Hi,
yes we booked with Kuoni; the boat is normally booked solely for Kuoni.
Boat has it's own website:
http://www.sherryboat.com.eg/
1) Yes (LHY to Luxor); reps meet you at each step of the way, just look for the Kuoni clipboard. They'll direct you to the right desk if you need a visa.
We arrived at the boat at 22:30 (only 20 minute-ish transfer and no other drops en route). We were then served a 4-course dinner, although most people wanted to go to bed (especially as we were up at 5 AM the next day).
2) Spirits are expensive everywhere in Egypt; 'Stella' is a local beer (not like the Belgian stuff, but very drinkable); between £1-£2 for a 500ml bottle.
Water around £1.20 for 2 litres (try to drink 2 bottles each a day)
Wine - apparently white was awful, but local red was fine (circa £9-£10 per bottle). Someone said it was cheaper to buy this in the bar, leave what you didn't want behind the bar and get them to bring it to you at dinner (as apparently it was slightly cheaper to buy wine from bar than the restaurant)
3) Same guide all week; ours was called Ayman who worked freelance - so you'll probably have someone different.
You may find it difficult to get small change for tipping, they can normally get some money changed down for you. They can also offer advice on how much to pay for items, but will not tell you on the spot next to the traders, as they'd get grief. Ask in advance for advice on prics to pay for something that takes your fancy
4) On our week there were only 28 people, with a staff of 65, they ended up taking on 20 more people at Aswan for the way back (apparently this is an exception).
The upper deck is split in two (most boats had one deck). The lower deck had the jacuzzi, small pool, a few loungers and covered seating. Upper deck had fully open sun loungers (lots of), plus a hammock.
5) Yes - did Abu Simbel, booked this on the boat.
All excursions (Abu Simbel, light shows, balloon flights can be booked on the boat). Guide will take bookings and will take Egyptian or Sterling, credit card or travllers cheques (note - you can only settle any extras on the boat in cash or credit card (no traveller's cheques)
You can book Abu Simbel by road or air; air is a later start and quicker to get there; road is early. We flew. If you think you may get coach-sick (or are put off by seeing other people turn green) you may at to pay extra to fly. Both methods get you back to the boat at roughly the same time.
Other tips:
1) Use laundry facilities - everything came back fine and the same evening, plus it's cheap so may save you some luggage space.
2) If you've arrived and the beds ar set up as twins, ask the room steward to put them together
3) If you haven't booked the upper deck cabin, you can ask to upgrade once you're there (if they have room); it sounded like it was chaper to do this than book it that ay in the UK.
4) Take wet / moist loo wipes - if you get the trots they will be a godsend
5) On galabaya night you can buy these from the ship's boutique, or wait to get to Kom Ombo where they will be cheaper
6) The gift shop (outside restaurant) hs a library to swap / borrow used books
7) The boat is probably mid-class, but they still give it 5 stars; you might walk through some very luxurious boats as you cross to shore for excursions (they moor up together), but the Sherry had a very good atmospher and excellent staff, plus good food (although far too much of it)
Tips (for staff & guide - (if you want to)) are left in envelopes at end of cruise; ship is cashless, everything is signed for (except boutique), just settle bill on last night or morning
9) If you have no small egyptian notes on arrival, take a few 50p's or £1's for porters / drivers until you get small money
10) Most coaches have an on-board fridge; you can buy 2x500ml bottles of water rom the driver for 5 egyptian pounds; alternatively buy it from the ship and keep in the fridge in your room
11) Invest in some wet wipes to clean your hands after handling the money (it is dirty)
12) Invest in some magicool spray or a handheld fan to cool you around the temples (if you can't find it in the shops, you'll get magicool on e-bay)
13) Breakfast is buffet; packed lunch breakfst provided for Abu Simbel and last day (if you have an early flight).
Lunch is 3 courses; dinner is 4 courses except for buffet / them nights; aftrnoon tea served circa 5:30 PM
Hope you have a lovely honeymoon, post back if you have more questions.
I have just booked a 7 day cruise on this ship. Can anyone tell me about this ship and their experiences when they went on holiday .
