Etoile Du Nil - Dale & Sue. Date of travel: Apr 2008
This ship is not five star as it claims to be, it 3 at best, sun loungers are filthy, stairs on to top deck are the same as is the carpet down to the lower decks, food was not bad at all and the staff tried hard to please. You're told what you have to tip at the start and its a £50 English for crew and the tour guide even if you haven't booked any trips!He still wants his cut, I don't like being told how much I should tip and I seem to remember tipping to be a goodwill gesture and not a demand! Needless to say they didn't get the full amount they asked for. There are a lot of better ships on the Nile and my advice is to use one of them, most of, if not all, our fellow travellers were of the same opinion. The drinks are extortionate at £4.60 per pint and you're charged for water at your table with your evening meal. The orange squash and blackcurrant at breakfast are horrible, weak and a mile away from fresh juice, toast that you could use as tiles, yep it's that hard! I would really avoid this ship if you can.

Luxor - Claire Mitchell. Date of travel: May 2007
I have just stayed on this boat and thoroughly enjoyed our trip. Although some guests complained about the food, I thought it was of a good standard with a range of choice for each meal. Of course, if you go on a cruise in Egypt, the food is going to be somewhat different to that what you eat at home! The staff made every effort to ensure that guests were comfortable and our guide was excellent. I would recommend this holiday to anyone!