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| Details | |
|---|---|
| Bedrooms | 5 |
| Bathrooms | 5 |
| Sleeps | 10 |
| Other | |
| Suitability |
|---|
| No Pets |
| Suitable for Elderly |
| FlipKey traveler rating |
| 22 reviews |
| Stayed here? Write a review. |
Get the real scoop!
All reviews are written by verified travelers
Details
| Rental type | Other |
| Minimum Stay | 5 nights |
| Bedrooms |
5 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Bathrooms |
5 Total
Show Details ►
|
| Sleeps | 10 |
| Suitability |
Pet friendlyNo Smoking allowedAsk Suitable for childrenAsk Suitable for the elderlyYes Wheelchair accessibleNo |
| Theme | Historic, Luxury, Romantic, Away from it all, River, Waterfront |
Description from the owner
Awarded 'TOP VACATION RENTAL WINNER 2012' by FlipKey.
Rated 'EXCELLENT' by TripAdvisor & FlipKey
Based on the West Bank of the Nile in Luxor, Princess Donia is a British-owned and run luxurious dahabeeyah sailing ship, offering a unique experience for those seeking to get away from it all. This romantic 36m ship will take you on a magical sailing trip from Luxor to Aswan. Imagine sitting on deck and enjoying the amazing views in wonderful tranquil silence and see the many ancient Egyptian monuments, temples, tombs and scenes beside the Nile that have not changed in thousands of years.
With only 5 double ensuite cabins and a...Read more
Amenities
Location
DAHABEEYAH PRINCESS DONIA - Nile Cruise
Luxor, Nile River Valley, Egypt
What's Nearby:
Additional Location Information
Location Type Away from it all, River, Waterfront
Rates
Rates shown in $ USD (Rental listed originally in GBP) (change)
| Date | Weeknight | Weekend Night | Weekly | Monthly | Minimum Stay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rate Summary | $181 | $181 | $0 | $0 | 5 nights |
| All Dates | $181 | $181 | - | - | 5 nights |
| Can't find rates for your travel dates? Contact the owner | |||||
Additional notes from owner
Includes airport transfers, accommodation, all meals and snacks, tea and coffee, bottled water and free internet access. £120 GBP per person per night.
Availability
AvailableUnavailable Last updated: May 20, 2013 ◀▶
What Past Guests Are Saying
Overall Rating
ExcellentVery Good
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paulcwr
waysout of this world experience
Left on 05/20/2013 for a stay in April 2013
we had a 5 day cruise on the Princess Donia from Louxor to aswan. The boat is magnificient, incredibly comfortable and clean and the crew are the nicest people you can imagine. They know the Nile better than anyone, willing to go the extra mile for us, as for example setting up a gala diner in front of a temple on a beach where we really felt we owned the world. The food is delicious and very varied. We were there with 3 children from 6 to 10 and the crew were absolutely adorable and very patient. Could not recommend anything more than this.
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steve chalcraft
guildford , surreySo you want a relaxing holiday ?
Left on 04/19/2013 for a stay in March 2013
What a lovely sailing boat . All your needs catered for and the attention to detail is so good. The staff are fantastic and so quick at providing coffee/tea when asked.The variety of local cuisine was very good.The weather was perfect and not too hot with the cooling breeze of sailing. The rooms are so comfortable and the air con worked so well, although it is not really needed at this time of year.
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Ben Svendsen
LondonOnce in a lifetime
Left on 04/11/2013 for a stay in March 2013
This was the first time I had travelled to Egypt and on the Princess Donia, and I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone.
The boat was furnished to a very high standard and this was reflected in the comfortable stay. The boat has no engines on board, apart from a small generator, and this meant that even while sailing early in the morning (well before waking) there is very little noise and you can sleep in as long as you would like to.
The food was of a high standard and was mainly a form of local cuisine and breakfast being western. Throughout the whole trip no one had any stomach issues and great care was taken to ensure no risks were taken.
