3rd March,Red Sea Magic Review

[billmul]

Thought I’d drop my review here, rather than the review section……..so here goes.

Red sea magic. Thomson Spirit, 3rd March

Never cruised before, and booked mainly to visit Petra, Cairo and Luxor.

We had an inside cabin on deck 3. It was what we expected, well looked after, if a touch cramped. A little disorienting having no natural daylight, but we only used it too sleep in, so were not that bothered. The ship itself was in good order; the staff were always on the go, cleaning all areas constantly. A lot of the Bar and house keeping team were Ukrainian girls, extremely, friendly and hard working. Being towards the younger end of the passengers, we didn’t go for the Broadway style shows, so can’t really comment on the entertainment. After the excursions we were just happy to grab a few drinks, and chat with the new friends we’d made.

The food in all honesty, was a little disappointing; breakfast in the Lido was fine, with a good selection of everything you could ask for. But for lunch and the evening meals, I can’t say I particularly enjoyed the selections on offer, each to their own I guess. We ate only the once in the compass Rose restaurant, where the food was of a much better standard, just wish the portion sizes were more generous.

Now, on to why I came on this cruise…………

Petra. Awesome sight, and well worth the 5 MILE walk. It’s a long day, but it’s a sight that will live long in the memory.

Cairo and museum. You won’t see a more chaotic city then Cairo. The drive to the museum was an adventure all on its own. Tanks are still prevalent on the streets, and as we approached Tahir Square, demonstrations were still in flow. I have to say though; we didn’t feel threatened at all, it seemed as we’d just witnessed a piece of history in the making. The museum was uncrowded because tourists are not there in huge numbers, so this was to our advantage. If you go on this tour, pay the extra, and go in to see the mummies chamber, I’d rate it as the best bit, along with Tuts treasures.

Luxor, Valley of the Kings and Queens. Youhave to be made of strong stuff to endure the coachjourney to Luxor, it’s a gruelling 3.5hr slog. However, when you finally get there the sights are once again amazing. I could prattle on for pages, so I’ll spare you for now.

Lots of things I haven’t covered…… so ask away, and if I can help, I will :D

[irnbru]

Hi, we have just booked this cruise for end of March, got it at such a bargain we couldnt refuse, so having less than 3 wks to go i'm scrambling for ideas on what not to miss and who to go on excursions with.

 

Did you do private or ship excursions and what would you recommend are the must sees?

 

Thanks for your info

[scottishtraveller7]

We were on the 3rd March trip and had a great time. Petra was amazing and well worth the long walk.

We did the lunch cruise and pyramids excursion in Cairo - had my birthday floating along the Nile.

Also did the overnight trip to Luxor so that we didn't have the 3 hour journey twice in 1 day. Stayed in a superb hotel and our room had a balcony which overlooked the Nile - glorious!

After dinner we were taken to the sound/light show at Karnak and then the Valley of the kings etc next morning. Quite expensive but a one-off.

Egyptian people were all very friendly,thanking us for coming.

People trying to sell you souvenirs were a bit pushy at times but don't suppose they've had much of an income lately. Have been practising their sales talk - "Asda Price" and "Cheap As Chips" were 2 favourites

[jem16]

We did the lunch cruise and pyramids excursion in Cairo - had my birthday floating along the Nile.

 

That's the trip that my friend and i are thinking of doing as opposed to the Cairo museum trip. Could you tell me a bit more about it please? In particular how was the actual trip along the Nile and what was lunch like?

 

Also did the overnight trip to Luxor so that we didn't have the 3 hour journey twice in 1 day. Stayed in a superb hotel and our room had a balcony which overlooked the Nile - glorious!

After dinner we were taken to the sound/light show at Karnak and then the Valley of the kings etc next morning. Quite expensive but a one-off.

 

That's our preferred trip too - we thought it would be a bit more leisurely than the 15 hour trip on the last full day. From what I read the day trip got back to the ship quite late which i thought would also be very rushed for getting packed up. What time did you get back from the overnight trip?

 

Egyptian people were all very friendly,thanking us for coming.

People trying to sell you souvenirs were a bit pushy at times but don't suppose they've had much of an income lately. Have been practising their sales talk - "Asda Price" and "Cheap As Chips" were 2 favourites

 

Did you buy much whilst off the ship? What currency did you use?

[jem16]

Did you do private or ship excursions and what would you recommend are the must sees?

 

Thanks for your info

 

With the nature of these trips you are best sticking to the organised Thomson tours - at least the ship won't sail without you if there is a problem!

