Three things will influence what you wear. The local culture; the weather and exactly where you are.
Egypt is a Muslim country. The culture and dress code are not as strict in Egypt as they are in some other Muslim countries, but it is still best to be modest, especially for ladies.
Weather in Egypt is generally is hot. Even in the winter, temperatures are generally high during the day so you will need light cottons at any time of the year. In some months, around October - March, it can get cooler in the evening and overnight. You can also feel the chill on a cruise boat and on the overnight train, because you get a breeze on the boat and they tend to turn the air conditioning to freezing on the train! So for any of these occasions, take a fleece or a jumper as well.
For men, what to wear is less of an issue than it is for ladies. Normal trousers and shirt, T-shirt or polo are fine. Make sure they are lightweight and natural fibres - cotton is best. Wearing shorts in the hotel or beach areas is fine but most people wear full length trousers in town centres. While visiting mosques, certainly wear full-length trousers.
For ladies, it is recommended to dress modestly. Apart from the need to respect local custom and religion there are two other benefits from modest clothing. First, it will protect you from the sun. The sun is fierce most of the time and will soon damage exposed, unprotected skin. Second, the more modest you are the less attention you will attract. A basic wardrobe would be loose cotton or linen trousers and/or a longish skirt and tops with sleeves that are at least half-length. No-one expects you to cover your face. Nor do you have to cover your head. It is useful to carry a pashmina or shawl to help with covering up when you go to sensitive places, such as mosques.
You will need 'practical' shoes. Comfortable shoes or trainers with sturdy soles are best. Sandals are OK in the hotels and on cruises, but not during the tours.
On cruise ships, the dress code is much more relaxed than it is in town. Dress as though you were in a tourist hotel. Shorts, swimming costumes, bikinis are all fine, but have something handy to cover up for when the ship gets to a town. On five star and five star deluxe ships it is normal to dress up slightly for the evening meal. Few people would go as far as a tie for men or a long dress for women, and some people may go in shorts, but smart casual is expected. Shirt and full length trousers for men, dress, trousers or skirt with blouse for women.
Egypt is a Muslim country. The culture and dress code are not as strict in Egypt as they are in some other Muslim countries, but it is still best to be modest, especially for ladies.
Weather in Egypt is generally is hot. Even in the winter, temperatures are generally high during the day so you will need light cottons at any time of the year. In some months, around October - March, it can get cooler in the evening and overnight. You can also feel the chill on a cruise boat and on the overnight train, because you get a breeze on the boat and they tend to turn the air conditioning to freezing on the train! So for any of these occasions, take a fleece or a jumper as well.
For men, what to wear is less of an issue than it is for ladies. Normal trousers and shirt, T-shirt or polo are fine. Make sure they are lightweight and natural fibres - cotton is best. Wearing shorts in the hotel or beach areas is fine but most people wear full length trousers in town centres. While visiting mosques, certainly wear full-length trousers.
For ladies, it is recommended to dress modestly. Apart from the need to respect local custom and religion there are two other benefits from modest clothing. First, it will protect you from the sun. The sun is fierce most of the time and will soon damage exposed, unprotected skin. Second, the more modest you are the less attention you will attract. A basic wardrobe would be loose cotton or linen trousers and/or a longish skirt and tops with sleeves that are at least half-length. No-one expects you to cover your face. Nor do you have to cover your head. It is useful to carry a pashmina or shawl to help with covering up when you go to sensitive places, such as mosques.
You will need 'practical' shoes. Comfortable shoes or trainers with sturdy soles are best. Sandals are OK in the hotels and on cruises, but not during the tours.
On cruise ships, the dress code is much more relaxed than it is in town. Dress as though you were in a tourist hotel. Shorts, swimming costumes, bikinis are all fine, but have something handy to cover up for when the ship gets to a town. On five star and five star deluxe ships it is normal to dress up slightly for the evening meal. Few people would go as far as a tie for men or a long dress for women, and some people may go in shorts, but smart casual is expected. Shirt and full length trousers for men, dress, trousers or skirt with blouse for women.