‘My trip to Egypt’ – Uniworld’s Alice Ager reflection after cruising the Nile

When the fabulous Alice Ager, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises managing director in Australia and New Zealand sent us some words of reflection after an incredible cruise down the Nile River, we thought it would be rude not to share them with our audience!
Everyone told me that when you travel to Egypt, you just have to include a cruise on the Nile and I had the greatest of luck to cruise with Uniworld in May as part of a fashion photo-shoot for the Camilla ‘House of the Sun’ collection launch.
It started when Camilla Franks, the founder and creative director of the fashion house, CAMILLA, travelled to Egypt on Uniworld’s River Tosca as part of her inspiration trip in 2022. She is renowned for using travel as her inspiration for her fashion and this year launched an entire collection that is inspired by the stops she made along the Nile.
She was a very special guest at our Uniworld Premiere event in Sydney last month and shared her travel memories and personal stories with our Top Achieving Travel Agents and has created beautiful online Travel Guides for her fashion followers about her experience. Her passion and enthusiasm for Egypt has certainly given life and a renewed profile for this ancient nation.
I didn’t hesitate to head to Egypt in May 2024. I had close contact with our team in Cairo who gave me reassurance of safety. I did keep an eye on the Australian Government Smart Traveller advice and noted that the advice to ‘reconsider the need to travel’ had been in effect since 2018 and had not been amended for over 5 years despite the nearby troubles. I checked with my travel insurer and found that I was definitely covered for travel in Egypt, so without a second thought I booked my flights and off I went.
If you are going to do Egypt, I would say to do it well and do it with expert Egyptologists. Having someone waiting for you at the airport to help navigate immigration and customs was priceless. Our group never had to queue for anything, and our guides had local-only intel, which made the excursions even more interesting. Did I feel safe in Egypt? YES. Tourism is of massive importance, and the Egyptians take tourist safety very seriously and I felt it. The people are so welcoming, and you can feel their kindness. But most of all, they are funny! Expect to laugh, a lot!

Travel to Egypt with an Egyptologist.
Our itinerary spends two nights in Cairo, then 7 nights on the cruise, then a final 2 nights back in Cairo. It is an action-packed itinerary that covers all highlights and must-see spots with exclusive access to many of the temples and tombs. The cruise package includes everything you need and offers great value. The only additional thing to pay for is the short up and down flight to Abu Simbel, which was well worth the early wake up call.
The Camilla team, model and photographer stayed with us on board the S.S. Sphinx and we shot images on the ship and also in Dendera Temple and around the Temples of Luxor, with the support of our local Egyptologists. It was a thrill to be part of the action bringing my love of fashion and passion for travel together in one glamourous bundle and so, so much fun!

Camilla fashion photoshoot.
After the shoot was complete, I was able to relax into the Uniworld itinerary. Every day I thought I’d had the best travel day of my life! My photos just couldn’t possibly do justice to the overwhelm of wonder and intensive memories that I knew would stay with me forever. Each day my brain was exploding with new ideas and information – it was the most stimulating trip I have ever experienced.
How was Egypt not on the top of my travel list? Why didn’t I know that Aswan was going to become my favourite city? Why are the Egyptian people so friendly and actually so funny? I had the time of my life and now I am definitely going back to create more memories, with my family next time.

Camilla fashion photoshoot.
Please put Egypt on YOUR travel list! And add it to your clients’ travel lists! Cruising on the Nile takes you to the most incredible places that only a cruise can offer. The history, culture, food and even fabulous wine, Uniworld’s Splendours of Egypt and the Nile has it all.
My biggest overall Egypt tip:
Say YES to everything! Should you add the optional excursion to Abu Simbel? Say yes! Should I get up early for birdwatching in Aswan? Say yes! Should I dress in a Galabeya for the Egyptian party on board? Say yes! Should I try the okra in a tajine? Say yes! Do everything and try everything. You won’t regret it.

