DESTINATIONS NILE CRUISE NORTH AFRICA LEFT: Marriott
Hotel Cairo BELOW:
Movenpick Hotel Cairo Pyramids
OBEROI PHILAE
Tried & Tested After an extensive
refurbishment four years ago, the luxury Oberoi Philae cruise ship offers four and six-night cruises along the Nile between Luxor and Aswan. Featuring 22 suites and
political instability and anxiety over terrorism has had on tourism. The sites we visited have experienced a severe drop in visitor numbers, with our guide Tarik estimating the downturn to be as high as 90%. Street sellers determined to get a sale flocked to us at every tourist site, desperate for the few holidaymakers that do visit to part with their cash. However, it is worth pointing out
that the Foreign & Commonwealth Office advises against travel only to the Sinai region, and specifically states this does not include the tourist areas along the Nile River. Any officials we met en route were
keen to emphasise the additional safety measures in place – from our
visit to a control room in Luxor that has cameras monitored 24 hours a day, to the security bag scanners and sniffer dogs at hotels in Cairo. Two guards also travel on every EgyptAir flight. In fact, it is the lack of crowds at some of the greatest wonders of the world and the fact that the Nile is no longer clogged with cruise boats that makes now the best time for an aspiring visitor to take a trip. With a new-found taste for cruising and an even greater respect for the wonders of ancient Egypt, I came away with a feeling that this is not somewhere to be avoided, especially when it needs tourism more than ever. We can’t desert Egypt – it has far too much to offer.
cabins, the rooms are light and airy with contemporary decor, each offering a sitting area, large bathroom and French windows providing spectacular views along the Nile. A large luxury suite is available which features
a private terrace and whirlpool. The main restaurant serves excellent international cuisine, while drinks can be enjoyed in the bar and cigar lounge. Al fresco dining is available on deck in the poolside restaurant and cocktail bar where light meals, snacks and barbecue lunches are available. Further amenities include a spa, small 24-hour gym and swimming pool.
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travelweekly.co.uk 28 July 2016
PICTURE: NICOLAS DUMONT
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