditioning and hair dryer. There are five decks with the top deck featuring a swimming pool, deck chairs and Jacuzzi. There is a lounge bar, gift shop, library, sauna, hammam and gym equipment.

The voltage on board is 220 volts, so you will need to bring an adaptor. Your daily excursions to some of Egypt's most wondrous and historical temples are led by knowledgeable guides. A doctor is on board at all times with a fully supplied clinic for your safety and good health. More information can be found at http://www.kasribrim.com.eg and http://www.eugenie.com.eg

 

M.S. Kasr Ibrim

M.S. Eugenie

Length (feet)

259

242

Total # Cabins

65

56

Total # Decks

5

5

Speed (knots)

20

17

Crew

75

75

MS Ti-Yi  This deluxe luxury Nile cruise vessel offers some of the finest sailing experiences in the world,  built with design and ease of travel in mind. There are a few suites on board but the accommodations in the standard cabins will also delight. Each of the 59 cabins offer en suite facilities with shower, telephone, music and television. Hair dryers and safety deposit boxes are also included in the cabin itself. The cabins also feature soundproof windows and a full mini-bar. Room service is available 24 hours a day  and there are several options for exquisite dining. There are three dining facilities and bars on board Ti-Yi. The elegant cuisine provides a perfect collection of delicious meals that takes you on a tour throughout the different cultures of the world. All extra charges for drinks, laundry or other items not included can be charged to your account which will be reconciled upon disembarkation using cash, traveler’s checks or credit cards (American Express, Visa and MasterCard.) Smoking is permitted on board in all locations except in the dining room where it is prohibited.

These floating hotels offer comfort from the hot sun with an outdoor swimming pool and covered deck nearby. Other options to while away the hours include an open-air jogging track, cards room, gym and massage facilities and an internet café. The ship’s captain will host a welcome cocktail party on each voyage. Evening entertainment includes belly-dancing and a Nubian folklore performance.

The voltage on board is 220 volts, so you will need to bring an adaptor. Your daily excursions to some of Egypt’s most wondrous and historical temples are led by knowledgeable guides. A doctor is on board at all times for your safety and good health. More information can be found at http://www.sonestaegypt.com.

TYPICAL DAILY ROUTINE: A typical day begins with breakfast followed by the first excursion to visit temples or other points of interest. Passengers return for lunch, followed by sun or a siesta while the vessel navigates to the next location. Depending on the itinerary, there is an afternoon visit to a temple as well. Some evenings include a special themed party or performance after dinner: Nubian folklore show, Galabaya party, belly dance show and disco parties are favorites.

Breakfast and lunches are informal while dinner may be "smart casual" and there is just one seating for all passengers in each ship's restaurant. The menu can be international with touches of continental and oriental cuisines. Afternoon tea is often served and pre or post dinner cocktails can be enjoyed in the lounges. Usually, the Captain hosts a cocktail party during the voyage. If you are a vegetarian, allergic to any foods or under a special diet, please advise Classic Escapes in writing of your requirements so that special arrangements can be requested. If you are celebrating a special occasion you may order wine or birthday cake to be served at dinnertime or a fruit basket for your cabin.

SATELLITE TELEPHONES: Telecommunications in the urban areas are easily accessible but please note that areas you may be visiting could be located in areas where satellite or mobile phone service is not available or viable. Most of the vessels along the Nile and in Lake Nasser have satellite telephone service for international calls in cases of emergencies, some even offer this service from your cabin. An increasing number of guests have been bringing satellite phones along with them on their program. Please note that personal phones most likely will not function while cruising.

As most people travel to "get away from it all", we feel that we must set some limitations on the use of these phones when on your program. We suggest the following guidelines on the use of satellite phones:

  1. Please ensure the ring tone is kept at a low volume to avoid disturbing other guests.
  2. Please use your phone in the privacy of your room or cabin and not any of the common areas: dining room, bar/lounge area, or on any of the shore excursions.
  3. Phones should be used for outgoing calls and to check messages only. Incoming calls, and the loud ringing that ensues, should be curtailed.

LAUNDRY: Laundry service is available in larger city hotels and on board the Nile River vessels, at an additional charge, but do not expect dry cleaning services.

SMOKING POLICY: Typically, there is a strict no-smoking policy on all excursions and on board the vessel in the restaurant. Some cabins are non-smoking and sections of the lounges are as well. Please respect this ruling.

DRINK POLICY: No drinks are included on board your Nile or Lake Nasser vessel or while in larger cities. All beverages, including soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, are at additional cost.