Nile Cruises Compared: Find the Perfect Journey for Your Egyptian Vacation

These three very good options for a Nile cruise have similar itineraries, but differ in pricing and features:

Secrets of Egypt & the Nile (12 days) - AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways' ships feature contemporary design, spacious staterooms and the amenities you expect such as a fitness room, pool and sun deck. All excursions are included, except for an optional day trip from Luxor to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Abu Simbel. You can extend your vacation with a trip to Dubai or Jordan — including the breathtaking ancient city of Petra.

Gratuities are not included. Wine, beer and soft drinks are unlimited and complimentary during meals but are charged at other times. Plus, there is the complimentary "Sip & Sail" cocktail hour with wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks every day.

AmaWaterways generally allows children from the age of four but does not offer child-specific programs or child-minding facilities.

Splendors of Egypt and The Nile (12 days) - UniWorld Boutique River Cruises

On a UniWorld Nile cruise, you can enjoy a high crew-to-guest ratio, gourmet dining and gorgeous decor highlighting Egyptian craftsmanship — but note that UniWorld's renowned butler service is not available in Egypt. Gratuities are included, and premium spirits and wine are unlimited. Evening activities include Galabeya parties, Whirling Dervishes, traditionally attired performers and live music and dancing. Extend your trip with visits to Jerusalem, Jordan or the Red Sea.

Although UniWorld's child policy generally matches AmaWaterways, some Nile cruises are part of their Generations Family Program. This promises kid-friendly menus, excursions tailor-made for families, suitable onboard activities and the like.

Pharaohs and Pyramids (12 days) - Viking River Cruises

Viking's "longships" are larger and carry more guests, which can mean a more accessible price point. Gratuities are not included but can be prepaid. House wines, beers and soft drinks are complimentary with onboard lunches and dinners, or you can upgrade to a beverage package. Pre- and post-cruise excursions include Jerusalem, Istanbul, Jordan, Alexandria or 5 days in the UK for a guided tour of Egyptian collections at Highclere Castle, Oxford and London. Viking cruises are adults only (age 18 upwards).

For a more tailored adventure, consider Exeter Safari Company, which integrates Nile cruises into private, bespoke travel packages. Exeter's itineraries focus on off-the-beaten-path experiences and intimate service, such as private archaeological tours and exclusive cultural encounters. This option suits those seeking deep immersion and exclusivity over a traditional cruise.

Exeter's cruises feature a highly personalized level of service, appealing to travelers looking for exclusivity and deeper cultural immersion.

Egyptian cuisine is based on vegetables, legumes and fruits grown in the fertile Nile Valley. Many traditional Egyptian dishes are vegetarian, meaning it is a great destination for vegans and vegetarians. Along the coast, fish and seafood dishes are more common. For meat dishes, chicken, pigeon, duck and lamb are most common.

Spices are a big part of Egyptian cookery, and you can buy them fresh in all souks. And while Egyptian food is not necessarily spicy, it is very flavorsome. The most common spices used are cumin, bay leaves, aniseed, mint, cardamon, coriander, ginger and cloves.