Cruises from Sharm El Sheik, Egypt
Sharm El Sheik, Egypt Cruises
Sharm El Sheik, Egypt CruisesAny departure from Sharm El Sheik will expose the passengers into the wonders of the Red Sea with a blend of desert-world charm and a splash of vibrant marine life. This cruise port acts less as a place to transit and more as a stop of its own, throwing in more rewards such as dazzling coral reefs, warm hospitality, dramatic landscapes, and very few places would give you this. Known as the most famous resort town in Egypt, Sharm gives a perfect start to any travel itinerary.
- Overview of Sharm El Sheik Departure Port
- Best of Discovery in Sharm El Sheik
- Best Time to Plan a Cruise from Sharm El Sheik
- Top Sharm El Sheik Cruise Lines and Ships
- Top Sharm El Sheik Cruise Deals
- Top Cruises from Sharm El Sheik Destinations
- Cruise Ships from Sharm El Sheik: On-Boarding Experiences
- What to Know in Advance Before Setting Sail for an Sharm El Sheik Cruise?
- FAQs About Sharm El Sheik Cruise Departure Port
Overview of Sharm El Sheik Departure Port
At the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula, Sharm El Sheik offers the twelve apostles of exquisite style with an adventurous spirit. From diving to dry desert landscapes, there is contradiction everywhere: transparent aqua meets the barren grey, and pristine white beaches are set against hustling bazaars.
Sinai Desert Excursions
Maybe go on a jeep safari, or ride a camel across barren desert landscapes, with chances of dropping by some Bedouin camps, or stargazing when the sky has gone pitch black.
Old Market (Sharm El Maya)
Traditional bazaars sell handicrafts, textiles, and spices-a very gentle way to taste native life.
Ras Mohammed National Park
It is one of the top-ever snorkeling and Scuba diving destinations worldwide.
Best of Discovery in Sharm El Sheik
Sharm El Sheik is a marvelous blend of the sea, desert, and vibrant local culture- beyond a mere resort city. Golden beaches surround blue waters; secretive coral gardens lie beneath it; colorful bazaars explode with color farther inland. Every moment is a memory etched in time: be it jumping into the Red Sea or sipping in a tent under endless stars.
Water activities
If anything, The Red Sea remains Sharm's crown jewel. Colored coral and marine life whisper beneath whether one dives or snorkels at Tiran Island or Ras Mohammed National Park. If you feel lazy to get wet, then the glass-bottom boat rides or gentle-paced tours on boats may offer a clue to these underwater wonders.
Soho Square
The Square is a popular evening entertainment getaway for tourists and locals alike. Soho Square is an eclectic fusion of good shopping and dining experiences coupled with nightlife across vibrant lights and open-air plazas. Units from fine dining restaurants to cosy cafes, live entertainment, and bars make for an excellent way to unwind after an eventful day.
Old Market (Sharm El Maya)
The atmospheric Old Market comprises of malls of colorful bazaars. The spice scent emanates in the bazaars with stalls offloading on textiles, lanterns, and other handmade items. Bargains are expected and make shopping quite an entertaining experience. Beyond gifts, you may find some local cafés and desire to gorge on fresh bread, grilled meats, or sweet confection.
Desert Life Experiences
Get away from the sea and enjoy the rich view of the raw Sinai desert. A jeep safari entails some wild ride across the rugged landscape; meanwhile, a camel trek will allow you a slow, and a more traditional one. As the sun sets, interacting culturally is what keeps the desert buzzing with energy-sharing local tea and Flat bread with the Bedouins and then just staring at an endless starry night.
Best Time to Plan a Cruise from Sharm El Sheik
With behind-the-scenery sunshine all day in practically all days in Sharm El Sheik, a year-round option for departures is available. A timely cruise operating out of Sharm offers balance-a view of beauty during the day in the Red Sea and warm, cozy evenings in the desert-the perfect plan for balancing a day's activities.
Spring (March–May)
Possibly the best cruising period from Sharm. Days are warm but not too hot; this temperature is good for diving as well as desert tours. Marine life is quite active, and days are long. Beach dining gets good in April and May.
Summer (June–August)
Midday temperatures of 40°C (104°F) or more can turn a bit too hot during these months. This is the off-season for tourism; hence prices are at their lowest. If your body-balance can treat the heat, early mornings and nights are comfortable, whereas the Red Sea remains agreeable.
