Death on the Nile

The latest movie buzz is the remake of Agatha Christie’s 1937 novel, Death on the Nile.  If you’re like me, you can remember the 1978 version of this movie that was a “Who’s Who” of Hollywood at the time: Peter Ustinov, Maggie Smith, Angela Lansbury, Bette Davis, David Niven, Mia Farrow, George Kennedy, Jack Warden (just to name a few). 

The filming in 1978 actually took place in Egypt, with many scenes shot on a river ship.  It may be those visually stunning images that inspired me to get to that part of Egypt, although it took almost another 20 years for me to tick this off my bucket list.

Egypt really is one of those places that everyone should visit, and although I travelled there independently in 1996, I think for my next visit I will have one of our preferred river cruise partners handle the logistics for me.  Egypt can be challenging.  English is not as widely spoken as it is in Europe, and culturally it is certainly different (one of the reasons for going).

I think a river cruise package offer the perfect balance between being exposed to the rich culture and vibrant history of Egypt, while taking some of the friction out of the equation.

All the river cruise packages include some time in Cairo, which is absolutely mandatory, both to see the pyramids at Gizeh and to visit the Egyptian Museum.  All our preferred river cruise partners fly you between Cairo and Luxor where you board the ship.  It is only about 300 miles south from Cairo to Luxor, but the infrastructure in Egypt for roads and trains is not like Europe or North America (again… part of the charm).  I travelled this distance by overnight train – an experience I treasure from my younger self, but not one I intend to repeat.

A typical river cruise goes round-trip from Luxor over the course of a week journeying as far south as Aswan and visiting all the bucket-list sites that country offers.  You are then flown back to Cairo for another day or two to round out your package.

For the adventurous, the river cruise lines offer pre- or post- river cruise extensions into Israel or Jordan – again two countries where a bit of support is welcome by many.

Interestingly, we have seen previous examples where a TV show or movie increased demand for certain travel products.  If this latest version of Death on the Nile is half as visually stunning as the film 45 years ago, then I would expect some serious demand for Nile River cruises in the next year or two. 

Note:  contrary to the title of movie, we not expecting any fatalities on your river cruise to Egypt!

Here are some examples of Nile River Packages:

AMA Waterways

3 Nights Cairo, transfer to the river ship for 7-nights, followed by one more night in Cairo

https://www.amawaterways.com/agent/pamperedcruiser/destination/egypt-river-cruises/2022/secrets-of-egypt-the-nile

1. Optional extensions to Dubai, Jordan, or Israel
2. Example pricing: June 3, 2022: $4349 per person for a window room; $5548 for a French Balcony
3. The Ship: AMA Dahlia – brand new in 2021 and holds 72 guests.

Uniworld

2 nights in Cairo, transfer to the ship for 7-nights, then 2 more nights in Cairo

https://pamperedcruiser.uniworld.com/ca/river-cruise/egypt/nile/splendors-of-egypt-and-the-nile/2022-cairo-to-cairo

1. Optional extensions to Jerusalem or Jordan
2. Example pricing: September 24 or December 3, 2022: $5999 per person for French Balcony
3. Uniworld fares include gratuities and an open bar

Viking

3 nights in Cairo, 7-nights on the ship, followed by 1 more night in Cairo

https://www.vikingrivercruises.com/cruise-destinations/egypt/pharaohs-pyramids/2023-cairo-cairo/index.html?agenturlid=pamperedcruiser

1. Optional extensions to Jerusalem, Jordan/Amman, or the UK (for Egyptian museums in London/Oxford)
2. Example pricing: Departures in May 2023:  $5300 per person for a Window.  $6500 pp for a Veranda. 
3. Optional Air add-ons from $1399 round-trip

If you’re looking for something a bit closer to home, consider Alaska. For example:

1. The brand-new Ocean Victory departing May 27 or June 17, 2022, from Vancouver to Sitka.
2. Sail the Inside Passage, visit Kynoch Inlet, Ketchikan, Misty Fjords National Monument, Wrangell, Waterfall Coast, Petersburg, Tracy Arm (for tidewater Glacier viewing), and Frederick Sound.  The fact you may not have heard of many of these places is a testament to the uniqueness of this Alaska itinerary.
3. This ship holds just 186 guests and takes you places the big ships just can’t get to.  It’s more like a river cruise on the ocean.
4. All Ocean Victory sailings include one night pre-cruise hotel, unlimited guided tours and expeditions, open bar, specialty dining, and Wi-Fi on the ship.
5. American Queen Voyages is layering up their Winter Sale ($1000 off), and another 10% off for their 10th Anniversary Sale. 
6. Winter Sales Prices:  Window $4699 per person, Balcony Room $5999 pp – MINUS the 10% Anniversary Savings.

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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here or call 800-876-0168 to get in touch today.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Sue Bradley