Hi everyone- just returned from Wonders of Egypt and had the most wonderful time. However, the one and only thing I feel compelled to complain about was our cruise boat. We were on the M.S Giselle, which really has seen her better days long ago. I note with humour that Insight are now advertising a new cruise boat "the river tosca" - this looks extremely different to the boat we were on! In saying this I would not take back a second of our trip, it was simply wonderful. I did not expect a cuise ship by any means, but was disappointed in our boat. This does not include the staff - they were simply superb - could not do enough for us, were very friendly and happy to do anything for us. The food was also well and hygenically prepared - no problems there. It was just the age and appearance of the boat - very, very tired and old, needs a complete refurbishment.
I don't want to put anyone off this trip as it was just such a wonderful experience as I have said, but I wanted to post our opinion of the cruise boat, which was also expressed by several others on our cruise.
Geminidee

Hi,
Way back in 1998 my daughter and I did the Splendours of Egypt tour and the cruise boat was M/S Giselle. She was an absolute delight and as bright and shiny as a new penny. Sorry to hear that the years have not been kind to her. The staff were exceptional but the only draw back was that all the postcards I put in the mail box at reception never got to where they should have. I note that these days photo opportunities in Egypt are extremely limited. We were lucky - we could take photos everywhere. Inside museums and tombs but no flash and outside everywhere. Only place we couldn't was inside Tutankhamen's tomb. Still a small price to pay for a fabulous trip and a lifetime of memories.

'Take with you an adventurous mind and a welcoming heart'
LoZ

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Lozfromoz,

We travelled on the Gazelle in 2006 and it was getting a little old then, but was very comfortable and perfectly acceptable. I guess three years can be a long time in the life of a cruise ship.

The only places I recall where we could not take photographs were, the Museum in Cairo (the one in Alexandria allowed photos), inside the tombs in the valley of the Kings and inside the temples at Abu Simbel; have things changed?

Things have obviously changed regarding photo taking from when I was in Egypt in 2001. At the time, we were allowed to take photos in the Cairo Museum, inside the tombs in the Valley of the Kings as long as we never used flash. Am thinking of returning to Egypt in September 2010 with friends so will probably notice a few changes then!

Hi Jaytee, Tangatta - regarding photos - as we've just returned things are as you found in 2006 Tangatta - no photo's in Cairo Museum, Valley of the Kings, Tombs or Abu Simbel. This did not bother us in the least as the preservation of these wonderful sites for generations to come is the reason behind this. Therefore we were happy to oblige. The colours of the paintings (which at Abu Simbel is just amazing) is affected by camera flash etc. Mind you, the guards are open to corruption and will offer to take a photo for a tip!! We declined thank goodness but some people did fall into this trap - its a personal choice I guess. Our TG was very passionate about this not happening for the protection of the tombs and he let the guards and staff working there that he was less than happy - good for him. You do have so many photo opportunities and can take photos at the entrance so it's really not so bad. At Abu Simbel you can also purchase photo's of inside which are pretty good - these are offered by your TG. Hope this helps.
GeminiDee

Thanks for reporting your opinions Gemini dee. I will not have any great expectations of our cruise boat when we board her in October. As she appears to be clean and comfortable, I will be content.

Hi AJewel,
I was on the M/S Miriam, the sister ship of the M/S Giselle. The crew was wonderful, the ship was clean, you could relax on the top deck, shop, and get your laundry done.

I looked at all the fabulous parts of the Miriam and was quite impressed. The large chandelier was beautiful. I enjoyed jogging up the spiral staircase. (I, kid you not.)
I opened my cabin window and journaled as I watched life along the Nile go by.

No, it's not like a modern cruise ship floating out in the Mediterraneran or a brand new cruise ship on the Nile. But the sights and culture, I expericenced with my fellow travelers, were well worth the trip.

I KNOW you will enjoy your trip.

Hi Squirrelly Shirley ~ if I don't enjoy my trip it will bi no one else's fault but my own
Thank you for giving me your thoughts on the Miriam.

We had the M/S Giselle this year not as good as the M/S Abbas on Lake Nasser.
A lot of our group got sick mid way through on the Giselle the food wasn't as good and it's a little dated and not as clean.