Review of MS Sonesta St. George I Cruise - Nile River, Egypt

Embark on a Nile River adventure aboard a luxurious cruise ship to discover archaeological sites full of grand temples, exquisite hieroglyphics, and crocodile mummies. Sail along the lifeline of ancient Egypt while enjoying comfortable accommodations, watching incredible sunsets, and tasting authentic cuisine. Explore the picturesque oasis of southern Egypt with a private guide and learn about the enduring history of a famous culture.

A Nile River cruise is a popular part of most trips to Egypt. Evaluate your budget and preferences to decide if a luxury, mid-range, or budget vessel is right for you. Choose from a peaceful felucca (traditional boat with a canvas sail), dahabiya (shallow-bottomed passenger boat), or large floating hotel with amenities. The possibilities are endless!

Whatever type you pick, a ride on the Nile River is a must-do activity in Egypt. Brad and I booked a five-day all-inclusive cruise on the MS Sonesta St. George I via Memphis Tours. We were ready and eager for someone else to take the reins after our jam-packed stops in Cairo, Sharm El Sheikh, and Luxor. Below I review our unforgettable experience, plus daily itinerary with attractions, to help you decide if this ship is right for you!

Logistics

The major departure points for most Nile River cruises are Luxor and Aswan. Sailing from Cairo is feasible, but only a handful of companies operate out of the capital. Voyages typically start on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Luxor-Aswan and Aswan-Luxor cruises are five days/four nights and four days/three nights, respectively. There are also week-long round-trip options between Luxor and Aswan. I highly recommend locking in your cruise dates before planning the rest of your trip in Egypt.

Egypt has affordable Nile River cruises and many include all-inclusive packages with breakfast, lunch, and dinner. However, alcoholic drinks, Wi-Fi access, and bottled water usually have a surcharge. Check if excursions/guides and airport/hotel transfers are included or offered. Ask plenty of questions, read reviews, and shop around for the best price.

Only a handful of ships were operating during our visit toward the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in early January 2021. After comparing the available fleet, Brad and I purchased a package with Memphis Tours aboard the MS Sonesta St. George I. The flexible cancellation policy, stellar reviews, and punctual email communication put our minds at ease. Our private guide Ahmed El Prince accompanied us and optimized our time at the sites. He was professional, friendly, and extremely knowledgeable about ancient Egypt. I highly recommended him!

MS Sonesta St. George I

Our rendezvous began with a shuttle pickup from our hotel in Luxor, the Hilton Luxor Resort and Spa, at 11:30 AM. Brad and I felt a wave of relief and excitement as we headed toward the dock. We didn't know what to expect since it was our first time on a cruise ship. Upon arrival, a porter took our bags while we sipped a refreshing hibiscus drink in the lobby with a Memphis Tours representative who discussed the afternoon plan. The glittering chandelier, marble staircase, plush furniture, and hand-painted murals added to the elegant atmosphere.

Deluxe Cabin

The MS Sonesta St. George I has 47 deluxe cabins, nine presidential suites, and one royal suite. Initially, I was worried we would feel like a couple of cramped sardines inside of our deluxe cabin. The spacious room didn't feel claustrophobic at all, especially with the breeze flowing in off the Nile River from our open sliding glass window! I was impressed by the gorgeous wood paneling, brass light fixtures, and baby blue accents.

Our deluxe cabin had a stocked mini fridge, electronic safe, closet with shelves, hair dryer, kettle with tea/coffee, LED TV, and two Wi-Fi passcodes. The comfortable king bed was actually two twin beds pushed together. Heating wasn't available, only air conditioning, but extra blankets were provided upon request. The bathroom had fluffy white towels, plenty of toiletries, and a jacuzzi shower with superb water pressure/hot water. The steam feature came in handy to dewrinkle my clothes since irons aren't permitted due to safety reasons.

Sundeck

Our favorite place on the ship was the stylish sundeck with potted palms and flowers. Although we didn't take a dip in the inviting pool or hot tub, we enjoyed the canvas cabanas with comfortable loungers. Relaxing with a glass of rosé as we cruised down the Nile River was a dreamy moment! Brad and I also played cards during afternoon tea, which was served every day on the sundeck. We munched on tiny baked goods while watching kids play on the shoreline. The slow pace of the water and sunny weather revealed breathtaking views of Egypt.

Cuisine

The chef of the MS Sonesta St. George I knows how to whip up a hearty and delicious spread. He accommodated every palate with a feast of international and local ingredients. We were blown away by the size of the tasty breakfast and lunch buffets! Even though the ship had a fraction of its passengers due to the pandemic, the chef went above and beyond to make us all feel special. There were so many tantalizing dishes to try!

Breakfast was often a selection of fresh fruit, pastries, potatoes, sausages, made-to-order omelettes/waffles, cereals, yogurt, juices, coffee, and tea. Lunch featured an array of hot/cold items such as vegetable salads, dips, artisan breads, soups, pasta, meats, fish, and mouthwatering desserts. One afternoon, we ate lunch on the sundeck and tried several Egyptian specialties including shawarma buns.

Dinner was four courses (appetizer, soup, entrée, and dessert) with a few different menu options. Usually, the entrée was a choice of beef, chicken, or fish with sautéed vegetables and potatoes. I was underwhelmed by the flavor, but Brad had no complaints. Ask your server for helpful recommendations if you have any questions. Soda, water, and alcoholic beverages were an additional charge.

Entertainment and Staff

The MS Sonesta St. George I has lively entertainment every night after dinner in the lounge. There was a belly dancing show, captain's welcome cocktail party, galabeya party, and Nubian folkloric show. The lounge is the perfect place to grab a drink and mingle with other guests. After a few sangrias, I was persuaded to join a silly game of hot potato!

