MS Livingstone: temples, river views and new friendships

Before the ship, a little ancient magic

Our next chapter began with an early visit to Karnak. We were the first visitors through the gates, giving us a quiet start before the crowds arrived. A papyrus factory and Luxor Temple followed, then it was time to board MS Livingstone before lunch.

Her old-fashioned charm made a lovely setting for our seven-night Passion for Cruises hosted Nile adventure.

A morning on the west bank

The next early start took us to the Valley of the Kings. We visited four tombs, including Tutankhamun’s, with colours and details that made the history feel wonderfully close.

An alabaster factory, the cliff-side Temple of Hatshepsut and the Colossi of Memnon completed a busy morning. By the afternoon, a rest beside the pool felt just right.

Friendships, with the Nile drifting past

Our first sailing from Luxor towards Aswan gave us time to watch everyday life on the riverbanks. Later, vendors drew alongside in small boats and tossed their goods up to the deck. Purchases — and money in bags thrown back down — brought plenty of laughter.

Some of us found outfits for the next evening’s Egyptian theme. Between excursions and these little shared moments, I was loving watching friendships develop.