Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the star of this day on the Red Sea. Its pale sand, clear shallow water, and easygoing island setting give you a short taste of the Caribbean without leaving Egypt. The cruise also packs in two snorkeling stops, lunch, a massage, and water sports, so you get far more than a simple boat ride.

I like the way the day balances quiet time and active time. You can stretch out on the yacht, sip tea or juice, and take your massage, then jump into the sea with a guide who helps you spot fish and coral. I also like the value: at about $53 per person, hotel transfers, equipment, lunch, snacks, and drinks are included.

The main drawback is the length of the day. With pickup sometimes around 6:40 a.m. and return near 6 p.m., this is a full outing, not a lazy half-day sail. Orange Bay itself may get only about an hour, and the tour is not suited to people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before booking

• Orange Bay comes early: Arriving early can mean quieter sand and better photographs before the island fills up.
• Two proper snorkeling stops: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī provide separate chances to see Red Sea fish and coral.
• A helpful crew matters: Guides and crew members such as Andrew, Ibrahim, Fox, Jaser, and Salam have been praised for patient instruction and personal care.
• Food and drinks are covered: Expect an open buffet with fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, vegetables, salads, fruit, juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks.
• The massage is included: It is a brief onboard treat, not a spa appointment, but it adds a pleasant pause between water activities.
• Bring a towel and cash: You will want a towel after snorkeling, and cash is useful for optional purchases or extras.

An early start from five Red Sea resort areas

Your day begins with hotel pickup from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna. The transfer to the marina takes about 30 minutes by van, with air conditioning noted in the experience details.

The pickup instruction is simple but important: wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before the agreed time. The exact pickup details are sent one day ahead, so check your messages rather than relying on a general departure time.

The transfer makes this trip practical if you are staying outside central Hurghada. It also means your day starts early. Bring a light jacket or hoodie in cooler months, since the morning air and boat breeze can feel fresh before the sun gets high.

At the marina, you board the yacht and settle in for a 45-minute cruise across the Red Sea. The boat is described as clean, spacious, and well maintained overall, though one person felt it needed some minor attention. That is a fair expectation: this is a comfortable excursion boat, not a private superyacht.

The small-group format helps. You are not simply left to find your own way around. Crew members help with life vests, snorkeling gear, water entry, and the daily schedule. The guides speak Arabic, English, German, and Russian.

Orange Bay, pale sand and a short island stay

Orange Bay is the first major stop, with about 75 minutes scheduled on the island. Its powdery sand and clear water make it the easiest part of the day for anyone who wants beautiful scenery without swimming far from shore.

This stop is also your best chance for relaxed photographs. Several people found the island especially peaceful when the yacht arrived early, before the beach became busy. If you want a quieter feel, move quickly from the boat to the beach rather than lingering onboard.

Do not expect a long island holiday. An hour or so gives you time to walk, sit, swim, and take pictures, but not enough for a slow afternoon. One useful choice is to decide in advance what matters most: photographs, a swim, or simply sitting in the sand.

You may find drinks and snacks available for purchase on Orange Bay, but those purchases are not part of the included package. Cash is worth carrying for this reason, even though the yacht provides all-day drinks and snacks.

The island stop is particularly good for families and non-swimmers because you can enjoy the scenery without taking part in every water activity. It also gives active swimmers a break before the snorkeling stops.

Small Giftun and the first Red Sea snorkeling stop

After Orange Bay, the yacht heads to the Small Giftun diving site for about 45 minutes of snorkeling. I use snorkeling here because that is included for everyone. An optional scuba session may also be offered onboard for an extra fee, but it is not included in the $53 base price.

The Red Sea is the reason to book this trip, and this stop gives you a proper look beneath the surface. The water is described as crystal clear, with coral formations and many fish species. The guides do more than point you toward open water. Ibrahim, named as a dive instructor and snorkeling guide, has been singled out for taking time to show special fish and explain what you are seeing.

That guidance is valuable if you are nervous. Several people with little or no snorkeling experience were helped into the water, including one person who could not swim. Life vests and snorkeling equipment are supplied, and the crew pays close attention to safety.

Still, you should be comfortable with a boat-based water activity. You will board the yacht, put on equipment, and enter the sea at designated sites. Anyone with serious mobility limits should choose a different excursion, since the activity is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Wildlife sightings are never promised, but the program notes that rays, sea turtles, sea angels, and dolphins may be seen. Dolphins were spotted during some outings, while other people focused on the coral and fish. Treat these animals as a lucky bonus, not as the main reason to book.

Buffet lunch with familiar Egyptian flavors

Lunch is served onboard during a 45-minute Red Sea stop. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four kinds of salad, and bread. Fresh juices, local fruit, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are available throughout the day.

The food has received strong praise overall, with particular approval for the variety, freshness, and generous portions. One person found the food good but noted it was not cooked onboard, so some items were less crisp than they might be on land. That is a useful and realistic expectation.

I like that the menu gives you choices beyond seafood. Fish is part of the spread, but chicken, kofta, pasta, rice, vegetables, salad, and fruit make it easier for different tastes to find a satisfying plate.

If you have allergies, tell the crew early. The kitchen has been described as accommodating, but no specific allergy menu is promised in the activity details. It is wise to explain your needs before serving rather than hoping the buffet labels everything.

