Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt
Discussion
Hi everyone
I'm setting off this sunday for a holiday to the White Knights Maxim Plaza hotel in Sharks Bay, Sharm el Sheikh. Has anyone been to this area before? What's it like? We're going fully-inclusive but aren't sure whether we'll be eating mostly at the hotel, or travelling out to restaurants etc.
I know the area is popular for its diving, so my girlfriend and I shall be trying that out whilst we're there. Might also do some excursions (Pyramids, etc) if they're easily accessible and worthwhile?!
What's the deal with buying alcohol over there, bearing in mind its a Muslim country?
Any advise or info that anyone has would be appreciated, as we really don't know what to expect. A quick scan of holiday forums seems to bring up conflicting information, so I've given up on them.
Thanks in advance.
Adam.
>>> Edited by fishtek69 on Friday 18th March 19:28
I'm setting off this sunday for a holiday to the White Knights Maxim Plaza hotel in Sharks Bay, Sharm el Sheikh. Has anyone been to this area before? What's it like? We're going fully-inclusive but aren't sure whether we'll be eating mostly at the hotel, or travelling out to restaurants etc.
I know the area is popular for its diving, so my girlfriend and I shall be trying that out whilst we're there. Might also do some excursions (Pyramids, etc) if they're easily accessible and worthwhile?!
What's the deal with buying alcohol over there, bearing in mind its a Muslim country?
Any advise or info that anyone has would be appreciated, as we really don't know what to expect. A quick scan of holiday forums seems to bring up conflicting information, so I've given up on them.
Thanks in advance.
Adam.
>>> Edited by fishtek69 on Friday 18th March 19:28
Dont' know the hotel or bay you're staying at but have been to Naama Bay in Sharm three times before; for my money its got to be one of the best value beach/sun/waterpsorts holiday destinations around.
First thing I'd say is rule out a trip to the pyramids; haven't done it myself from Sharm but from everyone I've spoken to its a bloody long (and not very comfortable if the weather is even mildy hot by their standards) day trip; if you want to do that go to Cairo another time.
The diving is absolutely top notch; there are plenty of diving schools around Naama Bay and its a good idea to walk about and have a chat with a few although I can heartily recommend the well known and popular Camel Dive Club (other good ones are Ocean College, Red Sea Diving College and Oonas but not limited to them), and also the Camel bar... to answer your question about alcohol, it is readily available although slightly pricey. There are plenty of places to eat in and around Naama Bay from local cuisine to western fast food (McD's, KFC, Hard Rock Cafe).
Could go on but hopefully that will give you a decent idea.
First thing I'd say is rule out a trip to the pyramids; haven't done it myself from Sharm but from everyone I've spoken to its a bloody long (and not very comfortable if the weather is even mildy hot by their standards) day trip; if you want to do that go to Cairo another time.
The diving is absolutely top notch; there are plenty of diving schools around Naama Bay and its a good idea to walk about and have a chat with a few although I can heartily recommend the well known and popular Camel Dive Club (other good ones are Ocean College, Red Sea Diving College and Oonas but not limited to them), and also the Camel bar... to answer your question about alcohol, it is readily available although slightly pricey. There are plenty of places to eat in and around Naama Bay from local cuisine to western fast food (McD's, KFC, Hard Rock Cafe).
Could go on but hopefully that will give you a decent idea.
Couldn't agree more with Alex.
We stayed for a week right in the middle of Naama Bay in Jan and loved it. Sharks Bay should be good but you'll have to hussle with the local cabbies/mini bus drivers to get into Naama where the action is (about the only PITA to the whole holiday)
Pacha is next door to the Camel Bar and actually does good reasonably priced food and drink - sit and watch the sexy Ruskie ladyzees stroll by to some really good tunes.
Couldn't be arsed with the scuba classroom stuff as I wanted some rays and was only there for a week so I resorted to snorkelling - which is ace. Snorkel 30ft off the beach at Naama and you'll be astounded at the species of fish - reckon I spotted 100 different types in 10 mins. Head out into deeper water 60ft+ and the fish thin right out...yep, it's still clear enough to see the bottom at that depth.
