Hurghada: Luxury Cruise Trip to Orange Bay with Lunch

Orange Bay has a way of making your Red Sea plans feel simple: boat, sea life, food, and a massage in one day. This is a luxury-style cruise out of Hurghada that gives you time on Orange Bay Island plus two reef snorkeling stops (with equipment) and a back massage while cruising. You’ll also get a full onboard buffet lunch and plenty of drinks and snacks to keep the day easy.

Two things I like a lot: the snorkeling setup, because you’re taken to two selected spots where visibility can reach up to 45 meters, and you get real chances to spot clownfish and other marine life close to the surface. Second, the massage isn’t a gimmick—it’s a proper relaxing back massage per guest as you move along the coast. One consideration: Orange Bay can be windy and choppy, so if you’re sensitive to motion or weather, come ready.

Key things that make this cruise worth your attention

• Orange Bay early access feel: the itinerary gives you a 75-minute island stop, and many people love arriving before the place gets crowded.
• Snorkeling at two reef areas: you get two separate 45-minute snorkeling windows at Jazā’ir Jiftūn and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī.
• Up to 45-meter visibility: the tour specifically highlights clear-water conditions and colorful corals.
• A real onboard lunch break: lunch is served on the boat with a buffet that includes fish, kofta, pasta/rice options, salads, vegetables, and fruit.
• Back massage included: one massage per person keeps this from being only a water day.

Orange Bay on a luxury-style schedule: what the day actually feels like

This cruise is built for a “full day without chaos” feeling. From the moment you’re picked up, the pace stays structured: van ride to the marina, a boat ride toward the island, set snorkeling times, lunch on board, then more reef time and water fun. It’s the kind of itinerary that helps you relax, because you always know what’s next.

The big selling point is that you’re not choosing between beach time and snorkeling time. You get Orange Bay Island (75 minutes to swim, sunbathe, and take in the scenery), plus two reef snorkeling stops where the water clarity can be outstanding. And instead of ending the day all sandy and tired, you get a back massage while cruising, which makes it feel like a proper treat day rather than just a transfer + swim routine.

Also, this is priced like a value day rather than a private yacht day. At $53 per person, you’re paying for a full half-day to all-day water itinerary with lunch and massage included—so you’re not trying to buy everything separately once you’re already in Hurghada.

Getting picked up and dropped off: the practical logistics that matter

You’ll have five pickup options: Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna. Drop-off returns you to Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Hurghada, Makadi Bay, and Safaga, which is a big deal if you’re trying to avoid last-minute taxi math.

The van segment is listed as 30 minutes each way. That timing matters because it shapes how early you’ll need to be ready. The instructions also say to wait 5 minutes before the agreed pickup time outside your hotel reception. If you hate feeling rushed, plan to be outside early.

One more practical detail: the tour uses a separate entrance to skip the line. In a busy port area, that can save you from that awkward waiting-around period where your morning cool-down turns into impatience.

Not for everyone: the activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users, so if accessibility is part of your planning, you’ll want to choose a different format.

On the boat: comfort, drinks, snacks, and that included massage

The cruise portion starts with a 45-minute boat cruise toward Orange Bay. Once you’re on board, you’ll find the day’s rhythm revolves around a few simple repeatable things: refreshments, snacks, and clear staff guidance for each water activity.

Included onboard is a lot of the “keep you happy without extra purchases” stuff:

• Unlimited soft drinks and hot drinks
• Unlimited snacks
• Life jackets for water time
• A full buffet lunch (served on the sea clock)

Then there’s the standout comfort feature: one relaxing back massage per guest. This is scheduled during the cruise portion as you head along the Red Sea. It’s a nice match to snorkeling days, because it helps reset your body after time in the sun, water, and wind. If you usually skip massages on vacation, this one is worth noticing because it’s included.

From the staff side, the tour is run with a live guide and crew support. The listed guide languages are English, German, Arabic, and Russian—so you’re not stuck relying on gestures when someone explains how to use snorkeling gear or where to swim.

Orange Bay Island (75 minutes): beach time with a real purpose

Orange Bay Island gets 75 minutes. That’s long enough to actually enjoy the island rather than just taking quick photos and leaving. The itinerary frames it as beach time while the sea and visibility set up the rest of the day.

Here’s how I’d think about the Orange Bay stop:

• You’re going to want a swim or a walk so you feel the place, not just view it.
• The time also gives you a break between snorkeling sessions and lunch.
• It’s the part of the day where you can recharge if wind or waves pick up during the earlier boat time.

One consideration shows up in real-world experience: Orange Bay can be windy and choppy. That matters for your comfort even if you’re not doing water sports. If you get seasick, consider coming with your own motion-sickness plan and bring layers you can manage if the wind gets strong.

Also, drinks on the island are not included, so if you’re the type who wants a cold drink on the sand, have a little cash ready. The tour explicitly recommends bringing cash, which is a good clue this is where it may come in handy.

Snorkeling at Jazā’ir Jiftūn and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī: what to look for

This is where the cruise earns its reputation. You get two snorkeling stops, each listed as 45 minutes, at:

• Jazā’ir Jiftūn
• Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī

The tour description highlights visibility up to 45 meters, which is a huge plus when you’re trying to see coral and fish clearly. It also names likely wildlife: clownfish, manta rays, dolphins, plus coral in multiple colors.

Now, let’s make that practical for you. Two reef windows means you’re not putting all your “good viewing odds” into one single stop. If conditions feel different at one site, you still have another chance later. And because the snorkeling blocks are timed and supported with provided equipment, you’re less likely to waste time figuring things out once you hit the water.

