Holy Land vs. Alexandria/Cairo

[Mr. Luckytoo]

I'm trying to decide between two different itineraries:

 

A. Visits Haifa one day and Ashdod another day - Mariner of the Seas

 

B. Visits Cairo/Giza and spends the night - NCL Jade

 

I've never been to Egypt - visited Israel 20 years ago and loved Massada, Old Jerusalem. My wife hasn't visited either and will be her first trip.

 

I'm just not sure which one to do :confused:

 

Anyone who's done either one of these ships/itineraries I'd really appreciate your thoughts....

[cruisemom42]

There are a number of cruises each year that visit both Egypt and Israel with overnights. Would you not consider a cruise that does both? Certainly cheaper than two separate trips! ;)

 

(And just to be clear, ships do not dock in Cairo/Giza but at either Alexandria or Port Said, both of which are about a 3 hour drive to Cairo....)

[paul929207]

Like Cynthia, I would look for one that does both.

 

Forced to choose - Egypt for me.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

There are a number of cruises each year that visit both Egypt and Israel with overnights. Would you not consider a cruise that does both? Certainly cheaper than two separate trips! ;)

 

(And just to be clear, ships do not dock in Cairo/Giza but at either Alexandria or Port Said, both of which are about a 3 hour drive to Cairo....)

 

Yes thank you for your correction about Cairo - I certainly wouldn't want to be on a cruise ship that docked THAT far inland :eek:

 

Unfortunately I've got to choose between Israel and Egypt - can't do both due to time constraints....

 

As for fares what angers me MOST is the darn airfare to go from the US to the port is 50% of my cruise fare! :mad:

[TedC]

Regent Seven Seas Voyager leaves Dubai March 2012 and stops in Israel, Jordan and Egypt before ending in Athens.

 

Regent is all inclusive - including air and one hotel night pre-cruise in Dubai before you board the ship. If you use Regent air you also get transfers to hotel and to ship and to airport on return from Athens.

 

You can also upgrade to business class for $999 pp each way. You can opt out of the included air and get a rebate, same with the hotel, but then you do not get the transfers.

 

 

Regent's smallest cabins are larger than many other lines' suites.

 

Check RSSC site - note the prices also include all beverages, speciality restaurants, tips and taxes, and most excursions!

[Jade13]

I'm trying to decide between two different itineraries:

 

A. Visits Haifa one day and Ashdod another day - Mariner of the Seas

 

B. Visits Cairo/Giza and spends the night - NCL Jade

 

I've never been to Egypt - visited Israel 20 years ago and loved Massada, Old Jerusalem. My wife hasn't visited either and will be her first trip.

 

I'm just not sure which one to do :confused:

 

Anyone who's done either one of these ships/itineraries I'd really appreciate your thoughts....

 

Pick an itinerary that visits both. Try HAL, Celebrity, or Azamara. If you want a big ship look at the Celebrity Solstice class ships.

[lynfils]

I'm trying to decide between two different itineraries:

 

A. Visits Haifa one day and Ashdod another day - Mariner of the Seas

 

B. Visits Cairo/Giza and spends the night - NCL Jade

 

I've never been to Egypt - visited Israel 20 years ago and loved Massada, Old Jerusalem. My wife hasn't visited either and will be her first trip.

 

I'm just not sure which one to do :confused:

 

Anyone who's done either one of these ships/itineraries I'd really appreciate your thoughts....

We have been to both and found alexandria ok,

cairo interesting but only for pyramids and the museum ..you can go to cairo from alexandria easily and cheaply by private tours..bodyguard included...israel was exciting and personally we enjoyed it much more..we found egypt more dangerous than israel which surprised us

you will enjoy either of these itineraries.. we are returning this november on the norwejian jade from which you can see haifa, ashdod and alexandria

enjoy!