Alice Ager in Egypt.
Latest News

TravHost launches expert hosting service to transform industry famils
TravHost offers a pioneering service bridging the gap between media professionals, travel agents and tourism organisations, addressing the demand for exceptional famil hosts. Founded by seasoned travel media professionals Fiona Harper and Carolyne Jasinski, TravHost is poised to revolutionise the way tourism organisations and travel companies approach famils. With decades of experience in tourism and […]

Book big and bag a spot of the TTC Tour Brand’s Top Achievers’ Famil
TTC Tour Brands’ Top Achievers Famil incentive is back, rewarding top-selling agents with the chance to embark on an unforgettable trip to a destination that remains a secret – for now. Agents who have sold any Luxury Gold, Insight Vacations, Trafalgar, Costsaver and Contiki, from 1 December 2024 to 14 March 2025, go into the […]

New Zealand International Convention Centre to open in February 2026
The New Zealand International Convention Centre (NZICC) has announced it is opening its doors to New Zealand and world conferences and events in February 2026. The long-awaited NZICC is set to transform New Zealand’s conference and events industry, boosting visitation and the wider economy with its world-class facilities. Located in the heart of Auckland’s CBD, […]

AmaWaterways invites AU/NZ travel trade to An Evening with AmaWaterways events
AmaWaterways has announced the dates of its upcoming An Evening with AmaWaterways events for travel advisors, just over a year after it entered the Australian and New Zealand markets. Dedicated to travel advisors, the events will be held in six cities and will be hosted by AmaWaterways’ regional sales managers, plus feature a presentation from […]

Mooloolaba cruise season boosts Sunshine Coast tourism and trade
Mooloolaba is set to welcome a series of cruise ships through February and March 2025, significantly boosting local businesses and tourism to the Sunshine Coast. Their arrival is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere and provide a substantial economic uplift to the region. Viking Sky kicks off the season on Sunday 8 February, with 930 […]

Little Pete Brewing opens first of its kind open-air bar
Little Pete Brewing has opened a new open-air bar at 543 Step Rd, Langhorne Creek, a must-visit South Australia destination for a drink with a view. The first-of-its-kind open-air bar sits on 8ha, surrounded by vineyards and paddocks, with the Bremer River flowing nearby and framed by majestic ancient river red gums. “We always felt […]

CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025
CENTREPIECE is set to make a splash at AIME 2025 with a one-of-a-kind activation that showcases their world-class event capabilities to inspire event planners and decision-makers. CENTREPIECE is located in the heart of Melbourne & Olympic Parks, Victoria’s epicentre for live sports and entertainment and home to world-renowned venues including Rod Laver Arena, AAMI Park, […]

NYC Tourism + Conventions announces two exciting new events
NYC Tourism + Conventions has announced ‘NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025’ and ‘Value Family Activities’ events lined up for this year. NYC Off-Broadway Week 2025 2-for-1 ticket sales for this event have begun with this season’s program featuring 29 Off-Broadway performances, including 18 new participants. The twice-yearly program runs from 17 February through 9 March with […]

Engine delays plaguing Air New Zealand as carrier set to suspend Incheon-Auckland route
We never liked being at the back of the queue, and this is a big one to jump.

Australia’s aviation future takes flight: An exclusive with Simon Westaway
As you walk through your next Australian airport, from ABX to YWYY, remember this face, he may be there.

Destination Vancouver brings World Chef Exchange event to Sydney
We are sure that with Mark Best in the kitchen, there was more on offer than poutine and fries.

Jeju wins bid to host 2028 Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference
The Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has successfully secured the 14th Asia-Pacific Microscopy Conference (APMC14) for Jeju in November 2028. This was achieved in partnership with the Korean Society of Microscopy, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Jeju Convention Bureau, and Jeju International Convention Center. Korea was selected as the final host after strong competition at the 13th […]

Envoyage-hosted National Travel Group joins Luxury Travel Collection
As this market continues to grow, make sure you get along to our own Travel Weekly Luxury Roadshow.

