On the good ship, the SS Miriam

Continued from Day 8: Back to life, back to reality

The cruise ship that served as our mobile hotel for the first 4 nights in Egypt is the SS Miriam. Consisting of 3 decks of cabins, a lower deck which serves as the dining room and a sundeck, the cruise ship is one of many that ply the tourist route on the River Nile. I would say our ship lies in the middle class level as I see other ships more luxurious than the SS Miriam but also quite a few which are way more run down. There’s really nothing much to complain about the cruise ship. The fittings and decor are a bit faux luxurious but they try. And because this mobile hotel brings us to our next attraction while we sleep, a lot of time is saved plus we don’t have to sit for hours in the coach everyday. This way of holidaying is perfect.

The cabin itself is not big and is more utilitarian than luxurious but it serves its purpose. At least there are amenities like a hairdryer and when you ask for something from housekeeping, they appear almost instantaneously.

The sundeck is quite comfortable with a wading pool and covered areas with lots of deck chairs and some exercise treadmills and bicycles for those who want to work out after all that sumptuous food served on board. Having coffee and cake on the sundeck in the evening cruising on the Nile with a cool breeze blowing and enjoying the river scene is a really nice experience.

Food is Mediterranean buffet with wide varieties of delicious salads, breads, cheeses and choice of meats. The desserts are many kinds of pastries and fruits which always includes oranges. Oranges and mandarins are everywhere in Egypt.