From Saudi Arabia to Egypt

Welcome to Jeddah, where you’ll step aboard your Emerald Cruises luxury yacht ready to set sail on an unforgettable cruise of the Red Sea. 

Please book your flight to arrive into Jeddah prior to 07:00 PM.

Jeddah is a major port city considered the gateway to the holy cities of Mecca and Medina for Muslim pilgrims. The city's historical area, Al-Balad, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, filled with traditional homes made from coral stone sourced from the Red Sea.

Yanbu is famous as the capital of diving of Saudi Arabia because of its clear, warm waters teaming with diverse aquatic species. Back on land, step back in time and discover the traditional buildings of Yanbu. Some of these are constructed from mud and stone, but in the old town of Yanbu, Yanbu Al-Balad, the historic buildings are made from coral stone, a nod to the city's past as an ancient seaport.

Port Safago has been undergoing a transformation, slowly metamorphosing into a holiday rsort. Like other cities on the Red Sea, the commercial port town sits close to great offshore dive sites. Unlike others, however, tourist development hasn't taken off in a meaningful way. But if the mass tourism in Hurghada is a turnoff, Safaga offers a small-scale and much more low-key alternative, though the best dive sites can still be seen on a day trip from Hurghada. Safaga is also the closest beach resort to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which lies 200 km (124 mi) to the southwest; when cruise ships offer land excursions to Luxor, they often do so through Safaga.

You’ll find it Safaga  relatively small and quiet, with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for those looking to relax and unwind. In addition to its natural beauty, Safaga is also renowned for its therapeutic hot springs, which are believed to have healing properties for various ailments.  

The port and town of Sharm-el-Sheikh lies near the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Straits of Tiran meet the Gulf of Aqaba. With its strategic position, the Sinai posed a desirable target for various rulers over the centuries. In recent times, the last battle for the Sinai was fought between Egypt and Israel from 1967 to 1979, ending with a peace treaty signed in Washington, D.C. Since the withdrawal of the Israelis, more and more Egyptians have settled in the Sinai, taking advantage of the booming tourist trade. However, vast interior regions are still sparsely populated. Many Bedouins have been affected by the advent of the 21st century, which is rapidly changing their age-old customs and nomadic lifestyle. As tourism and hotel projects continue to spring up along the Sinai coast, contact with Bedouins not involved in tourism is becoming increasingly rare. Once their nomadic life kept them on the move with their tents; today many Bedouins cultivate grain, vegetables and dates in addition to catering to the tourists. Sharm-el-Sheikh was initially developed by the Israelis during the Sinai occupation. Na'ama Bay, a short drive from the port, has grown from virtually nothing into a sizeable resort since the early 1980s. Between the two towns, a string of hotels line a once-untouched coastline. Resort hotels offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Glass bottom boat trips are available for those preferring to view the exotic marine life of the Red Sea without getting their feet wet.

Sharm El-Sheikh is a popular resort town located on the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt. It attracts visitors from around the world for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters, and coral reefs, making it a perfect destination for diving and snorkelling enthusiasts.  

In addition to its beaches and underwater attractions, Sharm el-Sheikh also offers several cultural and historical sites, including the historic Old Market and the desert landscapes of the Sinai Peninsula.

Your next stop is Eilat, a vibrant port city located on the southern tip of Israel. Known for its stupendous marine life and calm, shimmering waters, Eilat is also famous for its proximity to several historic sites and natural wonders, such as the Timna Park with its unique rock formations, and the underwater observatory. You will overnight in Eilat. 

The resort town of Aqaba, on the Red Sea at the southern end of Jordan, is a popular spot for divers with some of the best coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling and other water sports are popular, and it's easy to hire a boat for a day or half-day, including lunch.Aqaba has become quite a bustling destination, with several large luxury hotels and a large shopping area. There are many jewelry stores selling pearls, gem stones, and gold and silver jewelry. It's worth noting that although it's an international beach resort, Aqaba is quite conservative—certainly much more so than Amman—and North Americans tend to be more comfortable at the private hotel beaches.

A picturesque coastal city located in the southern tip of Jordan overlooking the Red Sea.

The resort town of Aqaba, on the Red Sea at the southern end of Jordan, is a popular spot for divers with some of the best coral reefs in the world. Snorkeling and other water sports are popular, and it's easy to hire a boat for a day or half-day, including lunch.Aqaba has become quite a bustling destination, with several large luxury hotels and a large shopping area. There are many jewelry stores selling pearls, gem stones, and gold and silver jewelry. It's worth noting that although it's an international beach resort, Aqaba is quite conservative—certainly much more so than Amman—and North Americans tend to be more comfortable at the private hotel beaches.

Aqaba is a history buffs’ delight for its rich history that dates back thousands of years, with archaeological sites such as the Aqaba Fort and the Ayla ruins showcasing its ancient past. Aqaba also serves as a gateway to the ancient city of Petra and Wadi Rum desert.

Ain Sokhna is a picturesque coastal town popular for its soft yellow sand beaches, clear blue waters and stunning views of the Red Sea. Your luxurious yacht cruise concludes here, where you’ll be transferred to the airport for your return flight home or to continue your holiday. 

Please book your flight to depart out of Cairo after 04:00 PM.

The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Emerald Cruises cannot guarantee the cruise will operated unaltered from the itinerary states above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.