Was I nuts for this? Maybe. But we had a great time! When my friend invited my daughter and me to go on a Nile cruise, I jumped at the chance. My husband and I had taken a Nile cruise on our first trip to Egypt, before our daughter was even a thought in our minds. After he passed away when she was just six months old, I wanted to make memories with her that also helped me remember my husband.
Why Take a Baby on a Nile Cruise
Why not? I love my daughter, and I want her to have a full life of experiences. Traveling in different ways is good for her brain and her development. Babies who travel are more adaptable as they grow up. If you’re traveling to Egypt with your baby, you are definitely “brave” enough to take the baby on a Nile cruise with you! Don’t miss out on this truly relaxing, beautiful experience when in Egypt. Baby will undoubtedly love it!
More here: Tips for Visiting Egypt with a Baby
Safety Concerns
If you’re at all worried about your safety in Egypt in general, please read this post all about Why Egypt is Safe to Visit (even for women!).
That aside, you may have some concerns about taking a baby on a boat–much as I did! As a single parent, I just don’t always have enough hands, feet, or eyes to keep up with my newly-mobilized baby girl. What if she toddled off the boat and into the Nile? What if she tumbled down the stairs? Dahabiyas (Nile cruise ships) are not inherently baby-friendly (the same as most of the world).
My personal solution was to bring our nanny with us. I felt better having those extra extremities to watch and chase after my daughter. I also bought this harness, with absolutely zero shame! She did great with it. I was on a leash as a wandering baby (I got lost at Disney World when I was 18 months old), and my daughter now has one, too. She loved wandering around all three levels of the boat, two of which were entirely enclosed. And honestly, the crew and other guests kept a close eye on her, too. My daughter was well taken care of and safe throughout the four-day cruise.
Still nervous? Look at photos or videos of the boat you’ll be sailing on. Check out the railings, balconies, stairs, etc. If you have specific concerns or questions (Are the balconies enclosed or is there space for a baby to slip through? What baby-friendly foods are going to be available?), e-mail your tour company and ask! They should know, or be able to find out–and if they don’t, that’s a red flag for a lot of other reasons!
(Coming soon) Keep reading: Your Sneak Peek at the VIP Pyramids Experience in Giza
What to Request in Advance
Speaking of boats not being inherently baby-friendly, the boat likely won’t have the same baby amenities readily available as a hotel would have. They can get what you need, of course, but they may need some time to find it. For instance, I couldn’t logistically make it work to bring my own travel crib (my nanny and I only have so many hands, after all), so I needed a crib for my room on the boat. They found an amazing one, made of solid wood and adjustable, but it took a few days to make sure they could have it ready on the day we arrived.
I also realized upon arrival that there was no good space to set up a diaper changing station. They came up with a small table for me to use, which was good. However, I could have asked about it sooner, and they may have come up with a better solution.
Read on: Tips for Solo Parenting on Long-haul Flights
Was it a Good Idea
Yes! We had a great time, and my daughter was safe and happy for the entirety of the trip. My concerns were not unfounded, of course, but they were easy to address. I wouldn’t have changed our trip to exclude the Nile cruise, and I’d even happily do it again! If a Nile cruise is on your “must do list,” do it. Don’t skip it because you’re unsure, or worried. Do what you need to do to keep your child safe, and enjoy yourselves at the same time.
Read next: The Ultimate Single Mom Hacks for Traveling with a Baby
Want more? Check out my dedicated Egypt Page!
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