The tours that were organise were fantastic and we were accompanied by local guides as well a member of the crew. This provided useful as they would turn away people hassling us and all your prices were taken care of so there was no stress in thinking you were being ripped of by the locals.
I could go on and on about the trip but in short it was a fantastic trip and should be done by anyone at least once in their lives! Highly recommended. -
Larry_Brotherton
St. Albans, United KingdomA magical river adventure with spectaular sights and the best of
Left on 04/09/2013 for a stay in March 2013
We joined the graceful Princess Donia for a 7-day cruise from Luxor to aswan (and back), in late March, and received faultless service from the moment we were cheerfully greeted at Luxor airport to the time we were (reluctantly) taken back for our flight at the end of our holiday. The way you spend your days is really down to you, relaxed or energetic, but for my first visit to Egypt I was itching to see the magnificent historical sites along the Nile, as well as relax. The day trips are organised to avoid the midday heat, so expect an early breakfast now and again! The tours are led by dedicated, knowledgeable and friendly guides, with a love of their subject and an inside track at some of the sites. The crew ensured that we were safely accompanied at all times and took care of the road and boat transport, entry fees and tips, leaving us to enjoy the sights (these charges are settled on account at the end of the hol). Back on board the Princess, a generous lunch is served as you enjoy the hypnotic sounds of being 'under sail' for the first time. In the afternoon, there is masses of space on deck to sunbathe, sit in the shade and chat or find a quiet corner to read or simply watch the world go by. Wi-fi is available if the business world can't get by without you, or you can't bear missing out on what your friends had for breakfast (just joshin', it is very useful...). Below deck, the cabins are fitted with very effective air-con, have good bathrooms and wardrobe space (with more clothes hangers than any hotel I've ever stayed in) and are perfectly tended by the crew. The evenings start over a drink in the salon and continue with a relaxed, sociable dinner, sometimes spectactularly sited on the river bank, with the table floodlit from 'the Princess' and a candle trail to guide you to your seat (but I expect you've already dined out at a private table on the banks of the Nile! ;-). The crew members are delightful and nothing is too much trouble for them - a lost pair of sunglasses launched a land and water-based search that would have made Gil Grissom proud... Btw, when you speak with the owners, I recommend that you ask how the Princess was built and the way that she is administered today and you'll get an insight into the camaraderie that exists and why she is genuinely special. My final word goes to our fellow travellers, who turned a stunning trip into a memorable holiday. Thoroughly recommended - go and see for yourself!
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Lesley
GuildfordFantastically, relaxing cruise.
Left on 04/04/2013 for a stay in March 2013
There is no other way to take a cruise down the River Nile. This has to be the most relaxing, enjoyable way to see all the sights. We had 3 hot meals a day and afternoon tea and biscuits (very civilized). All the staff were absolutely fantastic and attentive. The excursions were wonderful and so well organised, it was all dealt with by the Captain of the ship, who also organised guides for the temples and tombs. If you ever want to go on a cruise this is the way to do it, it was so memorable and relaxing.
Response from Lee Allan - 04/08/2013
Owner
Thank you for the high praise for Princess Donia and we are so pleased that you enjoyed your Nile cruise with us. We look forward to welcoming you back one day in the future.
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dm
CairoAn amazing Dahabeeyah with a fantastic crew!
Left on 12/02/2012 for a stay in October 2012
Our cruise down the Nile on the Princess Donia was a wonderful trip and I would highly recommend booking this Dahabeeya. Why do one of the large cruise ships when you can really do something special? And the Princess Donia is very special.
Captain Hassan and his entire crew, especially Khalil the steward, were amazing! They did everything they could to make sure we were all happy, comfortable, well fed, entertained and safe.
