Having been asked on a number of occasions, "what is a Nile Cruise boat like?" I thought it would be good idea to explain it in some detail.Firstly in general most Nile Cruise boats will have 5 decks some older boats are only 4 decks but all built in the last 15 or so years will be 5 decks.
The height, width and length of most boats is as follows:
Height - 11 metres
Width - 14 metres
Length - 70-75 metres
The boats cant be any higher due to some low bridges that the boats must pass under and they cant be any wider due to the locks at Esna that the boats must pass through. Though in general all boats are between 70-75 metres, several much longer boats have been built that are upto 120 meters.
DECK 1 (or lower deck) Where the main restaurant will be along with engine room, crew quarters and sometimes upto 6 guest cabins. One of the main complaints with older boats where there were more cabins on the deck 1 was from the smell of diesel and fumes from the engines. Most Nile Cruise boat meals are taken as open buffet with themed nights and main choices to suit most diets. A few of the more deluxe boats will serve dinner as a la carte and also several may have a separate smaller restaurant
DECK 2 (or reception deck) Lobby, guest cabins and sometimes the lounge bar. If the lounge bar is not on this deck then the guest cabins are either side of the lobby area. On many of the boats the lobby area is quite large and open plan with a mezzanine floor possibly over 3 decks giving the appearance of a hotel lobby.
DECK 3 Guest cabins and normally several shops which will generally be a bazaar type and also a jewellery shop.
DECK 4 Guest cabins and the lounge bar. The bar will be situated at the front of the boat possibly with a separate reading or quiet area with panoramic windows at the front. The lounge bar will have a small disco area which will be used for the nightly shows which will include, belly dance show, arabic show and galabayia party (this is basically just a disco where guests dress up in local arabic clothing which they have either hired or bought). Also on some boats there may be a small gym room or sauna or massage room.
DECK 5 (sun deck) Will have a swimming pool, area for sun loungers, separate covered area with tables and chairs and possibly a bar or serving area for afternoon tea. Although the sun loungers are tempting with temperatures of over 40 degrees for the summer months, the shaded area tends to be the most crowded. Sun towels are provided by each boat and are cleaned each night.
CABINS - Will be between 16-22 sq metres. Bathroom will have a shower and sometimes a bathtub. Cabin will have large double wardrobe, small vanity table, 1 or 2 chairs next to window sometimes with a small table, and the windows will normally be fully opening with balcony railing. There will be a TV which will show films during sailing time and local TV channels when docked, small mini fridge and all will have air-conditioning. Furnishings and style will be similar to the theme of the boat. Cabins will be cleaned daily.
So in general facilities and service will be similar to that of a hotel, hence the termed used by some for Nile Cruises as "floating hotel".
