The Red Sea turns your afternoon into a mini sea saga. This sailing cruise mixes snorkeling stops with a Pirates-themed wooden yacht and an air-conditioned seafood buffet—plus activities that keep kids busy.

I especially like how the day is built for balance: time for the water, time on Orange Bay’s sandy beach, and a comfortable lunch break below deck. The other big win is the family setup—kids get sent to the animation team while adults enjoy the sun deck and scenery. One thing to consider: the boat experience can include extra photo sales onboard, and the drinks you get without paying extra are limited.

Key things you’ll notice on this cruise

• Pirates-themed wooden, twin-masted ship with a spacious upper sun deck and two air-conditioned lower salons
• Guided snorkeling at the best local reefs, with snorkeling gear and life jackets provided
• Orange Bay beach time for relaxing on sand while kids do an onboard animation programme
• Air-conditioned lunch served as a buffet in the themed salon
• Kids entertainment includes Treasure hunt and other games, but it may be short depending on the group
• Free pickup and return from Hurghada, with timing that can run earlier than you expect

Pirate-Style Boat Comfort: What the Premier Sailing Yacht Is Like

This isn’t the “sit in a modern lounge and wait” kind of cruise. You board a twin-masted, wooden ship designed to feel like sailing’s golden age—complete with marble-and-wood styling and a full Pirates theme. The layout matters because it keeps the day from feeling crowded.

Up top, you get an open-air sun deck for breeze, photos, and watching the Red Sea change color as afternoon turns toward sunset. Down below, you’re not trapped in heat: the yacht has two air-conditioned salons, and that’s where lunch is served. If you’ve ever tried to keep everyone happy in Egyptian summer sun, you’ll appreciate having a real indoor option.

One family-friendly detail is how the crew handles kids right after boarding. The animation team typically takes them to the lower deck area so parents can enjoy the sailing and the views without constant logistics. If you’re traveling with kids who need a particular language, keep in mind that entertainment support is offered, but the exact language match for kids can vary by day and group.

The Timing That Shapes the Whole Day

This cruise runs from about 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Saturday and Wednesday, and it’s built around an afternoon rhythm: depart, snorkel, Orange Bay, then back for sunset sail time. Hotel pickup happens roughly one hour before departure, so plan to be ready early—otherwise you’ll waste time waiting or rushing.

Expect a day that feels active but not exhausting. You’ll spend meaningful blocks on the water, then get a breather with lunch in air-conditioning, then more relaxed beach time at Orange Bay. The final return is timed so you can catch sunset sailing back toward the marina.

A practical heads-up from real-world experience: pickup can sometimes be delayed (one account notes around 30 minutes). It’s not guaranteed, but it’s worth building a small buffer into your schedule, especially if you’re coordinating other plans that evening.

Hurghada Marina Start: Lunch Break and First Views

You’ll connect with the group at Hurghada Marina. There’s usually a short window where the group gathers and you have time to settle in before the boat heads out. Depending on the exact flow of the day, there may be a short lunch window at the marina or a lunch service right after the water portion—either way, the key point is this: lunch is included and served onboard.

This first stage is also a good moment to get your bearings. The ship is roomy, with clear spaces for kids and adults. If you’re the type who likes to organize your day—towel where it belongs, sunscreen applied early—do it here while the boat is still stable and everyone is calm.

Sailing Out for Snorkeling: Where the Reef Time Fits

The cruise includes time for snorkeling at local sites and does it in a structured way. You’ll set sail toward the snorkeling area, then get about an hour of guided snorkeling, with snorkeling gear and life jackets provided.

This is a good format if you want your snorkeling to be “handled” rather than improvising:

• You have gear included, so you don’t have to pack it or rent it.
• You’re with a guide, which helps if you’re unsure where to look or how to move safely in the water.
• The guided block is long enough that you’ll actually get a chance to see marine life, not just a quick splash-and-go.

Two notes I’d take seriously:

• No wetsuits are included, and the water comfort depends on conditions. If you get cold easily, you might want to bring something suitable.
• The cruise is afternoon-focused, so sun exposure is real. Bring sunscreen and plan to reapply after you’re done in the water.

Orange Bay Island: Beach Time Plus Kids Animation

After snorkeling, you head to Orange Bay, an island stop with a sandy beach and time to relax. You’ll typically get around an hour here—enough time to swim, walk along the sand, and enjoy the setting without the day feeling like a long travel slog.