[cruisemom42]

Yes thank you for your correction about Cairo - I certainly wouldn't want to be on a cruise ship that docked THAT far inland :eek:

 

Unfortunately I've got to choose between Israel and Egypt - can't do both due to time constraints....

 

As for fares what angers me MOST is the darn airfare to go from the US to the port is 50% of my cruise fare! :mad:

 

How much time do you have? I've seen 12-day cruises that do both.

 

Can't do much about the airfare. I try to earn and maximize my FF points and use them for international trips when I can.

[Mr. Luckytoo]

How much time do you have? I've seen 12-day cruises that do both.

 

Can't do much about the airfare. I try to earn and maximize my FF points and use them for international trips when I can.

 

I'm looking at either March (which is just around the corner) or November. Sure some cruiselines do both (such as previously mentioned Regent's but I'm looking at the mass market lines because I'll be using the ship as a floating hotel rather than experiencing the ship. In addition I'm trying to stick to lines that I already have experience with.

 

Did you prefer Egypt to Israel when you cruised there?

[Mr. Luckytoo]

We have been to both and found alexandria ok,

cairo interesting but only for pyramids and the museum ..you can go to cairo from alexandria easily and cheaply by private tours..bodyguard included...israel was exciting and personally we enjoyed it much more..we found egypt more dangerous than israel which surprised us

you will enjoy either of these itineraries.. we are returning this november on the norwejian jade from which you can see haifa, ashdod and alexandria

enjoy!

 

Thanks for your input. When I was in Israel in 1989 I felt safer in Israel than I did in Washington DC!

[cruisemom42]

I'm looking at either March (which is just around the corner) or November. Sure some cruiselines do both (such as previously mentioned Regent's but I'm looking at the mass market lines because I'll be using the ship as a floating hotel rather than experiencing the ship. In addition I'm trying to stick to lines that I already have experience with.

 

Did you prefer Egypt to Israel when you cruised there?

 

I can't really say I preferred one or the other. They are very different. I've been intrigued by ancient Egypt all my life and, while visiting Cairo overnight on a cruise stop was a nice "intro", I knew there was a lot more that I wanted to see. So I went back and did a 2-week land tour. (And have been back twice more since then.....!)

 

Israel isn't somewhere I had always wanted to go. I'm not very religious. But once I started reading the history of the Mediterranean from ancient times and realized how much of that history has taken place in and around Israel, I had to visit. And again, I found two days isn't enough, so I'm going back in March on a land trip. (Do you see a trend here? ;))

 

I can't say I ever felt unsafe in either Egypt or Israel.

 

P.S. NCL has an 11-day cruise departing Nov. 5 from Rome (Civitavecchia) roundtrip that includes both Egypt (2 days) and Israel (2 days).

[epixx]

Celebrity has a really nice 14 day itinerary leaving November 6 and including overnights in Ashdod and Alexandria:

 

http://www.celebritycruises.com/search/vacationItinerary.do;jsessionid=0000N2G50wW3bz36PJx1UfxLyL6:12hdbcveb?packageCode=CS14M051&backPageName=Itinerary+Search+Results

[Jade13]

Pick an itinerary that visits both. Try HAL, Celebrity, or Azamara. If you want a big ship look at the Celebrity Solstice class ships.

 

Also, we are going to Alexandria/Cairo for one day this year, than going back for two days Egypt/3 days Israel next year.

[Jade13]

I can't really say I preferred one or the other. They are very different. I've been intrigued by ancient Egypt all my life and, while visiting Cairo overnight on a cruise stop was a nice "intro", I knew there was a lot more that I wanted to see. So I went back and did a 2-week land tour. (And have been back twice more since then.....!)

quote]

 

Cruisemom42,

 

What do you suggest for a one day stop in Alexandria this spring? Take into consideration we have a 2 day stop in Alexandria next November 2012.

 

We had hoped to go to Luxor for the day, but unfortunately our ship is not offering that day trip. So, now considering the one day to Cairo that includes Memphis. We will than have the option next year to do a two day that spends the first day in Luxor (with overnight in Luxor), and second day in Cairo with the museum.

