The Boat - part II

There is a degree of standardization to Nile cruise boats in terms of features, the most common of which are as follows:

Reception Area: The first place you see upon entering the boat, they are usually decorated to make that first impression count. They range from the ultra modern to an art deco feel of classic Nile boats, but they’re far more than just a pretty place to be. Here you will find the reception desk, excursion / daily itineraries and information. The reception desk can exchange a limited amount of currency for you and should be your first port of call if you are feeling unwell as they often have a good range of medication to relieve common Nile cruise ailments.

Sundeck: This is the place where you will want to spend most of your time whilst sailing; looking out across the green river banks at the desert beyond, working on that tan (though don’t spend too long in the sun!), reading that Agatha Christie (you know… the one with that Poirot chap on the Nile) or cooling off in the plunge pool.

Plunge Pool: Although described as a plunge pool, some are roomy enough to get a length in, although if you frequent Olympic sized pools you’d probably beg to differ. There is usually a shallow end in which to loll and paddle or just sit and read, although be aware that the sun reflecting off of the water can lead to nasty burns if you stay too long, particularly if you fail to apply non-waterproof sunscreen.

Sundeck Bar: A bar to enjoy a drink on the top deck. Enough said really.

Restaurant: A good restaurant is worth a thousand other facilities in terms of it’s importance. See ‘Dining’ in Part III for more information.

Lounge Bar: This is usually the place where information meetings and evening entertainment is held and if you’re in the mood for dancing (and I never am despite my wife’s constant insistence) this is the place to be.

Gift Shops: A variety of shops that sell the usual array of tourist trinkets including maps, guides, postcards, jewelry and even camera memory cards. Most retailers have relationships with stockists on land and are able to find items that you might need whilst the ship is docked. If you don’t find something available in the shop it’s always worth asking as they may be able to acquire it for you.

Library and Internet Area: If you don’t want to breech your flight baggage allowance with the weight of reading material alone, you can always see what the library has to offer. Most offer a selection of historical information on ancient monuments so you can either swat up before you go or fill in the details when you get back. Some modern boats have internet access, so if you don’t like the wilderness you can always retreat to the comfort of the global village.

ALL TEXT AND IMAGES © COPYRIGHT CRUISETHERIVERNILE.COM UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED.