Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the headline, but the real treat is having a full day that mixes soft white sand, clear water, and reef snorkeling without making you arrange each part yourself. You sail from the Red Sea to Orange Bay, then move between two snorkeling sites, lunch, a massage, and water sports.

I like the small-group feel and the amount included for $53. Hotel transfers, equipment, food, drinks, snacks, marine fees, and even a massage are covered. The crew also pays close attention to people who are nervous in the water, which makes the first snorkeling trip less daunting.

The tradeoff is time. Orange Bay gets about 75 minutes, and much of the day is spent on the boat. If you want a long, quiet beach stay, choose a simpler island outing. If you want a packed day on the water, this is a strong value.

Key points to know before you book

• Orange Bay comes early: Arriving early can mean a quieter island visit and better time for photos.
• Two snorkeling stops are included: Equipment and life vests are provided, with guides available in the water.
• The food and drinks are part of the price: Expect fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, vegetables, salads, fruit, juice, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks.
• A massage is included on board: It is a short relaxation break between the active parts of the day.
• Water sports finish the trip: A banana boat or inflatable ride at Magawish Island adds a playful finale.
• It is a long day: The listed duration is 510 minutes, while hotel pickup and return can make your day longer.

Why this Red Sea cruise works so well

This is not a quiet yacht charter. It is an all-day activity with several stops, a generous lunch, and plenty of time in the water. The boat gives you a comfortable base between outings, while the crew keeps the schedule moving.

For $53 per person, the value is unusually broad. You are not paying only for a boat ride to Orange Bay. The price includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna, a guide, marine fees, snorkeling gear, life vests, food, drinks, snacks, massage, and water activities.

The overall rating is 4.9 from 606 bookings, and the strongest pattern is clear: people praise the crew, the cleanliness of the boat, the food, and the care taken during snorkeling. That does not mean every moment is perfect. One person found a crew member abrupt, and another felt the boat needed a little maintenance. Those are useful reminders to keep expectations sensible. This is a busy day on a working excursion boat, not a private superyacht.

Morning pickup and the ride to the marina

Pickup is available from five Red Sea resort areas. You receive the meeting details one day before the trip and should wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before the agreed time. The transfer is by van and takes about 30 minutes, though the actual pickup window depends on where you are staying.

Bring a light jacket or hoodie if you are going in a cooler month. One early start began around 6:40 a.m. and ended near 6 p.m., so this can feel like a full day from the moment you leave the hotel.

At the marina, you board the boat and settle in for the first 45-minute cruise. The ride is part of the experience, not just transport. You can take in the open sea, find a place to sit, and get familiar with the crew before the water activities begin.

The boat is described as clean, spacious, and comfortable, with enough room for people who want to sit out in the sun and those who prefer shade or indoor seating. If you are prone to seasickness, tell the crew early and choose a steady place on the boat. The captain has been praised for keeping the ride smooth when sea conditions allow, but no Red Sea boat trip can promise perfectly calm water.

Orange Bay, powdery sand and limited island time

The first major stop is Orange Bay, where you have about 75 minutes. The island is known for pale sand, shallow clear water, and a relaxed beach setting that can feel far removed from Hurghada’s resort strip.

The timing matters. Early arrival can make the island feel calmer, with more room for photographs and a better chance to enjoy the beach before it fills up. You can swim, sit by the water, or simply take pictures from the sand and wooden beach areas.

Do not expect a half-day island escape. Seventy-five minutes goes quickly once you walk off the boat, find a place to sit, take photos, and get in the water. One person specifically wished for more time here, while another appreciated arriving when the island was just opening and still quiet.

You should also keep cash with you. Anything not listed as included is extra, and island food or drinks can cost more than on the mainland. The cruise already supplies plenty of food and drinks, so you do not need to buy a cocktail to enjoy the stop.

Small Giftun and the first snorkeling session

The first water stop is at Small Giftun, with around 45 minutes for snorkeling. This is one of the best parts of the day if you want to see Red Sea coral and fish rather than just float near the beach.

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. Guides help direct the group and point out fish and coral, which is useful if you are new to the activity or feel unsure about entering open water.

Several people with little or no snorkeling experience found the crew reassuring. The team also helped people who could not swim, and parents appreciated the attention given to children. You should still be comfortable following safety instructions and wearing the supplied life vest.

The water may offer sightings of rays, sea turtles, sea angels, and dolphins, but these are possibilities, not guarantees. Wildlife in the open sea does not follow a timetable. The coral and fish are the dependable attraction, while a dolphin encounter is a lucky bonus.

If you do not want to snorkel, you can remain on the boat and sunbathe. This makes the cruise suitable for mixed groups, as long as everyone is comfortable with a day built around the sea.

Buffet lunch on the Red Sea

After the first snorkeling stop, lunch is served on board for about 45 minutes. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four types of salad, bread, and local fruit.

The food earns unusually strong praise for a boat excursion. You can go back for seconds, and the selection gives you a reasonable choice between meat, fish, vegetables, rice, pasta, and salad. Fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are available throughout the day under the all-inclusive plan.

