Q.Why book with us?
A.We know that your time in port is one of the most important parts of your vacation, so we take our commitment to deliver great shore excursions very seriously. That's why shore excursions are our only business. We carefully select only the best tours, and, because we are not trying to reserve excursions for thousands of people at a time, we offer personalized experiences. Because we know that it can be confusing to choose the best tour in each port, we have a staff of shore excursion experts available to answer your questions and provide suggestions on the best tour options to meet your individual needs. And we stand behind the tours we deliver.

Q.Is there a risk I'll miss the ship if I don't book through the cruise line?
A.No. Although the cruise lines would like you to believe that independent tours carry this risk, all of our tour operators are well aware of your ship's departure time, and our tours are designed to get you back to the ship with time to spare. In the extremely unlikely event you were to miss the ship due to one of our tours, we guarantee that we will pay the full cost of your meals, hotel, and transportation to the next port of call, and we will handle all of your arrangements for you.

Q.How do I book shore excursions?
A.If you know which tours you want to take, you can reserve them directly through our web site, if you are uncertain which tours you would like to take or want some advice or guidance on your tours, we encourage you to contact one of our Shore Excursion Experts during our regular business hours 7/24 or by email to customize@nileblueexcursions.com
How do I receive my booking confirmation and voucher?
Shortly after you reserve a tour, we will e-mail your confirmation which will include your tour vouchers as well as instructions on how and when to meet up with your guide for each tour.

Q.How close to the tour departure can I make a reservation?
A.We require you to make a reservation at least three days in advance of tour departure so that we have the ability to ensure that all of the arrangements are confirmed, finalized, and communicated.

Q.What do shore excursions include?
A.Shore excursions include transportation according to the itinerary, meals if mentioned, refreshments, guides, and entrance fees as indicated in the individual tour descriptions.

Q.What should I wear?
A.While the specific recommended attire is described in the individual tour descriptions, travelers should always wear comfortable shoes and use sunscreen, a sun hat and sunglasses in locations with ample sun.

Q.Where do I go to start my tour?
A.Your booking confirmation will contain clear instructions on where and when to go to start each of your tours. It will also include instructions on what to do in the very unlikely event that you encounter difficulties in meeting up with your guide.

Q.What is your cancellation policy?
A.With very few exceptions, you can cancel a tour up to 14 days in advance of tour departure, if you would like to cancel a tour, simply give us a call during regular business hours, and we will be happy to assist you.

Q.Am I expected to tip the Guide/Driver?
A.Extending a gratuity to your guide or driver is strictly optional but greatly appreciated by those guiding you through your tour.

Q.How do I make changes to my tour reservations?
A.If you need to make changes to your reservation or to cancel a tour, please contact one of our shore excursion experts 24/7 and they will be happy to assist you.

Q.Are children's prices available?
A.Yes. Many of our tours offer children's prices for children under the age of 12 years. Toddlers aged 3 and younger sitting on a parent's lap (not occupying a seat), are not charged for most tours. Please see the individual tour descriptions for specifics on pricing. In general our policy is

Infant up to 4.99 are free of charge
5 yrs up to 11.99 enjoy 50% discount from adult rate
12 yrs and up are considered adult

Q.Are there any age restrictions on tours?
A.For most tours, there is no minimum age for children as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Guests under the age of 18 years are not permitted to participate without a parent or guardian. In some cases, an unaccompanied minor may be permitted on a tour if a wavier is signed by the parent. Please call us for details on specific tours

Q.What do you recommend for physically challenged passengers?
A.Please refer to the restrictions section of each detailed tour description for specific recommendations for physically challenged passengers. However, to the extent passengers are able to walk on their own, we recommend tours designated as requiring a low level of activity. The transportation on some tours may be able to accommodate a collapsible wheelchair stored below the bus; however, scooters or motorized wheelchairs are often too large to be stored on the transportation used for the tours. If passengers are non-ambulatory, we generally recommend independent transportation for their comfort and convenience. Our Shore Excursion Experts can provide suggested tours. We also recommend that non-ambulatory passengers be accompanied by someone who is able to assist them throughout the duration of the tour.

