From On Board MS Semiramis II
Location: River Nile at Luxor
"Hello! hello! One dollar! One dollar!"
This is my wake-up call at 8am as two brazen chaps in a flimsy wooden dingy afix themselves to our river boat and proceed to spruik their wares loudly in several languages. James from Adelaide in an adjoining cabin, perhaps unwisely, engages them and suddenly plastic wrapped products are being hurled through his cabin window as our Nubian pirates identify a target.
Dating back decades, this time-honoured retail practice is alive and well all through the tourist territories of Egypt. While persistent, these 'temple touts' are thankfully mostly cheerful, engaging in optimistic banter, aware that the odds are against a successful outcome.
To be frank, the mass market Nile River cruises are a far cry from "expedition cruising" but here I am.
The 3-day portion of my Intrepid Egypt Experience package tour aboard this vessel is, nonetheless, a fair indication of what most visitors will encounter when travelling to this land of pharaohs, desert and chaos.
There are a couple of excursions en route, with the most notable being the exquisite temple at Kom Ombo, which took on a spooky aura under floodlights. Unlike the ancient relics at Giza and Abu Simbel, this dual-purpose monument is relatively modern, dating from about the time of Christ, with carvings depicting Roman influence.
The temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, as well as Horus, the falcon-headed deity. The crocodile's influence came about because the reptilian beasts inhabiting the marshes preyed on the hapless fisherfolk. So, in a move to appease the ravenous crocodiles, a temple of considerable beauty was erected.
Adjacent to the temple, hidden behind trinket stalls, is a small museum which demonstrates the reverence the locals held for their carnivorous neighbours. In the fashion of esteemed citizens, deceased animals are mummified and entombed with all the trappings of high-ranking civilians.
The 72m MS Semiramis II is typical of most vessels comprising the expansive fleet that plies the waters of the world's longest river (6650 km). Here on the 250km section between Luxor and Aswan is where most of the action is, and at the ports, it's typical to see two, three or four vessels tied up cheek-to-jowl, meaning that guests can inspect the foyers of each as they pass through to their respective boats.
With 66 cabins (average size 20 sqm) and 4 suites, each is equipped with a TV and fridge. Large panoramic windows serve as a balcony and the bathroom has a tub, hairdryer and vanity mirror.
The temple is dedicated to Sobek, the crocodile god, as well as Horus, the falcon-headed deity. The crocodile's influence came about because the reptilian beasts inhabiting the marshes preyed on the hapless fisherfolk. So, in a move to appease the ravenous crocodiles, a temple of considerable beauty was erected.
Adjacent to the temple, hidden behind trinket stalls, is a small museum which demonstrates the reverence the locals held for their carnivorous neighbours. In the fashion of esteemed citizens, deceased animals are mummified and entombed with all the trappings of high-ranking civilians.
The 72m MS Semiramis II is typical of most vessels comprising the expansive fleet that plies the waters of the world's longest river (6650 km). Here on the 250km section between Luxor and Aswan is where most of the action is, and at the ports, it's typical to see two, three or four vessels tied up cheek-to-jowl, meaning that guests can inspect the foyers of each as they pass through to their respective boats.
With 66 cabins (average size 20 sqm) and 4 suites, each is equipped with a TV and fridge. Large panoramic windows serve as a balcony and the bathroom has a tub, hairdryer and vanity mirror.
The passenger contingent is predictably cosmopolitan with various mainly European accents wafting through the decks and public spaces, such as the large air-conditioned lounge or open-air top deck, where a small pool provides welcome relief on the 40+ °c days.
Included meals are buffet service with drinks at extra charge, served at your table. For example, a 500ml of local Stellar beer is US$5.
For a variety of Egyptian tour packages, inclusive of Nile River cruises, see the Intrepid Travel website.
Included meals are buffet service with drinks at extra charge, served at your table. For example, a 500ml of local Stellar beer is US$5.
For a variety of Egyptian tour packages, inclusive of Nile River cruises, see the Intrepid Travel website.
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