Some food is prepared before service rather than cooked directly at sea, so you should expect a practical buffet rather than restaurant-style dishes served straight from the pan. Still, the range and quantity are a real advantage at this price.

If you have an allergy, speak to the crew before eating. The information says the team has accommodated special food needs, but the exact options are not listed, so do not wait until you are standing at the buffet.

Abu Rimathi, the second reef stop

The second snorkeling stop is at Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī, with another 45 minutes in the water. Having two separate reef stops is more valuable than it may first sound.

Sea visibility and fish activity can vary from one site to the next. A second location gives you another chance to see coral, fish, and smaller sea life in different surroundings. Guides such as Ibrahim have been praised for taking time to point out unusual fish and explain what you are seeing.

This is also where the pace of the day becomes clear. You are not spending all afternoon in one place. You get a structured water session, return to the boat, dry off, eat or have a drink, and then move on.

Bring your own towel, sunscreen, and sunglasses. The supplied life vest and snorkeling equipment cover the key water gear, but the personal basics are your responsibility.

Massage, open water, and the luxury claim

A massage is included for each person on board. It is a small but pleasant touch, especially after swimming and sitting in the sun. Think of it as a brief onboard treatment, not a full spa appointment.

The word luxury here mainly refers to the boat, space, service, and inclusions. You get a cleaner, more comfortable base than a bare-bones group boat, plus drinks and snacks whenever you need them. The experience still includes shared facilities, a fixed schedule, and several activities running in sequence.

The crew is the main reason the luxury idea works. Andrew is named in several particularly positive accounts, while Ibrahim is praised for his snorkeling and scuba instruction. Other crew members mentioned include Fox, Jaser, and Salam. Crew assignments can change, so treat these names as useful context rather than a promise of who will be on your boat.

Magawish Island and the banana boat finish

At Magawish Island, the schedule includes about 45 minutes for a banana boat ride. This gives the final part of the cruise a more playful edge after the calmer reef stops.

The water sport rides may be shorter than you expect, so do not book this solely for a long tow behind a speedboat. It works better as a fun extra, especially for families and mixed-age groups who want something beyond snorkeling.

Safety support is part of the day’s structure, and the crew has been praised for helping people during the activities. You should still follow instructions closely and tell the staff if you are not confident in the water.

After Magawish, you have about 30 minutes of cruising before returning to port, followed by the van transfer back to one of the five drop-off areas.

Who will get the most from this trip

I would choose this cruise if you want to fit several Red Sea experiences into one day. It suits couples, families with older children, solo travelers who want an easy social setting, and first-time snorkelers who prefer having instructors nearby.

It also works well for a group with different interests. One person can snorkel while another stays on the boat, enjoys lunch, has the massage, or sunbathes. The boat has enough space for non-swimmers to take part without spending the day on a beach chair.

This is less suitable for anyone with mobility impairments, as the itinerary involves a van, boat boarding, island access, and repeated movement between the boat and the water. It is also not the best choice if you dislike long days, set schedules, or shared excursions.

The optional scuba experience deserves a note. Scuba is not included in the basic $53 price, but it may be offered on board for an added fee. If that is important to you, ask about the available package before booking. Some people specifically preferred booking a package that included scuba from the start.

What to pack and what to watch for

Pack sunglasses, sunscreen, a towel, and cash. A light layer is sensible in cooler weather because the first boat ride can feel breezy, while the afternoon sun can be strong.

Use the free drinks and snacks rather than buying refreshments on Orange Bay unless you particularly want something from the island. Keep your phone protected from spray, and do not assume the onboard photographer is included. Photography may cost extra, and the quoted price has been considered high by some people. Your own phone may be enough for excellent beach and sea pictures.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the start time when you choose your date, since the pickup schedule varies by location.

Should you book the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise?

Book it if you want a full Red Sea day with Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, lunch, drinks, massage, transfers, and water sports at one clear price. The crew care, the snorkeling support, and the food make this more than a simple boat transfer.

Skip it if Orange Bay is your only priority. You get about 75 minutes on the island, not a leisurely beach day. Also think twice if you need step-free access or dislike early starts.

For most active visitors based around Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, or El Gouna, I see this as a very good-value choice. Bring a towel, protect yourself from the sun, and treat the wildlife sightings as luck rather than a promise. The reef, the island, and the crew-led schedule are enough to make the day worthwhile.

FAQ

How long does the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise last?

The listed duration is 510 minutes, or eight and a half hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off can make the total time away from your hotel longer.

Where is hotel pickup available?

Pickup is available from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna.

Is lunch included?

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

Are drinks included all day?

Yes. Fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, and snacks are included throughout the day.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

Two snorkeling stops are included. They take place at Small Giftun and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included.

Is scuba included in the $53 price?

No. Scuba is not included in the basic price. An additional scuba option may be available on board.

Is a massage included?

Yes. Each person on board receives a massage as part of the cruise.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is the cruise suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.