The boat is large and well maintained. We only had four in our group but there clearly was enough space, even for a fully booked trip, for everyone to find a quiet space to stake out on deck to sit and watch the scenery go by. The rooms were spacious and clean, the bathrooms spotless and the showers had great hot water pressure. The onboard chef prepared all meals and everything tasted delicious. It was served family style and there was always more food than we could finish.
The captain made all of the arrangements for our excursions and in most cases paid for them upfront so that we wouldn't have to negotiate prices for cars or guides. We would just pay him back when we returned to the boat. It was very hassle free, everything was very reasonably priced and the services were always excellent
On a few occasions, when a hired guide wasn't an option, Captain Hassan accompanied our group. He put on his traditional galabiya and led us through a small village where we stopped in a friend's home for tea, and he also hiked with us around the Temple of Horemheb (his favorite site), near aswan. He seemed to be known and respected by many of the locals, and in turn we felt welcome by everyone as well.
If you are going to do a Dahabeeya trip on the Nile, try to arrange your schedule so that you can sail from Luxor to aswan. That way you'll end your trip in a more peaceful area.
And make sure you book your trip on the Princess Donia you will not be disappointed!!!
Response from Lee Allan - 12/18/2012
Owner
Thank you for your review of your experience on board Princess Donia. We are delighted that you and your group enjoyed the cruise so much. We are so very fortunate to have such a dedicated and wonderful crew and we hope that one day you will return to visit us again.
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dmckoski
CairoI would rate this as one of my best vacations!
Left on 11/26/2012 for a stay in October 2012
What better way to sail down the Nile than with the crew of the Princess Donia. The boat and crew were beyond my expectations. Rooms were spacious and comfortable and were cleaned on a daily basis. The meals were the best I've had after being in Egypt for 3 months. There was a variety of food at each meal and more than enough to eat. The crew was friendly and made sure we had everything we needed - arranging excursions, providing refreshments on our return from visiting temples, and providing entertaining conversations. If you are going to cruise the Nile this is the only way to go. Great boat and a great crew.
Response from Lee Allan - 12/18/2012
Owner
Thank you for your high recommendation for the Princess Donia. We pride ourselves to give all our guests the very best experience possible, so it is very pleasing to hear that you enjoyed your cruise so much.
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ExSeaDog
MontrealSailing into Paradise
Left on 06/25/2012 for a stay in October 2010
Our group was fortunate enough to have the entire vessel to ourselves, Including the owners suite with its private balcony. The Princess was as gorgeous as advertised, and the crew was attentive to our every need. This was a 4 star experience from the moment we were welcomed on board (hot towels and ice cold lemonade) until the moment the crew lined up to wish us farewell and safe travels. The goodbye dinner included a cake baked by Mohamed and decorated with the inscription "We sad you go".
Captain Hassan ran a tight ship, and the Chief Steward Kahlil was one of the keys to the success of our voyage as he seemed to anticipate our every need.
The side trips ashore were nothing short of amazing, especially our stopover on market day in the town of Rimahdi(?) Our visit included a stop for tea at the house of a friend of Captain Hassan. They welcomed us into their home with open arms and we were treated to an amazing insight into this tiny riverbank village. The sights,sounds and smells of market day will stay with me forever.
Our shoreside dinner in the shadow of the Temple of Horemheb at Gebel Silsila can only be described as magical. Our daytime sojourn into the desert behind the temple was like a stroll across the lunar surface - talk about a study in contrasts!
After reading hundreds of pages about Nile cruises, we opted to spend a little extra money and sail on the Princess Donia. And was it worth every Euro!!! The choice of being packed into a crowded dining salon with hundreds of strangers versus sharing the alfresco dining on the open upper deck served by the ever-attentive Kahlil wasn't really much of a choice at all. Princess Donia wins. Hands down.
This was a vacation we will never forget. Luxor, Karnak, Hormeheb, Edfu, Kom Ombo, Philae, Abu Simbel - magical places, magical memories.
