Petra, Jordan Cruise from Aqaba to Sokhna Port — 10 Days

Aqaba, Jordan

Jordan’s only seaport, Aqaba opens onto the Red Sea and its coral reefs. It also sits within reach of Petra’s carved façades and Wadi Rum’s sandstone valleys. Snorkel or dive among vivid marine life, then return to explore the Ottoman-era fort and waterfront souks. A compact centre makes it easy to combine a waterfront stroll with the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, beside the fort.

Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt

At Sinai’s southern tip, Sharm el-Sheikh sets the Red Sea against a spare landscape of mountains and desert. Its clear waters and coral gardens draw divers and snorkelers, with Ras Mohammed National Park among the region’s marine reserves. Naama Bay has cafés and shops; the Old Market offers spices, produce, and a glimpse of everyday local trade. Beyond the resorts, a drive into the Sinai interior reveals rugged peaks and broad desert horizons.

Hurghada, Egypt

Hurghada’s Red Sea is the main event, with clear water, coral reefs and excellent diving. Desert excursions trade the coastline for Bedouin camps and the broad terrain of Egypt’s Eastern Desert. Back in town, explore El Dahar’s markets or stroll the Hurghada Marina, where cafés and restaurants overlook the harbor. Bring swimwear: much of the city’s appeal begins beneath the surface.

Safaga, Egypt

Safaga is a working Red Sea port, with little to detain you at the quayside. Its value is access to Luxor, roughly 220 kilometres inland. At Karnak, the Valley of the Kings, and Hatshepsut’s temple, ancient Thebes becomes tangible. Prefer the coast? Safaga’s clear waters invite diving and snorkelling, while steady winds attract water-sports enthusiasts. Choose your day before leaving the ship; long road journeys make improvisation costly.

Al Wajh

Al Wajh brings you to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, far from the country’s better-known city circuit. This working port town rewards slow exploration along its waterfront and through the old quarter. There, coral-stone houses recall its trading past. Look beyond the harbor for quiet beaches and wide desert horizons. Al Wajh also offers a starting point for journeys inland, including to the historic oasis region of AlUla.

NEOM-Duba

At the Port of NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s northwest coast meets the clear waters of the Red Sea. Duba, the nearby town, introduces a region shaped by seafaring, desert landscapes, and rapid change. Travel inland to Tabuk to see its historic castle and explore its markets. Closer to port, the Red Sea and desert meet in a stark, open landscape. This is a frontier best explored with curiosity and a carefully planned excursion.

At Sea (At Sea)

Sokhna, Egypt

Set on the western shore of the Gulf of Suez, Sokhna Port is Egypt’s Red Sea gateway to Cairo. The capital lies about 120 kilometres away. A day trip can take you to the pyramids of Giza and Cairo’s historic quarters, but expect a substantial drive. Nearer the port, Ain Sokhna pairs desert mountains with Red Sea beaches. The port also sits close to the southern entrance of the Suez Canal, one of the world’s busiest shipping routes.