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Egypt Small Ship Cruises 2024/25

When it comes to exploring the Red Sea, its historical and natural wonders, there’s no better way to do it than on a small cruising ship. Our vessels offer a relaxed atmosphere and an intimate experience with a minimal number of passengers, typically no more than 49. You’ll enjoy plenty of modern comforts on our high-tech, sleek and elegant motor yacht that meets strict safety standards, with a crew that provides the utmost in hospitality and personalized service. Look forward to stops for swimming or snorkeling, with some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and corals too.

As you explore places steeped in history with monumental architecture, myths, and legendary heroes, a resident Egyptologist will bring it all to life to enhance the experience, allowing you to learn more about each destination in-depth. Throughout your journey, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views, whether your indoors or out, while dining, relaxing in your spacious cabin, and many common areas. The upper deck is always a popular place to be, with plenty of loungers and chairs in areas where you can soak up the sun or relax in the shade. Either way, you’ll be surrounded by the spectacular passing scenery.

Our Cruises in Egypt

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Ports of Call

  • Cairo

    With endless pharaonic history and sharp modern contradictions with gold-rimmed Mercedes navigating the streets alongside horse-fuelled carts and powerful reminders of the past around every corner, Cairo is one of the top spots on a cruise itinerary. You’ll be able to disembark the ship to discover some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Great Pyramids at Giza, the Great Sphinx, and the complex of mortuary temples where mummies have been discovered. A full-day excursion to this ancient city is sure to be a highlight on your itinerary while keeping you well insulated from the chaos of the modern side..

  • Luxor

    A fascinating ancient city on the east bank of the River Nile, Luxor is located on the site that was the pharaohs’ capital of Thebes between the 16th and 11th centuries BC. Luxor Temple and Karnak Temple are two of the highlights. The temple of Karnak, originally called Ipet-isu (most select of places) by the ancient Egyptians, is a city of temples constructed over 2,000 years in honour of the Theban triad of Khonsu, Mut, and Amun. Even today, it overshadows many wonders of the modern world. One can only imagine how impressive it was back in its da

  • Suez Canal

    The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway cutting through Egypt to connect the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. A strategic shipping lane, it’s so vital to international trade that world powers have fought over it ever since it was completed in 1869. The masterful engineering feat shaved 4,300 miles off the route for sailors traveling between Europe and Asia, eliminating the need to sail around the entire African continent. Today, it’s operated by the state-owned Suez Canal Authority. Passengers on cruises can check off another bucket-list experience: sailing through while enjoying views of the Nile Delta and more from a unique vantage point.

  • Sharm El Sheik

    The “City of Peace” sits at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, a seaside resort providing an enticing mix of desert ambience and famous Red Sea beaches. A popular port of call, it offers world-class diving and snorkelling opportunities with exceptional coral reefs, colourful fish, dugongs, and spinner dolphins. One can also visit St. Catherine’s Monastery from here, which is believed to have been active for some 1,700 years. It showcases a vast collection of codices and old bibles as one of the world’s most important of its kind, surpassed only by archives at the Vatican.

  • Wadi Rum

    A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wadi Rum, also known as the Valley of the Moon,” is the largest desert valley in Jordan. It spans nearly 300 square miles of terrain with sweeping red sand dunes. This vast landscape is one of the world’s most awe-inspiring, with its expanse of fiery coloured sands, craggy mountains, and sandstone arches. Its other-worldly appearance has made it a popular film setting for sci-fi movies, and it was also the place where many scenes from the epic “Lawrence of Arabia.” Inhabited by various cultures since prehistoric times, visitors can even witness its past in rock paintings. 

  • Aqaba

    Located at the southwestern point of Jordan, Aqaba is the country’s only outlet to the sea and its only real beach resort. Its main appeal is the coral reef just offshore, which provides some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world. As the port city has been inhabited since 4000 BC, it’s left much for history enthusiasts to explore as well, including ancient ruins with remains of a city wall, towers, and gate, with the 12th-century fortress, Aqaba Castle, built by Crusaders. There are fascinating elements of Islamic culture too, like a showstopping mosque.

 

MY Harmony V

Our Cruise Ships in Egypt, Jordan, and Israel

Harmony V is a state-of-the-art mega-yacht that meets the strictest of safety standards and cleanliness while providing the latest and great amenities. Her 25 luxurious cabins can accommodate up to 49 guests. All have private bathrooms with flexible bedding configurations and large windows for abundant natural light and impressive ocean views. 

Life On Board an Egyptian Cruise

These small ship cruises see you discovering the many jewels of the ancient kingdoms in comfort and style. Our preferred vessels have a maximum of 49 passengers onboard, with comfortable cabins and spacious communal areas, including roomy sun-deck and dining areas offering 360-degree views of the evocative scenery. An interior lounge offers a fully-stocked bar and oversize picture windows.

Included in your cruise are full-board meals, comprised of a buffet breakfast and two following meals. Special occasions throughout the week include a welcome cocktail reception, an Egyptian theme evening, Captain’s Dinner, and an onboard BBQ under the stars.

