FAQs
Can I bring a drone aboard All Star Fayrouza?
Drones are strictly prohibited in Egypt. If found, the drone will likely be confiscated.
Can I customize my tour?
Tours follow set itineraries that include both popular sites and hidden gems, so unfortunately, they aren’t customizable. Guests may choose to sit out a day to relax on board All Star Fayrouza (no credits offered). Special add-ons, such as a hot air balloon ride in Luxor, a visit to the Great Abu Simbel Temple, or Cairo tours including the pyramids, can be arranged.
Please contact the U.S. Reservations Office by phone or by using our Contact Us form.
The U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide).
Can I join All Star Fayrouza as a solo traveler?
Yes! Solo travelers are welcome aboard All Star Fayrouza.
You may book a single cabin (subject to availability) or share accommodations with another guest of the same gender.
Booking Single? Solo occupancy can also be booked in a standard suite with a 80% surcharge on the rate.
Refer to this web page for the latest details, click here.
Can you arrange transfers from Cairo, Hurghada or other cities?
If you need transfers from destinations like Hurghada, Port Ghalib, Cairo, or any other city, please contact the office by phone or by using our Contact Us form. We’ll be happy to send a custom quote.
The U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide).
Can you recommend any hotels?
We have a list of hotels that we can recommend in Luxor and Aswan, click here.
For information on Cairo hotels, please contact the office by phone or by using our Contact Us form.
The U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide).
Can you recommend hotels for early arrivals or extended stays in Egypt?
We have a list of hotels that we can recommend in Luxor and Aswan, click here.
For information on Cairo hotels, please contact the office by phone or by using our Contact Us form.
The U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide).
Do I need any vaccinations?
In the U.S., it is best to check with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) when arranging your travel plans. Information can be found here. Non-U.S. citizens should check with their appropriate government health agency.
Do I need trip insurance on All Star Fayrouza?
Yes, travel insurance is recommended for All Star Fayrouza to help protect you and your trip investment. It helps cover unexpected events like trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost belongings, giving you peace of mind while traveling.
All Star Liveaboards has worked with Travelex for many years.
Do you offer ground transfers to All Star Fayrouza?
Yes – we can provide ground transfers from nearby Aswan or Luxor hotels, or from the airport* at the embarkation/disembarkation port.
For information, please contact the office by phone or by using our Contact Us form.
The U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide).
* International flights – Cairo International Airport (CAI) or flights – Aswan International Airport (ASW) or Luxor International Airport (LXR),
How much spending money do I need?
The cruise is all-inclusive, however throughout the tour there are opportunities to purchase souvenirs. You may visit an alabaster shop, perfume store, a spice market or other artist or craft shops.
For details on what is included and not included in the Aswan to Luxor or Luxor to Aswan tour, click here.
Currency can be exchanged at most major hotels. ATMs can also be found at the airport or marinas. Some restaurants and retailers will accept USD$ dollar or EU€ Euro, just double-check the exchange rate first.
Payment on Board
Payable in cash (USD$ dollar, GBP£ pound sterling, EUR€ Euro, or EGP£ Egyptian pound) or by credit or debit card if amount is greater than $25 USD. Credit cards will have a 3 percent surcharge added; debit cards have no surcharge. American Express is not accepted.
The following forms of payment are typically accepted in Egypt: cash (EGP£ Egyptian pound) for retail items. MasterCard has worked closely with the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the Egyptian Bank Company (EBC) to bring Apple Pay (credit card) to Egypt in early 2025. It is now accepted at grocery stores, pharmacies, taxis, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores and other locations. Your purchase will be converted to your base currency and fees may apply.
If my flight details change after I’ve filled out my trip paperwork online, how do I notify you?
Please email info@allstarliveaboards.com with the flight changes, your trip date and vessel name so we can update your information.
If you prefer to speak to a representative, the U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide).
Is a guide included in the cost of the cruise?
Yes, a professional English-speaking Egyptologist will guide you at all major sites along the Nile River. For group charters, guides are available in several major languages. Please let us know if you prefer a language other than English, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.
Please contact the office by phone or by using our Contact Us form.
The U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide).
Is alcohol available onboard?
Yes, beer and wine are available for purchase. You are also welcome to bring your own.
Payment on Board
Alcohol can be be paid in cash (USD$ dollar, GBP£ pound sterling, EUR€ Euro, or EGP£ Egyptian pound) or by credit or debit card if amount is greater than $25 USD. Credit cards will have a 3 percent surcharge added; debit cards have no surcharge. American Express is not accepted.
Is it common practice to give tips in Egypt?
Gratuity for the Dahabiya crew is not included, but is recommended at 10-15% of the trip cost. Gratuity for the Egyptologist tour guide is already included in the cruise price. Guests are, of course, welcome to offer additional gratuity if they feel the service was exceptional.
Is it possible to shorten or extend the trip?
For full charters, it is possible to offer customized itineraries. All Star Fayrouza can serve as a floating hotel in Luxor or Aswan, and we can extend your Nile cruise beyond the standard 4-night itinerary. We can also arrange a Cairo extension to visit the Pyramids of Giza, the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), and other key attractions.
For information on other destinations, please visit: Aswan, Luxor and Cairo web pages.
For assistance, the group leader is welcome contact the office by phone or by using our Contact Us form.
The U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide).
Is the cruise well suited for those with mobility concerns?
Egypt’s historic sites are incredible, but they can be challenging for travelers with limited mobility. Many locations have uneven terrain and limited wheelchair access. Our vessels are also designed with stairs rather than elevators, so moving between decks does require some mobility. That said, we’ve welcomed guests using crutches and wheelchairs who have still had a wonderful time exploring with All Star Fayrouza.
