We hope our Red Sea Cruise Travel guide will prove an invaluable source of reference for you, both when preparing for your cruise and whilst away.
Red Sea Travel Guide
PASSPORTS
All British passengers require a passport which must be valid for at least six months after your intended return to the UK.
If you are 16 or over and do not yet have a passport our recommendation is that you should apply for one at least six weeks before your holiday. From June 2007, first-time adult passport holders, and for those children applying for an adult passport that were previously included in a parent’s passport will need to have an interview as part of the passport application process. This does not apply to people who held their own passport as a child.
All children, from new-born babies to the age of 15, must now have their own individual passport. Once they reach their 16th birthday they then become eligible for a standard 10-year passport. Before 5th October 1998 many children were already included on a valid passport. These children can still continue to travel abroad with the passport holder until either the child reaches the age of 16 or the passport on which the child is included is submitted for amendment (remember, children cannot be re-added to passports which are submitted for amendment). In these circumstances, you will need to apply for separate passports for any children who were previously included on your passport. Once a child reaches 16 years of age they will require their own passport and their details must be removed from their parents’ passport.
Please note: These details may change and it is your responsibility to ensure that your passport is correct and valid.
VISAS
British passport holders require a visa to visit Egypt.
Egypt: Two separate transit visas for Egypt are required at a cost of 23 Euros (approx £15) per person per visa. The first can be obtained on arrival at Cairo airport and the second is obtained upon re-entry in to Egypt from Jordan.
Jordan: A visa is not required prior to departure. A free ASEZ (Aqaba Special Economic Zone) visa is given to clients on arrival at Aqaba port.
Further details can be found in our General Information Booklet which will be sent with your Confirmation Invoice.
If any of these details change or should new visa fees or any other tourist tax be imposed, we will write and let you know, time permitting. We regret that we cannot be held responsible for impositions such as this as they are totally beyond our control.
If you or any member of your party is not a British citizen or holds a non British passport, you must check passport and visa requirements with the Egyptian Consulate or Jordanian Embassy.
It is the responsibility of all passengers to ensure that they have the necessary documents and visas for travel to Egypt and Jordan. If failure to have any necessary travel or other documents results in fines, surcharges or other financial penalty being imposed on us, you will be responsible for reimbursing us accordingly.
VACCINATIONS
At the time of going to press there are no compulsory inoculation or vaccination requirements for entry into Egypt or Jordan. However, your GP will be able to tell you which vaccinations are currently recommended by the Department of Health and you should contact your doctor at least 8 weeks before departure. Whilst we understand malaria is not prevalent in Egypt or Jordan, we strongly recommend that you consult your GP or pharmacist for further advice.
YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
After we have received full payment and about 14 days before departure, we will send you your tickets and travel documents. Please check the flight timings on your tickets carefully, as they may have altered since publication of this brochure. Please also see clause 15 of our Booking Conditions.
YOUR LUGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Your luggage allowance is 20kg plus 3kg hand luggage. Luggage in excess of the allowance is at the airline's discretion and excess baggage charges will apply for all luggage which is over. Your baggage is the responsibility of the airline from check-in to recovery at your destination. Please also see clause 9 of our Booking Conditions.
SPECIAL NEEDS AND REQUESTS
Should you have any special requests such as dietary requirements for example, you should notify us in writing at the time of booking. Whilst African Safari Club will do everything possible to ensure your requests are met, we regret we are unable to guarantee them. Our holidays may not be entirely suitable for people with certain disabilities, poor mobility or special needs. If you would like advice, or if you are in any doubt, please telephone us.
THINGS TO TAKE WITH YOU
It is advisable to include the following items in your luggage: first-aid kit, insect repellent, torch, high-factor suntan lotion and diarrhoea pills. If you wear spectacles or contact lenses, we recommend that you take a spare pair.
YOUR HEALTH
In common with many tropical countries, general standards of hygiene and safety in Egypt and Jordan may differ from those in Europe. You should, therefore, exercise greater caution for your own protection and health. The risk of insect bites may be reduced by the use of repellent sprays and by covering up whenever possible, especially at night. To minimise the risk of stomach upset, you should avoid too much fruit, drinks with ice and excess sunbathing. Tap water should not be used as drinking water or for cleaning teeth. Bottled water is available on board M.S. Royal Star and during meals for a nominal charge.
When eating out, ensure to eat only in reputable establishments which conform to International health and hygiene standards.
Remember to take adequate supplies of any prescribed medication.
WHILST CRUISING
When visiting holy sites, synagogues, mosques etc., you may be required to observe customs such as covering your head, shoulders and legs. Please respect these local customs. Always ask permission to photograph local people and remember that you may be asked for a tip for the privilege.
Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes are not accepted for exchange in Egypt.
At some tombs, you may not be permitted to take photographs, and fees for photography are payable at many of the sites.
Please ensure that you have enough local currency to take with you for your shore visits as you may not have the opportunity to visit a bank.
Whilst in Egypt, tipping is a way of life and everyone you meet will probably ask for a tip or 'Baksheesh'. It can be annoying at times but it is very much a part of their culture.
All sightseeing is escorted by an English speaking guide.
EXCURSIONS
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 the Tourist Office on board prior to booking your excursions if you have any concerns, or if you have any medical condition that may prevent you from participating.
ON BOARD ACCOUNT
After embarkation, a shipboard account is automatically opened and you may then sign for drinks, excursions etc., settling your account at the end of the cruise. Prices on board are shown in Euros. We accept cash, travellers cheques or Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Diners credit cards for payment.
GRATUITIES
Gratuities are a traditional way of saying thank you for services provided on board and the amount is entirely at your discretion. The following is a guideline for the high standard of services we know you will receive:
Dining room waiter: US $2 per passenger per day
Cabin steward: US $2 per passenger per day
Head waiter: US $1 per passenger per day
Maitre d’ Hotel: US $1 per passenger per day
For additional information, please visit the following pages:
