Hurghada: Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay feels like another country. On this Hurghada day trip, I love the Red Sea snorkeling stops and the onboard massage that turns a long boat day into real relaxation, but you only get about 75 minutes on Orange Bay. The overall plan is simple, small group, and built around water time, food, and easy comfort.

You’ll start with pickup from several Hurghada area hotels, then cruise out through the Red Sea toward a mix of coral reef snorkeling and island time. The vibe stays friendly and organized, and you’ll hear languages like English, German, Russian, and Arabic from the guide team, with staff names like Andrew and Salam popping up in crew feedback.

Keep one thing in mind: this is not a good fit if you have mobility limits, since you’ll be moving around docks and boat spaces.

Key highlights you should care about

• Two boat led snorkeling stops with included equipment and life vests
• Orange Bay time on a Caribbean style sandy island break
• All day open buffet plus soft drinks, hot drinks, juices, and snacks
• Onboard massage for each guest while the boat cruises calm water
• Banana boat ride at Magawish Island for a faster, fun water moment
• Mostly small group feel that helps you get more attention during activities

From hotel pickup to open water: how the schedule really flows

This is a full day on the Red Sea that clocks in at 510 minutes (about 8.5 hours) from pickup to drop off. You’ll get picked up from one of five options in the Hurghada area, including Hurghada itself, Makadi Bay, Safaga, Sahl Hasheesh, and El Gouna, then transfer to the marina in a van.

Once you’re at the boat, the day opens up with a Red Sea cruise before your first island and snorkeling blocks. The pacing is designed so you do not spend all day in just one mode. You get island time, then reef time, then food, then more water. The result is a day that feels packed, but not frantic.

A practical note, you will want a towel and sunscreen ready early. You can also keep sunglasses on, because once you’re out on deck, the glare can be intense even on hazy mornings.

Orange Bay Island: where the sand and water do the talking

Orange Bay is the easy selling point of this trip, and it lives up to it. The island stop is 75 minutes, which means you can enjoy the beach area, walk around, and find a comfortable spot without feeling rushed. The water here is the kind that makes you immediately want to jump in, then just float and watch the world turn bright.

You’ll be able to lay out, swim, and relax on a Caribbean style feeling island setup. One big reason people like this stop is timing. If you arrive earlier in the day, you tend to get that quieter feel where you can actually enjoy the shoreline, take photos, and breathe.

The tradeoff is also simple: 75 minutes is not long. If you plan to do serious beach walking, shell hunting, or you want a long, slow swim, you may wish there was more time. I treat Orange Bay as a recharge stop, not the main event of the day.

Tip from the style of this operation: bring cash if you might want optional extras. There is sometimes an onboard photographer and optional photo purchases can appear later in the day, so having a little cash helps you decide on the spot rather than scrambling.

The Small Giftun snorkeling stop: reef time with proper safety gear

The first snorkeling block is set at a Small Giftun snorkeling site area. You get 45 minutes, which is just enough to do a couple of calm swims, find a reef edge, and settle in without feeling exhausted.

What makes this stop feel more than just a quick splash is the way the activity is handled onboard. Snorkeling equipment is included, and life vests are provided. Guides also focus on showing you what to look for, which matters because coral and fish can look random from the surface unless someone helps you read the reef.

Based on the trip description, you may be able to spot rays, sea turtles, sea angels, and curious dolphins in natural conditions. I would still treat that as a best case hope, not a guarantee. Even when you do not see the larger animals, the reef itself can still deliver great color and fish activity.

Mobility note for you: getting on and off in the water can involve steps or uneven areas. This is one reason the trip is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

If you are a first time snorkeler, do not wait until the last minute. Put your mask and fins on early, do a quick breath check, and listen when the guide explains how to move in the water. You will get more out of your time that way.

Lunch on board: open buffet plus real drinks, not just a snack

Lunch is served on the boat during a 45 minute window. The open buffet includes fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, and oven vegetables. You also get 4 kinds of salads + bread, plus fresh juices, local fruits, soft drinks all day, and hot drinks all day.

This is where the value really shows. At $53 per person, it is not just you paying for snorkeling. You’re also paying for a full meal package that includes drinks and snacks all day, meaning you are less likely to spend extra on the water.

A small detail worth planning for: food quality is generally praised, but if you have a very specific preference for how hot food should be served at sea, you might notice it is not always perfect restaurant style. Still, the overall impression is that lunch is substantial and you can go back for more.

If you get motion sensitive, eat early and keep your plate simple. Then you can wait a bit before your next swim.

Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī snorkeling: more coral time, same easy rhythm

After lunch, the plan shifts to a second snorkeling stop: Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī. You get another 45 minutes, which is one of the reasons this itinerary works so well for people who want real underwater time instead of one short session.

By the second stop, you usually feel more comfortable. You already know where to hold position, how to breathe calmly, and how to watch without chasing fish around. That is when you often see more interesting behavior, since you are moving slower and scanning instead of rushing.

The included snorkeling gear and life vests matter again here. You can focus on the water, not the logistics.

