What rights does an american have when traveling abroad?

specificly Egypt. I have heard that when people take tours with an american based company they have to be accounted for : the cruise ship would not depart until all passengers had checked in. The can tell when one has entered their room or not Each person gets a cell #of the guide in case they get lost. How safe is Egypt? How easy is it to find your way around alone? I keep imagining that if you take a tour with an agent an Egypt tour agency, then how some how he or she has legal authortiy over you.