Don't plan on the Pyramids from Sharm. You'll enjoy it so much I reckon you'll go back. Do Hurgada (on the west of the Red Sea) and do a 2 resort holiday from there instead...roll on 2006!
John S.
>> Edited by cinqster on Friday 18th March 21:29
We stayed for a week right in the middle of Naama Bay in Jan and loved it. Sharks Bay should be good but you'll have to hussle with the local cabbies/mini bus drivers to get into Naama where the action is (about the only PITA to the whole holiday)
Pacha is next door to the Camel Bar and actually does good reasonably priced food and drink - sit and watch the sexy Ruskie ladyzees stroll by to some really good tunes.
Couldn't be arsed with the scuba classroom stuff as I wanted some rays and was only there for a week so I resorted to snorkelling - which is ace. Snorkel 30ft off the beach at Naama and you'll be astounded at the species of fish - reckon I spotted 100 different types in 10 mins. Head out into deeper water 60ft+ and the fish thin right out...yep, it's still clear enough to see the bottom at that depth.
Don't plan on the Pyramids from Sharm. You'll enjoy it so much I reckon you'll go back. Do Hurgada (on the west of the Red Sea) and do a 2 resort holiday from there instead...roll on 2006!
John S.
AlexH said:
Dont' know the hotel or bay you're staying at but have been to Naama Bay in Sharm three times before; for my money its got to be one of the best value beach/sun/waterpsorts holiday destinations around.
First thing I'd say is rule out a trip to the pyramids; haven't done it myself from Sharm but from everyone I've spoken to its a bloody long (and not very comfortable if the weather is even mildy hot by their standards) day trip; if you want to do that go to Cairo another time.
The diving is absolutely top notch; there are plenty of diving schools around Naama Bay and its a good idea to walk about and have a chat with a few although I can heartily recommend the well known and popular Camel Dive Club (other good ones are Ocean College, Red Sea Diving College and Oonas but not limited to them), and also the Camel bar... to answer your question about alcohol, it is readily available although slightly pricey. There are plenty of places to eat in and around Naama Bay from local cuisine to western fast food (McD's, KFC, Hard Rock Cafe).
Could go on but hopefully that will give you a decent idea.
>> Edited by cinqster on Friday 18th March 21:29
There have been a fair few threads on Egypt recently:
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=159579&f=141&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=93616&f=23&h=0&
Sharm El... www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=126216&f=23&h=0&
I headed out there last year and throughly enjoyed it (as can be seen in those posts
)
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=159579&f=141&h=0
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=93616&f=23&h=0&
Sharm El... www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=126216&f=23&h=0&
I headed out there last year and throughly enjoyed it (as can be seen in those posts
)Hi Adam,
We came back from Shark's Bay about a month ago. We stayed in the Hilton Sharks Bay which is also all inclusive. I wasn't sure what to expect as we usually go to Fuerteventura for some winter sun but thought after going there for the last five years or so we'd have a change.
Shark's Bay is quiet, there is some excellent snorkelling / scuba to be done there, but remember it's a man made resort so the 'beaches' are fake. It's very close to the airport (like you can see the end of the runway from the front of the hotels close), but not in the flight path so you will have minimal aircraft noise. Sharm is a military airport and the organisation there is shambolic to put it pleasantly. If you want to venture beyond the local area (called the Sinai Peninsula) you'll need a visa which you can buy for £15 odd when you arrive. When you come out of the airport, you'll have some guys offering to carry your cases for you so be prepared and tell them no thanks.
If you want to go snorkeling, you can buy kit out there, but it may well be cheaper to buy it at home. You can also hire it from the hotels usually. There is a small selection of shops in Sharks Bay but nothing spectacular.
We went to Na'arma Bay just once, and that was enough. It's about a 20 min coach ride from Shark's Bay. There are tat shops a-plenty there but lots of restaurants to cover all tastes. Food is very cheap out there, somehow we ended up in a Pizza Hut of all places, 2 pizzas and 2 drinks came to £5.50! That won't even but one meal in the UK...
Re the trips to Cairo, it depends what you want to go there to see. I wanted to see the Pyramids and the Museum. The pyramids are worth seeing, but the proximity of tat shops and fast food joints to the Sphynx will make you wonder if you're not in a reproduction elsewhere.