 

If possible we would set up the overnight next year with a private company. The problem is that most need 40 persons for a private charter, unless Alexandria is offering daily flights to Luxor by next year.

 

Also, we are considering the day trip this year on a ships tour. The reason is 1), we have no roll call so it would be two persons, 2) Our ship is offering the tours at half price, so cost is under $100.00 per person with lunch and we are not sure we could do much more on our own in one day. Any thoughts? Thanks.

[Bob++]

Check out the Princess "Holy Land" trips. 1 day in Ashdod (for Jerusalem) 1 day in Haifa (for Galilee), 1 day in Port Said and 1 in Alexandria.

 

Many people book an overnight in Jerusalem or Cairo or both.

[cruisemom42]

Cruisemom42,

 

What do you suggest for a one day stop in Alexandria this spring? Take into consideration we have a 2 day stop in Alexandria next November 2012.

 

We had hoped to go to Luxor for the day, but unfortunately our ship is not offering that day trip. So, now considering the one day to Cairo that includes Memphis. We will than have the option next year to do a two day that spends the first day in Luxor (with overnight in Luxor), and second day in Cairo with the museum.

 

If possible we would set up the overnight next year with a private company. The problem is that most need 40 persons for a private charter, unless Alexandria is offering daily flights to Luxor by next year.

 

Also, we are considering the day trip this year on a ships tour. The reason is 1), we have no roll call so it would be two persons, 2) Our ship is offering the tours at half price, so cost is under $100.00 per person with lunch and we are not sure we could do much more on our own in one day. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

I know we've talked Egypt before -- remind me if you've already visited? And if so, what have you already seen/done? In addition to Luxor, does the two-day trip you are considering in 2012 just cover the museum and pyramids in Cairo?

 

If it turns out you haven't been to Egypt previously, I think taking a shorex into Cairo for the day makes sense especially given the cost for two. Do they offer any other options besides Memphis? While I enjoyed seeing this site, I'd recommend Saqqara (step pyramid) much more enthusiastically.

[Jade13]

I know we've talked Egypt before -- remind me if you've already visited? And if so, what have you already seen/done? In addition to Luxor, does the two-day trip you are considering in 2012 just cover the museum and pyramids in Cairo?

 

If it turns out you haven't been to Egypt previously, I think taking a shorex into Cairo for the day makes sense especially given the cost for two. Do they offer any other options besides Memphis? While I enjoyed seeing this site, I'd recommend Saqqara (step pyramid) much more enthusiastically.

 

Thank you for the fast reply! This will be our first time in Egypt. While we normally do private tours, this trip is not typical at all. First, we were hoping for the one day flight/tour to Luxor from Alexandria and were prepared to pay $699.00pp for the ships tour. The plan was to than do a private tour overnight to Cairo in 2012. Azamara just posted their excursions (very late for an April cruise), and Luxor is not being offered, which is a disappointment.

 

Second, we are on Azamara on a repositioning cruise and there was one other person on my roll call who has not been around in over two months, so any private tour would likely be with just two persons, so probably minimal savings and not as much fun. The ship is only half full since it is a repositioning cruise, so the individual tours via the ship once in Cairo will likely not be huge.

 

Third, although it was suppose to be for the Europe season, Azamara decided to offer the ShoreX pre-booked at 50% off for two earlier cruises, including ours. So, the tour below would only be $89.50pp with lunch at a Cairo hotel.

 

There are the usual other options with Pyramids & Museum, Pyramid & Nile Cruise, Pyramids & Old Cairo, and Pyramids & Camel ride.

 

This one looked the best (includes Sakkara which I wanted) plus, if we run into the same issue next year where we would need 40 persons for a charter and only option for Luxor was a ships tour, the standard two day goes to the Pyramids & Museum in Cairo the second day.