Your cruise is led by an English-speaking cruise director who is well versed in Egyptology. Shore excursions, payable locally, cover all the region’s historic jewels and are led by enthusiastic, expert local guides.

 

Excursions

  • Visit St Catherine's Monastery

    St. Catherine’s Monastery sits at the mouth of a gorge at the foot of Mount Sinai on the Sinai Peninsula. Experts believe it’s been in use since the 4th-century. Your visit will allow you to marvel at the world’s second-most most important collection of codices and old bibles, behind only the Vatican archives.

  • Discover the Ancient City of Luxor

    Luxury, the city of a hundred doors, brings the opportunity to witness the glory of ancient Egypt. The home of Thebes, the capital of the pharaohs during their height of power from the 16th– to 11th-centuries BC, it’s like an open-air museum with majestic temples, including Luxor with some of the most extraordinary artefacts.

  • See the Pyramids of Giza

    You can’t visit Egypt and not see the Pyramids of Giza. An excursion here brings you to witness the Great Pyramid, the best known of the group. One of the ancient Seven Wonders of the World, it dates back over 4,600 years, and its construction is still a mystery today.

  • Sail through the Suez Canal

    Crossing the Suez Canal is a surreal experience unlike any other. Linking the Red Sea with the Mediterranean Sea, it enables ships to travel quickly from Europe to India and the Far East. Ships sail in convoys of about 40 at a time, moving slowly while bringing views of the scenery from all sides.

  • Snorkelling off Sharm El Sheik

    The first town famous for its coral reef and wealth of marine life along the Red Sea Riviera, snorkelling Sharm El Sheikh is an underwater paradise that attracts enthusiasts from across the globe. You’ll come face-to-face with vibrant coral and tropical fish, along with turtles, whitetip and grey reef sharks.

  • Wadi Rum, the "Valley of the Moon"

    A tour of Wadi Rum, a desert wilderness, brings you to marvel at the brilliant shades of sand, including sweeping red dunes, along with remarkable rock formations like a stunning natural arch and the Burdah Rock Bridge. View ancient inscriptions and perhaps the hidden oasis made famous by TE Lawrence, Lawrence’s Spring.

 

Q&A

From

Muno our Small Ship Cruise Specialist

When is the best time to travel to Egypt?

The best time to travel to Egypt really depends on how hot you like it. The hottest months are between June and September when temperatures often reach 35-40°C/95-105°F. For those who prefer a slightly milder temperature the best times to travel are November to April when temperatures range from 20-30°C/65-85°F. Rain is more likely but still very rare. Be warned though! In the cooler months, temperatures can drop very low in the evenings. Even in the winter months, make sure you are drinking plenty of water as it is still very dry.

 

Will I feel safe interacting with the locals?

Definitely! They may come across as a little overbearing or pushy, but the locals are very friendly. Many will try to talk to you as you wander around the cities, either to practice English, sell you some of their crafts, or to simply say hello! Haggling is a way of life in Egypt, so don’t be afraid to give it a go at the stalls where not everything is pre-priced. Don’t worry about offending anyone by walking away or not engaging in conversation. They never take it personally.

What should I expect on the cruise?

The ships offer a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, with no more than 49 passengers on board. Plus, there are very few places in the world that can beat North African service and hospitality! Enjoy spacious communal areas with large windows offering wonderful views as you cruise along the Nile. There is also an outside area on the upper deck with loungers for relaxing and watching the beautiful sunsets. The cruise is full board, meaning breakfast, lunch, and dinner are included. Alcohol is usually available though be aware that imported alcohol will be more expensive than the local ones.

 

What should I see while I’m there?

Egypt is overflowing with rich culture and history. Chances are you won’t be able to see it all in a single trip. Fear not, however! Here are some of my top highlights. When in Cairo, the obvious “must-see” is the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. However, Cairo also has a few lesser-known gems. Take a trip to Memphis, the first capital city, Saqqara Necropolis, and Dahshur with its Bent Pyramid. In Luxor, the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and Luxor Temple are the big highlights. Finally in Aswan, I always recommend a half-day trip to Abu Simbel. 

 

What tours are included on the cruise?

All tours on the cruise are optional, meaning you can pick and choose which you would like to take part in. You have a chance to snorkel in the clear, warm waters of the Red Sea with its truly astonishing variety of colorful fish. Spend an afternoon visiting the highlights of the Ancient City, Luxor, with a trip to Karnak and Luxor Temples. You can also spend a morning exploring the Valley of the Kings and Hatshepsut’s Temple. Did you know Hatshepsut was the only female Pharaoh? There is also the chance to spend the day exploring Cairo, visiting the Great Pyramids of Giza, the mysterious Sphinx as well as the Cairo Museum.

 

Why book with Unforgettable Travel Co.

  • 100% Financial Protection

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    We are a licensed and fully bonded tour operator financially protected by both the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL) and the Association of Bonded Travel Organisers Trust (ABTOT). All clients that travel with us are fully financially protected.

  • Destination Experts

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  • We Care

    We Care

    From the moment you book your trip, we are on hand 24/7 to assist you throughout your journey. With regional offices around the world, we have ground logistics teams on hand to help you every step of the way.

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