Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is only the beginning. This full-day Red Sea cruise combines a pretty island stop with two snorkeling sessions, a buffet lunch, massage, drinks, and banana boat fun. I like the mix of quiet time and activity, and I like that the crew includes snorkeling staff who help nervous swimmers and first-timers. The main drawback is the length of the day: with transfers, the outing can run from early morning until around 6 p.m., and Orange Bay gets only about 75 minutes.

The $53 price is strong for what is included. Hotel transport, equipment, food, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, and the marine fee are covered, so you are not constantly reaching for your wallet. Still, expect a busy schedule, shared boat facilities, and a beach stop that may feel too short if Orange Bay is your main goal.

Five useful things to know before booking

• Orange Bay comes early: You spend about 75 minutes on the island, often arriving before it becomes crowded.
• Two reef stops are included: Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī provide the main snorkeling time.
• The food is more than a sandwich: Lunch includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, salads, bread, fruit, and drinks.
• A massage is part of the fare: Each person receives a massage while the boat is out on the Red Sea.
• The day is long but well filled: Transfers, cruising, snorkeling, lunch, water sports, and the return ride total about 510 minutes.
• Scuba may be available as an add-on: Several people paid extra onboard for an introductory scuba session, but it is not part of the base price.

A full Red Sea day from five pickup areas

The cruise serves Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. Your pickup time and exact vehicle details are sent one day before the trip, and you are asked to wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before the agreed time.

The transfer to the marina takes about 30 minutes in a van. That matters because this is not a quick morning boat ride. You are committing most of a day, and some pickups begin around 6:40 a.m. Return transfers take another 30 minutes after the boat docks.

The advertised group size is small, though the boat still has shared seating, dining areas, and deck space. The staff speak Arabic, English, German, and Russian. Several crew members receive especially warm praise for their friendly approach, including Andrew, Fox, Jaser, Salam, Bilal, and Ibrahim. The names may vary by departure, but the useful point is that the crew role is a major part of this experience.

The boat ride sets the pace

Once you leave the marina, the first cruise takes about 45 minutes. This is your chance to settle in, take in the open water, and choose your rhythm for the day. You can sunbathe, sit in the shade, enjoy a hot drink or juice, or simply watch the boat move away from Hurghada.

The boat is described as clean, spacious, and well kept, though one person felt it needed some minor maintenance. That is a fair expectation to carry onboard: this is marketed as a luxury yacht experience, but it is still an active excursion boat with wet decks, changing swimmers, and several activities happening around you.

Soft drinks, hot drinks, fresh juices, and snacks are available throughout the day. That all-inclusive setup is particularly handy on the long return ride. You do not need to buy a drink every time you feel thirsty, although you should still bring cash for anything not included, such as optional scuba or paid photographs.

Orange Bay gives you sand, water, and photo time

The first major stop is Orange Bay, where you have about 75 minutes. The appeal is simple: pale sand, clear shallow water, and a relaxed island setting that feels very different from the Hurghada shore.

Arriving early can make a big difference. Some departures reach the island as it is opening, before the busiest period, giving you more room for photos and a quieter swim. The water and sand are the real attraction, so pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a towel rather than treating this as a long cultural visit. There is no historic site or town to explore here.

The limitation is time. Seventy-five minutes is enough for a swim, photographs, and a little sitting around, but not enough if you want a slow beach day. If your top priority is spending hours on Orange Bay, choose a trip focused mainly on the island. Here, it is one part of a much broader day.

You may find food and drinks for sale on the island, but these are not part of the all-inclusive boat package. One person found an island cocktail expensive for what it was, so I would use the included boat drinks and keep your cash for genuine extras.

Small Giftun is the first serious water stop

After Orange Bay, the boat heads to the Small Giftun snorkeling site for about 45 minutes. This is where the focus changes from beach relaxation to the Red Sea underwater world.

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. That is useful if you are new to the activity or do not want to pack your own gear. The guides stay involved rather than simply pointing you toward the water and leaving you to manage alone. They may help nervous swimmers, explain what you are seeing, and keep an eye on the group.

The reef stops are the strongest reason to book this cruise. The Red Sea is known for clear water and coral formations, and the supplied information points to colorful fish, rays, sea turtles, sea angels, and possible dolphins. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so treat those animals as lucky sightings rather than promises. Several people did report seeing dolphins, but conditions and marine life can change from day to day.

If you cannot swim, tell the crew before entering the water. People who disclosed this were given extra help, and life vests are provided. You should still be comfortable being around open water, since the boat is built around swimming and snorkeling activities.

Lunch on the Red Sea is practical and filling

Lunch follows the first reef session and lasts about 45 minutes. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four types of salad, bread, three kinds of local fruit, and drinks.