Fall Season (September–November)
Another great time with warm sea and pleasant weather as opposed to harsh summer. Although it can feel like an oven for a few days in September, October and November more or-less guarantee fine days to go snorkeling, diving, or hit the markets. The crowd is lesser and rates are cheaper than in the full-blown winter.
Top Sharm El Sheik Cruise Lines and Ships
Being on the shores of the Red Sea, ships of Sharm El Sheik travel between the luxuries of adventure and cultural depth. The programs visit Egypt, the Middle East, and parts of the Eastern Mediterranean. Top line operators cruising from here include:
MSC Cruises
MSC means good service at affordable prices, serving cruises from Sharm to Red Sea sights, Middle Eastern ports, and more distant Mediterranean ports. Guests dine in different restaurants, and have activities for kids and entertainment. It's European and flexible, so it accommodates charm seekers of all ages craving variety.
Celestyal Cruise
Celestyal Cruise prefers smaller ships with a more personalized feel to service and with itinerary selections showing more cultural diversity. Usually, the cruise goes from Sharm in the Eastern Mediterranean and along the Greek Islands-the culture of this cruise is that of cultural emersion, an authentic cuisine, and relaxing ambience on board. Thus, it is best suited for those who want to experience local culture with more meaningful interaction at every spot of port of call.
Oceania Cruises
For real connoisseurs of mid-size elegant vessels and gourmet dining, Oceania Cruises has it all. Departing from Sharm, the cruises are normally lengthy and encompass Egypt, the Levant, and the Mediterranean. This company loves to call itself a cultural-tourism-oriented line, with long port days paired with intimate ship sizes, making it a well-suited choice for travelers looking for cultural depth coupled with luxurious comfort.
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)
NCL combines with the casual lifestyle, their ships cruising through all entertainment avenues. The itineraries would originate from Sharm, exploring the Red Sea and the Mediterranean as options for dining and activities, mixed with vibrant nightlife, attracting the widest crowd. NCL is for travelers who want to be able to make their own choices, cherish freedom, and love cosmopolitan rides.
Silversea Cruises
It is ultra-luxurious, with spacious suites, butler service, and an all-inclusive package for departures, with Sharm. Intimate vessels work on itineraries for exclusive ports and shore excursions for guided immersion. These experiences provide fine dining, luxurious settings, and precision in everything for the even fewer cultured connoisseurs who may be a bit on the stylist side with their brains.
Top Sharm El Sheik Cruise Deals
Warm climate throughout the year beckons tourists, along with fabulous Red Sea itineraries from Sharm El Sheikh. Whilst a Congolese expedition would be really nice here, bargains emphasize aquatic adventure too. Having a more flexible planning style could earn one some nifty bargains from the area.
Early Booking Perks
Upscale lines such as Silversea often offer credit packages, butler upgrades, and finest dining packages if booked sufficiently early.
Last-minute Deals
Those travelers who can pack their bags and leave on short notice will probably find reduced fares on Red Sea sailing.
Dive-and Adventure Packages
Some cruises give discounted rates for diving activities or snorkeling excursions as part of the fare.
Family Discounts
Lines such as MSC offer opportunities for kids to sail free, hence transforming the trip to Sharm into an almost free family excursion.
Long Repositioning Voyages
Longer journeys linking Sharm to either Europe or Asia tend to cost less per night and are often preferred by the adventurous.
Holiday Packages
Winter sun cruises from Sharm can offer holiday-themed extras such as themed dinners or entertainment at zero extra charge.
Top Cruises from Sharm El Sheik Destinations
One of those cruises that offers natural wonders with cultural riches is at the Red Sea Jewel-Sharm El-Sheikh. From underwater paradises to historic cities, Sharm cruises look into places that wish to bring adventure and ancient stories to life.
Aqaba (Jordan)
Aqaba is, on the contrary, serene. However, it is more famous as the entry to Petra. Walking through the Siq gorge and having the rose-red Treasury reveal itself in front of you is a thing never to be forgotten by travellers. Aqaba itself affords some excellent opportunities for diving, with waterfront cafes to boot.
Jeddah (Saudi Arabia)
The Al-Balad historic district with coral-stone houses and rather medley souks feels like stepping back in time. Corniche is bursting with fountains, installations, and waterside cafés-a great stop for anyone interested in Saudi cultural heritage.
Safaga (Egypt)
You can drift portside and further inland to Luxor, which is a home away from home for the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak Temple. In large statues, hieroglyphics, and tombs that still shine with colour, these sites bring Ancient Egypt to life. Nearer to port, Safaga is still known for coral reefs that remain pristine.
