Sunrise Select MS Semiramis II

External Cabin on second floor - twin beds very comfy - no back ache which I usually suffer from in a strange bed. Nice clean bedding. Large shower nice shower creams etc free. HaIr dryer in bathroom but I had taken my own. Room was plenty big enough for 2 you need to keep as tidy as possible though. Free safe which you decide on a number yourself. don't worry if you forget - reception can open for you. Yes I did press wrong buttons! Towel sculptures are good fun, Ibis, crocs and monkeys etc Air con - essential! you soon get used to the sound. Some engine and fuel fumes but usually when docking or setting off. Overall slept very well.

One restaurant used by all - buffet style. Enjoyed all the food - anybody that cannot find something they enjoy needs to stay at home. Plenty of choice, fruit, salads, meats cheese, yogurts,breads, rice, pasta, veal,beef, chicken. All cooked fresh and plentiful - delicious. Everything spotless clean. Staff all very attentive and helpful nothing too much trouble. Tables seat 6 to 8 - you use the same table all of the holiday. Tell the restaurant manager if you have birthday or celebration - the staff come from the kitchen singing and playing drums etc and they give a cake to the people. Really atmospheric.

All of the staff were lovely. Wish my Egytian was as good as their English! Laundry service available - didn't use but friends did and said very good value. Masseur on board - have one - I had two! He's marvellous really sorted my neck, shoulders and back out. Good jewellery shop on board - good prices too. Shop for your Egypt night sells everything you need - even alters to fit! also handbags and novelty gifts etc. Bought the DVD's and the pics that the cruise photographer takes. Now need to read the book bought onboard to remember everywhere I have seen and been.

Reading room and snooker room available. Plunge pool on deck. Plenty of shade and two fitness machines. Egyption night, Nubian night and also Belly dancer and Whirling dirvish night held in the bar/lounge. The latter being 9pm to 10pm so you can still get up in time for trips.

The trips are excellent - Karnak, Luxor, Valley of the Kings & Queens, Hatshepsut, Esna, Edfu, Kom Ombo(seen at night - magical) Aswan - high dam, unfinished oblisk, Philae, Botanical gardens, Felluca Ride all part of the trip - apologies if I've missed anything. Paid extra to see Karnak at night sights & sounds. Abu Simbel and the Ballon ride, both of which were excellent even if we did have to get up at 3.30am to go on them. We had 4 guides on our tour. They are all free lance I believe and it depends on the number of visitors as to how many are used. They give each group names so they don't lose you at the sights. We were called the Pharaohs! you know who you all are! We called our guide Ramasese the 28th and of course he was best! Passionate about Egypt and it's culture. Really brought it all to life facinating. Was so helpful, watchful as the traders can really be a nuisance at times. If you wanted to buy anything he helped you out so you bought the best items. Even advised my friend and I which books to buy. Simply the best!

Take £ coins for tipping and buying small items off the many traders & £5, £10 & £20 notes. Everybody accepts £ coins but as in England they cannot change coinage at the bank only notes, so please help them out by changing coinage to notes for them. You will be asked to change back to £10 or £20. Be careful of the sun, heat and drinking too much. Make sure you rest as all of these factors combined will makes you ill. People blame everything else for an upset tummy - use common sense. Mobile phones - depending on your contract I found quite expensive £1.50 for 3 mins. I made 2 quick calls and then sent text messages and asked them to let parents know all ok. Drink plenty of bottled water and use high factor suncream. The breeze on the boats can easily make you very sunburnt.