Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the headline, but the two coral-reef snorkeling stops are the real reason to book this day. You also get a clean boat, a full lunch, drinks, snacks, and one back massage, all for $53. I especially like the early arrival at Orange Bay, which can give you a quieter stretch of sand before other boats arrive.

I also like the careful crew service. Andrew, Mostafa, and the wider team are repeatedly praised for keeping nervous swimmers safe and helping people who cannot swim stay involved. The main drawback is the sea itself: wind, chop, and motion sickness can affect the day, and Orange Bay may feel touristy or too brief once the crowds arrive.

Quick reasons to consider this Red Sea cruise

• Two separate snorkeling stops: You get time at Jazā’ir Jiftūn and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, rather than spending the whole day at one crowded beach.
• Early Orange Bay arrival: The timing may let you enjoy the sand before the island fills with other boat groups.
• Lunch and refreshments included: Fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, vegetables, salads, fruit, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are part of the price.
• Massage on the moving boat: Each person receives one back massage while cruising between stops.
• A crew that helps nervous swimmers: Guides stay close to people who need support, with life jackets and snorkeling equipment provided.
• Scuba available as an extra: It is not included in the basic price, but some visitors added it on board with an instructor.

What this $53 day is really about

For $53 per person, this is a packed Red Sea day rather than a quiet yacht outing. The advertised duration is 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours, including hotel pickup, the marina transfer, boat time, island time, snorkeling, lunch, water activities, and the ride back.

That price matters because several costs are already bundled together: transport from five resort areas, the cruise, marine fees, equipment, food, drinks, snacks, a massage, and a guide. You are not simply paying for a boat seat and an island stop.

I would judge the value mainly by how much you want to do. If you want a lazy half-day at sea, the schedule may feel busy. If you want to pack snorkeling, Orange Bay, lunch, a massage, and a banana boat ride into one outing, it is a strong deal.

The word luxury needs a little context. The boat is described as clean, comfortable, and attractive, with sunbathing areas and a sizeable crew. This is still a shared group excursion, not a private charter. The luxury comes from the service and number of included extras more than from privacy.

Pickup from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, and beyond

Pickup is offered from Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna. The van ride is listed at about 30 minutes, though your exact road time depends on your hotel and pickup order.

You should wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before the agreed time. That small detail is worth taking seriously because a boat departure is less flexible than a standard city tour. Hotel drop-off is included at the end, using the same resort areas.

The road transfer is practical rather than scenic. One point to prepare for is Egypt’s bumpy roads, especially if you are used to smoother driving at home. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider that both the van and the boat can contribute to discomfort.

The tour offers live guiding in English, German, Arabic, and Russian. Andrew is specifically praised for handling English and German, while Andrew and Mostafa are named as helpful guides. The crew is large enough to provide regular assistance, which is useful when several people are getting into the water at once.

Cruising toward Orange Bay

After the transfer, you board the cruise boat and spend roughly 45 minutes sailing across the Red Sea. This first stretch gives you time to settle in, find a place on deck, and get used to the movement of the boat.

The open water is part of the experience, but do not mistake a calm morning for a guaranteed calm day. Wind can pick up, and a few hours at sea can feel very different from the conditions at the hotel pool. If you know you get seasick, bring suitable medication and avoid arriving on an empty stomach.

The crew usually keeps the atmosphere light, with music, refreshments, and plenty of interaction. You can have soft drinks and hot drinks throughout the day, along with snacks. Drink choices are not unlimited in variety, so if you care about a particular brand or sugar-free option, bring cash and check what is available before leaving the harbor.

Orange Bay before the crowds

The cruise reaches Orange Bay for about 75 minutes. The appeal is easy to understand: clear shallow water, pale sand, and a chance to step off the boat and enjoy an island setting rather than spending every minute in the water.

The early schedule is one of the better features of this trip. Several departures have reached the island while it was still quiet, giving people a more peaceful start before other excursions arrived. That timing can make a busy tourist stop feel more relaxed.

