Nile cruise with young children

by **ddale** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 12:31 pm

has anyone been on a Nile cruise with young children? I'm planning a trip to Cairo next month with my 4 year-old and my 18-month old. Some people encouraged me strongly to do a 3-night cruise, but I don't know if it's such a good idea with the children.

Ddale

by **Katy40** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 13:18 pm

Never been on a cruise but I imagine it all depends on how much space and freedom your 4 year old and 18 month old need without annoying other passengers. Are they both energetic? Most youngsters love running around and exploring the new space around them! You alone know your children and how they react in new places and how stressed you may become if passengers complain about their noise, etc. If the cruise has facilities for young families this should be fine but do you want to be stuck indooors whilst cruising down the Nile and miss the views you have paid for?

by **ddale** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 13:40 pm

Thank you for your response.

My 18-month old is very energetic; he gets bored very easily, and he can be loud. Maybe the cruise is not a good idea.

by **wills15** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 14:42 pm

No sure whether this helps but I have friends who have cruised down the Nile. They were in their 50's and felt really young and out of place as most passengers where senior citiziens. They did, however, enjoy the trip and stop of places but said not too much space on a small cruise vessel. Maybe a beach holiday would be better for two pre-school age children then they can enjoy the delights of sandcastles, beach games, etc. Or maybe worth checking size of cruise liner and facilities available onboard.

by **ddale** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 14:56 pm

Great idea! The size of the cruise liner matters! I've been trying to find about activities onboard. Some of them have belly dancers, restaurants, shops; but nothing for children.

Thanks a lot!

by **HW tenpin** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 15:36 pm

Hi DDale,

I would say forget it, it is totally not suitable for young children, the boats not (cruise liners) are by any standard small, unless you do tours with very early starts and long days, you will spend most of your time on board. The facilites on board are not geared towards the young.

Save your money and treat them to maybe a half days ride round the harbour, and some extra ice creams.

by **ddale** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 15:59 pm

Yeah! The kids would really love some extra ice cream :-)

by **aramis** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 16:22 pm

Nile cruise ships are not liners, think of them as something akin to Mississippi paddle steamers in both shape and size. They have a couple of bars, dance floor, restaurant, a few shops, etc, but that's about it. A few have small swimming pools, and the top deck is for sunbathing and viewing the passing scenes, but it can be quite windy. The tours ashore are cultural and educational, often specialised and mainly of interest to people interested in ancient Egypt; not really the thing for small children. Quite a lot of walking will be required, often over rough tracks, steps, etc, and could be quite hot. Some tours will be in the early morning, before the cruiser departs, or late evening after it arrives - both of which scenarios are unlikely to be suitable for small children.
As for ice cream, except for that served in the cruiser restaurant, I'd avoid it like the plague. You really have to extremely careful what you eat and drink in north Africa; dairrhea and minor stomach upsets are minor inconveniences compared to some of the things you can get!

by **HW Bex** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 16:30 pm

I agree the Nile Cruise isn't for kids. My in-laws have done the Nile 2 years ago. The boat was small, about 30 rooms and suggested it wasn't for us as a family with an 8 year old. Nothing for him to do. And getting up at 5am for the trips almost killed them lol.

by **ddale** on Wed Mar 04, 2009 18:07 pm