Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay is the headline, but the best part of this full-day Red Sea cruise is the mix of easy pleasures. You get powdery sand and clear water at the island, two reef stops, a buffet lunch, unlimited soft drinks, and even a short massage. I especially like the small-group feel and the crew’s hands-on help in the water. Ibrahim is noted for pointing out fish and coral, while Andrew, Fox, and Salam have also been praised for warm, attentive hosting.

The main drawback is the length. Pickup can begin around 6:40 a.m., with return near 6 p.m., and Orange Bay gets only about 75 minutes. The boat is spacious and clean, but the day is tightly packed, so this is better for active visitors than for anyone wanting a quiet beach morning.

Key things to know before booking

• Orange Bay comes early: Arriving near opening time can mean quieter sand and better photos.
• Two reef stops are included: Each snorkeling session lasts about 45 minutes, with equipment and life vests supplied.
• Lunch is generous: Expect fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, salads, bread, fruit, and drinks.
• The crew helps nervous swimmers: Staff have assisted people who could not swim and first-time snorkelers.
• A massage is included: It is a short onboard treatment, a pleasant extra rather than a spa visit.
• Scuba is not part of the base price: It may be offered for an extra fee during the cruise.

A full Red Sea day for $53

At $53 per person, this cruise gives you a lot for one fare. Hotel pickup and return are included from Hurghada, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna. You also get the marine fee, guide, boat, snorkeling gear, life vest, food, fruit, snacks, hot drinks, fresh juices, and soft drinks throughout the day.

That matters because boat excursions often become less attractive once you add transport, equipment, lunch, and drinks. Here, the main extras to watch are personal spending on Orange Bay and any optional scuba session or photographs. A photographer may be onboard, but the photo package costs extra, so bring cash only if you want to consider it.

The value is strongest if you plan to use several parts of the program. If you only want a few hours on a beach, a simpler island trip may suit you better. If you want reef time, water sports, lunch, and a comfortable boat in one day, the price is convincing.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 606 reviews, and the repeated praise is quite specific: friendly staff, a clean and roomy boat, good food, careful snorkeling support, and strong value. One isolated complaint concerned a crew member speaking sharply about entering the dining area while wet. That is worth keeping in mind, though the overall service picture is very positive.

From hotel pickup to the marina

The day starts with a van ride of about 30 minutes. Pickup is available from five resort areas, and you are told the meeting details one day ahead. Wait outside your hotel reception five minutes before the agreed time.

This part is practical rather than scenic, but air conditioning matters in Hurghada. One person reported being collected at 6:40 a.m. and returning around 6 p.m., so you should treat this as a full morning-to-evening commitment, not a short boat outing.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash. A light jacket or hoodie is useful for the early ride and the first stretch at sea, especially in cooler months. Later, the breeze can feel welcome in the heat.

At the marina, you board the yacht and set off for about 45 minutes. The boat is described as clean, spacious, and comfortable, with room to sit in the sun or shade. It is not a private charter, but the small-group format helps keep the day from feeling like a crowded ferry ride.

Orange Bay before the crowds

The first major stop is Orange Bay, with about 75 minutes on the island. This is the most beach-focused part of the day: clear shallow water, pale sand, and plenty of time for photographs, a swim, or a little sitting around.

The timing is important. Several people appreciated arriving early, when the island was just opening and quieter than later in the day. If taking pictures matters to you, this early visit is a real advantage. The water and sand give the stop a tropical feel, even though the visit is brief.

You should not expect a long, slow beach day. Seventy-five minutes passes quickly once you walk off the boat, find a place to sit, take pictures, and swim. Some visitors found the island time too short, so keep your expectations in line with a quick scenic stop.

Food and drinks on the island are not part of the included buffet. One person specifically advised caution with an expensive cocktail that contained mostly ice. You already have drinks and food included back on the yacht, so I would save your money unless you particularly want something from the island.

The first reef stop at Small Giftun

After Orange Bay, the yacht heads to the Small Giftun area for about 45 minutes of snorkeling. This is where the day shifts from beach scenery to the Red Sea’s main attraction: coral formations and fish in clear water.

Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. Guides stay involved rather than simply pointing you toward the water and leaving you to manage alone. This is useful if you are a first-time snorkeler, uneasy in open water, or not a confident swimmer. Staff have helped people who said they could not swim, and families appreciated the attention given to children.

Ibrahim has received particular praise for showing people unusual fish and explaining what they were seeing. That kind of guidance changes the stop from simply floating above the reef into a more focused look at the underwater life.

The exact animals are never guaranteed, but the program notes the possibility of rays, turtles, sea angels, and dolphins. Fish and coral are the more dependable focus. A dolphin sighting has happened, but you should treat it as luck rather than part of the schedule.

The stop lasts 45 minutes, which is enough for a good look but not an endless session. Follow the crew’s safety instructions, use the life vest if you need it, and do not rush into the water simply because other people are already snorkeling.

Buffet lunch with an open drinks service

Lunch is served on the boat and lasts about 45 minutes. The buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four salads, bread, and three kinds of local fruit. Fresh juices, soft drinks, hot drinks, snacks, and water are available as part of the all-inclusive setup described for the cruise.