Still, keep your expectations realistic. Orange Bay is a popular excursion stop, not an untouched island. It can feel touristy, and 75 minutes passes quickly once you walk ashore, take photos, swim, and find a place to sit. One practical criticism is that some people would prefer more time here.

Drinks on the island are not included. The boat provides drinks and snacks, but anything purchased on Orange Bay is extra, so carry cash. Sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, and a towel are essential. The sun reflects strongly from both the sand and the water.

The first snorkeling stop at Jazā’ir Jiftūn

The first listed snorkeling stop lasts about 45 minutes at Jazā’ir Jiftūn. This is where the day becomes more than a beach visit.

The Red Sea is known for clear water and coral life, and the trip is designed to show you that underwater world at two separate locations. Visibility can reach up to 45 meters in favorable conditions, although actual visibility changes with wind, water movement, and the site on the day.

You might see clownfish, rays, dolphins, and coral in different colors. The descriptions of clownfish are especially fitting for families and first-time snorkelers, since these fish are easy to recognize and often provide a memorable first glimpse of reef life.

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. The crew gives safety help and can stay close to people who are weak swimmers. That does not mean you should ignore your own limits. Tell the guide early if you are nervous, cannot swim, or need a flotation aid.

The equipment is reported as clean and suitable, but it is still wise to check your mask fit before entering the water. A leaking mask can turn a good stop into a frustrating one, and the crew can usually help adjust it.

Some people choose to add a scuba session at one of the sites. That is not part of the $53 package, so ask about the price before agreeing. An instructor is available for the extra activity, and safety guidance is emphasized, but you should treat it as an optional add-on rather than an included feature.

Lunch with fish, kofta, and fruit

Lunch is served on board for about 45 minutes, with the boat continuing its Red Sea program around the meal. The buffet includes fish, chicken, chicken nuggets, oven-roasted potatoes, rice, pasta, meat kofta, oven vegetables, four types of salad, and three kinds of fruit.

This is a practical buffet for a mixed group. You have familiar choices if seafood is not your favorite, while the fish and kofta give the meal a more local feel. The variety also helps families and picky eaters avoid being stuck with one dish.

The food has been described as fresh, plentiful, and well prepared. I would still think of it as a large excursion buffet, not a restaurant meal. Lines can form when everyone eats at once, and the best choice may be to take a moderate plate first, then return for more.

Soft drinks and hot drinks remain available, and snacks are included during the day. The boat also provides fruit, which is welcome after time in the sun. Bring cash for personal purchases, including anything at the island, and do not count on a specific specialty drink being available.

The second reef at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī

After lunch, the boat heads to Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī for another 45-minute snorkeling period. This second stop is important because reef sites differ. A person who finds the first location ordinary may find the next one more interesting, while a strong first stop gives you another chance to see the same Red Sea life from a new setting.

You may see schools of fish around coral, clownfish, and rays. Dolphins are possible but not guaranteed, and the same applies to any particular species. The trip is best booked for the reef experience as a whole, not for a promise of one animal.

The guides help explain how to use the equipment and keep an eye on safety. This is especially useful for families and first-time snorkelers. The 45-minute period is long enough to get comfortable, but not so long that you are left in the water until you are cold and tired.

The two-stop plan is one of the strongest parts of the outing. You receive a proper look at the reef rather than a rushed photo opportunity. If snorkeling is your main goal, plan your energy around these stops and save some time for them instead of spending every minute on the island.

Massage, banana boat, and open-water downtime

The schedule includes a 45-minute water-sports period, with a banana boat ride listed among the activities. Conditions and safety decisions can change the plan. Wind or local safety concerns have led to water activities being canceled on some departures, so do not treat the ride as guaranteed.

A massage is included for every person. It is a back massage while the boat is cruising, not a spa appointment in a private treatment room. Still, it is a pleasant extra after swimming and sun exposure, and many people find it a welcome break from the active parts of the day.