This is a better meal setup than the usual basic boat sandwich. You can choose between meat, fish, vegetables, rice, and pasta, which helps families and mixed groups find something suitable. Several people praised the food, calling it fresh, plentiful, and well prepared. One person felt some dishes were not as crisp because they were not cooked directly onboard, so keep expectations sensible. This is a catered buffet at sea, not a restaurant meal.

The crew can accommodate some dietary needs, but the provided details do not promise a formal allergy-free menu. If you have a serious allergy, tell the operator before booking and confirm again before eating.

Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī brings a second reef session

After lunch, the boat continues to Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī for another 45-minute snorkeling stop. Having two separate reef sessions is a real advantage. If you feel awkward during the first stop, you have another chance to get comfortable. If the first site has poor visibility or less marine life than hoped, the second gives you a fresh opportunity.

This also makes the day work for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while less confident people can stay near the boat, use a life vest, or enjoy the view from the deck. You do not have to treat every activity as compulsory, though the schedule moves on at set times.

The crew’s hands-on style is especially valuable here. Ibrahim is praised for pointing out individual fish and helping people understand what they are seeing. That turns a quick swim into a more meaningful look at the reef, rather than a simple float with a mask.

Massage and water sports add variety

The included massage is a small but welcome touch. It takes place onboard while you sail, giving you a chance to relax after swimming. Do not expect a spa treatment with a private room. Think of it as a short, soothing extra that breaks up the active parts of the day.

The final activity stop is Magawish Island, where the program includes a banana boat ride for about 45 minutes. The schedule describes water sports, and past participants also mention a large inflatable ride. The exact sequence can vary, but the purpose is clear: finish with something playful before the cruise back.

The rides may be short, and the water sports are not the central reason to book this trip. Still, they add value for families, couples, and groups who want more than snorkeling. If you dislike fast rides or prefer a quiet boat day, you can sit this part out.

What $53 really gets you

At $53 per person, the value is strongest when you use the inclusions. You are paying for hotel pickup and drop-off, the marine fee, a full buffet, unlimited listed drinks and snacks, snorkeling gear, a life vest, two reef stops, Orange Bay, the massage, and banana boat activity.

Buying these elements separately would take more planning and could cost more, especially once transport and food are added. The boat also removes the need to organize reef access, equipment, and island transfers on your own.

The price does not include everything. The details say anything not mentioned is excluded. Optional scuba sessions may be offered onboard, and photographs taken by the onboard photographer cost extra. A quoted photo package of 1,400 Egyptian pounds felt too expensive to one couple, especially since most people can take their own pictures with a phone. Bring cash, but do not assume every extra is a good deal.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want a single Red Sea day that covers several bases:

• You want a pretty island without giving up reef snorkeling.
• You are traveling with people who have different energy levels.
• You like having food and drinks included.
• You are new to snorkeling and want staff nearby.
• You enjoy a full schedule with water sports and a little relaxation.
• You want hotel transport from one of the five listed resort areas.

It is also a good fit for solo visitors. The crew’s welcoming approach helps, and the activities create easy chances to meet other people onboard.

I would think twice if you need step-free access or have a mobility impairment. The activity is built around a boat, swimming, wet surfaces, and island transfers, and it is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments. I would also skip it if you want a quiet luxury cruise with no schedule. This is active, social, and quite long.

Small details that make the day easier

Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and cash. A light hoodie or jacket is also sensible for the early morning boat ride, especially outside the hotter months. Once the sun is high, the breeze becomes welcome, but the first cruise can feel cool.

Wear clothing that is easy to manage around water. Keep your phone protected, and do not rely only on the included towel information because the activity asks you to bring your own. If you plan to take photographs, a waterproof phone pouch is useful, though it is not listed as a required item.

The cancellation policy allows a full refund when you cancel at least 24 hours ahead. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Hurghada plans are still moving around.

Should you book the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise?

Book it if you want excellent variety for $53 and are happy to spend most of the day at sea. Orange Bay is beautiful, but the real value comes from the full package: two reef sessions, helpful snorkeling staff, a proper buffet, drinks, massage, transport, and water sports.

Do not book it expecting a long stay on the island or a private yacht experience. The schedule is full, the beach time is limited, and optional extras can cost more. For first-time snorkelers, families, solo visitors, and anyone who wants an easy all-in-one Red Sea day, this is a strong choice. For a slower beach visit, choose a shorter Orange Bay trip instead.

FAQ

How long does the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise last?

The listed duration is 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. This includes hotel transfers, cruising, island time, snorkeling, lunch, water sports, and the return journey.

Where does hotel pickup operate?

Pickup is available in Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. Your exact pickup information is sent one day before the activity.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four kinds of salad, bread, three kinds of local fruit, and drinks.

Are snorkeling equipment and life vests provided?

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

Is scuba included in the $53 price?

No. Scuba is not listed among the included services. An additional scuba option may be offered onboard, but you should confirm the extra cost before agreeing.

Is the massage included?

Yes. A massage for each person onboard is included in the activity.

What should I bring?

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