Caravans in the Sands - AX12

[libramitch]

Looking for feedback from anyone who may have taken this excursion. We rarely book excursions through the cruise line. Our major reason for considering this one is security and distance of Cairo from Alexandria. The excursion appears to offer everything we are looking to do. Including the camel ride!

 

Any comments are greatly appreciated.

[libramitch]

IMNiles vbmenu_register("postmenu_12119790", true);

Cool Cruiser

Join Date: Sep 2005

Posts: 1,123

 

 

We stopped in Alexandria in May, and took the "caravans in the sands" ship tour. Normally I'm a "private tour" kinda guy, but knowing how far away Cairo was I wanted to be sure that the ship wouldn't leave without us if there was a problem. We were off the ship very early, and as you noted rode in a caravan of busses on the long trip to Cairo. From time to time, the guide would narrate about what we were seeing, or about Egypt in general. There was a restroom on the bus, and water was provided. The Visas were all handled by the ship without our intervention.

 

Everything we saw, with the exception of the final "papyrus institute" fluff shopping stop, was great. My only regret is that there was so much packed into the day that we were really rushed from place to place. We were on a very tight schedule and had to really keep moving to stay to it. In hindsight, I would drop one or two sights to get more time at the others. The desert caravan and camel ride was actually a lot of fun (we got a bit jostled in the caravan, but it was entertaining), and the meal at the "country club" was surprisingly good.

 

The weather was brutally hot. Except during the caravan and camel ride, the busses were always running and available if you wanted to cool off.

 

We got back to the ship very late (long after early dinner), but the dining room was kind enough to accommodate our late arrival (we had late dinner, but were late even to that) - we were stinky, dirty and sweaty so we showered and changed before heading down and they were very accommodating.

 

All in all I'd say the tour was fantastic, with the caveat that I think we tried to do too much in one day. I never worried at all about being a "target" as there were busses of tourists everywhere, and the major sights were literally bursting at the seams with people so it's not like we stood out (quite the opposite, it was sometimes hard to find our bus in the sea of other busses).

 

The worst part about the trip was not the travel, but the EXTREME aggressiveness of the trinket vendors. For people not accustomed to being literally constantly bombarded with offers to buy, it can be off-putting. The vendors will literally hound you and follow you, some going so far as to actually put products in your hands (I had one fellow rest something on my crossed arms) and then chase you down for payment. Any offer of assistance (photos, directions, information - anything), no matter how genuine appearing, will result in a demand for payment later. One member of our group was actually barred from exiting the sphinx by men demanding money (they got out without paying but it was frightening for them). I understand that these people are very poor and just trying to make a living, and in fact I got some fantastic trinkets from them (far better prices than the papyrus "institute"/store), but forewarned is forearmed.

 

Would I do it again? Absolutely, though I might choose a tour with fewer stops. I was exhausted by the end of the day.

 

Other people have already commented on their private tour experiences so I won't go into that. I'm sure you'll have a fantastic time no matter what you choose.

[IMNiles]

I was going to jump in and answer, but it looks like you, or, um, I guess *I* beat me to it! :)

 

I stand by my comments.

[libramitch]

:)

 

The information IMNiles was great!!! Thank you! Would be interested in any additional information you would like to share about your cruise on the BOS. You can post here or email me at libramitch at yahoo dot com.

 

Thanks again!

[IMNiles]

:)

 

The information IMNiles was great!!! Thank you! Would be interested in any additional information you would like to share about your cruise on the BOS. You can post here or email me at libramitch at yahoo dot com.

 

Thanks again!

 

Actually, we were on Legend, and I haven't seen your itinerary so I don't know what ports you're in. What other stops are you making?

[Gardener 2]

I haven't heard anything either but booked for the same reason. When are you sailing?

[libramitch]

We are booked on the Brilliance of the Seas. They have not offered up excursion for this cruise. We are hoping that they offer this on when they do.

[libramitch]

So glad we did Egypt when we did. My camel sits on my desk as a daily reminder of great trip!!! Hope everyone is doing well.

[willing292]

I wonder what type of currency they used? US$ or Egyptian?

[CAT GIRL]

I wonder what type of currency they used? US$ or Egyptian?

 

They are quite effective in haggling in any type of currency. :D

Bring lots of ones with you for Egypt as everyone has their

hand out.

[IMNiles]

This excursion and trip still rates as one of the highlights of my travels. Glad I got the chance to experience during relative calm. I still have a cat statue I bought at Giza for a song on prominent display. We used us$ exclusively in Egypt and you definitely want lots of small bills.