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Louis Cruise Lines

MS Calypso

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Reviewed by: Graham Colville
# previous cruises: 3
Date of Trip: May 13, 2003
Itinerary: Egypt

I took the three-day cruise from Limassol to Alexandria, Egypt, from 13-16 May, 2003. It's an excellent way to visit this ancient city. Tours were available at reasonable extra cost: either an overnight stay in Cairo or a shorter trip including a visit to the pyramids, returning to the ship in Alexandria later the same day. The whole trip was completely trouble-free and very enjoyable. I did not take the guided tours, but other passengers had high praise for the tour guides. A relatively minor complaint was being besieged by hawkers/souvenir sellers at the pyramids. The mainly young, often east European staff on the ship were very friendly and helpful.

The teak boat deck with a small pool in the stern area is one of the nicest features of this ship. It was nice to be able to stroll all around the ship and the deck never seemed overcrowded. The early coffee lounge is another big plus (on the Festival deck as I recall). They open at 6:30 or 7 am and serve first-rate espresso and cappucino as well as regular coffee and tea. The ship's "library" was one of the very few disappointments: it had absolutely no books, magazines or papers.

One main dining room. It was a little noisy, apparently being above the engine room. The food was very good: the savoury, well-cooked chicken was a standout. Buffet breakfast had a good selection, with eggs, bacon and other meats, fruit and vegetables, all nicely presented.

This was an outside cabin on B deck with two single beds. I was alone in the cabin and found it surprisingly comfortable and attractive, with two portholes, plenty of closet space and a very clean and well-equipped bathroom in which everything worked. No problems with shower size, drainage etc. Plenty of clean towels. Noise level in the cabin was no problem.

I didn't attend any.

The pool is quite small and wasn't used much on this short cruise. The health club section seemed a little bit sparse although there was plenty of open deck area for sports.

Quite a few Britons. The ship was by no means full for this first trip after the end of the Iraq war. A reasonable mixture of older/retired people and young couples or younger families. We had pleasant conversation at our table after a somewhat stilted first night when we were just getting acquainted. I met some people I'd enjoy seeing again.