Sunrise Select MS Semiramis II
Cruise ship review Sunrise Select MS Semiramis II
Age: 61-65
Travel time: in January 12
I travelled as: Couple
Children: none
Duration: 1 week
Type of trip: Cruise
Booked via: Internet
Recommendation: Yes
Average rating of this review: 5.6
Exceeded Expectations
Enlarge letters A A Downsize letters A AThe ship is a few years old, and maybe a little tatty around the edges, but so is the rest of Egypt! Any minor shortcomings were more than made up for by the friendliness and enthusiasm of the crew, who were a delight throughout the week. The whole operation is very well run, with quite close supervision by the maître d' and bar manager. It was good to see that even such supervisors mucked in and helped with the work when they could. We were made to feel special and valued, even though the turn around means all new passengers each week. For instance, our seating preference (side by side rather than opposite each other) was quickly remembered together with our drinks preference, which were put on the table as we arrived.
CabinVery adequate and cleaned regularly. We enjoyed the game with the cabin stewards whereby our fresh towels each day were sculpted into animals etc using various props from elsewhere in the room.
GastronomyDecent food throughout, ample and varied. We particularly enjoyed the cooked-to-order omelettes at breakfast, the beef wellington one day (delicious) and the variety of cakes and pastries with rice pudding at dinner.
ServiceJust amazing service, as noted above. The photos were cheap at E£10, and the massages were very good value and an enjoyable experience. My chronic stiff back is much better for two sessions with the masseuse.
Sport & Entertainment Unused Land excursionsAlthough we were on a cheap internet deal, with ended up with our own qualified egyptologist throughout the week. She tailored the tours to exactly what we wanted, and dealt very efficiently with transport etc. It was a truly ideal arrangement. Highlights for us were the falucca trip, the balloon trip, the bird watching on the way to the Nubian village in a small boat, being in Tutankhamen's tomb entirely alone (except for the guardian - a fluke of fortune but very memorable), and of course Abu Simbel.
Other tips and recommendationsOur January trip was ideal for us - as warm as we wanted in the middle of the day, but pleasantly cool morning and evening. It made sight-seeing much more pleasant before everywhere heated up.
Additional info about your cruise ship review
| In which waters did you travel? | Nil |
| What language was spoken on board? | English |
| Did the cruise ship meet the standards of its official catalogue description? | Yes |
| Does the cruise ship deserve its star rating? | Yes |
| Were you satisfied with the tour operator? | Yes |
| How would you describe the value for money? | Excellent |
| Where did you book your cruise? | Internet |
| When did you book your cruise? | Well in advance (more than 3 months before departure) |
| Where do you want to travel to next? | Portugal |
| How often do you travel each year? | 5-7 times |
