What should I pack for a river cruise?
Checked October 2026
Pack walking shoes, one dressier pair and layers, according to AmaWaterways' packing guidance. For Egypt, add strong sunscreen and a scarf or shawl. Leave binoculars at home, because AmaWaterways says they are not allowed in Egypt and are confiscated. Check your baggage allowance, especially on internal flights.
This list restates two sellers' guidance and the gov.uk passport rule, all read on 15 October 2026. Your own sailing may differ.
The packing list, item by item
Comfort first, says the AmaWaterways first-time cruiser FAQ.
- Walking shoes for excursions.
- One dressier pair of shoes.
- Layers, for changing climates.
Hair dryers are provided on board. Curling irons and straighteners are restricted, though a limited number can be borrowed at reception. So leave your own at home, or ask the line first.
What are some tips and tricks for a river cruise?
Give your shoes two jobs. One pair is for walking on excursions, the other for the dressier evenings. Pack layers for days that change. And check the baggage limit before you buy anything new. The Egypt limits are below.
What should I not bring on a river cruise?
- Curling irons and straighteners. The line restricts them. The hair dryer in your stateroom covers drying.
- Binoculars, for Egypt. Leave them at home. Its Egypt guidance says binoculars are not allowed in Egypt or Jordan, and are confiscated.
What should I pack for a Nile cruise?
That Egypt guidance suggests:
- strong sunscreen, SPF 40 or higher
- light, breathable fabrics
- a scarf or shawl
- prescription medicines in their original containers, in hand luggage
- bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth
The medicines and water lines are that operator's advice, not ours.
The tour operator Egypt Escapes' travel guide adds:
- a two-pin 220V adaptor
- a first-aid kit with remedies for short-term stomach problems and dehydration
- insect repellent
- hand gel
- small local notes for tips and bathroom fees
Passport and baggage
Your passport must expire at least 6 months after you arrive in Egypt, per the FCDO's Egypt entry requirements on 15 October 2026. gov.uk says it needs at least one blank page. AmaWaterways asks for two. Ask your line which applies.
AmaWaterways' internal flights in Egypt allow 23 kg checked and 8 kg carry-on. If your holiday includes them, pack to that limit.
A short checklist
- Walking shoes and one dressier pair.
- Layers for changing climates.
- A scarf or shawl, and sunscreen of SPF 40 or higher, for Egypt.
- Prescription medicines in their original containers, in hand luggage.
- A two-pin 220V adaptor, for Egypt.
- Small local notes for tips and bathroom fees, in Egypt.
- A passport with 6 months left and the blank pages your line asks for.
- No binoculars for Egypt, and no curling irons or straighteners.
Weigh your case against the airline's limit and the internal flight limit a week before you go.
Dress and baggage for your sailing
Dress and baggage limits vary with the line, the ship and the flights. Our travel team at The JLT Group can confirm both for your sailing. Use the form below to tell us which sailing you have in mind.