The all-day drinks are one of the better value points. You can have juice, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and water-related refreshments without repeatedly paying onboard. You should still bring your own sunscreen and towel, since those are not supplied.

Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī and a second chance to snorkel

The second snorkeling stop takes place at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī and lasts about 45 minutes. This is more than a repeat of the first swim. Two separate sites give you another chance to enter the water if you were hesitant earlier, and conditions or sea life may look different from one location to the next.

I recommend using the first stop to get comfortable with your mask, fins, and vest. By the second stop, you can spend less time adjusting equipment and more time watching the reef.

The crew’s role is especially useful here. Guides can help nervous swimmers, keep the group together, and point out fish that are easy to miss when you are looking only at the coral. You do not need to be an expert swimmer to take part, but you should follow the safety instructions closely.

This stop is also a good reason to bring a dry change of clothes. You will have time on the boat between activities, and staying in wet swimwear with a strong breeze can become uncomfortable, especially outside the hot summer months.

Massage, sun deck time, and a banana boat ride

The included massage is an unusual extra for a Red Sea boat trip. It is best viewed as a short onboard massage that breaks up the swimming and sunbathing, not as a full treatment at a resort spa.

For many people, this is the moment that makes the trip feel more relaxed. After snorkeling and lunch, you can take a seat, enjoy the breeze, and let the crew handle the schedule. If you prefer not to enter the water, you can still spend much of the day relaxing on the yacht and watching the activities.

The final activity is a 45-minute stop at Magawish Island for a banana boat ride. The program also mentions an inflatable ride shaped like a large armchair. These rides are usually brief compared with the full boat day, but they add a playful finish.

The water sports are optional in spirit, even though they are included in the package. You can choose to sit out, especially if you are tired or prefer a calm day. Children were treated with care by the crew during water activities, but adults should still supervise their own children and follow the safety instructions.

After the water sports, you get a 30-minute cruise back toward the port, followed by the return van transfer. Drop-off is available in El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Makadi Bay, and Safaga.

What the $53 price really includes

At $53, this is strong value if you intend to use several parts of the package. A boat cruise with hotel transfer, marine fees, snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, snacks, island access, a massage, and water sports would cost more if arranged separately.

The best value comes from the all-day food and drink service. You are not paying extra every time you want tea, juice, fruit, or a soft drink. The buffet also saves you from buying lunch at a resort island stop, where prices may be higher.

The price is less compelling if you only want to sit on a boat. You will still receive the included meals and massage, but the real strength of the tour lies in its mix of snorkeling, island time, and water sports.

Scuba is the main possible extra cost. Some people paid to add a first-time scuba experience onboard and found the instructors patient and supportive. Ask about the current price and exact terms before agreeing, since scuba is not listed among the base inclusions.

A photographer may also offer a paid photo package. One person felt the quoted price was too high compared with the cost of the trip. You can take your own pictures, but protect your phone from water and do not feel obliged to buy photos.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want one busy Red Sea day that covers several classic activities without arranging separate transfers. It suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and first-time snorkelers who want crew support.

It is also a good fit if you are not eager to swim all day. You can alternate between the island, shaded or sunny parts of the yacht, lunch, massage, and the water activities.

You should think twice if you dislike early starts, long organized days, or set time limits at each stop. Orange Bay is beautiful, but you will not have unlimited time there. The schedule keeps moving so the boat can fit in two snorkeling stops and the final water sports.

People with mobility impairments should not book this activity, since it is specifically marked unsuitable. The boat, van transfers, island landing, and water entry require a level of physical movement that may be difficult.

Smart packing for a more comfortable day

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and cash. Add a light layer if you are visiting in winter or early spring, when the morning boat ride can feel cool.

Wear swimwear under clothes and pack something dry for the return ride. A waterproof phone pouch is practical, though it is not listed as an included item.

Keep your expectations sensible about wildlife. Rays, turtles, dolphins, and unusual fish are possible, but the Red Sea reef scenery is the reliable attraction. The coral and fish are worth seeing even if no larger animals appear.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and allows you to reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so you need to check availability for your date.

Should you book the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise?

I would book it if you want excellent variety for one fixed price. Orange Bay gives you the postcard setting, the two snorkeling stops provide the real Red Sea experience, and the buffet, drinks, massage, and water sports keep the day comfortable and lively.

I would avoid it if you want a quiet private cruise or several unhurried hours on Orange Bay. This is a structured 510-minute outing with an early pickup and a full schedule.

For most active visitors staying in Hurghada or one of the nearby resort areas, the $53 price is persuasive. Bring a towel, arrive ready for a long day, and ask about any optional scuba or photography charges before paying. If that plan suits you, Royal Cruise Hurghada offers a well-rounded day at sea with unusually strong support for beginners.

FAQ

How long does the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about 8.5 hours. The day includes hotel pickup, a van ride to the marina, the yacht trip, Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, lunch, water sports, and return transfers.

Where does hotel pickup take place?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included, along with two snorkeling stops by boat.

What food and drinks are included?

The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four salads, and bread. Fresh juices, three kinds of local fruit, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are included throughout the day.

Is scuba included in the $53 price?

No. Scuba is not included in the stated price. An optional scuba experience may be available for an additional fee onboard.

Can I cancel the booking for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.