Whenever possible, All Star Fayrouza can arrange drop-offs as close to the sites as we can to minimize walking. However, entering most temples and ruins does involve some level of walking or climbing. Guests who prefer to relax on board instead of joining the land tours are always welcome to do so. And, of course, our crew is glad to lend a hand with the stairs whenever needed.
Is there a surcharge for solo occupancy cabins?
All Star Fayrouza has one solo occupancy cabin that can be booked at no additional cost.
You may book a single cabin (subject to availability) or share accommodations with another guest of the same gender.
Booking Single? Solo occupancy can also be booked in a standard suite with a 80% surcharge on the rate.
Refer to this web page for the latest details, click here.
Is there laundry service available?
Laundry is available, but can be limited as there is only one washer and one dryer on board.
What excursions are included in the itinerary?
Please visit our Trip Itinerary page that outlines the day to day schedule and sites visited on both the 3-night Aswan to Luxor and 4-night Luxor to Aswan river cruises.
What forms of payment are accepted onboard?
Payments can be made on board, payable in cash (USD$ dollar, GBP£ pound sterling, EUR€ Euro, or EGP£ Egyptian pound) or by credit or debit card, if the amount is greater than $25 USD. Credit and debit cards will incur a processing fee. American Express is not accepted.
What happens if my incoming flights are delayed?
If a guest arrives later than 5:00pm on the day of the cruise’s departure, there is a very good chance the boat will have already departed. We highly recommend arriving a day early and purchasing trip insurance in the event there are issues with your travel plans or you have to cancel.
In the event you have delays in your travels, or missed the boat, please contact us as soon as possible to find out if there are any ways to connect with the vessel. The U.S. Reservations Office is open Monday thru Friday 9:00am – 5:00pm EST at 800.327.9600 (U.S. and Canada) or 954.734.7111 (Worldwide)
What if I have special dietary requests?
Vegetarian, vegan and gluten free are pretty easy to work with as well as allergies. Let us know upon booking if you require special meals.
Please remember that you are participating in an adventure travel vacation that is occurring in a remote part of the world. Many of the modern conveniences, brands and pre-packaged goods we use at home are not available in remote destinations. As such, many special requests that are very specific may be difficult to accommodate.
Finally, if you are celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or other special life event, please let us know. Our crew stands ready to assist you in making your special day something to remember.
What is a Dahabiya and how is it different from a normal cruise?
A Dahabiya (pronounced dah-ha-bay-ah) is a traditional Nile River sailing boat offering a more intimate experience than large cruise ships. With fewer guests, it provides a quiet, boutique atmosphere, access to smaller sites big ships can’t reach, and a relaxed pace for a more personal journey along the Nile.
Dahabiyas are larger than the more authentic felucca boats that offer fewer amenities.
What is considered appropriate attire for women traveling in Egypt?
For women visiting historical sites in Egypt, it’s best to avoid short skirts, shorts, revealing tank tops, or other clothing that may be considered provocative, as it can attract unwanted attention in this primarily Muslim country.
In general, long sleeves and dresses are recommended in Cairo and most cities. In tourist-heavy areas like Luxor, Aswan and Hurghada, lighter, less conservative clothing is more acceptable, though carrying a shawl for cover-ups is still a highly recommended.
This guidance does not apply on board All Star Fayrouza. For women, swimsuits are perfectly acceptable for lounging by the pool onboard, at resort hotels, and beaches. Our staff is accustomed to Western guests and is fully respectful, ensuring you can relax and enjoy your time.
What is included in the cruise price?
The price for All Star Fayrouza includes local ground transfers, luxury accommodations on board, all meals, non-alcoholic beverages, excursions and professional Egyptologist tour guide.
Alcohol is not included but is available for purchase. Massage services can also be arranged, but we ask that you schedule these prior to your arrival. Gratuity is not included and is recommend at 10-15% of your trip cost.
What time can we board All Star Fayrouza?
Check-in starts at 1:00 pm with lunch served on board. After lunch, guest will head out for the first tour. Guest cabins will be ready upon your return.
What time is it in Egypt?
Universal Time Coordinate (UTC) +02:00. UTC was formerly known at Greenwich Mean Time (GMT).
What travel documents are needed?
A passport and a visa are needed to enter Egypt. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months from date of entry into Egypt. A visa can be purchased at the airport for $25.00* USD. Non-U.S. citizens should check with their appropriate consulate regarding passports and visas.
*Subject to change.
What voltage is used in Egypt?
Egypt is standard 220volts (European Type C plugs). The cabins have universal and USB outlet receptacles. We recommend you pack an outlet adapter in the event it is needed during your travels.
Will I need to convert currency?
Currency can be exchanged at most major hotels. ATMs can also be found at the airport or marinas. Some restaurants and retailers will accept USD$ dollar or EU€ Euro, just double-check the exchange rate first.
Payable on Board
Payments can be made on board, payable in cash (USD$ dollar, GBP£ pound sterling, EUR€ Euro, or EGP£ Egyptian pound) or by credit or debit card, if the amount is greater than $25 USD. Credit and debit cards will incur a processing fee. American Express is not accepted.
Payable In Egypt
The following forms of payment are typically accepted in Egypt: cash (EGP£ Egyptian pound) for retail items. MasterCard has worked closely with the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) and the Egyptian Bank Company (EBC) to bring Apple Pay (credit card) to Egypt in early 2025. It is now accepted at grocery stores, pharmacies, taxis, restaurants, coffee shops, retail stores and other locations. Your purchase will be converted to your base currency and an fee may also be charged.