Is It Safe to Cruise in Egypt or Vietnam?
Safety is a legitimate concern for Australian travellers considering CroisiEurope's international itineraries particularly Egypt and Vietnam/Cambodia, which some Australians may perceive as having elevated risk. Here is the honest, evidence-based guide.
Egypt (Nile Cruise): The Safety Reality
Egypt is an extremely popular tourist destination and has been safely visited by millions of Australian travellers. The Nile cruise route Cairo, Luxor, Aswan is Egypt's most well-established tourist infrastructure, with a strong presence of tourist police, well-maintained archaeological sites, and CroisiEurope's proven operational history on the river.
DFAT advice: The Australian Government's Smartraveller website provides current safety advice for all destinations. Egypt is typically rated 'exercise a high degree of caution' overall, with some regions (Sinai peninsula, border areas) rated more cautiously. The Nile cruise route (Cairo, Luxor, Aswan) is in the more stable, heavily touristed zone.
Historical incidents: Egypt has experienced terrorism targeting tourists in the past. However, the 2016 onwards period has seen a dramatic improvement in security, with unprecedented military and police presence at all major tourist sites. The industry consensus is that the major tourist sites are well-protected.
CroisiEurope's assessment: CroisiEurope would not operate ships on a waterway it considers unsafe for passengers. The company's operational presence on the Nile is its implicit risk assessment.
Vietnam and Cambodia (Mekong Cruise): The Safety Reality
Vietnam and Cambodia are among the most Australian-friendly destinations in Southeast Asia, and among the safest. Both countries welcome millions of international tourists annually, including large numbers of Australians.
Vietnam: Very safe for tourists. The main risks are road traffic (motorcycles are ubiquitous in Ho Chi Minh City use licensed taxis or the ship's transfers rather than crossing independently on busy roads), petty theft in tourist areas, and food safety (eat at CroisiEurope-approved restaurants or ship-organised venues).
Cambodia: Generally safe in the main tourist areas (Phnom Penh, Siem Reap). The Khmer Rouge era is historical Cambodia has been stable and peaceful since the mid-1990s. The continued presence of landmines in remote rural areas does not affect the Mekong cruise route or the Angkor Wat excursion.
DFAT advice: Check Smartraveller (smartraveller.gov.au) for current advice before travel. Both Vietnam and Cambodia are typically rated 'exercise normal safety precautions' or 'exercise a high degree of caution.'
Practical Safety Measures on CroisiEurope International Cruises
• Stay with the ship's organised excursions CroisiEurope vets all excursion providers and routes.
• Register with DFAT's Smartraveller before departure free, takes 5 minutes, and ensures the government can contact you in a genuine emergency.
• Carry a digital copy of your passport, insurance, and emergency contacts in a cloud service (email or Google Drive).
• Follow local customs and dress codes particularly important at religious sites in Egypt and Cambodia.
• Drink bottled water ashore on all international itineraries do not drink tap water in Egypt, Vietnam, or Cambodia.
The Bottom Line
Both the Nile and Mekong itineraries are operated by a reputable European company with decades of experience on these specific waterways. Millions of tourists including very large numbers of Australians visit these destinations safely every year. The appropriate response to safety concerns is to check current DFAT advice, take sensible precautions, and travel with confidence.
Enquire with CroisiEurope Australia
For bookings, brochures, or any questions about CroisiEurope itineraries, contact our dedicated Australian team.
Phone: 1300 739 652 | Email: contact@croisicruises.com
Website: www.croisieuroperivercruises.com.au | Tweet World Travel, 544 Magill Road, Magill SA 5072
2027 departures are open for booking now.