Was there a downside? Slightly. Don't be put off by the approach to the embarkation point. Definitely downscale, but apparently necessitated by local regulations for the mooring of the dahabeyas. Your experience will immediately improve the moment you step onboard. The only other downside was the generator bumping and farting to life at 6 am daily, but putting a positive spin on it, it got me on deck to greet the new dawn and enjoy a morning coffee with Captain Hassan.
The food that came out of that tiny galley every mealtime was nothing short of amazing, a menu of local specialties including local fish, pigeon and many we cannot remember the names of. Gastronomic heaven? Perhaps not, but interesting, varied, different (for us) tasty and plentiful.
A thoroughly enjoyable experience that I would (and have) recommend to anyone, and would hope to one day repeat.Response from Lee Allan - 07/09/2012
Owner
Thank you for your recent review of your stay on Princess Donia in October 2010. We are delighted that you had a thoroughly enjoyable and memorable experience. We would just like to clarify that the embarkation point was temporary and as you rightly say, due to regulations but was changed shortly after your visit and also the generator was replaced too. We look forward to welcoming you back one day and thank you for your recommendation.
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RFF
Reading UKA little piece of heaven
Left on 05/27/2012 for a stay in March 2012
As a group of 10, we booked the Princess Donia all inclusive for a 7 day journey from Esna to aswan and back to Luxor. It was exactly as described--all inclusive. We wanted for nothing. The staff was fantastic--anything we wanted to do or see was never any trouble and our wallets never had to come out at any time. The food was great, the lemon juice waiting for us at the end of our tours, the cocktails in the evenings, the wine with dinner, all was wonderful. The boat itself is amazing. Very comfortable and clean, the the mooring spots along the Nile were chosen with care for their beauty and serenity. Sitting on deck in the early morning watching the birds just a few feet away was delightful. It was a totally different Egypt than you see from the road or the bigger boats. I can't think of anything that could have been made better. It was a magical week of relaxation and adventure surrounded by good friends and a welcoming staff that all of us will remember for a very long time to come.
Response from Lee Allan - 06/05/2012
Owner
We are so happy that your recent trip on the Princess Donia was such a pleasure for you all, we take great pride in offering the best Nile experience possible. Thank you.
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Pauline.
HartlepoolMagical from beginning to end.
Left on 12/10/2011 for a stay in November 2011
My husband and I have just had the most amazing holiday on board the Princess Donia.Our normal holidays are Sandy Lane Barbados,Reethi Rah Maldives,Marbella Club Spain etc etc which are all 5 star that being the standard we are accustomed to. We have never been to Egypt let alone going on board a Sailing Boat all I can say what a brilliant experience from our welcome on board,meeting our fellow passengers,cruising up the Nile embarking to see wonderful Eygptian History it was awe inspiring.
The attention to detail on board the Princess Donia was outstanding from wonderful staff for whom nothing was too much trouble,meals served on board elegantly and tastefully presented.
This was a truly 5star plus experience and anyone contemplating a holdiay in Eygpt where I can assure you we were met with the utmost kindness should look at the video on the net of the Princess Donia. If you want the holiday of a life time we can truly recommend it,the Princess Donia certainly lives up to its name as we were treat like royalty whilst on board. -
Maureen Stephens
CaterhamA most amazing a memorable holiday we have ever experienced
Left on 12/09/2011 for a stay in December 2011
We had such a wonderful week on the Dahabeeyah Princess Donia the service was first class the crew so lovely and could not do enough for us to make our holiday so different, we have been on many cruises but this was amazing.The accomadation was very good,clean and well thought out.We sailed along the Nile and stopped at locations that the big cruise ships could not get into therefore we saw many beautiful sights,temples and daily life of the Egyptian people, Captain Hassan arranged all the tours etc and an expert guide took us around the Valley of the Kings, Karnak,just to name a few also in the Soukes one of the crew would do the bartering for us.We loved being entertained by the crew of 8 they sang and played their instruments, must not forget the food it was good plentiful and very varied.we would with out a doubt hope to sail on the Princess Donia again.