We booked with the rep, there were two choices, overnight by coach for £120ea. (8 hrs each way) or fly for £180ea. (45 minute flight). We flew as I don't trust coaches and the thought of 8 hours in a coach was not an appealing one no matter how fascinating the destination.
If I were doing it again, I'd book my own flight thank you very much. The trip was good, but we ended up doing a whole lot of stuff which was (to me) a waste of valuable time. An hour in a papyrus shop could have been better spent in the museum (we only had two hours there, could have easily spent a day or more there alone). I suppose that's the nature of organised trips though, the guide always seems to be 'in the know' with a local shop proprietor and surprise surprise you get taken there on the way to wherever you're going.
Oh, I forgot about the flight to Cairo. That was an experience in itself - we flew on an ancient DC-9, and I mean ancient. It was quite comical in a way with everything that was going wrong on the flight - I'm a good flyer but even I admit this one made me nervous. We also had without doubt the worst landing I've ever experienced. How the undercarriage didn't collapse with the impact as he 'landed' it I'll never know...
I can see why you've read conflicting reports of Sharm. Some people we spoke to love it there and go back year on year. Personally I won't be visiting Sharm again, I genuinely thought it a nice place but not what I wanted out of a holiday location. That said, we're going back to Egypt for a couple of days in October as it's a destination on a cruise we're going on. I'll get more time to see the things I really wanted to in Cairo then.
Hope this lot helps, if you want to know any more just ask.
Phil.
We came back from Shark's Bay about a month ago. We stayed in the Hilton Sharks Bay which is also all inclusive. I wasn't sure what to expect as we usually go to Fuerteventura for some winter sun but thought after going there for the last five years or so we'd have a change.
Shark's Bay is quiet, there is some excellent snorkelling / scuba to be done there, but remember it's a man made resort so the 'beaches' are fake. It's very close to the airport (like you can see the end of the runway from the front of the hotels close), but not in the flight path so you will have minimal aircraft noise. Sharm is a military airport and the organisation there is shambolic to put it pleasantly. If you want to venture beyond the local area (called the Sinai Peninsula) you'll need a visa which you can buy for £15 odd when you arrive. When you come out of the airport, you'll have some guys offering to carry your cases for you so be prepared and tell them no thanks.
If you want to go snorkeling, you can buy kit out there, but it may well be cheaper to buy it at home. You can also hire it from the hotels usually. There is a small selection of shops in Sharks Bay but nothing spectacular.
We went to Na'arma Bay just once, and that was enough. It's about a 20 min coach ride from Shark's Bay. There are tat shops a-plenty there but lots of restaurants to cover all tastes. Food is very cheap out there, somehow we ended up in a Pizza Hut of all places, 2 pizzas and 2 drinks came to £5.50! That won't even but one meal in the UK...
Re the trips to Cairo, it depends what you want to go there to see. I wanted to see the Pyramids and the Museum. The pyramids are worth seeing, but the proximity of tat shops and fast food joints to the Sphynx will make you wonder if you're not in a reproduction elsewhere.
We booked with the rep, there were two choices, overnight by coach for £120ea. (8 hrs each way) or fly for £180ea. (45 minute flight). We flew as I don't trust coaches and the thought of 8 hours in a coach was not an appealing one no matter how fascinating the destination.
If I were doing it again, I'd book my own flight thank you very much. The trip was good, but we ended up doing a whole lot of stuff which was (to me) a waste of valuable time. An hour in a papyrus shop could have been better spent in the museum (we only had two hours there, could have easily spent a day or more there alone). I suppose that's the nature of organised trips though, the guide always seems to be 'in the know' with a local shop proprietor and surprise surprise you get taken there on the way to wherever you're going.
Oh, I forgot about the flight to Cairo. That was an experience in itself - we flew on an ancient DC-9, and I mean ancient. It was quite comical in a way with everything that was going wrong on the flight - I'm a good flyer but even I admit this one made me nervous. We also had without doubt the worst landing I've ever experienced. How the undercarriage didn't collapse with the impact as he 'landed' it I'll never know...