This is more useful than a token sandwich between activities. You can go back for more, and the range gives you a reasonable choice if you do not want fish or meat. One person also noted that the kitchen was accommodating with allergies.

The food is prepared in a traditional style, though it is boat excursion food rather than a restaurant meal. One comment found it good but not always as crisp as freshly cooked food, while many others praised the quality and selection. I would call lunch a strong part of the value, with sensible expectations.

You may want to dry off before heading into the dining area. The boat has indoor spaces, and one service complaint came from a misunderstanding about wet clothing near the dining area. A towel and a little awareness of the crew’s instructions will keep things simple.

A second reef session at Jazirat Abu Rimathi

After lunch, the boat reaches Jazirat Abu Rimathi for another 45-minute snorkeling stop. Having two separate reef sessions is one of the smartest features of this program. If the first water stop feels intimidating, you have another chance to get comfortable. If you already enjoy snorkeling, you get a second area with different conditions and fish.

The crew and snorkeling guides remain available during the activity. That is especially helpful for solo visitors and people trying snorkeling for the first time. One solo visitor described feeling included, and another person who was nervous about the sea said the guides made the experience possible.

The water can be calm, but conditions are not entirely within the operator’s control. One person who usually feels seasick found the captain kept the ride smooth on a good sea day. If you are prone to motion sickness, take sensible precautions and remember that wind and waves can change.

The snorkeling is the day’s strongest reason to book. Orange Bay is attractive, but the reef stops provide the more memorable sense of place. The Red Sea is not just a backdrop here. You get time to look below the surface and see why Hurghada is popular with water-sport fans.

Banana boats and the final ride home

The final activity is a 45-minute stop at Magawish Island for a banana boat ride. The program may also include an inflatable ride described as a large armchair. These are short, playful water activities rather than serious adventure sports.

You can take part if you want a burst of speed and laughter, or simply watch from the boat if you prefer a quieter afternoon. The water-sport stop helps break up the snorkeling and gives children and active adults something different to look forward to.

Afterward, the yacht cruises for about 30 minutes before returning to port. The van ride back to your resort takes another 30 minutes, making the total activity about 510 minutes, or eight and a half hours.

That schedule explains the mixed feeling about the length. The day is full, but it is not padded with long empty stretches. You move from island to reef, lunch, reef, and water sports in a clear sequence. Still, if you dislike early starts or spending most of a day away from your hotel, this may feel tiring.

The massage and the optional scuba session

A massage for each person is included while the boat is underway. Think of it as a short onboard relaxation treatment, not a full spa appointment. It is a clever extra after snorkeling and before the final activities, and many people found it a welcome touch.

Scuba is different. It is not listed in the base inclusions, but several people paid extra on the day and enjoyed it, including first-timers who received close help from the instructors. The crew may offer a package that includes it, so ask about the cost before agreeing.

If scuba is your main goal, confirm exactly what is included before booking. This cruise is built around snorkeling, not a dedicated scuba program. If you simply want to try it once during a broader sea day, the optional session could be a worthwhile addition.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this trip if you want a broad sample of Hurghada’s sea activities without arranging several separate bookings. It suits couples, families with children, solo visitors, and first-time snorkelers who value a friendly crew and clear structure.

It is also a good match for people who want some comfort between activities. The boat provides food, drinks, snacks, a massage, and seating space, so you are not roughing it on a basic transfer boat.

You should think twice if you have a mobility impairment, since the activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility limitations. You should also skip it if your ideal holiday day means staying on one beach, avoiding early starts, or spending little time on a boat.

The language support is useful for an international group. Tours are offered in Arabic, English, German, and Russian. Crew members such as Andrew, Fox, Ibrahim, Jaser, and Salam have been praised at different times, although the exact staff lineup can change.

Should you book the Royal Luxury VIP Cruise?

I would book it if you want an active, good-value day with two reef stops and Orange Bay, plus lunch, drinks, a massage, and water sports. The crew’s care is a major strength, especially for nervous swimmers and people new to snorkeling.

I would not book it expecting a private yacht, a long peaceful stay on Orange Bay, or a guaranteed dolphin encounter. You are buying a busy shared day with a lot included. At $53, that is a fair trade for most visitors who want variety and support on the Red Sea.

The best practical plan is simple: bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a light layer, and some cash; arrive ready for an early start; ask about optional scuba and photography prices before paying; and save your appetite for the buffet rather than spending heavily on the island. If that sounds like your kind of day, this cruise is an easy choice.

FAQ

How long does the cruise last?

The activity lasts 510 minutes, or about eight and a half hours. The schedule includes transport, boat travel, Orange Bay, two snorkeling stops, lunch, water sports, and the return transfer.

Where is hotel pickup available?

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

Is hotel drop-off included?

Yes. Return transport is included to El Gouna, Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Makadi Bay, and Safaga.

How much does the activity cost?

The listed price is $53 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is an open buffet with fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, four salads, bread, and local fruit.

Are drinks included?

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. Each is scheduled for about 45 minutes.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and a life vest are included.

Is scuba included in the price?

No. Scuba is not included in the base price. It may be available for an additional fee during the activity.

What languages are offered?

The live guide service is offered in Arabic, English, German, and Russian.

Can I cancel the booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and cash. A light jacket or hoodie can also be useful for the early part of the day.