[Cymro1953]

Hi Scottishtraveller,

Like Jem my wife is interested in the overnight Luxor excursion. If you could give us more details it would be helpful. Thanks

Berwyn

[KirkNC]

Thanks for the review.

 

Kirk

[billmul]

Did you do private or ship excursions and what would you recommend are the must sees?

 

 

Hi Irnbru. Someone will correct me if I'm wrong, but I would doubt any of the trips are possible as DIY's. The distances to the main sights are immense, and the Cairo trips are also accompanied with an armed escort:eek:

As of "must see" places, the main 3 are the ones for me, as described. Just make sure you have your wits about you,especially visiting the Pyramids. The onslaught of souvenir peddlers, is relentless, as brits, we find it hard to be ignorant towards engaging in conversation, although that could just be me, but you have to adopt a policy of totally blanking these guys, as once you talk, they take that as the cue to carry on pushing. If you do want to buy, take 1 dollar bills, and barter like mad.

[scottishtraveller7]

As you sometimes dock in container ports taxis aren't allowed near the ship so diy trips aren't possible.

 

The Nile cruise food was good and varied. Chicken,beef, salads pasta (I think) and some lovely desserts with tea/coffee and 1 bottle water.

There was belly dancing but if you've finished eating go up on deck quickly as there isn't a lot of space. We went down? river some way then turned. Only 2 ladies toilets but very clean - better than at the mosque if you can wait.

 

The overnight Luxor trip left at 12.30 and after 1 "comfort stop" we were in our hotel by 4pm Dinner at 7 then off to Karnak. Back in hotel by 10pm then off again at 7am. We came back to the hotel for lunch and got back to ship about 5.30 Fairly civilised.

 

Didn't buy much but £1 coins are very useful or euros or US dollar bills. I changed a little money on the ship but don't accept high denomination notes.

 

Thomson provided lunch boxes on at least 2 trips - lots of Egyptian children were glad to take what was unwanted.

[Cymro1953]

Thank you for the info. Scottishtraveller

 

Berwyn

[jem16]

As you sometimes dock in container ports taxis aren't allowed near the ship so diy trips aren't possible.

 

The Nile cruise food was good and varied. Chicken,beef, salads pasta (I think) and some lovely desserts with tea/coffee and 1 bottle water.

There was belly dancing but if you've finished eating go up on deck quickly as there isn't a lot of space. We went down? river some way then turned. Only 2 ladies toilets but very clean - better than at the mosque if you can wait.

 

The overnight Luxor trip left at 12.30 and after 1 "comfort stop" we were in our hotel by 4pm Dinner at 7 then off to Karnak. Back in hotel by 10pm then off again at 7am. We came back to the hotel for lunch and got back to ship about 5.30 Fairly civilised.

 

Thanks - that's really helpful.

 

 

Didn't buy much but £1 coins are very useful or euros or US dollar bills. I changed a little money on the ship but don't accept high denomination notes.

 

Did you mean that the exchange on the ship doesn't accept high denominations notes from you or that I should not accept high denomination notes from them?

 

Did you happen to notice how the exchange rate was in comparison to changing money at home?

[cjvinthechair]

Hi ! Very interested to eavesdrop on your experiences - going on 'Spirit' for Easter, last cruise of their season out of Sharm.

So glad all is still running out there; you never know with these people inspired uprisings.

Thanks for some very useful info. Will hoard it with all the rest, and keep fingers crosed for weather/air traffic controllers/riots etc. !

 

Cheers. Clive.

[kruzseeka]

Thanks from me too, scottishtraveller for the info on the Nile trip - I've been hoping to get some more details as this is the trip we think we'll do in Cairo and I was just a bit concerned about the food and whether it would be a good experience.

[scottishtraveller7]

Sorry I wasn't clear about the money. I didn't buy any at home in case the Egyptian part of the tour wasn't going ahead. Don't think the ship's rate is very good - about 8.5 L E to £1 but I didn't change much.

 

I meant try not to get high value Egyptian - got to be careful you don't get counterfeit notes in your change if you buy in the street.

 

What little we had left went as part of the coach driver's tip but the ship will change it back to Sterling.

[jem16]

Sorry I wasn't clear about the money. I didn't buy any at home in case the Egyptian part of the tour wasn't going ahead. Don't think the ship's rate is very good - about 8.5 L E to £1 but I didn't change much.

 

I meant try not to get high value Egyptian - got to be careful you don't get counterfeit notes in your change if you buy in the street.

 

What little we had left went as part of the coach driver's tip but the ship will change it back to Sterling.

 

Thank you - it's been a great help.