EGYPT
appropriately named ships on the Nile, especially in the current climate.
S Smiling at the Sphinx
The Sanctuary M.S Nile Adventurer!
I boarded in Luxor for a four-night itinerary to Aswan and found myself in the lap of luxury, being feted like a pharaoh in a totally timeless landscape. The Sanctuary M.S. Nile Adventurer is without question a sanctuary and stands in sharp contrast to the often chaotic, dusty desert territory beyond. These are uncertain times for Egypt, as it strives to establish a thriving democracy post revolution, but it soon became clear that the quality
of service, comfort and cuisine onboard was a consistent certainty that we could categorically depend on.
Cairo We had arrived via Cairo for the pyramids and famed Egyp-
tian Museum and while our planned itinerary worked like clockwork, even the most seasoned traveller could not have completely ignored the wall-to-wall political analysis on TV and the rising tensions in the streets. Pundits talked of the possibility of a second revolution as the controversial consti- tution brought protestors back out onto the streets; and the authorities were assembling blockades around the governmental palace as we arrived. As our driver alternately nosed and thrust his way through the chaos of Cairo’s roads, the need for a decent government was obvious, if only to sort out the traffi c and the rubbish and give this ancient land the chance to fl ourish as it undoubtedly could and should.
Crowds of men
among the bazaars were gathering around the televisions. They were intent and anxious, coiled springs ready to react to what they saw. Was this the second revolution preparing to erupt we wondered? But, as I craned to see the image
anctuary Retreats’ river cruise range must surely have the most
that transfi xed them, it was football! Egypt was progressing in the Club World Cup and this was the truly important stuff of the day. The political analysts may predict, and commentators exclaim but some things go on no matter what the politicians, imans or protest banners may say; and so it was with tourism and our Sanctuary Retreats cruise.
“Egypt’s monuments and tourism infrastructure are being protected with a
passion.They are the future”
Nile cruising
Sitting on deck, beside the tempting plunge pool, the politics soon seemed an irrelevance. The views were as spectacular and as ancient as the historic sights embedded among the palm trees, desert sands and fertile Nile fringe. The scale and sophistication of what the pharaohs left behind doesn’t take long to grasp. Vast temples follow spectacular tombs; artistic feats follow immense architectural achievements; and everywhere the hieroglyphic heritage tells of opulent and plentiful times when culture, knowledge and the arts could thrive and spawn a legacy now echoed in cultures around the globe. There is no denying that times have sadly changed for Egypt. The political uncertainties have devastated tourist numbers but the monuments and tourism infrastructure are being protected with a passion in anticipation of better times ahead. Even at the height of the revolution, as former President Mubarak’s HQ burned, locals came out in force to protect the iconic Egyptian Museum, home of Tutankhamun’s treasure. These kind of antiquities make Egypt a top tourism destination and remain its greatest hope for the future too.
The Sanctuary M.S. Nile Adventurer prides itself on its low capacity – 34 cabins – and high level of staffi ng. This is luxury boutique cruising at its best. Egyptian cotton on the beds, picture windows for every cabin and furnishings that are big on style and comfort. The staff are smiley, effi cient and as genuine as you could wish for, and the quality, variety and presentation of the food is superb. Tales of the famed
64 January 2013 •
www.sellinglonghaul.com
My Egyptian journey...
Beyond the negative news reports Egypt’s ancient assets call. Julie Baxter discovered why now is in fact a great time to go
My Magical Moments ALL ABOARD
My Sanctuary M.S Nile Adventurer cruise combined incredible contrasts. Thought-provoking excursions made my brain buzz while the ship’s deck loungers provided the perfect place to spot shooting stars in the Nile’s light-free skies. Magical!
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