I tried TUI’s new river cruise on the Nile – one bucket-list adventure was insanely cheap!

Words by Jo Kessel

Not many cruises start with being mummified, but so it is when I board TUI’s new Nile river cruise on the TUI Al Horeya in Egypt. I’m given some loo roll, a fellow passenger and instructions to turn him into a mummy. It’s for a competition – the best mummy wins. What unfolds is a whole mess of tissue paper and a whole bunch of hilarity as I wrap and turn my model until every inch of him (nostrils included) is bandaged white. Are we victorious? Alas no!

We all know that it’s the taking part that counts, however, and the moment I board the 141-passenger TUI Al Horeya in Luxor, I’m thrilled to be here – exploring the antiquities, tombs and temples of ancient Egypt has been a lifelong dream.

What’s onboard TUI Al Horeya?

This is the first TUI River Cruises ship to sail down the River Nile (it launched in winter 2024), and my cabin is roomy, modern, bright and has a French balcony with a great river view.

There are five decks in total. The top deck feels decadently oversized with a pool (the first TUI river ship to have one) as well as a pair of hot tubs, a bar and ample loungers and chairs. Yes, this is a cultural voyage, but stints by the pool in between temple visits (the Egyptian sun is strong even in winter) will be very welcome.

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What do TUI Al Horeya Nile cruises visit?

The seven-night TUI Nile cruise starts with a couple of overnights in Luxor and day one sets the tone for the rest of the week. Morning is spent visiting the Valley of the Kings; the afternoon is for chilling poolside. The Valley of the Kings is the region’s biggest hitter in terms of must-sees. It’s here that ancient Pharaohs were buried alongside treasure in opulent tombs.

Narrow tunnels plunge underground towards their burial chambers, and every inch of the walls and ceilings is covered in ancient hieroglyphics and paintings. There are images of Kings, Queens, birds, monkeys and more, each telling a different story, their colours and intricacy mind-boggling considering they’re 3,000 years old.

Inside the tomb of Rameses VI lies a gargantuan sarcophagus; as for Tutankhamun’s tomb, that still has his mummified body inside! Gory, yes, but voyeuristically fascinating.

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Do TUI Nile cruises include excursions?

There’s an extensive range of TUI Nile cruise excursions available, none expensive and a couple included. Of course, you’re free to explore independently, but the ship does have two resident Egyptologists who guide its tours.

Their knowledge is invaluable as they explain what the ancient hieroglyphics mean – they’ll even turn your name into one – and are a continual font of other useful information. I learn how, of all the 65 or so burial tombs discovered at the Valley of Kings, Tutankhamun’s was the only one found with its treasure still inside – the rest had all been raided.

And at Karnak Temple the next day (one of my favourites), I learn that its 134 perfectly intact towering pillars (built a whopping 1,250 years before Christ!) were the film set for James Bond’s The Spy Who Loved Me. I also learn how there would have been more obelisks here if the Egyptian government hadn’t donated some as diplomatic gifts. One is now in London (called Cleopatra’s Needle) and the other is at the centre of Place de la Concorde in Paris!

How does the Egyptologist feel about these precious artefacts having been dispersed across the world? “I think of them as ambassadors for our country. Tourists will see them elsewhere, and it will encourage them to come to Egypt to see more.” Very diplomatic!

– READ MORE: Sailawze’s complete guide to cruising the Nile –

Are TUI Nile river cruises all-inclusive?

Yes! TUI Al Horeya is an all-inclusive Nile cruise all-inclusive and the bar’s stocked with an extensive range of Egyptian wine – who knew Egypt even made wine? None will win any awards, but the Shahrazade rose is dry, full-bodied and slips down nicely. So too do the many roasts (meat and fish) and tagines dished up by our master chef. His aubergine stews and stuffed peppers are particularly tasty. And at lunchtime,e there are also kebabs, wraps and salads served on the top deck.

The biggest thrill comes when we finally set sail down the Nile and head towards Aswan. There’s plenty to ogle on the riverbanks from grazing cows and donkeys to locals who’ve come to wave. At one point, there’s a narrow lock to negotiate, and only ships that are 14.5m or less in width can make it – ours squeezes just in.

I’m lying on a sun lounger, eyes closed as we’re pootling south when suddenly there’s a shriek and talk of a pirate as an Egyptian sailor chases our ship and ties his boat to ours. Turns out he’s a trader (this is apparently common practice) trying to flog merchandise. Tablecloths to be precise. He unfurls a massive piece of material. “Who’d like to buy one?” he calls. A dozen or so fellow guests end up purchasing and the trader’s a great throw as he tosses the goods up.

TUI Al Horeya activities and entertainment

The great thing about a cruise down the River Nile is the variety. You can enjoy a temple visit in the morning, sunbathe in the afternoon and attend either a ship lecture or a line dancing class around teatime. Onboard entertainment isn’t always about mummifying fellow guests on this Nile river cruise. There are also quizzes, discos and native performances of the whirling dervish. One thing’s for sure – you’ll never be bored.

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What to see and do on a TUI Nile river cruise

History veers more towards the present day when we reach Aswan, where you can visit the hotel that Agatha Christie stayed in while writing Death on the Nile, as well as stop by the High Dam, built in the 1960s to prevent the Nile from flooding.

The very creation of this dam flooded several islands (and temples) at the heart of the river, some of which were moved to save them, such as Philae Temple. This is definitely worth a visit, as is Elephantine Island, home to the Nubian people who have a separate cultural identity and language from the Egyptians. They’ll even invite you into their homes so you can see how they live.

And you mustn’t leave without riding in a Felucca – a traditional Egyptian sailing boat. They’re everywhere on the Nile and cheap to take. Traders will often ply these boats too – I pick up a stylish necklace and bracelet for a couple of quid each.

The trick to enjoying a River Nile cruise is to pace yourself – it’s possible to fill every hour with a different tour, though I would advise against it. Some of the sites and their ancient history are so mind-blowing that you need time to process it all.

The ship returns to Luxor for a couple of nights at the end of its cruise on the Nile and, for one final treat, there’s a bucket list excursion guaranteed to leave you on a high: a hot air balloon ride. It costs a bargain £79pp and is an adventure like no other.

Does it feel foolhardy to take to the skies in a wicker basket? Yes, somewhat, but once we’re up in the air, it also feels unexpectedly gentle and safe, gliding over temples, tombs and the Sahara, watching our shadow drift along the sand, 1,500 feet (457m) below.

A cruise down the Nile is one of the world’s great voyages and is a trip that offers it all – culture, history and a sense of adventure as well as the chance to relax in the sun. And TUI’s new ship Al Horeya is the perfect ship to do it on, offering a quality, good value experience where you’re looked after from start to finish. Get lucky and you might even find yourself being mummified too!

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