MS Tulip Nile Cruise: Best 5 Days

Most guests choose either:

A 4-day / 3-night cruise
A 5-day / 4-night cruise
Some travel companies offer longer stays that add pre- or post-cruise nights in Luxor, Aswan, or Cairo. The sailing schedule depends on the date and the direction of travel, so it is smart to confirm exact departure and arrival days before you book flights.

The ship has outside cabins with Nile views, usually with large windows rather than small portholes.

You can expect:

Private bathroom with shower
Air-conditioning
Twin beds or a double bed, depending on the cabin
Basic storage like a wardrobe and small desk
Some departures feature a limited number of suites, which usually offer more space and a seating area. Exact layouts depend on the operator that runs your sailing.

Yes, cruises are usually sold on a full-board basis. That means you get:

Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Meals are typically served as buffets with a mix of Egyptian and international dishes. Drinks are often not included, except for tea or coffee at breakfast, so plan for extra costs for bottled water, soft drinks, and alcohol.

The MS Tulip is a mid-size Nile cruise ship with features aimed at relaxed sightseeing. While exact details can vary, you can usually expect:

A sun deck with a small pool or plunge pool and loungers
A restaurant for main meals
One or more bars or lounges
A small shop for snacks, water, and basics
Some sailings list extras such as a spa room, gym equipment, or evening entertainment like a Galabeya party or folkloric show. Check the current description for your specific departure.

The dress code is casual and comfortable. Light, breathable clothing works best in Egypt's climate.

Guidelines that help:

Comfortable walking shoes or sandals for temples
Light layers, since air-conditioning can feel cool
Modest clothing for visiting religious sites, such as shoulders and knees covered
For dinner, many guests choose smart-casual outfits, but formal wear is not required unless your tour operator states otherwise.

Each tour operator can package things a bit differently, but most MS Tulip packages include:

Commonly included:

Cabin accommodation
Full-board meals
Sightseeing program with a guide (group tours)
Transfers between the ship and airport or hotel (on set packages)
Commonly not included:

Drinks
Optional tours, like Abu Simbel
Gratuities for staff and guide
Personal expenses such as laundry, spa, or onboard purchases
Always check the exact “included / excluded” section in your offer before you commit

Many packages sold with the MS Tulip include a licensed Egyptologist guide and a set sightseeing program with shared tours.

Some packages also include entrance fees to the main sites, while others only include guiding and transport. If you want clarity, ask your provider directly whether:

Site entrance tickets are included
Any temples or museums are optional add-ons
This helps you plan your budget for extra tickets.

The MS Tulip can work well for families and older travelers, especially those who enjoy history and a slower pace.

Keep in mind:

There are many stairs on most Nile cruises, and elevators are not always available
Excursions often involve walking on uneven ground and in hot weather
Very young children may find the long sightseeing days tiring
If mobility is a concern, ask your tour operator about cabin location, deck access, and how flexible the shore program is.

Tipping customs can vary by operator, but many cruises suggest a gratuity pool that is shared among the crew. This is often paid at the end of the cruise in cash, in Egyptian pounds, US dollars, or euros.

In addition, guests often tip:

The Egyptologist guide
The driver on tour days
Some packages offer a prepaid tipping option. If you want a clear figure, ask your travel agent for the current suggested tipping amount per person, per night.