Onboard Experiences Cruise Ships from Sharm El Sheik
When Sharm El Sheik sees the desert on one edge and the sea on the opposite, cruises from here duly reflect the dichotomy of contrasting experiences-an adrenaline rush or an easy-going calm, cultural explorations, and plain indulgence. As you step onboard, the rhythm of the Red Sea would turn into an unforgettable memory for you.
Dining
Cruises of the Red Sea generally offer Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Mezze platters, grilled fish, and fragrant spices would be served alongside international classics. Bedouin-theme dinner might be organized by some luxury vessels, set on the shore in the desert. Whether it is a fine dining experience or a more casual buffet-style meal, all of the food in some way expresses that crossroads culture Sharm is known for.
Entertainment
Performances and shows allow the evenings to vary between concerts and theatrical shows, themed parties, culturally oriented nights, or just... stargazing from the open deck. However, casinos, karaoke halls, disco clubs buzz with life and action-still more family-oriented cruises will be able to host movie nights and acrobatic shows. Some cruises bring in local elements, be it Egyptian folklore or Arabian music.
Relax Time
Spas are designed to use local oils, thermal suite treatments, and treatments that take inspiration from the classical Hamam. Sun decks are laid out with gardens to offer a magnificently spacious aqua-veranda poolside view. There are smattering private lounges, hot tubs, and relaxation lounges, double-pronged as sanctuaries for those wishing to soothe themselves between adventures at sea.
Adventure
And the remainder of the fun is actualized through the water slides, climbing walls, and surfing simulators. Shore excursions go for scuba diving, boat rides, and Jeep rides, and camel rides to Bedouin camps at Ras Mohammed. For history buffs, a cruise including visits to Luxor or Petra must complement your cultural experience perfectly.
What to Know in Advance Before Setting Sail for Sharm El Sheik?
A cruise from Sharm El Sheikh is a once-in-a-lifetime experience of fun, relaxation, and thorough cultural understanding. On its way, several practical things are ensured, so that the vacation goes smoothly.
Getting to the port
Depending on the cruise line, your ship may sail from a large port city in Egypt, namely, Safaga and Port Said. It would be very wise if one could ascertain the departure port ahead of time so as to be able to plan their transport accordingly. If flying to Egypt, Cairo International Airport is the main gateway; you can book a flight or get ground transfers to get you near your embarkation point. One should preferably get in at least a day early to work around any delays and for proper disorientation adjustment time.
Embarkation Process
Being processed onto a ship slightly simulates entering an airport, where one gets his or her passport checked, security checks carried out, and the cruise ticket shown. So to avoid last-minute sabotage, keep your papers handy to quickly get to them. Since boarding begins hours before the ship sails, being early means less time spent on queues and more time spent exploring the ship. Certain cruise lines even allow passengers to check in online-only making this option an additional time-saving feature.
Packing
Sharm El Sheikh throughout the year, so pack light clothes, swimsuits, good sunscreen, and a hat. Some good walk-around shoes or sandals would be nice. Should your outings entail stops at cultural or religious sites, take something respectful that covers shoulders and knees. . Also pack something a little dressier just in case those formal dinners or theme nights fancy you. A small daypack would come in handy for these excursions as well.
Currency
The country currency of Egypt is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). In most touristic sites, the US dollar and euro are accepted; however, holding some pounds is better for tipping or having small payments such as snacks in local markets. There are ATMs, charging some fees maybe; however, small shops do not generally accept cards. Hotels and restaurants do accept credit cards. But since cash is king in local bazaars, ensure you carry some.
FAQs About Sharm El Sheikh Cruise Departure Port
1. How much time should I allow to get to port before embarkation?
Plan to get to the port around 2-3 hrs before actual time of departure. Even better if you come a day before.
2. Do I require a visa for Egypt?
Probably yes, depending on nationality. Check at least entry requirements for Egypt with your cruise line or your local embassy beforehand.
3. What shall I carry for my excursions?
Take light clothes, swimwear, a hat, shorts, sunscreen, and something a little more modest to visit a cultural or religious site; oh, and comfortable shoes!
4. Are shore excursions included in the price?
Usually no. Most excursions are independently sold, either through the cruise line or local operators after you arrive.
5. Should one stay in Sharm El Sheikh before the cruise?
Definitely. Chill at a beach resort and go snorkeling in Ras Mohammed National Park, then enjoy some nightlife time before leaving.
