MS Le Fayan Nile Cruise — Hotel in Saleh Gahin

We stayed onboard the M/S Le Fayan for three nights as we sailed north from Aswan to Luxor. It departs Aswan weekly on Mondays. We were not part of a group, although we did use a travel agency to book our stay. The Le Fayan has four floors and a sundeck. The cabins are on the top two floors. Here was the Le Fayan’s daily itinerary during our stay:

Mon (16 Oct 2023) 13:00-15:00 Lunch (buffet) 20:00-21:30 Dinner (waiter service) Overnight at Aswan Sailing early tomorrow at 5:00 am (Tuesday)

Tue (17 Oct 2023) 06:45-08:00 Breakfast (buffet) 08:00 Visit Kom Ombo Temple 09:30 Sailing to Edfu 12:30-14:00 Lunch (buffet) +/-13:30 Visit Temple of Edfu 16:00 Sailing to Luxor 16:30-17:00 Teatime on sundeck 19:30-21:00 Dinner (buffet) 21:00 Galabia party at the lounge Overnight at Luxor

Wed (18 Oct. 2023) 06:00-08:15 Breakfast (buffet) 13:00-14:30 Lunch (buffet) 19:30 Belly dancer show at the lounge 20:00-21:30 Dinner (buffet) Settle bills after dinner Overnight at Luxor

Thu (19 Oct. 2023) 06:30-08:15 Breakfast Check-out (return cabin key card)

The service was excellent, although the quality of the facilities could be frustrating. For example, the hot tub (on the sundeck) is really a “cold tub”, as the controls were broken. In our cabin, the TV would not come on, and the bedside table lamp switch was broken. That said, the onboard staff repaired both promptly (within 60 minutes). Here are some of our other observations: • If you want to wear Galabia clothing you have to pay for it (there’s no borrowing). It costs approximately US$15-US$20 per person. However, Galabia clothing isn’t required for participation. • Make sure to attend the first meal onboard - lunch - as it will determine your assigned seating for the rest of the trip. • There’s no tipping or baksheesh during the cruise, which is very relaxing. Instead, there’s a tip envelope and tip box to use when you check out. Tip US$10-US$15 per cabin per night. • Wi-Fi is only good when the ship is empty. Otherwise, it becomes unreliable as others start using the bandwidth. That said, this was consistent with our experiences at other hotels in Egypt (Le Fayan is no worse than anyone else). • Our cabin had a DVD player, but the ship does not have DVDs to lend out. That said, you can bring your own DVDs. • Since the ship always docked on the east bank of the Nile, half of the cabins can have a Nile view when docked. However, the view may not last. The reason is that ships will dock side-by-side for the night. Our cabin’s view was blocked for two nights, although we never...

We recently spent 4 nights aboard a Nile cruise, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, the journey was a perfect blend of luxury, relaxation, and rich cultural exploration.

Accommodations: The cabins were spacious, clean, and elegantly designed. The floor-to-ceiling windows provided breathtaking views of the Nile, especially during sunrise and sunset. The amenities, including a comfortable bed, modern bathroom, and a cozy seating area, ensured we felt at home.

Dining: The food on board was exceptional. Every meal featured a mix of Egyptian and international cuisines, with fresh ingredients and thoughtful presentation. The restaurant staff was attentive and accommodating, even catering to special dietary preferences. Dining on the deck under the stars was an absolute highlight.

Activities and Entertainment: The cruise offered a well-rounded itinerary, including guided tours of iconic sites like the Karnak Temple, Valley of the Kings, and Philae Temple. The guides were knowledgeable, bringing ancient history to life. Onboard, the entertainment included traditional Egyptian performances like belly dancing and Tanoura shows, which added a festive touch to our evenings.

Facilities: The sun deck with its pool and lounging area was the perfect place to unwind while watching the Nile’s serene waters. The spa and gym facilities were also well-maintained, offering an opportunity to relax and recharge.

Staff and Service: The crew was exceptional, ensuring every guest felt welcomed and cared for. From housekeeping to the tour guides, everyone was professional and friendly.

Overall Experience: This 4-night Nile cruise was the perfect way to explore Egypt’s ancient wonders in comfort and style. The balance of guided tours, onboard relaxation, and cultural experiences made it a truly enriching journey. We would highly recommend this cruise to anyone seeking a memorable trip through the...

It is quite expensive for what they offered and the service they provide.

Even though the ship is good and more modern compared to the others, it is important to consider:

You won’t be sailing every day. If you start in Aswan on Monday the boat only leaves the city on Tuesday at 3 PM. In their website they mentioned many places you will visit, but as a surprise for us, tours are not included. You need to pay on top for the tours. In the website there is no mention of additional sightseeing packages or that the visits are not included. The 3 meals are always buffet, with very slight variations The pool deck is very nice. Unfortunately none of the meals were served up there. Always in the same place which is quite dark Rooms are really good and tidy. We got an upgrade and the suite was fantastic During docking time, your room view might be most of the time blocked by another ship with just a 2-3 meters separation During sailing time, he views are OK but not fantastic as I...