A Basic Guide to Red Sea Cruise Vacation

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The Red Sea separates Asia from Africa and is considered a part of the Indian Ocean. It borders Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Israel, and it is renowned for its crystal clear water that is filled with coral reefs and marine life. The Red Sea is a popular diving and snorkeling destination, and also offers an opportunity to get fascinated by the ancient history of the surrounding lands. One of the best ways to explore the treasures in and around the Red Sea is through Red Sea cruises. Each cruise is designed to suit the requirements of different cruise passengers. So, you will be able to find an itinerary that fits into your budget and meets your needs.

Best Things to Do in the Red Sea On a Cruise

A cruise to the Red Sea will give you numerous opportunities to disembark and go for a shore expedition. Some of the itineraries enter the Suez Canal, so you can always visit the pyramids. You can even go for a cruise on the Nile to explore the wildlife and get awed by the panoramic sceneries.

Explore Petra - The Lost City: Located in Jordan, Petra is something you should not miss while you are on a Red Sea cruise. It is part of the Seven Wonders of the World and transports you to the Nabatean times when this place used to be a hub for trade routes.

Cherish the Archaeological Beauty of the Temple of Luxor: This incredible edifice is located in Safaga, in Egypt and represents ancient Egyptian engineering and construction. You will be awed by its sheer magnificence and will also be able to find out more about the ancient city of Thebes.

Enjoy Snorkeling and Diving: There is no way you can go on a Red Sea cruise and miss an opportunity to snorkel. The clear azure waters are home to coral reefs that are teeming with a plethora of marine life. Explore how the red-colored algae inhabiting the waters here give the Red Sea its reddish color and name. You can enjoy snorkeling at Pharaoh’s Island, the Sunken City, and Shark’s Bay. If you want more adventure, go for deep-sea diving to explore ancient shipwrecks.

Best Places to Visit in the Red Sea On a Cruise

Red Sea cruises have different itineraries. So pick an itinerary that allows you to visit the places in your bucket list. Some of the places to visit during the cruise include:

Jordan: Jordan is home to the ancient city of Petra and it is awe-inspiring to see an entire city carved into the cliff made from sandstone. It was discovered in the 19th century and archaeologists started excavating it in the 1950s. Today, it is one of the most-visited destinations in Jordan. It can be mesmerizing to walk through the entrance into As-Siq, the old city, and then walk to the Treasury, the Roman Theater and the Royal Tombs. You will feel like Indiana Jones during this expedition!

Israel: There are many cities located along the Red Sea, including Haifa, Jerusalem, Ashdod, and Eilat, and they are popular ports for cruise lines. If you go to Haifa, you will be able to visit Baha’I Temple and Gardens which is a UNESCO Heritage Site. Make sure you visit the 1836 Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery and Elijah’s Caves. The older parts of Jerusalem have been declared a World Heritage Site and it houses many places of religious interests, including the Western Wall. If you visit Eilat, you will get an opportunity to soak in the Dead Sea, a saltwater lake that is renowned for its high-density water.

Egypt: Egypt has many historic treasures and experiences that you should indulge in. Enjoy a ride through the desert on a camel, go on a quad bike safari as you conquer the sand dunes or head to Cairo to explore the Pyramids of Giza or visit the Valley of the Kings to check out the Tomb of Tutankhamun.

Best Time to Visit Red Sea On a Cruise

While cruise lines operate Red Sea cruises throughout the year, it is best to avoid the summer months when temperatures over 100 deg Fahrenheit. It can make onshore expeditions impossible. You should also avoid a cruise during the holy month of Ramadan, which falls in May or June. During this time, many restaurants will be closed between sunrise and sunset so you will not be able to enjoy the local delicacies.

So, the best time to plan your Red Sea cruise is during the cooler months, which run from October to March. The cool weather makes it pleasant to explore the places and enjoy the sights and sounds of the region.

Conclusion

Red Sea cruises offer something special to every passenger and you should not hesitate to book your cruise. Just make sure you get the best deal possible so that you get a bigger bang for your money.