Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay looks almost unreal. This 510-minute cruise combines a bright island stop, two snorkeling sessions, lunch, a massage, and banana boat fun in one long day at sea. I like the easy hotel transfers from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna, and I like that the crew keeps the day moving without turning it into a frantic race.

The best parts are the clear-water snorkeling stops and the friendly help in the water. The boat also gets strong marks for its clean, spacious feel, open buffet, unlimited soft drinks, snacks, and hot drinks. The main drawback is time: Orange Bay gets about 75 minutes, while the full trip can run from an early morning pickup to around 6 p.m. This suits you if you want a packed day, not a slow island escape.

What makes this cruise worth considering

• Orange Bay before the crowds: Early arrival can give you quieter sand, clear water, and better photo chances.
• Two Red Sea snorkeling stops: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī offer different chances to see coral and fish.
• A full day for $53: Transfers, food, drinks, equipment, marine fees, massage, and activities are included.
• Helpful water staff: Guides assist nervous swimmers and first-time snorkelers, with life vests available.
• Lunch with real choice: The buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, salads, bread, and fruit.
• A small-group feel: The boat is described as clean and spacious, with many departures avoiding an overcrowded feel.

From hotel pickup to Hurghada marina

The day begins with an air-conditioned van from your chosen pickup area. The stated transfer time is about 30 minutes, though the total journey can vary by resort location and the order of pickups.

You are asked to wait five minutes before the agreed pickup time, outside your hotel reception. The exact meeting details are sent one day before the trip, so keep your phone available and do not wander far from the entrance.

After reaching the marina, you board the yacht for about 45 minutes of cruising. This first stretch is useful for settling in, finding a place to sit, and getting used to the boat before the water activities begin.

The cruise is described as a small-group trip, but the exact number of people is not supplied. That matters because the word luxury can mean different things on Red Sea boat trips. Here, it seems to mean a clean, roomy boat, attentive service, food and drinks throughout the day, and a more comfortable setup than a basic shared excursion. It does not mean a private yacht charter.

Orange Bay and its short island visit

Orange Bay is the visual centerpiece. The island has pale sand, clear shallow water, and the kind of tropical setting that makes even a quick stop feel special.

The schedule allows about 75 minutes on the island. That is enough for photographs, a swim, or some time sitting by the water, but not enough for a completely unhurried beach afternoon. If you want to stretch out for hours with a book, choose a longer island stay instead.

Timing can make a big difference. On some departures, the boat reaches Orange Bay early, when the island is just opening and feels much quieter. I would treat that as a major reason to take the early schedule if one is available. The island can be far more enjoyable before the day’s crowds build.

Bring cash if you want to buy anything on Orange Bay. Food and drinks there are not part of the all-inclusive boat package, and one account specifically found island cocktails expensive for the amount served. The boat’s own drinks are included, so you do not need to buy refreshments ashore.

Snorkeling at Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī

The two snorkeling stops are the strongest reason to book this cruise. The first is at the Small Giftun diving site, followed later by a stop near Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī. Each water session is scheduled for about 45 minutes.

You receive snorkeling equipment and a life vest. That is useful if you are not a confident swimmer, and several people with little or no snorkeling experience were helped into the water by the crew. You can stay close to the guides, follow their instructions, and use the vest for support.

The Red Sea is the star here. Expect coral formations and colorful fish, with the possibility of seeing rays, turtles, sea angels, or dolphins. These animals are not guaranteed, so treat them as a lucky bonus rather than a promised part of the day. One departure had dolphins swimming nearby, while others focused on the range of fish around the reef.

The guides do more than point you toward the water. Ibrahim is especially praised for showing unusual fish and explaining what people are seeing. That extra attention makes the snorkeling more rewarding than simply jumping overboard and floating around without direction.

The water may feel intimidating if this is your first time. Tell the crew clearly if you cannot swim or feel uneasy. The available life vests, instructors, and close supervision can make a real difference, but you should still be comfortable following safety instructions and entering the water.

The program also mentions a diving stop, but scuba is not included in the listed price. An optional scuba experience may be offered onboard for an additional fee. If that interests you, ask about the cost and what is included before agreeing. Do not assume the $53 price covers it.

Lunch, drinks, and the practical meaning of all-inclusive

Lunch is served on the boat after the first snorkeling stop. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four kinds of salad, bread, and fruit. Fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, and three kinds of local fruit are included through the day.

This is a strong value point. Boat lunches can be a weak link on budget excursions, but this menu gives you more than a single plate and allows you to choose between meat, fish, vegetables, rice, pasta, and salads. The food is prepared in a traditional style, though it may not be as crisp or hot as a meal served straight from a restaurant kitchen.

The buffet is not a gourmet restaurant. It is practical boat food designed to keep you fed between activities. Some people found it excellent, while one account noted that the food was not cooked fully onboard and therefore lacked some crispness. I would set expectations accordingly: good choice, plenty of food, and convenient service rather than fine dining.

Unlimited drinks are especially useful in the Egyptian heat. You can have juice, tea, coffee, soft drinks, and water-style refreshments throughout the day, along with snacks. Carry your own reusable bottle if you prefer one, but the package provides plenty of drink options.

If you have dietary needs, tell the crew before eating. One account praised the team for handling allergies and making suitable arrangements, but the supplied details do not provide a formal allergy menu.

