ABD Egypt & Sharm

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I was pleasantly surprised and very happy to see that ABD has made IMO a big change on its long-running SE Asia ABD ... in 2026 they are going to Ha Long Bay! That is a must do for me so this trip had fallen off my radar. Makes me think that maybe ABD does listen to traveler comments and that isn't just a marketing ploy to explain dropping meals, expensive locations, etc. LOL.

So along that thread ... as mentioned here before, I had signed up for a Viking trip to Egypt as I preferred the itinerary to ABD (mostly to avoid Sharm and see things not on ABD itinerary like Valley of Queens & to get on one of the newer purpose built boats for the Nile). But I lost my husband unexpectedly last year, and both my DD25 and I decided we didn't want to take DS28 special needs on a Viking trip without DH. We assume that the Viking trip would be much less hand-holding than ABD. But now that ABD has 3 nights/4 days in Sharm (1/3 of the trip) in a place I have no interest in going, I was wondering if there's been any chatter or if anyone thinks they might eventually drop Sharm. IMO it doesn't feel like a very popular part of the trip (ranging from it's fine to could do without) and I know a number of people have said they aren't look at ABD because of that part of the itinerary. Even if they added an extra day on the ship/Luxor to add the Valley of the Queens that would make a huge difference to me. Thoughts? Wishful thinking? (My cynical suspicion is that it is a cheaper part of the trip and a way of keeping price down so that's why they haven't dropped it).

 

[jimmymc]

I think the Sharm portion of the trip is popular for families with kids. Aside from the standard beach activities, it's also a great location for scuba diving and snorkeling. I personally agree with you that it takes up way too much time of an expensive trip. I don't like it when ABD includes stretches where you're just enjoying a resort for a few days. This is something I can book on my own as pre or post nights and get nearly the same experience.

 

[sayhello]

I was pleasantly surprised and very happy to see that ABD has made IMO a big change on its long-running SE Asia ABD ... in 2026 they are going to Ha Long Bay! That is a must do for me so this trip had fallen off my radar. Makes me think that maybe ABD does listen to traveler comments and that isn't just a marketing ploy to explain dropping meals, expensive locations, etc. LOL.

So along that thread ... as mentioned here before, I had signed up for a Viking trip to Egypt as I preferred the itinerary to ABD (mostly to avoid Sharm and see things not on ABD itinerary like Valley of Queens & to get on one of the newer purpose built boats for the Nile). But I lost my husband unexpectedly last year, and both my DD25 and I decided we didn't want to take DS28 special needs on a Viking trip without DH. We assume that the Viking trip would be much less hand-holding than ABD. But now that ABD has 3 nights/4 days in Sharm (1/3 of the trip) in a place I have no interest in going, I was wondering if there's been any chatter or if anyone thinks they might eventually drop Sharm. IMO it doesn't feel like a very popular part of the trip (ranging from it's fine to could do without) and I know a number of people have said they aren't look at ABD because of that part of the itinerary. Even if they added an extra day on the ship/Luxor to add the Valley of the Queens that would make a huge difference to me. Thoughts? Wishful thinking? (My cynical suspicion is that it is a cheaper part of the trip and a way of keeping price down so that's why they haven't dropped it).

So, so, so sorry about the loss of your dear husband! I still can't believe it.

I think it's a very fair assumption that Viking would not have the same level of hand-holding as ABD.

I have not heard any rumblings about the Egypt trip at all. Most of the folks I've talked to have agreed that the time spent in Sharm is not time well-spent on a trip like this. But I do think @jimmymc may have a good point about it being good for families with younger kids. I'm with you that time spent going to the Valley of the Queens would be far superior to the time in Sharm. Maybe they could alter the itinerary for the Adults Only trips, and leave it in for the family departures? I know, wishful thinking on my part, too!

Sayhello

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I think the Sharm portion of the trip is popular for families with kids. Aside from the standard beach activities, it's also a great location for scuba diving and snorkeling. I personally agree with you that it takes up way too much time of an expensive trip. I don't like it when ABD includes stretches where you're just enjoying a resort for a few days. This is something I can book on my own as pre or post nights and get nearly the same experience.