Egyptian hospitality is some of the best I've ever experienced and the friendly staff catered to our every need. The managers, waitstaff, and crew were all professional and welcoming. We made sure to show our gratitude for these hardworking people with a customary cash tip at the end of the cruise.

Cruise Itinerary

While each ship is aesthetically different, most adhere to the same itinerary to cover the main attractions. Tour companies and guides will control the overall flow of your trip. Every afternoon, we received a printed schedule in our room detailing the meal times and activities for the next day. Mornings often began bright and early with a wake-up call. The following itinerary is what we experienced on the MS Sonesta St. George I with Memphis Tours.

Day 1: Embark and Visit Luxor (East Bank)

After checking into our deluxe cabin and eating lunch, Brad and I met Prince in the lobby. We spent the afternoon visiting two iconic temples on the east bank. The Temple of Karnak, constructed during the Middle Kingdom (2030-1650 BC) up until the Ptolemaic Period (332-30 BC), is a sight for sore eyes! Highlights include the Avenue of Sphinxes and Great Hypostyle Hall consisting of 134 columns in 16 rows representing papyrus.

The Temple of Luxor has granite statues of Pharaoh Rameses II, ornate low reliefs, sandstone hieroglyphics, and an obelisk in front of its pylon. First commissioned in 1400 BC, by Pharaoh Amenhotep III, the temple functioned as a ceremonial site and coronation location. Wandering around at dusk was a spooky experience! A shuttle took us back to the ship for dinner and later we watched a belly dancing show.

Day 2: Visit Luxor (West Bank) and Sail to Esna

Rise and shine at 6:00 AM! I made sure to drink an extra cup of coffee at breakfast to jump-start the long day around the west bank. Based on the recommendations of Prince, we explored the rock cut tombs of Rameses IX (KV 6), Merenptah (KV 8), Rameses III (KV 11), and Rameses V/VI (KV 9) in the Valley of the Kings. The elaborate craftsmanship of this maze-like necropolis is extraordinary!

On the other side of the Valley of the Kings is the remarkable Mortuary Temple of Hatsepshut. The jaw-dropping entrance is composed of three colonnaded terraces connected by ramps which meld into a backdrop of limestone cliffs. The gigantic twin sandstone statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III weigh approximately 720 tons each! Even though the Colossi of Memnon were badly damaged in an earthquake, beautiful throne details remain. We returned for a late lunch and sailed to Esna in the afternoon. Brad and I enjoyed a few drinks during the captain's welcome cocktail party before dinner.

Day 3: Sail to Edfu, Kom Ombo, and Aswan

After breakfast, Brad and I took a horse-drawn carriage to the Temple of Horus in Edfu. Commissioned in 237 BC, by Pharaoh Ptolemy III, the temple has popular characteristics of Egyptian architecture. Nearby the inner hypostyle hall is a room with detailed instructions for making elixirs, perfumes, and remedies. The original roof is still intact! We headed back to the ship for a leisurely lunch on the sundeck and sailed to Kom Ombo in the afternoon.

The Temple of Sobek and Haroeris is known for its rare dedication to two gods. The complex is symmetrical along the main axis with two sets of courts, halls, and sanctuaries each dedicated to the crocodile god Sobek and falcon god Haroeris (Horus the Elder). Crocodiles were raised and worshipped in a small pool in the back. The modest museum by the exit has crocodile mummies, statues, and carved stelae. Before the ship sailed overnight to Aswan, we ate dinner and attended a galabeya party.

Day 4: Visit Aswan

A small motorboat took us to the Island of Agilkia to marvel at the idyllic Temple of Isis after breakfast. The entire Ptolemaic Period structure was moved block by block to its current location due to the flooding of Lake Nasser. Scenes on the stone walls depict the goddess Isis bringing her husband/brother Osiris back to life and giving birth to her son Horus in the marshes.

Later, we drove to an ancient quarry to see the Unfinished Obelisk. The partially carved obelisk was abandoned by artisans once a crack formed. We made our way back to the ship for lunch before visiting the High Dam. Built in the 1960s, the dam was necessary to regulate the flow of the Nile River. Agricultural yields and electricity production increased, but thousands of Nubians were displaced and the aquatic ecosystem suffered. The drummers and twirling dancers of the rhythmic Nubian folkloric show captivated our senses after dinner.

Day 5: Disembark and Visit Abu Simbel

Packing our bags was bittersweet, but we had one last adventure in Egypt ahead of us! After breakfast, we deposited a cash tip for the crew, settled our surcharges, and disembarked the ship. Brad and I completed an eight-hour round-trip excursion to Abu Simbel via Memphis Tours before heading to the airport in Aswan.

Commissioned in 1264 BC, the Temple of Rameses II has a magnificent façade with four enormous figures. The equally astounding interior has mirroring Osiride statues of Pharaoh Rameses II. Painted reliefs illustrate his prestige and victorious battles against the Hittites. The nearby Temple of Nefertari is dedicated to his wife who was influential during his reign. Square pillars with carved images of the goddess Hathor lead to the main shrine. Colorful reliefs show Nefertari making offerings to the gods and playing a sistrum (sacred instrument).

Overall Experience

Sailing along the Nile River aboard the MS Sonesta St. George I was an exceptional way to travel in southern Egypt. The delicious cuisine, hospitable staff, comfortable accommodations, and organized itinerary were topnotch! Prince was a valuable addition to our relaxing cruise and helped us appreciate the culture of a bygone civilization. The countless temples, artifacts, and hieroglyphics would've been impossible to understand without him. Crafting a stress-free trip with Memphis Tours will definitely optimize your days in Egypt. Bon voyage!