Viking 11 Night Pharaohs & Pyramids
Viking Ra, 26 May – 7 June 2022
This river cruise along the Nile is amazing, with excursions visiting sites over 4000 years old. This is an area with tremendous history.
While there may be other companies doing Nile River cruises, Viking is special in that they make a great effort to know every guest, and to accommodate their needs.
There is nothing in this review about COVID because the policies are changing daily.
Upon landing we were met by the Viking agent just outside the gate. He then whisked us through customs and immigration in a flash, and then to the driver who took us to the hotel. Our room was ready and we were able to relax after a long series of flights. That evening Viking Tour Directors (and other staff) met with us to give us guidance on the coming days.
It should be noted that Viking re-arranged the schedule considerably from what My Viking Journey had prior to the trip (once on the trip, you can no longer access the site). In part it had to do with some late arrivals in the group. But the re-arrangement continued over the next several days, even aboard the ship. Unfortunately both the app and the TV display of the journey failed to show any of the changes or provide any information. In short you are dependent on the evening brief and the Viking Daily to know what is going on. This is one area that Viking needs to improve. The app is essentially worthless (as is the TV display) if it can’t be updated with current information.
The next days are spent in Cairo and proceeding to the area sites, including the Sphinx, Giza and the pyramids, and museums. This alone was worth the journey because of all the history. The local Tour Director (TD) said that much is changing by the end of the year when the brand new museum opens by the Giza Pyramid. It may not be possible after that to crawl on the pyramid or to touch some of the artifacts, so I’m glad I got a chance to do this. The TD is essential to this visit, not only because of fluency in Arabic, but also because our guide new the history beyond all expectations. Some of the information was so detailed that you just can’t retain it all, even if you’ve read guide books. To coin a phrase, it was mind blowing. The only negative is that there was so much information that it left little free time to visit the site you were at. More free time is needed.
Viking also provides a security guard with the groups. While a silent participant, you always could see him protecting the group from pushy vendors or anyone trying to impede the group. We felt very secure everywhere we went.
On the last day in Cairo, you then go to the airport to board a one-hour flight to Luxor. It is there that you board the ship. From the moment you step on, Viking staff are there to great you and get to know you. Check-in to the room was flawless. The rooms (all suites) were the best of any cruise, ocean and river, that I’ve taken. Lots of space, comfortable living room, and wonderful bathroom. Over the next week, the staff was superb in taking care of everyone. Rooms were serviced several times a day, meals were outstanding, and the briefings very relevant and informative. In fact, the restaurant staff learned the guest desires/preferences and were ready before we even entered. For example, I like a large glass of orange juice and my wife coffee for breakfast. These were at our places the moment we entered.
Each day as the ship docks in a port the buses were there to take us to the exhibits we were to see, including local markets. I probably should say it isn’t always buses. This is the fun part! Sometimes it would be a motor boat, a sail boat, or a horse carriage. What a wonderful experience. Each site had significance for Egypt and its ancient history. The Viking overview lists the various sites so I’ll not detail it here except to say everyone was amazing, from the Valley of the Kings/ Valley of the Queens to the UNESCO restored temples. It seems that Egypt is doing a lot to excavate and restore and protect these important artifacts and sites, which is great. So much was lost to tomb raiders and conquering nations that the effort by Egypt now is important for future travelers.
One unexpected excursion that can NOT be booked online but only at the ship is the balloon ride. Based upon social media recommendations, we signed up. Boy was that an adventure. To see 40-50 boats all rushing for the same dock (the only one it seems), unloading the visitors into 50 vans, then racing to get to the balloon site where 50 balloons are waiting was incredible (especially at 4 in the morning). The balloon trip cannot be adequately described because it was so spectacular. The sun rise was amazing, and to see the entire landscape, including the green around the Nile border the barren desert alongside the greenery was quite the contrast.
On the final day on the ship, we headed to the airport to fly back to Cairo and check into a hotel. Ours was the Intercontinental which is part of a giant mall. The hotel was excellent, as was the final dinner that night. It was a feast. The next morning the TD met us (bright and early) to say goodbye. Viking transported us to the airport where the same agent met us and got us through entry security, check-in, and to the final security checkpoint. He probably saved us from a lot of delays and is essential to navigating all the intricacies at the airport.
A couple of notes regarding the trip. First, lots of $1 bills were recommended by social media. That is partially true, but they need to be pristine. I guess Egyptian banks give the people a hard time trading in the currency, especially if the bills are worn or have any tear at all. We found that most vendors want to exchange the $1 bills they have for $5 or $10 (sometimes $20). We ran out fairly quickly of the higher denomination bills and would recommend you carry more of them as you can always get $1 bills. Second, Egypt is changing some of their policies. These are not clearly explained or not yet implemented. One is a fee for taking photographs. It is on most of the entry signs for the exhibits, but no price is listed and no one was charged. I was told it is a future plan. Also, some sites prohibit any zoom lens (except for cell phones, which is strange). Even the Giza Pyramid restricted me with my DSLR camera and zoom and it took a bit of arguing with the entry agent and our TD before a supervisor gave me the ok to go in with my camera. I have no idea what strategic significance the Giza Pyramid has that would restrict a standard zoom lens (not a super-telephoto lens at all). Finally, internet aboard the ship is intermittent (seems to be true among river cruises). The first day the system is overloaded with everyone coming on board. Subsequent days depend on where the ship is, interference they say from some docking areas, or ship movement. It’s ok for basic email and texting, but uploads/downloads may be questionable, as are video conferences you might want to do.
Overall a wonderful cruise. Our Travel Agent booked us the last room (bottom level) and it was great. You don’t need a balcony when it is 115° F outside! Plus it was pretty cool watching the ducks and other wildlife float by on the river. She recommended a firm for the Egyptian Visa, but I found out that is for a more permanent, long-term visa (requires your passport for processing). You can get one online (ivisa.com) or even at the airport. It is a more restrictive visa in that it is for a short period of time, but for a cruise works just fine. (No one in Cairo asked for the Egyptian Visa at any time, so not sure what the requirement is for.) If you are interested in the last of the ancient 7 wonders of the world, this is the cruise for you. Viking is even introducing a third, new ship in 2023 as demand is picking up. The experience will be one you will never forget.