 

I will find a copy of the two day tour that Azamara/Celebrity/RCCL does that includes Luxor.

 

What do you think?

 

 

Cairo, Pyramids & Tombs - AX40

 

Depart Alexandria aboard your coach for the 2.5-hour drive towards Africa's largest city, Cairo. Upon reaching the outskirts of Cairo, travel southwards to Egypt's first capital, Memphis. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Ptah and see the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the second and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenhopis the second. A short drive from Memphis is the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara. View the world's first monumental stone building, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built by the famous engineer Imhotep. After visiting the complex continue to one of the Mastabas(funeral chambers) built nearby, for an inside visit.

Return to Cairo where lunch will be served in a local hotel before proceeding to the Giza Plateau to discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Stop at the Western Plateau for a unique view of the three Pyramids, which affords great photographic opportunities. Continue to the Pyramid of Chephren for some free time to enjoy the pyramids on your own. Next, travel down the valley to visit the guardian of the mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx. Finally, a stop will be at the Papyrus Institute to see demonstrations on how the ancient Egyptians made paper from reeds from the Nile. Spend some free time for souvenir shopping in the adjacent gift shop before the return drive to Alexandria.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 1/2 miles (roughly 3 1/2 hrs) over uneven, gravel, cobblestone and sandy surfaces with paved walkways and approximately 30 flat wide stairs. Comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen are recommended. Conservative attire (no tank tops or shorts) is suggested for this tour. Flash camera photos are not permitted inside the Mastabas. No camera or video fees at all sites. All regulations are subject to change without prior notice. Due to the nature of this tour, it is not recommended for guests with walkers or wheelchairs. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 45 minutes of shopping and browsing throughout the tour. The drive to/from Cairo is approximately 2.5 hours each way, dependent upon traffic and local conditions. Coaches are required to travel in a police-escorted convoy and sometimes will be subjected to certain security requirements and possible delays. Tour order may vary between groups but all mentioned sites will be covered.

[Highflyer1]

I'm trying to decide between two different itineraries:

 

A. Visits Haifa one day and Ashdod another day - Mariner of the Seas

 

B. Visits Cairo/Giza and spends the night - NCL Jade

 

I've never been to Egypt - visited Israel 20 years ago and loved Massada, Old Jerusalem. My wife hasn't visited either and will be her first trip.

 

I'm just not sure which one to do :confused:

 

Anyone who's done either one of these ships/itineraries I'd really appreciate your thoughts....

 

We were faced with the same situation but not with your time constraints. We decided that there is way to much to see but wanted to see it with one trip and not two. So we did a back to back Sept 16 and Sept 26, 2011 on Vision of See with RCL with shore ex to be booked to see all without having to RUSH. Not sure if this is an option for you but with the new pricing on balcony etc you might want to explore this options which will be about 3 weeks.

[Jade13]

Thank you for the fast reply! This will be our first time in Egypt. While we normally do private tours, this trip is not typical at all. First, we were hoping for the one day flight/tour to Luxor from Alexandria and were prepared to pay $699.00pp for the ships tour. The plan was to than do a private tour overnight to Cairo in 2012. Azamara just posted their excursions (very late for an April cruise), and Luxor is not being offered, which is a disappointment.

 

Second, we are on Azamara on a repositioning cruise and there was one other person on my roll call who has not been around in over two months, so any private tour would likely be with just two persons, so probably minimal savings and not as much fun. The ship is only half full since it is a repositioning cruise, so the individual tours via the ship once in Cairo will likely not be huge.

 

Third, although it was suppose to be for the Europe season, Azamara decided to offer the ShoreX pre-booked at 50% off for two earlier cruises, including ours. So, the tour below would only be $89.50pp with lunch at a Cairo hotel.

 

There are the usual other options with Pyramids & Museum, Pyramid & Nile Cruise, Pyramids & Old Cairo, and Pyramids & Camel ride.

 

This one looked the best (includes Sakkara which I wanted) plus, if we run into the same issue next year where we would need 40 persons for a charter and only option for Luxor was a ships tour, the standard two day goes to the Pyramids & Museum in Cairo the second day.

 

I will find a copy of the two day tour that Azamara/Celebrity/RCCL does that includes Luxor.

 

What do you think?

 

 

Cairo, Pyramids & Tombs - AX40

 

Depart Alexandria aboard your coach for the 2.5-hour drive towards Africa's largest city, Cairo. Upon reaching the outskirts of Cairo, travel southwards to Egypt's first capital, Memphis. Explore the ruins of the Temple of Ptah and see the fallen colossal statue of King Ramses the second and the Alabaster Sphinx of King Amenhopis the second. A short drive from Memphis is the oldest, ancient cemetery of Sakkara. View the world's first monumental stone building, the Step Pyramid of King Zoser, built by the famous engineer Imhotep. After visiting the complex continue to one of the Mastabas(funeral chambers) built nearby, for an inside visit.

 

Return to Cairo where lunch will be served in a local hotel before proceeding to the Giza Plateau to discover the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World, the Pyramids of Giza. Stop at the Western Plateau for a unique view of the three Pyramids, which affords great photographic opportunities. Continue to the Pyramid of Chephren for some free time to enjoy the pyramids on your own. Next, travel down the valley to visit the guardian of the mortuary complex, the mysterious Sphinx. Finally, a stop will be at the Papyrus Institute to see demonstrations on how the ancient Egyptians made paper from reeds from the Nile. Spend some free time for souvenir shopping in the adjacent gift shop before the return drive to Alexandria.

Note: Guests must be able to walk approximately 1 1/2 miles (roughly 3 1/2 hrs) over uneven, gravel, cobblestone and sandy surfaces with paved walkways and approximately 30 flat wide stairs. Comfortable walking shoes, hat and sunscreen are recommended. Conservative attire (no tank tops or shorts) is suggested for this tour. Flash camera photos are not permitted inside the Mastabas. No camera or video fees at all sites. All regulations are subject to change without prior notice. Due to the nature of this tour, it is not recommended for guests with walkers or wheelchairs. Time permitting; guests will have approximately 45 minutes of shopping and browsing throughout the tour. The drive to/from Cairo is approximately 2.5 hours each way, dependent upon traffic and local conditions. Coaches are required to travel in a police-escorted convoy and sometimes will be subjected to certain security requirements and possible delays. Tour order may vary between groups but all mentioned sites will be covered.

 

This might be an option for 2012 when we have a two night stop in Alexandria, so we are hoping for a tour this year that would not be repeated too much on a subsequent visit.

 

Grand Eqypt

 

DAY 1: ALEXANDRIA TO LUXOR

Depart from the pier and board your motor coach for Alexandria's airport to board your chartered flight for Luxor. An hour and half flight away, Luxor amasses one third of the Egyptian's antiquities within its boundaries. Arrive in Luxor and board the waiting motor coach, fully equipped with toilet, air conditioning and reclining seats. Sit back and enjoy the unfolding vistas of barren mountains, flat desert and fertile areas as your guide introduces you to the history of Upper Egypt. Your first visit in Luxor will be at the greatest place of worship in history, the breathtaking Karnak Temple with its unique Hypostyle Hall, sacred lake and avenue of the Sphinxes. Take time out relax and enjoy a buffet lunch in a deluxe hotel.

