Egypt Beyond the Nile: Abu Simbel by Boat

Aswan, Egypt. This is the city that postcards are made from. With it's surreal beauty and oriental flair, Aswan is a must see on every Egyptian tour. Two nights would be sufficient to explore this gem on the Nile, but you may also board a luxury cruiser for a five night tour of man-made Lake Nasser. This cruise will take you to far-reaching monuments from the New Kingdom pharoaonic era that few travelers ever see. Ramses II and Akhenaten have the two most distinct presence down here, with well-preserved temples and statuary. A longer seven night cruise is available that reaches to the border of Sudan, but you are required to have malaria and typhoid vaccinations if you choose to disembark outside of Egypt. For the five night cruise, remaining in Egyptian-owned Nubia, no shots are necessary.

The main attraction on Lake Nasser is nearly one hundred miles south of Aswan to the Temple of Abu Simbel.
This awe-inspiring structure is opened daily for a self guided walkthrough, and sound and light shows are performed at night. This massive structure, built by Ramses II, is perhaps the most incredible rock sculpture in history. Carved into the mountain, it houses countless chambers and anti-chambers all glorifing his majesty, with a second structure to the right honoring his beloved wife, Nefertari. Access to Abu Simbel is via airplane, flying in to Abu Simbel airport, or via boat from one on the three main luxury Lake Nasser cruisers. Cruises begin in Aswan, sailing Lake Nasser and terminate in Abu Simbel, where you'll board your flight back to Aswan or other major cities such as Cairo, Luxor or Alexandria.
www.bibleplaces.com/abusimbel.htm

The two best access routes to Abu Simbel are by flight from Aswan or by boat from the Lake Nasser cruises. Budget tour companies offer transport from Aswan by bus, but this is not recommended. They do not tell you that it's a nine hour journey through rickety terrain. For a one day excursion by airplane, expect to pay between $300 and $500 per person. This fee includes round trip airfare and a guided tour through the temples, however, meals are not provided as there are no restaurants in the vicinity. For handicapped travelers, assistance will be needed as the pathway to Abu Simbel is steep and unpaved. Wheelchair patrons are best served by taking the cruise. When booking for summer travel, be aware that the Lake Nasser cruisers move en route through the Tropic of Cancer, so expect extreme temperatures to reach into the 130 degree range. Late fall and winter tours are still hot, but much more manageable. There are three five-star cruisers available, each ship bringing it's own
personality to your adventure:

1.The M.S Eugenie is a Victorian British-style cruise ship with every five star comfort you will need. Suites on this ship are particularly spacious, with the Imperial Suite spanning the entire front portion of the upper deck, including an enormous private patio. The Ramses Suite, though ample in space, is about half the size of the Imperial. Standard cabins are spacious, beautifully decorated, and come with common area balconies. Entertainment is found in Eugenie's three lounges: The Cat Bar, the Main Lounge and The Safari Lounge. Booking for this ship may be done through Eugenie's webpage, or may be booked with a tour company offering a Lake Nasser cruise.
www.eugenie.com.eg/eugenie/ship.htm

2.The M.S. Prince Abass is owned and operated by the respected Swiss Movenpick hotel chain. The cabins are moderate in size and decor, and each cabin comes with your very own bug spray and fly swatter. The staff was wonderful and the price is a bit lower than the Eugenie. For some quiet study time to research the monuments you will visit, the Prince Abass has an extensive library with Egyptology and archaeology material for you to enjoy. There are no belly dancers on this ship, but rather a Nubian music and dance show is performed on the last night of the cruise, completing a final night of wonderful African culture. Easy booking can be done on your own with Movenpick or buy a Lake Nasser package deal from a tour group.
www.travelinstyle.com/egypt/PrinceAbbasNewPhotos/index.htm

3. The M.S. Kasir Ibrim is the third choice for your Nubian adventure, offering state of the art facilities with a spunky art deco design. This beautiful cruiser may be booked independently from their website, but is recommended to buy it with a tour company offering Lake Nasser excursions. The Kasir Ibrim, along with the Eugenie and Prince Abbas, travel the same route and offer the same excursions; your only choice to make is the design and amenities of your ship.
www.kasribrim.com.eg/kasribrim/cabins.htm

For those who wish to stay overnight in Abu Simbel, there is only one hotel befitting to American standards, The Seti Hotel, located at the Tourist Village near the monuments. Prices start in the low $200's and must be booked well in advance, as the Seti Hotel primarily caters to tour companies.
www.touregypt.net/magazine/mag06012001/mag8c.htm