Nile Jewel 5 Star Nile Cruise and the Red Sea

I am writing this to provide a critical warning to anyone considering booking an Egypt package through Travelodeal. My experience on the MS Nile Jewel in March 2026 was not just a "bad holiday"; it was a systemic failure that resulted in financial extortion. The "Double Payment" Shakedown Despite paying Travelodeal in full months in advance, their local supplier, Hvezda (Hevezda), failed to pay the cruise operator. Mid-trip, the ship’s management informed us that we would be removed from our cabins unless we settled the bill personally. I was forced to pay an additional £420 (approx. 22,050 EGP) out of my own pocket just to have a place to sleep. The Upgrade Scam I specifically paid for an upgrade to a 2nd/3rd-floor cabin. Upon arrival, I was placed on the 1st floor (water level) near the noisy bow/crew quarters. I met six other independent travelers on this boat—strangers before this trip—and every single one of us had the same experience: we were all downgraded despite paying for upgrades, and we were all forced to pay the ship again. This is clearly a systemic business practice, not an "operational glitch" - which is what travelodeal claims. Appalling Customer Support Dealing with Travelodeal’s support (specifically an agent named Spencer) has been a nightmare. Despite providing clear receipts of the double payment multiple times, they continue to claim the documents are "missing" or "not verifiable." They are currently offering a measly £200 "goodwill gesture," which doesn't even cover the money they forced me to pay to the ship. Summary of Failures: Breach of Contract: Paid upgrades were not provided. Financial Misconduct: Failure to pay local suppliers, leaving guests to settle the agency's debts. Bad Faith Negotiation: Stalling and ignoring clear evidence of out-of-pocket losses. I have initiated a Section 75 claim with my credit card provider and a formal dispute with ABTA. If you value your money and your sanity, do not book with Travelodeal or any itinerary involving Hvezda (Hevezda) Egypt. You will be held to ransom for services you have already paid for.

My boyfriend and I went the first week of March 2026, and yes, that is when the war in Iran started. We were all perfectly safe and felt very insulated within our tour, which was led by Samar, and she is an outstanding leader! We started by going to the pyramids and our day was very well-paced. Samar helped negotiate camel rides for those of us doing that. That night we flew to Aswan from Cairo. With timeless tours, we flew business class while people from other tour group groups with our group did not. Likewise, when we were on the Nile Cruise ship, we were the only ones with a suite. Some of our excursions were included while others had to pay. Times Tours goes above and beyond. We saw all the major temples and sites and Samar gave us valuable information that even as someone who taught and studied Egypt for years, I learned so much more! The tours were well-timed with enough downtime to relax. We flew in a day early and went to the new Grand Egyptian Museum which I highly recommend. The resort in Hurghada to end the trip was wonderful, right on the beach and with lots of restaurants. Our only complaint is that they definitely watered down all their liquor. Other guests agreed. Fortunately we bought our own booze at the duty free when we landed in Aswan. The room was very spacious with a living room and large balcony. The Jaz Pyramid Hotel was also lovely with attentive staff. Lovely surroundings. I highly recommend you book with Timeless Tours and you must see Egypt! Again, very safe with wonderful people.