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Jacqui Taylor
New Barnet, HertsAn experience of a lifetime travelling the Nile in Style
Left on 08/18/2011 for a stay in July 2011
"The Nile in Style”
My trip on the Princess Donia from Luxor to aswan was a pure slice of heaven! Travelling the Nile in style is a once in a lifetime experience
The elegance and opulance of dining in front of a 3000year old Mausoleum with the voice of Mario Lanza seranading us from the Dahabeeyah will remain in my heart for ever.
The crew are excellent - attending to your every need, the accomodation is beautiful and the food is top class.
The private tours of the temples and tombs are well arranged and organised to suit both the heat of the day and the requests of the client.
The priviledge of being treated like the Queen of the Nile made it difficult to return home without leaving part of my heart behind me.
I have travelled extensively throughout the world but nothing can compare to seeing the sunrise over the Nile - the beauty and stillness of the rising sun reflected on the mirrored water, the silouettes of the tiny boats and early morning fisherman are a photographers dream. The sound of the gentle lapping of the water on the sides of the sailing boat and the breeze blowing through the sails. Perfect peace !
Even finishing the day with evenings of Jazz, traditional dancing, the crew band, dressing for dinner and the movie "Death on the Nile” all made the experience a unique pleasure.
Treat yourself to the luxury and elegance of The Princess Donia - An experience of a lifetime travelling the Nile in Style
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Mostafa Abd El Daiem
Luxor, EgyptTrip of a lifetime
Left on 07/15/2011 for a stay in July 2011
I want to thank everyone who joined me on the trip on princess Donia ,because what i felt is somthing that i cannot describe in words , because what i saw and what i felt would fill a book.It was a very new experience for me with people that I met for the first time, but after a while i felt that we were all one family.
I have traveled before, but never felt like this until I traveled on the princess Donia, from the beginning till the end. The crew were very kind and accommodating. Actually I didn't want this trip to finish. This also was a new feeling. I really enjoyed this trip also because of the sights that can only be visited by princess Donia and are not allowed with other boats. As a tour guide I can say that I really enjoyed every day during my trip, and my wife and I are already planning our 2nd trip on Princess Donia.
I invite every Egypt Lover to experience this trip and to enjoy the life that the Nile gives to Egypt.
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crocivaglio
mandachcharming and peaceful
Left on 02/22/2011 for a stay in September 2010
We just came back from a trip on the Nile and we feel very
privileged to have been able to spend 6 fabulous days on the dahabeya the
Princess Donia. What charm and what peace! Captain Hassan and his crew have
been most kind and efficient and the young cook is a talented chef with
great potential. We are not luxury travellers and on our trips we always
look for genuine and quiet places. We feel that we have found the best
solution on Princess Donia. -
Karl & Cheryl G
Naples Florida USAUnforgettable!
Left on 02/15/2011 for a stay in November 2007
From my initial email inquiry to our return home, owner Lee allan plus Captain Hassan and his crew made our honeymoon cruise an unforgettable experience of a lifetime. Our every need was taken care of and nothing was too much trouble for anyone! Our only regret is that we did not have anyone to share this fantastic time with as we hired the Donia exclusively for our cruise - we lost count of the times we both said "I wish soandso was here to see/experience this.? Would we go back and sail the Donia again? In a heartbeat!
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flashydavid
LondonFab ship, amazing cruise, top service
Left on 01/24/2011 for a stay in January 2011
I highly rated the Princess Donia, her crew and the agents we booked through Egypt Oriental Tours. Sayeed who handled our booking was amazing he gave us an outstanding level or service and was of great help when we had issues with our flights due to the weather.
Anyway the ship is amazingly clean, the crew are really friendly and very helpful. The food is great too - almost like having your own short order chef. There were 6 guests in total on the ship which could comfortably accommodate about 20. The other guests were very nice as well which made a difference.