You also have about 45 minutes of free time on the Red Sea. Use it to sunbathe, sit with a drink, take photos, or simply recover between activities. The boat has sunbathing areas, though the best position may depend on how early you claim a spot.

The boat toilets have received less praise than the rest of the service. That is worth keeping in mind before booking, especially if you need high-quality facilities throughout a long day at sea.

What the crew gets right

The crew is the strongest part of this experience. Names that come up repeatedly include Andrew, Mostafa, and photographer Mohammed, but the boat operates with a wider team of around 11 or 12 crew members.

That staffing level has practical value. Someone can help with masks, someone can watch swimmers, someone can serve food, and someone can explain the next step. It also means the boat does not rely on one guide to handle every problem.

The best example is support for weak swimmers. A guide has stayed with someone who could not swim so that person could still see the underwater life. That kind of help can change the day from intimidating to manageable, though you should still be honest about your abilities before entering the water.

The crew also appears comfortable with birthdays and personal occasions. A complimentary cake has been provided for a birthday, and other birthday celebrations have received extra attention. These touches are not guaranteed, but they show the team can add a personal note when informed in advance.

Photography may also be offered, including professional underwater images. This is not listed as part of the included package, so ask about any cost before ordering photos.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this cruise to you if you want a full day of activities without arranging each piece separately. It suits couples, families with older children, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who likes a friendly boat atmosphere.

It is also a good choice for a mixed group. Strong swimmers can spend more time over the reef, nervous swimmers can use life jackets and crew support, and non-snorkelers can enjoy the island, food, massage, and deck time.

I would be more cautious if you dislike group excursions, get severe seasickness, or want a quiet private boat. The schedule has many moving parts, and the boat is shared. The island can be crowded later in the morning, and weather can change the water-sports portion.

The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Getting between van, boat, shore, and water requires mobility, and the tour does not list wheelchair access.

Practical packing advice for this boat day

Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sun hat. Wear something that dries reasonably fast, since you will move between water, deck, and beach several times.

Carry cash for drinks on Orange Bay and any optional extras, such as scuba or photography. Keep your phone protected from spray and bring a waterproof pouch if you want to take pictures in the water.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before boarding. The boat may be comfortable, but comfort does not remove the motion of open water. Wind can also make Orange Bay feel cooler than expected, so a light cover-up is useful.

Allow yourself enough time for the pickup. The van transfer is included, but the agreed pickup time still matters because the boat follows a planned route.

Should you book Royal Cruise Hurghada?

Book it if you want excellent snorkeling value, a full meal, hotel transfers, and plenty of extras for one clear price. The two reef stops, helpful crew, included massage, and early Orange Bay timing make this more than a simple island transfer.

Think twice if your priority is privacy, long time on the sand, or a calm sea guaranteed by the forecast. Orange Bay can feel touristy, water sports may be canceled, and the boat toilets are not a highlight.

For most able-bodied visitors staying in Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Sahl Hasheesh, Safaga, or El Gouna, I would choose this as a strong all-round Red Sea day. Pack for sun and motion, tell the crew about your swimming ability, and treat scuba and water sports as optional extras rather than promises.

FAQ

How long does the Orange Bay cruise last?

The experience lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. This includes hotel pickup and drop-off, the van rides, boat cruising, Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, lunch, water activities, and free time.

Where does hotel pickup operate?

Pickup is available from Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna. You should wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before the agreed pickup time.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, chicken nuggets, oven-roasted potatoes, rice, pasta, meat kofta, oven vegetables, four types of salad, and three types of fruit.

Are drinks included on the boat?

Unlimited soft drinks and hot drinks are included, along with unlimited snacks. Drinks purchased on Orange Bay are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, with snorkeling at two selected Red Sea locations.

Is scuba included in the price?

No. Scuba is not included in the basic package, but it may be available as an extra with an instructor.

Is the massage included?

Yes. Each person receives one back massage while on board.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.