Also, do not forget that you are on the Red Sea, not a pool. If you are wearing sunscreen, recheck it after you dry off. Bring the towel you pack, dry quickly, and protect yourself between swims.

Magawish Island banana boat ride: a fun burst between swims

The Magawish Island portion is not just a sightseeing stop. It includes a banana boat ride for about 45 minutes, which adds energy to a day that otherwise runs on reef swimming and island relaxing.

This part is great if you want at least one activity that feels more like a shared adventure than a slow float. Just remember that it is still water based. You will get wet, and you will want to secure any small items you bring with you on deck.

If you are traveling with kids or friends who want variety, this is the moment that usually breaks the day into a different mood. Reef time is about observation. Banana boat time is about laughs.

Onboard massage: the VIP touch that makes the long day feel shorter

Here is the standout feature that most people do not expect on a Red Sea cruise: massage for each guest on board. It’s included, and it happens while the boat is sailing calm waters. That pairing is smart. Your body settles, and the motion can make the experience feel smoother rather than more tiring.

From a value perspective, this is a big deal. Most boat trips bundle snorkeling and food. Adding a real onboard relaxation service for each person is part of why the day feels like a VIP upgrade instead of a standard excursion.

If you are thinking about booking, consider the massage as part of your recovery plan. Even if you snorkel well, you still spend hours in sun and wind. A massage can bring your shoulders and back down a few levels after all that deck time.

Crew service and small group feel: why the day stays comfortable

This is described as a small group tour, and that usually changes how you experience the day. With fewer people on board, it is easier for the crew to keep track of who has their gear, who needs help adjusting, and who is ready for the next swim.

Crew feedback highlights friendliness and attentiveness. Names that have shown up include Andrew and Salam, and snorkeling instruction is often tied to guides like Ibrahim, known for taking time during snorkel moments to show you special fish.

You also get a guide speaking multiple languages, including Arabic, English, German, and Russian. That helps if you want reassurance during snorkeling, especially if you are not fully comfortable in open water yet.

One real caution: if you are sensitive to strict rules onboard, treat the crew instructions as firm. You are moving on shared spaces, towels and dining areas can be controlled, and you want to follow their flow. That avoids stress and lets you focus on the day.

Price and value: what $53 includes and why it adds up

At $53 per person, the value comes from the bundle. You get:

• Hotel pickup and drop off (with multiple pickup zones)
• Guide service plus marine fees and taxes
• Orange Bay island stop
• Two snorkeling stops by boat
• Snorkeling equipment and life vests
• Lunch in an open buffet with fish, chicken, kofta, pasta, rice, vegetables
• Bread, salad variety, fresh juices, local fruits
• Soft drinks and hot drinks all day, plus snacks
• Onboard massage for each guest
• Banana boat ride on Magawish Island
• Snorkeling time twice at two separate sites

When you price these separately, you realize this is not just paying for a boat. You are paying for a full day of food, gear, activities, and relaxation under one system. That reduces the “surprise costs” feeling you get on some excursions.

If you are comparing value, focus on what is truly included. Here, the list is long, and the day is structured around included activities rather than optional add ons.

Who should book this VIP Orange Bay cruise

You’ll probably love this trip if you:

• Want a Red Sea snorkeling day with two reef stops
• Like the idea of an island break at Orange Bay
• Want food and drinks that keep you fueled without extra spending
• Enjoy active fun but still want downtime, thanks to the massage and deck time
• Are traveling with a mix of swimmers and non swimmers, since the boat day still works for sunbathers and watchers

You might rethink if:

• You have mobility impairments, since it is not suitable
• You hate boats and water activities entirely
• You are extremely picky about perfect restaurant style food temperature and texture, since sea meals can vary

Solo travelers often feel comfortable with the crew structure and small group setup, and families can appreciate the variety from snorkeling to banana boat rides.

Final call: should you book Royal Luxury VIP Cruise to Orange Bay?

I’d book this if your goal is a balanced Red Sea day: snorkeling plus a real island break, with food and drinks handled for you, and the massage built in so you feel taken care of.

It is not the kind of excursion where you spend all day sprinting around ports. It feels designed for comfort and enjoyment, with a clear rhythm. If you want more Orange Bay time, you may feel the 75 minutes is short, but you can still get a full island experience without losing the reef focus.

If you want the easiest way to enjoy Hurghada’s Red Sea beauty in one day, this VIP style cruise is a strong choice.

FAQ

What is the duration of the Hurghada Royal Luxury VIP Cruise?

The total duration is listed as 510 minutes.

Where does hotel pickup happen?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served in an open buffet on board, with items like fish, chicken, kofta, rice, pasta, oven vegetables, salads, bread, fresh juices, and local fruits.

Are snorkeling stops included?

Yes. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment and two snorkeling stops by boat.

Is an onboard massage included?

Yes. The cruise includes a massage for each guest on board.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Soft drinks and hot drinks are all-inclusive all day, and snacks are included all day.

What time length is spent at Orange Bay?

Orange Bay has a visit time of 75 minutes.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.