The counts on this page are our own, from the river cruise reviews we analysed, across the Nile and European rivers. What each line serves is that line's own description, read on 20 October 2026. It may change, so check your sailing.
Is the food good on a Nile cruise?
Many reviewers said so. In the river cruise reviews we analysed, across the Nile and European rivers, 620 of 1,329 praised the food (47%). 113 of 1,329 complained about the food (8.5%).
Both counts run a little low, because a mention late in a long review was sometimes missed. And they describe what reviewers said, not the food on any one ship.
What do the Nile lines say they serve?
Two lines our travel team books describe their Nile food on their own pages.
- AmaWaterways says its Nile ship AmaDahlia has a main restaurant serving international and Egyptian dishes, plus a Chef's Table with a multi-course menu. Menus change to reflect regional flavours.
- Viking says all meals on board are in its Egypt fare, on its Pharaohs and Pyramids page.
One seller, the tour operator Egypt Escapes, sells its Nile cruises full board, with set meal times and no drinks.
Are drinks included with meals?
On those two lines, beer and wine come with lunch and dinner.
- AmaWaterways includes wine and beer with lunch and dinner, and a daily cocktail hour.
- Viking includes beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, and specialty coffees, teas and bottled water around the clock. It says its separate free drinks offer does not apply to Egypt itineraries.
Egypt Escapes' fare leaves drinks out, with an all-inclusive upgrade you can add. So "full board" on one fare and drinks with meals on another are different things. Our page on what is included in a Nile cruise goes through the rest of the fare.
Can they cater for a special diet?
AmaWaterways says it can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free needs on its Nile ship.
Other lines may differ, so tell our travel team about any diet or allergy when you enquire. Ask for the answer in writing, for the named ship.
Is it safe to eat off the ship?
Take care with street food. AmaWaterways' Egypt guidance asks guests to be cautious with food bought from street vendors. It also says bottled water is complimentary every day on its ships.
Questions to ask about food
- Which meals are in the fare: all of them, or full board only?
- Which drinks come with lunch and dinner, and what costs extra?
- Is bottled water included?
- Can the ship cater for my diet or allergy?
- Are any meals taken off the ship, on excursion days?
Write the answers beside each quote. Then send your month and any diet through the form below, so our travel team can plan around it.