After lunch, drive across the Nile to the West Bank where the Valley of the Kings is located. Here, the Kings of the New Kingdom ordered their tombs to be carved in the rock faces of the valley to safeguard them from grave robbers. Your visit will include three of the most impressive tombs of the Valley. Before crossing back to Luxor's East Bank you will view the impressive funerary temple of queen Hatshepsut and stop for photographs at the famous statues of Amenophis III, also known as the Colossi of Memnon, standing exactly where they once flanked the entrance to the Temple 5000 ago. Let your imagination soar and with the mind's eye witness the glorious entrance to the temple by Alexander the Great, a god paying his respects to another. Next you will visit the Luxor Temple whose graceful and well-preserved architecture is distinguished by the many different gods and cultures that have resided here. You will then proceed to a leading hotel (Steinberger Nile Palace or Sonesta St. George) in Luxor for check in formalities, dinner and overnight stay in Luxor.

 

DAY 2: LUXOR TO CAIRO TO PORT SAID (we will be in Alexandria two nights next year)

 

After breakfast and check out formalities, you will be transferred to Luxor airport to board your charter flight to Cairo. Upon arrival in Cairo, drive to the Tahrir (Liberty) Square, the heart of down town, where the National Archaeological Museum is located. Here you will have the opportunity to acquaint yourself with Egypt's ancient history spanning a period of 50 centuries. The Museum houses the richest collection of Egyptian Antiquities, including the magnificent Tut Ankh Amun collection.

 

A buffet lunch will be served afterwards at a leading hotel in Cairo. Following lunch, you will proceed to the Giza Plateau, where the only remaining Wonder of the Ancient World is found, the imposing Pyramids of Giza. During your visit to the Pyramids you will have time for unique photo opportunities of the three Pyramids from the Western Plateau. Free time will be allocated at the Pyramids to explore and enjoy this magnificent site. Continue down the valley where the guardian of this mortuary complex, the Mighty Sphinx, bears witness to the passage of time and man in eons of silence. Let your imagination reflect on the gloriously golden days of the Pharaohs as you gaze at this mighty monument.

Your last stop in Cairo will be at a Papyrus Institute where the procedure of manufacturing the oldest paper in the world, an art discovered by the Ancient Egyptians, will be demonstrated for you. You will also have the opportunity to shop for souvenirs before re-boarding your coaches for the return journey of approximately 2.5 hrs to the port in Port Said, bringing back with you wonderful memories to reflect upon for a very long time to come.

 

 

Important Notes: Guests must be able to walk approximately 3 miles over flat, uneven and gravel surfaces. Tour suitable for elderly but not physically challenged persons. The sequence of visits may vary however all tour features and inclusions will remain unchanged. Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses and hat are highly recommended. A motorized wagon train transports passengers from the parking lot to the entrance gate of the Valley of the Kings. Pay toilets are found inside the Valley of the Kings in the form of chemical toilets housed in large ship's containers. No cameras or videos are allowed inside the Valley of the Kings site. Entry into the Valley of the Kings includes a visit to 3 tombs.

At the National Museum in Cairo, guests must go through two (2) security checks before entering. No cameras or videos are allowed in the museum. The museum is not air conditioned but natural ventilation produces cooling breezes. Only the hall of the Tutankhamun (King Tut) collection and the Royal Mummies are air conditioned. Entering the hall of Mummies requires an extra fee of 100 L.E. and it is not part of the guided tour. Tickets may be purchased from within the museum at the entrance to the mummies. No tour guides are allowed inside. The mummies are viewed as you walk past them and it doesn't take longer than 10 minutes. There is an elevator in the museum, but at times it is not in operation. However, museum personnel help carry confined and assistance requiring visitors upstairs. There are professional video cassettes for sale covering all archaeological sites in Egypt as well as books and postcards at the museum's shop.

A visit inside the Pyramids is not included in the tour program. It is not recommended for persons suffering from claustrophobia, breathing, knee or back problems. Only 15 persons are allowed at a time inside a very narrow, low ceiling corridor where not only they stoop, at times they have to bend their knees as well and the main chamber of the Pyramid is totally empty. It is very humid and dark inside.