Q.Entry Visa to Egypt ?
A.Cruise ship passengers in Egypt for less than 72 hours do not need a true visa, The cruise ship will supply everyone with a quick stamped visa, and that will be done by an Egyptian Immigration Officer who will board the cruise, Before entering the port, whether the passengers are doing their tour with the cruise line, a private company, or even on their own

Q.What about guards & protection as the cruise tour?
A.Security Guards / convoys ARE provided by neither Cruise Line nor any other travel agency, Security is provided by the Egyptian Government to ALL tours. This can be in the form of a security officer accompanying the group, or a police car following the van. It depends on the Egyptian Police arrangement. The government always makes sure that passengers feel safe and are well protected whether with the cruise line tours or any other agency.

Q.Can I pay with traveler's checks or a credit card?
A.Traveler's checks are not accepted, cash payment is preferred & credit cards are accepted

Q.Is the Nile Dinner Cruise included?
A.No. It is optional. Some people know they will be too tired to enjoy it so we have chosen not to include it. Check our blog here

Q.Will I need to pay for anything on the excursion?
A.Other than purchases, you will need to pay for beverages in restaurants, the camel ride if you choose to do one, and PLEASE remember to tip the guide and driver of your bus at the end. They will be happy to accept tips in any currency. There will probably be other opportunities for tips as well – such as in restaurant bathrooms. (You may even find that in Italy.)

Q.Can I ask the tour guides some questions about the Muslim religion?
A.YES! They are very willing to share their culture with their guests. Don't be shy (just be polite!)

Q.How will we recognize them when we get off the ship?
A.They will be carrying signs saying your name

Q.How should we dress?
A.Comfortably and somewhat modestly. Try to keep your knees and shoulders covered. That advice is for both men and women.
In Egypt they are used to people wearing shorts and spaghetti straps and if you really want to you can,

Q.What kind of shoes should we wear?
A.Comfortable ones. Birkenstocks are fine, but some people preferred closed shoes for walking in the sand and riding camels.

Q.Can we go inside a pyramid?
A.YES , you can go inside the pyamids of Giza with an extra ticket , also you can go inside the TITI pyramid at Sakkara for free

Q.I've heard we can ride a camel. How much does that cost?
A.It's very memorable, check it in our blog

Q.Do we need vaccinations for Egypt?
A.None are required by law, but your doctor may recommend some such as a tetanus booster, hepatitis A and B, or maybe yellow fever.

Q.Should we bring any special medicine in case we get a stomach bug?
A.Some people bring Immodium or Cipro. If you get sick it probably won't be until you're back on the ship.

Q.What can I do to avoid getting "Pharaoh's Revenge?"
A.Only drink bottled water. No ice cubes allowed unless you ask for them separately and put them in a tightly sealed zip-lock bag and drop it in your drink. Only eat hot foods which mean no salads or fruits. They say peeled fruit is ok but I avoid it when I'm there. After all, it's only a day and a half. The restaurants have been chosen with your safety and well-being in mind, but please still follow the above suggestions.

Q.Will someone help us carry our luggage?
A.No. Bring a small overnight bag that you can handle easily.

Q.Will we be travelling in the convoy to Cairo?
A.Yes. It is obligatory by low in Egypt

Q.How long is the trip?
A.Both Port Said and Alexandria are 2.5 or 3 hours from Cairo.
Both Sukhna & Suez are 1:30 hours from Cairo
Safaga is 3:30 hours from Luxor

Q.What is the traffic like in Cairo?
A.HORRENDOUS!! Whatever you do, don't go off on your own and try to cross a street

Q.What hotel are we staying at?
A.We use the Moevenpick pyramids & Le Meridian pyramids
Are the deluxe hotels in Cairo are serving alcohol. Will we be able to get a drink at our hotel?
Yes, in a couple of different locations.

Q.If we don't go on the Nile Dinner Cruise where should we eat?
A.At the hotel. You have a number of options check our blog

Q.How will we get to the Nile Dinner Cruise?
A.By bus. Form and to the Nile dinner cruise, the transfers are included

Q.What time do we need to get up in the morning?
A.We prefer to start early and the will planned according to your cruise ship schedule

Q.Is breakfast included?
A.Yes. The hotels are doing a beautiful job with their breakfast buffets in Egypt. Don't miss it!

Q.What kind of electrical current and outlets will we find at the hotel?
A.The same kind you find in Italy and most of Europe (220 volts). American appliances will work on the ship, but not in any of the ports.

Q.How will the ship know that we will be away from the ship for the night?
A.You should leave your name and our contact information in the cruise ship information desk

Q.What time will be get back to the ship ?
A.You are scheduled to get back nearly two hours before sailing.