Totally! That is exactly my view. If I want a beach, I'll go to Hawaii I suspect you are right, although Egypt in particular is so museum/archaeology heavy, it doesn't cry out family to me--unless you happen to have a daughter who has wanted to be an archaeologist since she was two and now has two degrees and is going for the PhD, LOL. So I know they do exist. But yes, paying roughly $1000 per person per day to stay at a beach resort is hard to stomach.

So, so, so sorry about the loss of your dear husband! I still can't believe it.

I think it's a very fair assumption that Viking would not have the same level of hand-holding as ABD.

I have not heard any rumblings about the Egypt trip at all. Most of the folks I've talked to have agreed that the time spent in Sharm is not time well-spent on a trip like this. But I do think @jimmymc may have a good point about it being good for families with younger kids. I'm with you that time spent going to the Valley of the Queens would be far superior to the time in Sharm. Maybe they could alter the itinerary for the Adults Only trips, and leave it in for the family departures? I know, wishful thinking on my part, too!

Sayhello

I am right there with you. I still can't believe it myself, but thank you so much for the kind words.

Sigh, about no rumblings. I know you have your ear to the ground so I was hoping there was something. I would love an adults only no-Sharm (or limited Sharm!). I will wishful think right along with you. I would love to know what their general feedback is on that part of the trip.

 

[AquaDame]

I saw they changed it too! So much for my trip report being useful going forward... the change took the wind out of my sails a bit but I do intend on finishing it. I was wondering why the price was going up and up, so at least there is a possible reason. They dropped the resort we stayed at a Luong Prabang which was hands down my favorite for so many reasons, so I wouldn't go so far as to say I wished we waited, but knocking out Ha Long on the same trip would have been perfect. We tried to make it work but it just didn't without adding days. I'm not sure how I feel about them making so many stops "optional" to fit it in either... I feel like they're important stops to get a feeling for the country even if some are uncomfortable. Moving Marble Mountain to later in the day may make it necessary though... it can get HOT in Da Nang, and some folk may know right away they wouldn't be able to handle the stairs, so it makes it easy to know you can skip it by making that obvious from the get go.

Avani+ doesn't seem comparable at all, though its location might be a smidge better since you wouldn't need to take a $3 tuktuk to get "downtown". Legacy Ten Yu may fill that hole nicely to be fair - it seems more interesting. Overall the itinerary seems too rushed - it was already rushed - and you lose a lot of the minimal downtime and flexibility. Hopefully whomever goes on it reports back on the changes!

I agree with your thoughts on Egypt which is why we are booked with Archaeological Paths this November. They also have access to the enclosure of the sphinx, as well as the Queen's chamber and subterranean chambers in the pyramid. Originally they included the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in the Valley of the Queens but as that is closed for the foreseeable future I'm not sure what they may replace it with. I assume something in the Valley of the Queens, but if not we don't mind splitting off if we aren't interested in whatever they do. We're already planning to visit the Old Cataract and have a light meal or lunch on our own - whatever gets us in the door. The last day is devoted to the Grand Egyptian museum with tours and lectures from a director and minister. Should be a great trip even if it lacks some Disney flair - all 10 days will be spent either in Cairo or along the Nile.

I feel like Disney adding more time to Sharm proves they have no intention of moving away from it.... they know what sets them apart.

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

Very interesting about dropping the great hotel. I hope you will continue your trip report because I was really enjoying it, and this trip is definitely back on my radar now.

I am also very interested in your thoughts on Egypt with AP. I hope you'll report back on that as well

And sigh. So much for my wistful thinking with your dose of hard reality. I suspect you are right, about setting them apart. Although my suspicion is that they added the extra night there and stopped taking people back to Cairo because it was cheaper to not have the extra flight. From what I understand it is not a customer friendly change as it's hard to get an Int'l flight to align from Sharm. That is my recollection, although it could be wrong. But you are 100% right that having Sharm in there does set them apart, even if it's not how I'd like to see it be set apart, LOL.

 

[AquaDame]

No, I think you're right and I've heard the same about flying back. I remember hearing they made the change due to "guest feedback" about wanting to add nights. I wonder what % of folk do... I absolutely will finish! I have a gorgeous four day weekend once I wrap up today and nowhere to go, perfect timing.