I can see why you've read conflicting reports of Sharm. Some people we spoke to love it there and go back year on year. Personally I won't be visiting Sharm again, I genuinely thought it a nice place but not what I wanted out of a holiday location. That said, we're going back to Egypt for a couple of days in October as it's a destination on a cruise we're going on. I'll get more time to see the things I really wanted to in Cairo then.
Hope this lot helps, if you want to know any more just ask.
Phil.
Thanks for the information everybody.
Just one day until I go and I have to say I'm a little apprehensive about it all, but then again its not my usual kind of holiday destination. This is definately more my girlfriend's idea of a holiday, and not mine!
If anyone has any tips or other advise about travelling to Egypt in general (as opposed to somewhere like Majorca) I'd be very grateful, as this is by far and away the most outward place I've ever been.
Incidentally I'm quite happy about the fact that the resorts have fast food outlets such as mackey d's and Pizza Hut. We're going fully inclusive, but I just have this feeling that the food is gonna be naff.
Cheers all.
Adam
Just one day until I go and I have to say I'm a little apprehensive about it all, but then again its not my usual kind of holiday destination. This is definately more my girlfriend's idea of a holiday, and not mine!
If anyone has any tips or other advise about travelling to Egypt in general (as opposed to somewhere like Majorca) I'd be very grateful, as this is by far and away the most outward place I've ever been.
Incidentally I'm quite happy about the fact that the resorts have fast food outlets such as mackey d's and Pizza Hut. We're going fully inclusive, but I just have this feeling that the food is gonna be naff.
Cheers all.
Adam
fishtek69 said:
Hi everyone
I'm setting off this sunday for a holiday to the White Knights Maxim Plaza hotel in Sharks Bay, Sharm el Sheikh. Has anyone been to this area before? What's it like? We're going fully-inclusive but aren't sure whether we'll be eating mostly at the hotel, or travelling out to restaurants etc.
I know the area is popular for its diving, so my girlfriend and I shall be trying that out whilst we're there. Might also do some excursions (Pyramids, etc) if they're easily accessible and worthwhile?!
What's the deal with buying alcohol over there, bearing in mind its a Muslim country?
Any advise or info that anyone has would be appreciated, as we really don't know what to expect. A quick scan of holiday forums seems to bring up conflicting information, so I've given up on them.
Thanks in advance.
Adam.
>>> Edited by fishtek69 on Friday 18th March 19:28
You can just walk into any pharmacist and buy anything. Viagra is a popular buy. Cyproxin is useful when you get the trots, a single 500mg dose works better than anything else I have tried. Also you could bring back an anti flu, Relenza or Tamiflu, to stick in the fridge at home for when the bird flu comes.
Well I'm back from Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt now, and I have to say it was a fantastic holiday.
The hotel was beautiful and very luxurious (on par with the Hilton in Prague, which I thought was pretty nice). Food was lovely, weather was lovely, people were friendly. Just a really really nice time was had.
Flew to Cairo for a day trip and saw Pyramids, Sphinx, museum, etc. Had dinner on a river-boat on the Nile, which was nice. The flight to Cairo was quick and easy, and the plane was brand new and so spotless. £135 for the full day including meal and entrance to all attractions, which I thought was pretty reasonable.
There really weren't any negatives with this holiday, other than the fact that it cost us £1000 each with the trips and excursions that we did. Funds permitting, we're thinking of going back there for New Year, although we'll probably try a hotel frequented by a few more British folk and a few less Russians!
So thanks to everybody for the advice given - it was much appreciated!
Adam.
The hotel was beautiful and very luxurious (on par with the Hilton in Prague, which I thought was pretty nice). Food was lovely, weather was lovely, people were friendly. Just a really really nice time was had.
Flew to Cairo for a day trip and saw Pyramids, Sphinx, museum, etc. Had dinner on a river-boat on the Nile, which was nice. The flight to Cairo was quick and easy, and the plane was brand new and so spotless. £135 for the full day including meal and entrance to all attractions, which I thought was pretty reasonable.
There really weren't any negatives with this holiday, other than the fact that it cost us £1000 each with the trips and excursions that we did. Funds permitting, we're thinking of going back there for New Year, although we'll probably try a hotel frequented by a few more British folk and a few less Russians!
So thanks to everybody for the advice given - it was much appreciated!
Adam.
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