What makes Orange Bay especially useful is the split between adults and kids. Kids often stay with the animation team for games such as a Treasure hunt and other activities. That means you can actually sit and rest without constantly managing bored children.

There’s one downside to know: kids’ activities can be short, and not every day’s programme lands the same way. One account mentions a Treasure hunt that felt too brief, and another points out kids didn’t receive the level of German-language support they expected. If your child is very language-dependent for activities, it’s smart to set expectations and pack a backup plan (snacks, a book, or small games).

Still, for many families, this stop is the calm heart of the itinerary. Adults get a real beach break; kids get attention and structure.

Back Onboard: Lunch in the Air-Conditioned Pirates Salon

Lunch is one of the strongest parts of this cruise. It’s served onboard in the air-conditioned salon—a huge comfort upgrade compared with eating under the sun. The buffet is practical and built for variety, not fancy plating.

The menu includes:

• Sea food soup
• Three types of fresh salad
• Rice, pasta, and potatoes
• Shrimps, calamari, fish, chicken, and kofta
• Seasonal fresh fruit

This lineup matters because it gives you options if you’re traveling with different tastes. If seafood is your thing, you’ll have plenty to work with. If it’s not, chicken and kofta make sure you won’t be stuck eating only salads and sides.

Another real-life detail: extra drinks are available for sale onboard, but the included drinks you get can be limited. Plan to budget a little if your group likes more than coffee/tea or soft drinks.

Sunset Sailing Back: The Part You Can Feel

The return journey is timed so you can enjoy sunset sailing back to the marina. That’s the moment the whole day clicks—snorkeling is done, kids are settled, lunch is digested, and the deck becomes the best seat in the house.

If you’re sensitive to motion, this kind of cruise is often a good match because it’s not a rough, high-speed crossing. One account specifically notes comfort for people who usually feel seasick, and in this itinerary the pace and boat layout seem designed to keep things easy.

Price and Value: Is $63 a Smart Buy?

At about $63 per person for a roughly 5-hour cruise, you’re paying for a cluster of items that add up quickly:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Park entry fees
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets
• Guided snorkeling time
• Buffet lunch onboard
• Kids entertainment programme
• A themed boat experience and sunset sail time

In other words, it’s not just “a boat ride.” If you were to price snorkeling gear, a guide, and a meal separately, this starts to look like a fair bundle. The only reason it might feel overpriced is if your group wants lots of included drinks, long kids entertainment, or zero onboard upselling.

And that brings me to a consideration worth thinking about: some people report a strong onboard photography set-up, where you’re photographed throughout the trip and later offered photo products for sale. If you dislike that style of selling, decide in advance how you want to handle it—because it can turn a relaxing afternoon into something mildly annoying.

What This Cruise Is Best For

This is a strong choice if you want:

• A family-friendly Red Sea afternoon that doesn’t require planning snorkeling logistics
• Air-conditioned comfort for breaks, not just sun-deck time
• A mix of reef snorkeling, beach relaxation at Orange Bay, and a sunset return

It’s less ideal if you:

• Need long, continuously engaging kids programming (the animation is planned, but the length can be short on some days)
• Want unlimited included drinks onboard
• Feel uncomfortable with photo sales pressure during activities

Should you book this Hurghada cruise?

I’d book it if you want an easy, structured afternoon where snorkeling gear, guided reef time, lunch, and kids entertainment are all part of the package—and you like the idea of a themed ship with real air-conditioned space.

I’d think twice if photo-product selling onboard would annoy you, if your kids need very specific language support, or if you’re the type who expects drinks to be included broadly. With that awareness, the experience can be a great value: you get water time, Orange Bay beach time, and a sunset sail without turning your day into a checklist.

FAQ

What days does the cruise run?

Trips are scheduled for Saturday and Wednesday.

How long is the cruise?

The duration is listed as 5 hours (with service times running roughly from 1:00 pm to 6:30 pm).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Yes. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hurghada are included.

What’s included with snorkeling?

You get snorkeling gear and life jackets, and there’s a guided snorkeling session.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is it?

Yes. Lunch is a buffet seafood menu served onboard in the air-conditioned salon.

Are drinks included?

Lunch is included, but extra drinks are available for sale onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, and a towel. Wetsuits are not included.