Your Essential Egypt River Cruise Packing Guide

Comfort and convenience are key when you pack for your Egypt and Nile River cruise. As Egypt, Jordan and UAE are primarily Muslim countries, we kindly ask that you adhere to local customs and traditions appropriately. Rest assured you can prepare with ease – our unveiled secrets to pack for this worthwhile experience are listed below. Your main suitcase should not exceed 23kg/50lbs., otherwise excess weight charges will apply and are payable directly to the airline at check-in.

Lightweight clothes. Packing light for your Nile River cruise will be no problem as a majority of what you pack into your suitcase will be lightweight clothing items. The average local temperature in Egypt ranges between 90°F and 107°F (32-41°C) from late April-June and Sept-mid Oct. Breathable clothes will be your answer to most of your outfits. We suggest cotton or linen tee shirts as well as short and long sleeves.
A lightweight jacket or sweater for those cooler times at the end of the day. Temperatures during the nighttime vary dramatically and can reach as low as 35-45° F (2-7°C) during the winter months of December, January and February.
Scarf or shawl. You should plan to dress modestly to respect the local traditions of the mosques and temples you will be visiting. A lightweight pashmina scarf or shawl is an ideal accessory for women and men can opt for short sleeved shirts and lightweight pants.
Breathable trousers or pants. In Egypt, men typically wear trousers or pants despite the hot weather. Pack a pair of lightweight trousers or convertible pants that can transform into shorts. Please be mindful of certain ancient sites where you may want to avoid wearing shorts.
Sturdy and versatile sandals or walking shoes are ideal to withstand any terrain when visiting temples. Sandals can provide extra comfort as well as breathing room for your toes.
For the Jordan extension, water shoes are recommended if you plan to swim in the Dead Sea to protect your feet from sharp salt crystals and an uneven seabed.
The ultimate daypack or fanny pack can hold all your daily essentials throughout your excursions including your water, pocket-sized bug spray, tissues/wet wipes, sunscreen, a hat, and any medications you may need to travel with.
SPF products. Strong sunscreen (40 SPF or higher). Try to include SPF into as many items that you use in your daily routine for skin care. It is usually sunny, so protect your skin with lip balm, moisturizer, or other beauty products with sun protection.
Polarized sunglasses or a hat with wide brim for further sun protection as you enjoy your thrilling excursions.
Cooling scarves and bandanas can be helpful as extra protection for your neck or head from the sun.
A lightweight jacket or sweater for those cooler times at the end of the day. Temperatures during the nighttime vary dramatically and can reach as low as 35-45° F (2-7°C) during the winter
On board your river cruise, women are more than welcome to bring their casual dresses, shorter skirts, shorts, and swimsuits to enjoy the pool on the Sun Deck. We typically follow a “casually elegant” dress code on board.
Binoculars. Binoculars are not allowed in Jordan or Egypt for security reasons. They will be confiscated on arrival.

Here are a few pro tips when visiting a temple or religious monument…

Try to be as respectful as possible of the local traditions, especially during religious holidays such as Ramadan (e., refrain from eating snacks in public if avoidable and save them for the motorcoach ride).
When visiting religious sites, women and men should refrain from wearing clothing that bares their legs and upper arms.
Be prepared to take your shoes off when visiting a mosque.

Other items to consider:

Do not bring binoculars. Having binoculars will result in extended searches by airport security, which will result in multi-hour delays and/or confiscation
Swimsuit, cover-up, and flip flops
Small flashlight
Camera equipment and extra batteries, memory cards, chargers/accessories
Converter and electrical adapter
Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, comb or hairbrush, razor, insect repellent, feminine products, and cosmetics
Prescription medications in original containers (to be packed in carry-on bag, not checked luggage)
Face masks
Hand sanitizer, tissues, and anti-bacterial/disinfectant wipes
Small first aid kit with aspirin, antibacterial cream, etc.
Money belt or other secure place to keep passport and cash
Proof of vaccination or negative Covid-19 test, if required

Mobile Phones

Please contact your service provider for information on overseas usage and any additional fees prior to leaving on your trip.

Important: Pack a sufficient supply (including two weeks beyond your planned return) of any medications you are taking, copies of the prescriptions and the telephone/fax numbers of your doctor. Some countries require prescription drugs be carried in their original container with the label clearly visible.