A massage and a splash of water sports

A massage is included for each person onboard. It is a simple but welcome touch after snorkeling, especially when you have been in the sun and moving in the water.

Do not think of it as a long spa treatment. The supplied information calls it a soothing massage, but gives no duration or treatment details. It works best as a short relaxation break during an active day.

The final activity stop is at Magawish Island for a banana boat ride, scheduled for about 45 minutes. A large inflatable ride is also mentioned in the comments, described as a big armchair-style inflatable. These rides are a playful finish rather than a serious water sport session, and the actual ride time may be shorter than the full stop.

The mix is well judged for families and mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, cautious participants can stay on the boat, and people who want something energetic can try the inflatables. Children were described as receiving helpful attention, though the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

The boat, crew, and service

The crew is one of the most consistently praised parts of the experience. Names connected with different departures include Andrew, Ibrahim, Fox, Jaser, and Salam. You may not meet all of them, but the repeated pattern is clear: staff are friendly, attentive, and willing to help.

That matters on a water day. A crew member who notices that you are nervous, helps with equipment, or shows you a fish can change the whole experience. People who could not swim or were trying snorkeling for the first time received particular support.

The boat is described as clean, spacious, and well organized. One person felt it needed some maintenance, so I would not expect a flawless luxury yacht in the private-charter sense. Still, the overall setup appears more comfortable than a basic group boat, with room to sit, eat, dry off, and relax between stops.

There was one complaint about a crew member speaking aggressively when someone went to retrieve a towel while wet. That appears to be an isolated service problem rather than the general tone, but it is worth remembering that even well-run tours can have an off moment.

A photographer may also be onboard. Photos cost extra, and one quoted package was considered too expensive compared with the tour itself. Bring your phone in a waterproof pouch if you want personal pictures, and ask about photo prices before posing for a full session.

How long the day really feels

The advertised duration is 510 minutes, or eight and a half hours. That includes the van transfers, boat travel, island time, snorkeling, lunch, massage, water sports, and the return journey.

A sample day can begin around 6:40 a.m. and finish close to 6 p.m., depending on your resort and pickup order. The long day is the price of fitting so much into one outing.

The schedule is active but broken into manageable sections:

• About 30 minutes by van to the marina
• About 45 minutes cruising to the island area
• About 75 minutes at Orange Bay
• About 45 minutes snorkeling at Small Giftun
• About 45 minutes for lunch
• About 45 minutes snorkeling near Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī
• About 45 minutes at Magawish Island for water sports
• About 30 minutes returning by boat
• About 30 minutes back to your hotel area

The listed times are planning estimates, not a guarantee that every stop will run exactly to the minute. Weather, marina procedures, and pickup arrangements can affect the flow.

Take a light hoodie or jacket if you are going in a cooler month. The early boat ride can feel chilly, even when the afternoon becomes hot. Sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and cash belong in your day bag.

Who will enjoy this Red Sea day most

I would recommend it to you if you want one convenient day covering the main Red Sea activities. It is particularly useful for first-time visitors to Hurghada, families with older children, couples who want a mix of relaxation and action, and solo visitors who prefer a sociable group setting.

It also suits nervous beginners. The combination of life vests, snorkeling equipment, instructors, and attentive crew takes away much of the stress of trying the water for the first time.

You may want another option if your main goal is long, quiet time on Orange Bay. The island stop is scenic but brief. This is a multi-activity day, not a dedicated beach retreat.

It may also be a poor fit if you have limited mobility, since the experience includes van transfers, boarding a boat, moving around onboard, and entering the water. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Is $53 good value?

At $53 per person, the package offers a lot for the money. Hotel pickup and drop-off, marine fees, a full buffet, drinks, snacks, snorkeling gear, life vest, two reef stops, Orange Bay, a massage, a guide, and water sports are all included.

You would pay separately for many of those elements on a do-it-yourself day. The value is strongest if you plan to eat onboard, use the snorkeling equipment, enjoy the massage, and take part in the water sports.

The price does not include anything not specifically listed. In practical terms, bring cash for personal purchases on Orange Bay, optional scuba, or paid photographs. Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later.

Should you book the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise?

Book it if you want variety and strong value in one long day. The crew care, the snorkeling support, the generous food and drink package, and the chance to reach Orange Bay early give this cruise real appeal.

Choose something else if you want a private boat, a slow beach day, or a longer stay on the island. For everyone else, especially first-time snorkelers and families looking for a well-supported Red Sea outing, this is an easy package to recommend. Just pack a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light jacket for the morning, and cash for extras.

FAQ

What is included in the $53 price?

The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a guide, marine fees, taxes, lunch, salads, bread, fruit, fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, snorkeling equipment, life vest, two snorkeling stops, Orange Bay, water sports, and a massage.

Where does hotel pickup operate?

Pickup is available from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. Drop-off is available in the same five areas.

How long does the experience last?

The stated duration is 510 minutes, or eight and a half hours. Pickup and drop-off times can vary by hotel and route.

Is scuba included?

No. Scuba is not included in the listed package price. An optional scuba experience may be available for an additional fee, so ask about the cost before taking part.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light hoodie or jacket can also be useful during the early boat ride, especially in cooler months.

Is the cruise suitable for people who cannot swim?

The crew provides life vests and snorkeling equipment, and staff can assist nervous swimmers. However, the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.