Travel to the exotic middle east to experience a cruise on the Red Sea. Ports such as Egypt and Jordan are enough to get you onboard!
Cruising is one of my favorite ways to travel! Not only experiencing a taste of different destinations. But also experiencing life onboard the ship! I love trying specialty restaurants as well as spending time at the spa! Cruising on the Red Sea was an adventure of a lifetime! And one you can’t pass up. If you are planning a vacation on the Red Sea, here is the perfect Red Sea cruise itinerary.
Choose your perfect itinerary for a Red Sea Cruise, starting in Jordan, Saudi Arabia, or Egypt. (I highly recommend embarking in Safaga, Egypt, or Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Those are the quietest ports on the itinerary. And will be the easiest to get to the airport to the seaport).
Day 1 – Embarking
If you choose to embark in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, be sure to put in the correct port address (MSC has two listed on their website, but pick the Cruise Saudi Jeddah Terminal on Google Maps). You will see the MSC flags outside the entry doors. Then you can begin the embarkation process!
It is a good idea to get to the embarkation destination a day early. You don’t want to miss your cruise because of a delayed flight! To enter Jeddah you will need a visa. It is a quick and easy process to fill out this form online. MSC recommends printing 3 hard copies for each passenger. I have this bag to carry my passport and essentials. Also, a secure folder with me to keep all my documentation organized and safe. (I also have a screenshot of my passport and vaccine card on my phone, just in case).
If it is your first time cruising, here are a few things to know when embarking:
- Print out tickets and luggage tags. It will be a much smoother process as you board. (We had to ask the hotel for scissors and tape for our luggage tags).
- Keep your passport and ticket handy as you board, they will be checked several times when embarking.
- Carry only what you need when embarking. Much like an airport, you will check your luggage before checking in. If you don’t want to carry much, take only what you need. Your luggage will be safely delivered to your room.
- At this time you will receive your cruise card. This can be used to make purchases onboard. Be sure to add your credit card info to the card.
- As soon as you board, you will be bombarded as the crew will try to get you to upgrade any package you may have. If you have what you need, just keep walking.
Embarkation day is a perfect time to get to you your ship! Explore the entertainment decks as well as the restaurants, pools, and theater!
Day 2 – Yanbu, Saudia Arabia
Yanbu, a desert port and the first stop on MSC’s Red Sea cruise. With white sand beaches and turquoise waters; the coral and sea life are perfect for diving!
Yanbu is divided into three major areas:
In the east, there is Yanbu AlNakhl, founded more than two thousand years ago. Home to one of the oldest souks, where traders used to come from places as far as Africa.
In the south, there is Yanbu AlSinaiyah, the industrial and governmental center of the region.
On the coast, there is Yanbu AlBahr, where the majority of the coastal activities are available.
MSC has a variety of excursions for this amazing destination. Snorkel or dive along the Red Sea Coast. Experience a night desert camp under the star. Sightseeing at the UNESCO site of Hegra or the Alula ancient town and the Elephant Rock.
(All excursions are subject to availability). Bring with you your passport, cruise card, and Saudia Arabia Visa.
Day 3 – Day at Sea
This is a perfect opportunity to book massages, enjoy the views from the lounge, or relax in a hot tub or pool. (There will also be a time listed on your itinerary to get your passport stamped for Egypt).
Day 4 – Sokhna, Egypt
Visiting Egypt will be an unforgettable experience. There is nothing quite like stepping onto the desert sands for the first time and feeling the sun shining down from a cloudless sky. Don’t miss out on discovering this extraordinary country.
Sokhna is around 35 miles south of the Suez and can boast of having a select few beach town resorts, more popular with the Egyptian residents.
From Sokna, there are a few different excursions to choose from: enjoy a picturesque lunch while pleasure cruising down the Nile. Visit one of Egypt’s oldest burial grounds and the Djoser Pyramid. Of course, you cannot visit Cairo (the largest city in Egypt) and not see the Pyramid of Giza and the Great Sphinx.
(All excursions are subject to availability).
Bring with you, your passport, excursion ticket, and cruise card. Due to some safety concerns, the excursion buses are driven in a caravan police escort. This means, there will be delays in getting off the boat, loading buses, and getting to your activity for the day. Also, at the port of Sokhna, you must have an approved MSC tour to get off the ship.
Day 5 – Safaga, Egypt
Don’t miss the chance to go onshore and discover Luxor from port Safaga! One of my favorite places in the world, the town itself is home to Luxor Temple. An amazing ancient complex built over 1,300 years ago! It is an amazing location and perfect for your Instagram content!
Choose to go across the river and visit the Valley of the Kings. Step inside the ancient valley and discover 3 royal tombs. Stop at the two massive statues of Amenhotep III, also known as the Colossi of Memnon for an iconic shot.
(All excursions are subject to availability).
Bring with you, your passport, excursion ticket, and cruise card. Due to some safety concerns, the excursion buses are driven with a police escort. Safaga is around a 3-hour drive from the port, prepare for a full day of activities!
Day 6 – Aqaba, Jordan
The city of Aqaba is popular for being a pleasant leisure beach town destination. The number of hotels is increasing, as well as luxury waterfront developments down the coast.
MSC has some unforgettable excursions for Jordan! Check out the Wadi Rum desert on a 4WD vehicle. After you soak in the desert scenery, enjoy Arabic Tea at a traditional Bedouin tent.
If you decide to stay in town, Aqaba has some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world.
From Aqaba, you can visit the UNESCO city of Petra, and discover the ancient Nabatean civilization. Drive into the remote valley in the heart of Jordan’s Shara mountains.
Protected from the outside world behind a barrier of rock, Petra remains clothed in mystery. Witness the magnificent royal tombs, narrow canyons, and iconic Treasury building.
(All excursions are subject to availability).
Bring with you your passport (officials will hold your passport, and can be retrieved the next day), excursion ticket, and cruise card. Due to safety concerns, the excursion buses are driven in a caravan with a police escort. Meaning it will take some time to get the buses loaded and to your final destination.
Day 7 – Day at Sea
This is a perfect opportunity to experience the F1 Simulator, Water Slide, and maybe even win some money at the Casino! This will be the day to pick up your passports (left with officials in the Aqaba port the day before).
Disembark
After you are done sailing through the sun-kissed waters of the Red Sea and discovering the wonders of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan, it is time to disembark.
If it is your first time cruising, here are a few things to know when dis-embarking:
- Make sure you have a small bag with essentials. You will leave your luggage out the night before and will have to pick it up later, once you are off the boat.
Cruising is such an incredible experience! Getting to visit new destinations every day is such a great way to get a taste of a country to revisit later.
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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