The Situation before the Cancellation
Nile river cruises were once the epitome of luxury, allowing visitors to explore the rich landscape and fantastic sites of Egypt. It was a popular way for people to get up close and personal with the history, culture, and nature of the Nile Valley.
Travelers could book tickets for Nile river cruises that typically departed from Cairo and explored Aswan, Luxor, Kom Ombo, and other destinations along the Nile. The cruise voyages always offered unique experiences, from breathtaking views of the Nile Valley to exploring ancient monuments and temples.
The Reasons Behind Cancellation of Nile River Cruises
Unfortunately, the 2019/2020 COVID-19 pandemic has caused dozens of nations, including Egypt, to close their borders and suspend all flights and cruises, including Nile river cruises. The outbreak of the virus, combined with the uncertain situation in the region, has led to a complete halt of Nile river cruises.
The reasons behind the suspension of Nile river cruises are many. One of the main reasons is the worry of the spread of the virus in open air. As the cruise lines often travel from port to port, stopping along the way and entering smaller villages, it would be impossible to monitor the sanitary status of each of these areas and prevent contagion.
Another reason for the cancellation is the fact that the area is difficult to police, with many passengers entering on excursions and leaving on the same boat when disembarking. This can add to the risk of the virus to spread in different ways, making Nile river cruises untenable.
Impact on Tourism
The halting of Nile river cruises has had a major impact on tourism in the region. With all travel being stopped, thousands of tourists have had to cancel their long-awaited trips, directly affecting local businesses.
Not only river cruise boats have been affected; hotels, restaurants, shops, and tourist attractions along the Nile have suffered major losses in customers. The knock-on effect of this has had an even bigger effect on regional businesses, impacting employment and livelihoods throughout the area.
Government Regulations
The Egyptian government has implemented numerous regulations to prevent the further spread of the virus, all of which are designed to protect citizens and tourists. Some of these regulations include wearing masks, frequent sanitation, temperature checks, and social distancing.
This, however, has made it impossible for the popular Nile cruises to operate. With the added restrictions, the lines could not guarantee the safety of their customers, leading to the suspension of cruises.
Future of Nile Cruises
The question of when Nile river cruises will be able to operate again is a difficult one. As the situation with the pandemic is continuously changing, the long-term future of Nile cruises remains uncertain.
To ensure the safety of all people, it is likely that the Egyptian government would need to create stricter regulations for Nile river cruises, making sure that safety is at the forefront of their operation. It is also likely that restrictions on the number of passengers and length of trips may need to be made in the who future.
Environmental Impact of Cruises
Another important factor to consider when discussing the future of Nile river cruises is their environmental impact. As operating boats require a significant amount of fuel, the operation of river cruises can have a detrimental impact on the environment.
The cancellation of Nile cruises has been beneficial in reducing their environmental impact. Though environmentalists have long criticised their operation, the governmental regulations implemented have given them a chance to look into ways in which their impact on the environment could be further decreased.
Economic Impact of Cruises
The suspension of the Nile cruises has had a severe economic impact on many individuals and organisations. The already-troubling Egyptian economy was dealt a severe blow with the sudden halt of river cruising and tourism.
As the region is so heavily reliant on the tourism industry, the shutting down of Nile river cruises has been difficult to come back from. Small businesses in tourist-heavy areas have been hit the hardest, with the stoppage of river cruises adding to their struggle.
The Poorest Communities Affected
The negative economic effects of the cruise suspension have been felt most acutely in the poorest communities in Egypt. Communities along the Nile river depend heavily on the tourism industry for income, and the lack of river cruises has had a devastating impact on these communities.
In some of these areas, up to 75% of economically active people are involved in some way in the tourism sector. As the revenue generated by river cruises make up the majority of this income, the stoppage of these cruises has left many communities struggling to survive.
Egyptian Tourism Recovering
Though the cancellations of Nile river cruises have had a severe impact on many businesses and workers, it is far from the worst hit sector. The Egyptian tourism industry as a whole has not been too severely affected, with the number of tourists staying in Egypt relatively stable.
Still, the stoppage of Nile river cruises is a severe blow to businesses who rely on this regular income. It is likely that it will be some time before the industry is able to recover and the cruise ships return to the riverbanks.
Living with the Cancelled Cruises
Despite the hardships that have been caused by the suspension of the Nile cruises, people in the region have started to adjust to life without them.
As the months have rolled by, many businesses have changed their services to better suit the current situation, from providing take-away and delivery services to creating new tourism packages for inbound travelers.
Though the lack of river cruises has had a major impact on many people in the region, the creativity and adaptability people are showing in the face of the crisis has been inspiring.
Alternative Tourism Ideas
Despite the cancellation of Nile river cruises, there are still multiple ways tourists can experience the beauty of the region.
One of the most popular alternatives are boat trips down the Nile, though these are significantly shorter than the traditional cruises. The shorter trips on traditional felucca boats provide travelers with stunning views while still staying safe in the current circumstances.
Tourists have also been encouraged to explore other parts of the region, from visiting one of the many colorful markets to taking a tour of the majestic Mummification Museum.
Impact on Local Communities
The cancellation of Nile river cruises has had a varied impact on local communities. Though some areas have been greatly affected, there are some who have benefited from the current state of affairs.
For instance, many companies and communities in the region are now focused on eco-tourism. Rather than relying on the traditional river cruise industry, they are now looking to background scenery and traditional customs of the region to attract tourists. This has led to the development of cultural centres, homestays and nature reserves, benefiting the local communities in a multitude of ways.
New Regulations on Cruises
As the situation continues to deteriorate, a number of new regulations have been introduced regarding the operation of Nile river cruises. Though the situation is still far from ideal, the regulations provide some indication as to what future cruises may look like.
One of the most significant regulations is the introduction of limited ticket sales. Nile river cruises will only be able to operate with a certain number of passengers on board, thereby reducing the risk of contagion. Additionally, all passengers will have to go through mandatory health checks and temperature checks before boarding the ship.
The use of masks and constant sanitation of public areas will also be compulsory. Furthermore, stricter rules on excursions and guided tours will be enforced, with all passengers on the cruises needing to adhere to the regulations.
Outlook for River Cruises
Though the future of Nile river cruises remains uncertain, the Egyptian government and tourism industry have shown resilience in the face of the crisis.
Recent news has been positive, with some cruises starting to operate over the past few months. However, much of the future of river cruises remains in limbo and we will only understand the full ramifications of the crisis when the situation improves.