The guide was very well informed and spoke excellent English - also he was not the sort of guide who is taking kick backs from the local shop keepers to take you to their carpet shop or whatever - seen lots of those.
I very rarely go to the same place again after I have been there but would seriously consider doing this trip again.
I was a bit concerned about wiring money to Egypt but this turned out to not be a problem. There was a chap to meet us at the airport and it was all sorted. -
MirjamNL
AmsterdamBeautiful and relaxing - the way to see Egypt
Left on 01/16/2011 for a stay in January 2011
Just came back from the Esna-Aswan cruise on the Princess Donia. An ideal way to see the various ancient sites along the way, while taking in the beauty of the Nile and relaxing in the sun. Very friendly, cheerful and helpful crew. Great service and great food. While heading south it is very nice that the boat goes just by sail whenever it can. Plenty of time to explore the various temples and we happened to have an excellent guide as well (Ismael), who had answers to literally all of our questions. Everything was very well organized and the whole experience was definitely worth the money.
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Anya
New York CityA Relaxing and enjoyable stay
Left on 01/16/2011 for a stay in January 2011
We spent four nights on the Princess Donia and booked our trip through Oriental Travel which we found online. The price was quite reasonable and we lucked out as there were only two other couples on the trip with us and we got along with them very well.
I am no boat expert but the cabins were larger than the Blue Cruise I took in Turkey and the food was better as well. The staff were super friendly and helpful and they actually put up the sails from time to time. The boat has no engine so when we needed to move quickly, we were towed by another shop. There is one computer with internet on the boat (no wifi) and the kindly staff do laundry.
Our tour was very relaxed and focused on the greatest hits. We saw a lot of sights on the first day and then otherwise spent most of the time on the boat, reading and looking at the view, getting off the boat to see one major temple. Aswan and Luxor has endless possibilities so if you want to see more than the basics, I would suggest staying a few extra days at either end of your visit. -
GL
Cheshire UKGreat for Corporate Events
Left on 05/01/2010 for a stay in September 2008
We took a team from a telecom company for as a reward for achievement. We
had a fantastic time and the atmosphere and ambience was perfect for
bonding, creating new strategies and setting new and higher goals.
I would highly recommend it for small companies to treat their special clients
or top achievers.
Totally different and exciting as well as relaxing and very calming. -
jenny.allan86
hartlepoooltotally different to anything you could imagin and fabulous!
Left on 04/29/2010 for a stay in February 2007
i went on the princess donia in febuary 2007.
the ship was a lovely size with crew that would do anything for you and your needs.
it had air conditioning, luxury bedrooms and bathroom and a gorgeous upper deck to relax on.
the ship was so individual in the services it provided.. one night we moored up to a bank on the side of the nile, where the crew lit a fire and the chef cooked a fabulous meal. we huddled round the fire till late then retired to our luxury rooms.
what i found very nice about the boat was the fact that you could please your self, nothing was too set in stone.. you could eat/drink/ relax whenever you pleased.
also everyting felt as though it was taken care of, you didnt have to worry about a thing.
i would highly recommend Princess Donia to anyone.
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Deri LD
LondonJust Fabulous
Left on 04/13/2010 for a stay in February 2008
From the moment we stepped on board we were treated like the original egyptian kings who must have used a similar transport so many years ago.
The rooms were immaculate and the boat had the originality of pure egypt but with the modern luxuries thrown in.
Everything was perfect, the food, the tours, the service. I cannot recommened this experience more highly. -
Barry Dunn
North East EnglandMy dream sail on the nile
Left on 04/13/2010 for a stay in March 2010
The Princess Donia ,the scenary, the accomadation, the glorious food quality,the weather, Captain Hassan and crew were all perfect, and we will be going again and again, a dream that came true -the very best sailing boat on the Nile.
Barry & Barbara Dunn
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