The Good, The Bad and the Ugly

Our two day stop in Egypt was everything and more that we had hoped for. The Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Cairo, Pyramids etc. Our guide, Manal was extremely knowledgeable and helpful and I certainly don't envy her job! You see, the problem with travelling in a group is the group! These are not people I would choose to spend any time with and quite frankly wanted to slap several of them!
Here is a 'for instance'. As we were on a tight schedule, every time we left the coach we were given a time to be back on board so we could depart for the next place. On no occasion did this go to plan. There was always someone (usually the same culprits)who felt the rules didn't apply to them and they were in no way responsible for holding up 40 other travellers. The worst case of this was in Luxor where, after visiting the absolutely fantastic Temple at Karnak, we checked into our overnight hotel. We were given an hour to relax/freshen up and were told to be on the bus no later than 6.30 so we could go to the Temple at Luxor for a sunset tour of the ruins. Between 6.30 and 6.45 we were waiting for 6 people. Two others were eventually left behind at 6.50.
After the tour we returned to find the couple complaining in the foyer that we had gone without them. My tolerance levels completely went AWOL when one of the other late travellers came in and said.'It's OK. You didn't miss much. Sean, ever ready to avoid the Diplomatic Incident promptly dragged me away as I was about to let rip!
Had we left on time we could have returned with enough time to change for dinner. As it was we had to go in feeling grubby and sweaty. Of course, those responsible for the delay were all freshened up and enjoying the facilities. Arghhh!
There are many fantastic things about the cruise and destinations but ultimately I won't be recommending cruising to anyone simply because of the self-importance and selfishness of many, if not most of the guests on board. The conspicuous consumption, greed and the lack of respect for local customs have completely angered me to the point of wanting to go home.
On the positive side, we have visited the most extraordinary places and seen some fantastic sites. And that I would thoroughly recommend!