Child Friendly Egyptian Cruises?

[shellywal]

Hi we have three small children so do not really want to take them walking around the streets of Cairo etc so we are trying to find a cruise for Egypt which may have either a kids club on board or some babysitting.

 

I know some of the larger cruise lines visit Egypt for a day or two but we probably wanted to see a little bit more of Egypt than they are offering so were hoping a Nile Cruise.

 

Thanks

 

Michelle

[smeyer418]

no river cruise I know of has a kids crew. They are all mostly smaller ships 300 people or less sometimes a lot less. But I am sure they will baby sit for you for a fee...or maybe even free-just a tip. I would if I were you contact one of the high end river cruise lines directly and ask them...the two I know of are the

 

Oberoi hotel chain that has two river cruise ships in Egypt(http://www.oberoihotels.com/en-US/Oberoi_Cruise.aspx) and the

http://www.sonesta.com/NileCruises/

 

 

I wouldn't book them directly as you can most of the time get a cheaper rate through a TA...but check both the rates directly and through a TA.

[WeBeGone]

With all due respect, taking small children to Egypt is not a good idea. Except for riding camels, there is nothing to interest small children. I believe you'd enjoy your trip much more if you allow the grandparents to keep the kids while you do Egypt.

[MercedMike]

With all due respect, taking small children to Egypt is not a good idea. Except for riding camels, there is nothing to interest small children. I believe you'd enjoy your trip much more if you allow the grandparents to keep the kids while you do Egypt.

 

I have to agree with this suggestion. Egypt is miles of walking through ancient ruins and the kids are probably not going to do well. In addition you have to consider the state of sanitation. You will have to spend every minute keeping an eye on what the kids touch and certainly on what they eat. The restroom facilities are not going to please you for the kids to use.

 

Egypt is a wonderful place for adults. You will love it, without the kids along.

[ab0si]

I agree that young children are likely to find Egypt rather boring. That said, it might well be the most kid-friendly society in the world. Everyone will be helpful and kind to the kids. I'm sure the crew of the river boat (any river boat there) will be happy to watch the kids for you. for a small tip. However, I would guess the chances of the children getting a stomach bug are slightly greater than the chances that the U.S. Presidential candidates will be throwing mud at each other (in other words, 100%).

[Toto2Kansas]

I agree that young children are likely to find Egypt rather boring. That said, it might well be the most kid-friendly society in the world. Everyone will be helpful and kind to the kids. I'm sure the crew of the river boat (any river boat there) will be happy to watch the kids for you. for a small tip. However, I would guess the chances of the children getting a stomach bug are slightly greater than the chances that the U.S. Presidential candidates will be throwing mud at each other (in other words, 100%).

 

Boy do I agree on this one. I wouldn't even consider taking three very young children on a Nile Cruise. No way, no how. The chance of them picking something up (Pharo's revenge) is too great to chance it.

[sailingkiwi]

One of the problems that you are going to have with a Nile cruise is that the ships are really small.

 

Three options are a Red Sea cruise with a company such as Thomson.

 

Another is to take a land based tour with a company that specialises in family orientated tours - On the Go does some - http://www.onthegotours.com/Egypt-Tours---Special-interest-tours and got a write up in the Telegraph paper a week or so ago - http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/familyholidays/2661905/Egypt-rail-travel-Night-train-to-Aswan.html

 

The third would be a restort holiday in somewhere like Luxor, at a resort that had babysitting facilities.

 

One thing that it does say is that children should be over 6. I think that this is probably about right. As someone who travelled internationally since they were younger than this, I can't believe the attitude that children will always be bored around anything historic. It is up to the parents to put things in context and if this is done anything can be interesting.

[murphysmum]

Hello...

 

I agree with everything that's been said above. In addition, at risk of being completely politically incorrect, I personally find a Nile cruise to be a very peaceful experience and enjoy the ambiance/quiet of the ship in the evening and while cruising. It's lovely to read a book quietly on the upper deck and watch the world go by.

 

I have raised an adorable child; I love children. However, I don't want to deal with them on a small Nile cruise ship. It really changes the ambiance.

 

If I'm sailing on a larger ship, I expect to see/hear children and they don't bother me at all. On a small ship I really like the adult atmosphere.

 

I don't wish to offend anyone with children or to stunt any child's potential cultural growth. I just think there are a lot of other ways to show kids the world.

 

My two cents.

 

murphysmum;)