Guests wishing to ride a camel at the Pyramids must negotiate the price with the camel driver. Guests must not pay until after the ride or once they are back down on the ground. An agreed fee for a very short ride must not exceed US$5.00. Lean forward when the animal goes up and lean back when animal kneels down. Make sure you listen to the driver's instructions for a safe ride.

Many vendors sell all sorts of souvenirs at the Pyramids, especially at the Western Plateau. What is being sold as papyrus at extremely cheap prices are nothing but painted banana leaves. Guests must be aware of great bargains at great prices! Please consult and seek the advice of your tour guide if you are not sure.

This excursion is available on Azamara Quest for the following Sail Date: May 29th, 2010

The route/itinerary may vary. Space is limited but a minimum is required to operate. Due to the flight manifest requirements, this tour must be purchased in advance of boarding the vessel and might not be available for sale once on board

 

[999.00 (USD) - Adult

999.00 (USD) - Child

[cruisemom42]

Thank you for the fast reply! This will be our first time in Egypt. While we normally do private tours, this trip is not typical at all. First, we were hoping for the one day flight/tour to Luxor from Alexandria and were prepared to pay $699.00pp for the ships tour. The plan was to than do a private tour overnight to Cairo in 2012. Azamara just posted their excursions (very late for an April cruise), and Luxor is not being offered, which is a disappointment.

 

Second, we are on Azamara on a repositioning cruise and there was one other person on my roll call who has not been around in over two months, so any private tour would likely be with just two persons, so probably minimal savings and not as much fun. The ship is only half full since it is a repositioning cruise, so the individual tours via the ship once in Cairo will likely not be huge.

 

Third, although it was suppose to be for the Europe season, Azamara decided to offer the ShoreX pre-booked at 50% off for two earlier cruises, including ours. So, the tour below would only be $89.50pp with lunch at a Cairo hotel.

 

There are the usual other options with Pyramids & Museum, Pyramid & Nile Cruise, Pyramids & Old Cairo, and Pyramids & Camel ride.

 

This one looked the best (includes Sakkara which I wanted) plus, if we run into the same issue next year where we would need 40 persons for a charter and only option for Luxor was a ships tour, the standard two day goes to the Pyramids & Museum in Cairo the second day.

 

I will find a copy of the two day tour that Azamara/Celebrity/RCCL does that includes Luxor.

 

What do you think?

 

 

 

I think, given your plans, you've made the best choice of the offered shore excursions, and your reasoning for taking Azamara's tour makes sense. I really hope you get to Luxor on the next go-round. It would be nice to see this optional tour running reliably!

[Jade13]

I think, given your plans, you've made the best choice of the offered shore excursions, and your reasoning for taking Azamara's tour makes sense. I really hope you get to Luxor on the next go-round. It would be nice to see this optional tour running reliably!

 

Thanks. The one that was not offered for May this year was the one day tour on a trans suez cruise with only one port stop. When we go back in November 2012 with two days, we expect the ship will be full and the two day option will be available. Azamara/Celebrity/RCCL lines shoreX have always been less than HAL/Princess/Carnival. Even the Azamara overnight where available is selling for $999.00pp. I bet HAL would offer that for at least $1,500.00.

 

If we can do it on our own we will. Last year we left a ship overnight and flew to Siem Reap and met the ship in Bangkok.

[Jade13]

I think, given your plans, you've made the best choice of the offered shore excursions, and your reasoning for taking Azamara's tour makes sense. I really hope you get to Luxor on the next go-round. It would be nice to see this optional tour running reliably!

 

Thanks. The one that was not offered for May this year was the one day tour on a trans suez cruise with only one port stop. When we go back in November 2012 with two days, we expect the ship will be full and the two day option will be available. Azamara/Celebrity/RCCL lines shoreX have always been less than HAL/Princess/Carnival. Even the Azamara overnight where available is selling for $999.00pp. I bet HAL would offer that for at least $1,500.00.

 

If we can do it on our own we will. Last year we left a ship overnight and flew to Siem Reap and met the ship in Bangkok.