M.S. Da Vinci
Page 1 of 3GENERAL INFORMATION
ESNA LOCK
Esna Lock will be closed between 01 - 16 December 2007 and 01 – 30 June 2008 for essential repairs and maintenance. During this time the boat will moor at Esna, not Luxor. Visits to Luxor will be made by coach (approx. 45 minutes).
ENGINE NOISE
Due to a limited number of piers in Luxor and Aswan, boats will be moored alongside each other which may result in engine noise and smells. Although the motors are stopped, it is necessary to keep the generators and boat ventilation systems operating at all times.
BOAT’S RATING
The boat’s rating is given by the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism as a guideline only. It should not be confused with or compared to the usual international star ratings.
SERVICE AND LANGUAGE
The service crew are Egyptian and they all speak very good English, as does the Egyptian Boat Manager. The Tour Leader and Guides will be available to answer any queries and to ensure you have an enjoyable cruise. All announcements are made in English.
DINING ARRANGEMENTS
All meals are informal and tables are pre-allocated. You will be advised of your table reservation soon after arrival but should you wish to make any changes please contact the Maitre d’Hotel. Table sizes on board are for 6 or 8 persons.
Any special requests regarding seating arrangements can be made before departure from the UK but, whilst we will always endeavour to meet them, these cannot be guaranteed.
Meal times will vary according to the excursion programme(s) of the day and will be posted on the bulletin board in the reception area. It is important for you to check the bulletin board for information before or after dinner every day.
SMOKING POLICY
A strict non-smoking policy operates in the restaurant and cabins. There are no other designated non-smoking areas on the boat so please show consideration for others when smoking in public areas. When on deck, smokers are asked to ensure that cigarettes are thoroughly extinguished and not thrown overboard as they can easily be blown back on to the boat causing a fire hazard. Pipe smokers are asked not to extinguish their pipes on the deck rails.
PASSPORTS
On embarkation you will be asked to hand in your passport to reception for registration purposes. This will be given back to you on the day of disembarkation.
GOING ASHORE
When M.S. Da Vinci arrives at a destination customers are asked to be in reception at least 5-10 minutes before the time the tour is due to commence. The Tour Leader will make an announcement for you to proceed ashore.
Sailing times will be shown on the bulletin board. Please return to M.S. Da Vinci at least 30 minutes before this time.
EXCURSIONS
Visits to Abu Simbel and Cairo may involve the change of Tour Guide and you may join another English speaking group not on an African Safari Club holiday.
Do not forget to take strong footwear or walking shoes as some of the excursions involve walking over rough terrain and/or for long distances, or may include some climbing. You should speak to your Tour Leader on board if you have any concerns, or if you have any medical condition that may prevent you from participating.
TRAVELLING AROUND
During some visits tourists travelling by road may be accompanied by a police convoy and you should not be alarmed by this. This is a government regulation which has been imposed for tourist safety purposes.
