Egypt Cruises

Many major cruise lines offer cruise itineraries that include ports in Egypt like Alexandria, Port Said, Safaga and Luxor. These cruise lines include the Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises, MSC Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, and Princess Cruises.

The best months to cruise to Egypt are October and April. During these months, the weather is warmer and milder, perfect for sightseeing, beach trips, and outdoor adventures.

As a general rule, tourists must always respect the customs and culture of Egypt. As much as possible, tourists are encouraged to dress modestly, avoid public display of affection, follow local etiquette and show respect for religious sites like temples. Tourists must also have a Ramadan awareness, mindful enough not to drink or eat in public during daylight.

Arabic is the official language of Egypt, but  English is also widely spoken especially in tourist areas and major cities like Cairo and Luxor. Still, it’ll be helpful to learn basic phrases and sentences, as well as useful expressions, to be able to connect and communicate with the locals.

Tipping is a custom practice and most likely expected in Egypt, although not necessarily mandatory. It’s an essential part of the economy and is deeply ingrained in the society as part of showing gratitude and appreciation for quality service. The word for tipping in Egypt is “baksheesh,” and tipping in local currency cash (Egyptian pounds) is highly preferred. 

As a general rule, in restaurants and cafes, locals would usually tip 10% to 15% of the bill. For hotel staff, tipping between 20-30 Egyptian pounds is acceptable. For taxi drivers, you can round up the fare to the nearest whole number.