Join me on an unforgettable journey through time and luxury as we explore the ancient wonders of Egypt with AmaWaterways (part 1 of 4) In this four-part series, I’ll share my experiences from the iconic pyramids of Giza to the hidden tombs of Luxor, the busy streets of Cairo to the calm waters of the Nile River.
Part One: AmaWaterways Secrets of Egypt & Nile River Cruise: An Unforgettable Journey Overview
Part Two: What’s Included: AmaWaterways 11-Night Secrets of Egypt & Nile Cruise Package Breakdown
Part Three: AmaWaterways AmaLilia Ship Review: Luxury Accommodations on Your Nile River Cruise
Let’s begin our exploration of Egypt’s wonders together.
Introduction to Exploring Egypt with AmaWaterways River Cruise Vacation (part 1 of 4)
Since studying Egyptian history in school, I have dreamed of visiting Egypt. I have always been fascinated by ancient civilizations, the pyramids, the pharaohs, the mummies, and the mighty Nile River
I love river cruising and had previously sailed with AmaWaterways on three incredible European river cruise vacations: a Rhine River Food and Wine Cruise, a Romantic Danube river itinerary sailing to Austria, Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia, and Tulip Time in the Netherlands and Belgium. I was impressed by their European operations, their commitment to excellence, the luxurious accommodations, and the unparalleled service, which made trusting AmaWaterways for my river cruise vacation to see Egypt’s renowned sites an easy choice.
In this 4-part blog post, I’ll share my river cruise experience with AmaWaterways from start to finish on the 11-night Secrets of Egypt & The Nile River valley cruise vacation.
Our trip was a combination river cruise and land package included a 3-night pre-cruise stay in Cairo at the St. Regis Cairo, a 7-night cruise of the Nile onboard the AmaLilia and a post-cruise stay back at St. Regis Cairo. I’ll cover the ship’s unique features, the incredible itinerary that took me through the heart of Egypt, the essential products that made my journey even more enjoyable, and the differences between sailing with AmaWaterways on other river cruises and an AmaWaterways Egypt trip.
I invite you to join me on this trip of a lifetime with AmaWaterways as I unveil the secrets of Egypt and the Nile River. If a river cruise vacation to see the ancient wonders of Egypt is on your list, I’d be honored to help you as your travel advisor to see it for yourself.
Let’s start with the biggest questions I had about traveling to Egypt.
- Safety
- Bathroom facilities
Is it Safe to Do A River Cruise in Egypt?
A question I had, and one that I’ve been asked the most when I shared I was going to Egypt and now having been, is whether it was safe, especially given the recent regional conflicts.
While it is natural to have concerns, it is important to note that when we traveled, the conflicts in the region were far from the popular tourist destinations visited. The main cities and sites along the Nile river Valley, such as Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan, remained safe for visitors.
The conflicts in the region have impacted Egypt’s tourism economy and resulted in fewer travelers. We had only 24 passengers on our sailing, making for an even more intimate experience than a usual AmaWaterways experience. We enjoyed our trips to the top sites with far fewer crowds, sometimes being the only group visiting at the time.
As a traveler, it is always important to stay informed about the current situation and make the best decision for you based on accurate information from reliable sources. AmaWaterways prioritizes the safety and well-being of its guests above all else. To ensure their guests’ safety and security, they work closely with local authorities and monitor the situation in Egypt and the greater region. They have a team of experienced professionals who are knowledgeable about the area and can quickly adapt to any changes in the political or security landscape. During my journey with AmaWaterways, I never felt unsafe at any time.
Staying Safe: Egypt’s Tourism Security Measures
Let me share some more details on the security measures we experienced, which have been in place for many years, ensuring the well-being of tourists visiting the country.
One requirement is that a security guard and a police escort accompany tour buses. During my trip with AmaWaterways, our tour bus always had an armed security guard on board whenever we traveled between destinations. The security guards were professional, discreet, and unobtrusive.
Our tour bus also had a police escort when on the move, which you often didn’t even notice happening but was very handy for getting through busy city traffic. It makes you feel like a VIP!
Again, these security measures were not unique to AmaWaterways; they are standard practice for all tourist groups in Egypt.
While armed security guards and police escorts may seem unusual to some travelers, they show how the Egyptian authorities take the safety of tourists very seriously. These precautions are a testament to their dedication to providing a secure environment for all visitors. Their presence did not detract from the overall experience; instead, it provided an added layer of comfort and security, allowing us to fully enjoy Egypt’s wonders without any safety concerns.
What to Expect from Egyptian Restrooms
When traveling anywhere, I have a thing for restrooms. I like knowing what will be available and what to expect so I can be prepared. I’ve seen it all after living in Asia for many years, but it is still nice to know. AmaWaterways gets this and has taken steps to ensure that our restroom experiences during the tours were as smooth and comfortable as possible.
And good news in Egypt! At the most famous archeological sites, there were often restrooms. One thing to note is that restrooms in Egypt differed from what we were used to in Western countries. However, the restrooms at major tourist sites were generally well-maintained, clean, and staffed by attendants. In addition to keeping them clean, attendants often provided toilet paper and paper towels, as these amenities might not be readily available. For the service, attendants expected a tip.
However, we didn’t need to worry about carrying small change or figuring out the appropriate amount to tip. Our cruise manager took care of the necessary fees for using the restrooms, allowing us to focus on enjoying our visit to the site. Thank you, AmaWaterways!
However, it was always a good idea to carry some small bills, a pack of tissues, or hand sanitizer in case you encountered a restroom without these amenities.
AND our tour buses were equipped with an onboard toilet, providing a convenient option for times when we needed to go while on the road. However, remember that these bus toilets are smaller and less spacious or comfortable than regular restrooms but a nice comfort if needed.
Now that those big questions have been answered, I’ll review what is included in AmaWaterways Secrets of Egypt & The Nile river cruise itinerary in the next post.
Part Two: What’s Included: AmaWaterways 11-Night Secrets of Egypt & Nile Cruise Package Breakdown (part 2 of 4)