What you’ll want to bring (and actually use) for the best snorkeling experience:

• Sunscreen and sunglasses (sun glare can be intense)
• A sun hat
• Swimwear and a towel
• Basic patience: snorkeling is often about watching slowly, not chasing fast fish

If you’re a first-timer, good news: the setup includes snorkeling equipment and life jackets. You’re also on a schedule with staff support, so you’re not dropped in and left to guess.

One more thing: reviews often mention fish coming close, and guides helping people stay confident. That matches the idea that your success is partly about how you’re guided, not just luck.

Lunch on the Red Sea: buffet choices that keep you fueled

Lunch comes after the first snorkeling window. The itinerary lists lunch as 45 minutes, served on the boat. This timing is smart: you get food before the second reef stop, so you’re not running on snack energy.

The buffet includes a mix that works for different appetites:

• Fish
• Meat kofta
• Rice and pasta options
• Chicken panne and chicken items like nuggets (based on the provided buffet list)
• Oven vegetables
• 4 different kinds of salad
• 3 kinds of fruit

If you’re thinking about value, this buffet matters because it reduces hidden costs. In many boat trips, you pay extra for real food. Here, lunch is part of the package, and you also get unlimited soft/hot drinks plus snacks throughout the day.

How to plan around it:

• Eat enough to feel steady for snorkeling, but don’t go heavy if you’re motion-sensitive.
• If you tend to feel queasy on boats, keep meals lighter and sip drinks instead of chugging.

You’ll also get the day’s pace reset right after lunch: that break helps you head back into the water with less fatigue.

Water sports, banana boat time, and weather reality

The itinerary includes banana boat ride time (listed as 45 minutes) and a free time block (45 minutes) later in the day. There’s also a final stretch of boat cruising after snorkeling and activities.

One honest reality: water activities can depend on conditions. Some days the sea state or other safety factors can lead to changes. Weather can also affect how fun or uncomfortable things feel, especially if you’re already noticing chop at Orange Bay.

If you’re booking this mainly for snorkeling and the island stop, don’t stress too much about the banana boat ride as long as you’re sure you’re good with the reef time and the buffet/massage part. The core of the itinerary works whether the extra rides run smoothly or get adjusted.

During the free time window, the smartest move is simple: use it for shade planning, water refills, and a final look around the boat setup. If you love relaxing on a moving deck with a drink in hand, this is where that vibe fits.

Crew, safety, and the small extras that make it smoother

The tour is guided with a live guide, and English/German/Arabic/Russian are offered. That language flexibility helps a lot, because the staff isn’t only there for logistics—they’re there to explain what to do and keep everyone comfortable in the water.

From the practical side, safety and organization are repeatedly tied to how the day feels:

• Equipment is provided for snorkeling
• Life jackets are included
• Staff are on hand to help you get in, get out, and feel steady

You’ll also see lots of praise for how crew members manage the day’s flow—clean boat, attentive hosting, and structured timing. That matters because the difference between a great day and a messy one often comes down to how quickly you move between steps.

There’s also an element of extras for photos/video. The tour description doesn’t list photography as an official inclusion, but it is mentioned in the experience feedback that an onboard photographer may be available. If you’re the type who wants underwater pictures, ask what’s available onboard and how it works, so you’re not surprised later.

Price and value: is $53 actually fair for a Red Sea cruise day?

At $53 per person for a long day (listed duration: 510 minutes, or about 8.5 hours), this cruise looks like strong value if your priorities match the inclusions.

Here’s what’s doing the heavy lifting on value:

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Boat cruise(s) during the day
• Orange Bay Island stop
• Two snorkeling stops with equipment
• Lunch buffet plus snacks
• Unlimited soft/hot drinks
• Life jackets
• Marine fees and tax
• One back massage per guest

The island part is also not a “pay extra for everything” situation—though drinks on the island are not included, so plan for that small gap.

Where value gets personal: if you hate boats or hate being in sun/wind, you might feel the cost less wisely spent. But if you want a structured day with snorkeling plus a real lunch plus a massage, you’re getting a lot for one ticket price.

Should you book Royal Cruise Hurghada to Orange Bay?

Book it if you want:

• A Red Sea day with two snorkeling sessions and equipment
• Orange Bay Island time long enough to actually enjoy it
• A buffet lunch that’s included, not an add-on
• A relaxing back massage built into the schedule
• Pickup from major Hurghada-region hotels and a return drop-off

Consider skipping or choosing another option if:

• You need wheelchair access or mobility-friendly boarding (this one is listed as not suitable for wheelchair users)
• You’re very prone to motion sickness and you don’t have a plan for windy/choppy conditions
• You’re only interested in one short swim and don’t want a full 8.5-hour sea day

If your ideal vacation day is sea life, coral viewing, and then a body reset with massage afterward, this one fits the bill.

FAQ

How long is the trip?

The total duration is listed as 510 minutes (about 8.5 hours), depending on starting time.

Where do pickups happen?

Pickup options include Sahl Hasheesh, Hurghada, Safaga, Makadi Bay, and El Gouna.

Where are drop-offs?

Drop-off locations are Sahl Hasheesh, El Gouna, Hurghada, Makadi Bay, and Safaga.

What snorkeling is included?

You get snorkeling at two selected spots (Jazā’ir Jiftūn and Jazīrat Abū Rimāthī), and snorkeling equipment is included.

How much time do you spend snorkeling?

Each snorkeling stop is listed as 45 minutes, for two snorkeling periods total.

Is lunch included, and what’s it like?

Lunch is included as an open buffet with items such as fish, kofta, rice, pasta, chicken options, oven vegetables, multiple salads, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

On the boat, you get unlimited soft drinks and hot drinks, plus unlimited snacks. Drinks on the island are not included.

Is there a massage?

Yes. The trip includes 1 massage per guest, described as a relaxing back massage while on board.

What should I bring?

Bring sunglasses, sun hat, swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and cash.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is listed as not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.