20 nights · Saudi Arabia, Mecca · Departs Jeddah · Visiting Safaga, Sokhna, Sharm El Sheikh, Aqaba, Jabal Al-Sabaya Island, Jizan, Salalah, Muscat, Khor Fakkan, Khasab, Dubai · Aboard MSC Explora Journeys on the MSC Explora 1
Image courtesy of MSC Explora Journeys ©
| Cruise line | MSC Explora Journeys |
|---|---|
| Ship | MSC Explora 1 |
| Duration | 20 nights |
| Port calls | 12 |
| Departures | 1 sailings |
| From fare | $11,625 per person |
| Year built | 2023 |
| Guests | 1473 |
| Cabins | 461 |
| Crew | 640 |
| Length | 248 m |
| Beam | 32 m |
| Cruising speed | 18.0 kn |
Jeddah meets the Red Sea with the confidence of a city built on trade. Beyond its modern waterfront, Al-Balad preserves coral-stone merchants’ houses and narrow lanes shaped by centuries of commerce. Look for carved wooden balconies, lively souks and the old city’s UNESCO-listed architecture. This is a Red Sea port with a past still visible at street level.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Jeddah meets the Red Sea with the confidence of a city built on trade. Beyond its modern waterfront, Al-Balad preserves coral-stone merchants’ houses and narrow lanes shaped by centuries of commerce. Look for carved wooden balconies, lively souks and the old city’s UNESCO-listed architecture. This is a Red Sea port with a past still visible at street level.
Jabal Al-Sabaya is a Red Sea island in Saudi Arabia, where rugged land meets open water. Its appeal lies in fresh air and time outdoors, away from the pace of a city. Walk the coast, or swim and snorkel when sea conditions permit. Keep the day simple: take in the island’s contours and watch the light shift across the water.
Jizan, on Saudi Arabia’s southern Red Sea coast, offers a striking change of pace from the kingdom’s inland cities. Its waterfront and souks reveal a working port shaped by fishing, trade and the warm sea. Ferries connect Jizan with the Farasan Islands, a protected archipelago. Its coral reefs, clear water and birdlife reward a day trip. Back in town, Jazan Heritage Village introduces regional architecture and traditions.
Salalah reveals a different side of Oman, shaped by monsoon, mountains and the ancient frankincense trade. From June to September, the khareef brings mist and rain to the Dhofar mountains, turning their slopes green. At Al Baleed, UNESCO-listed ruins tell the story of frankincense commerce; the souq brings its aromatic resin into the present. Set aside time for the coastal road or a drive inland; the landscape changes quickly beyond the port.
Set between the rugged Hajar Mountains and the Gulf of Oman, Muscat has a striking natural setting. Whitewashed buildings and careful development preserve its low-rise character. At Mutrah, browse the historic souq, then follow the corniche past the harbour and its traditional wooden dhows. Make time for Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, a landmark of modern Omani architecture open to non-Muslim visitors at set times.
Khor Fakkan offers a different face of the United Arab Emirates. Its crescent bay meets the Gulf of Oman, with the Hajar Mountains rising close behind. On shore, the amphitheatre and waterfall make an easy first stop. The restored heritage village recalls the town’s trading past. Come for the beach or a boat trip to snorkel near Shark Island. A drive inland to Al Rafisah Dam adds mountain scenery and a glimpse of the region’s rugged interior.
Khasab sits on Oman’s Musandam Peninsula, where limestone mountains meet the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. Traditional dhows thread inlets known as the “fjords of Arabia,” passing quiet villages beneath sheer cliffs. On shore, Khasab Fort offers a concise introduction to local history and Omani architecture. Take a boat trip for mountain scenery and a chance to spot dolphins, though sightings are never assured.
Dubai makes a striking first impression, but its older quarters reward a slower look. Visit Al Fahidi’s wind-tower lanes, then cross Dubai Creek by abra to see the city’s trading heritage. Elsewhere, the Burj Khalifa rises above Downtown, while the Gold and Spice souks bring color and commerce to Deira. Choose your day deliberately: Dubai’s distances are considerable, and summer heat can make outdoor sightseeing demanding.
Published August 24, 2026
Last updated October 3, 2026
Author: J. Richard
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