Egpyt

[Louise2004]

Anyone been on a Nile cruise (stopping off to see all the sights along the way - pyramids etc.) with a young child? Our son is 7 and really into Ancient Egypt, so we thought it might be a good way to travel whilst seeing all the sights, especially if the boat has a swimming pool and children's club/entertainment. The only cruises I've found so far don't seem to be very family-friendly and we're not into beach holidays as an alternative. Thanks for any suggestions!

We went on honeymoon, without a young child, but there was a family there with a son around 7. He had a brilliant time. We went with Kuoni, and it was really good. There was a little pool, the entertainment in the evening was v. child friendly, although not specifically aimed at children. There were treasure hunts, dressing up nights, competitions etc. The food was also child friendly, mostly buffet with lots of choice. And our guide was v. well up on knowledge, and made it interesting for the children on our tours. they also organise a trip out on a felluca and in a horse and trap. Go for it.

We had the best holiday ever in Egypt, and I would love to do it again.

This would be great for a 7 year old
Also consider staying in Luxor rather than cruising - plenty to see for a week from this base. I stayed in a fab hotel on the banks of the Nile with my 7 year old in January

Thanks, this is very encouraging!

I'll check Kuoni. Also, which hotel in Luxor did you stay in?

I done a nile cruise 3 years ago but this was before i had ds. We travelled with thomson and it was amazing. Done the cruise for a week and then had 3 nights in cairo and 4 nights in luxor.
Stayed in the Meridiean Cairo which over-looked the pyramids and it was just fantastic. The hotel was out of this world. In Luxor we stayed in the sheraton Luxor and that was also really nice, the pool overlooked the nile.
There was a few kids on the cruise with us who were part of one big family and they seemed to enjoy it.
The boat had a swimming pool and had evening entertainment but nothing during the day.
What time of year were you thinking of going?
We went in July and it was far to hot. 48c everyday. We had to get up at 5am to go on the trips for about 6.30 and were back on the boat about 10 otherwise it was too hot to do anything.

I'd second staying in Luxor - lots of day trips to do but you're not confined to the boat or someone else's schedule so if yu want a 'day off' you can have one.
I think we stayed at Le Meridien.

(if you can manage it, try and see the temple at Karnak at night - it's spectacular)

We went in September and it was hot but not unbearable - early start, a siesta, then out again once it had cooled off a bit worked well.