Airports Council International labels Newcastle Airport most sustainable in Australia
Newcastle says it will be the green gateway into Australia, maybe the football team needs some new colours to match.

Vintage Rail Journeys’ unique Bathurst Race’N Rail packages now on sale
You might not get there as fast but you are guaranteed to save on fuel on the way there.

Patricia Piccinini’s skywhales return to tour Australia
These freaked us out when we first saw them, almost as bad as the contents of the fridge after we returned from leave.

David Fraser returns to Accor as VP of operations for Sofitel Pacific
We hope Monsieur Fraser is catching up on his French as he will no doubt be dealing with HQ.

A foodie adventure at Disneyland Resort in California: Snack Attack on the Go
As far as levels of cuteness go, Disneyland Resort's Mickey beignets take the cake or should that be churros.

Minor Hotels unveils Anantara Jewel Bagh Jaipur, its first property in India
Treated like a Raj for a few hundred a night, we like the sound of that. Just don't mention the cricket.

Four Seasons announces new luxury resort and private residences in UAE
These resorts are built on reclaimed land made with sand, fortunately there is plenty of it.

Oceania Cruises sets new standard for onboard dining: one chef for every 10 guests
Oceania Cruises, renowned for The Finest Cuisine at Sea, has set a new standard for onboard dining with an exquisite new menu evolution in The Grand Dining Room. Launching on its newest 1,200-guest ship, Allura, in July 2025, the reimagined menus introduce over 270 brand-new recipes, from curated Signature Eggs Benedict breakfast selection to a chic French […]

MSC Cruises announces MSC World Asia Webinar
Let's hope the words 'You are on mute' will never be uttered ever again.

Legendary Italian hotel, Il San Pietro di Positano, opens new clothing and accessories boutique
Anyone planning a trip to Italy this northern summer should leave room in their Louis Vuitton luggage.

AAT Kings’ NT boost with air credits
AAT Kings really dominates travel in the Top End and news like this only adds fuel to the fire.

Camino Women and Laos’ Khiri Travel announce new mountain trail for Australian women
Responsible tourism starts with one foot in front of the other. This trek sounds like there are a few more steps.

Thousands of dollars worth of prizes on offer through ATIA’s ‘Rockstar Renewal’ campaign
Of course it's nice to be called a rockstar, but we'd like to be a part of the superstar surge personally.

Sally Miles joins Linkd Tourism’s trade team
Having lived in the US and Japan, Sally will no doubt thrive in this role!

Maximise your Emirates journey with complimentary hotel stays in Dubai
Any freebie is a good freebie, but a free hotel in Dubai has to be pretty high on the list.

Celebrity Xcel unveils ‘The Bazaar’ set to transforms onboard experiences
No word if Xcel will make its way to Australian shores - we'd expect koala cuddling and kangaroo boxing.

CT Partners expands focus on business meetings and events
AIME is looking like it will be bigger than Ben Hur... it was a movie? Charlton Heston? Never mind.

South Africa’s The Royal Portfolio appoints Nigel Pace as executive head of sales to ultra-luxury portfolio
First job on the list is to visit all the luxury properties in the portfolio. Next, he'll be perusing all the menus...

Radisson Hotel Group concludes record-breaking year
40,000 keys is a lot of keys. We wonder if there is a master key to all of these.

Countdown underway for 2025 Visit USA Expo in Sydney, Brisbane and Melbourne
The two-week countdown is on, but we've been counting down for nearly 50 weeks since the last one!

WA Labor commits $500,000 to a study for future Broome cruise passenger terminal
Given the emerging popularity of cruising in this part of the world, another stop is welcome.

Maximum Occupancy New Zealand conference to return to Auckland in March
If we were to take a stab in the dark we'd say this one's all about getting those rooms full... Just a guess!

NRMA’s Turtle Sands Nature resort officially opens
For some of us, sometimes there is a bit too much nature. Try explaining to the little ones why mum buries the kids.