The Red Sea

Cruising the Red Sea, a Magnificent Ambiance of Blue and Gold The Red Sea is an inlet of the Indian Ocean, located between Africa and Asia. Having played a vital navigational role since early times, its coastline is now an admired tourist attraction where nature and archaeological monuments feature in abundance. With thriving marine life, technicolor virgin reefs and uninhabited islands, the sun-soaked Red Sea coast is an unspoiled marvel that showcases the best of Saudi Arabia’s coastal charms. Private yacht charters and luxury cruise liners are fast becoming the premier way to experience the best of the Red Sea. There is as much to see below shore as there is at sea level proving this to be a dream destination for diving and snorkeling plus some amazing land excursions. With easy access to the grand Indian Ocean, a cruise to the Red Sea can involve stopover in several diverse countries including Jordan, Egypt, Oman, United Arab Emirates, India, Sri Lanka, Malaysia and beyond. Cruising this part of the world comes with the opportunity to experience all sorts of cultures, learn of treasured histories, try delicious traditional cuisines and do some incredible sight-seeing. A typical Red Sea cruise will be about seven days in duration, and offer an itinerary such as Cairo, Suez, Sharm el Sheikh, Eilat, Aqaba, Safaga or Hurghada. The itineraries may differ between cruise operators, but there will be many delightful stopping off points with endless sunshine, azure blue sea and a gold shimmering backdrop of desert and mountains. Egypt features large when cruising the Red Sea. On the west bank of the Gulf of Suez is El Sokhna, a beautiful resort with beaches of white sand that will appeal to all age groups. Visitors can also use the town as a base for tours to Cairo, the pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx. Further south, the port of Safaga is the starting point for excursions to the famed Egyptian ruins of the Temple of Luxor and the Valley of the Kings where Egyptian rulers were buried. Excursions can be taken to view the temple of Queen Hatshepsut, as well as the statues of Amenhotep III, the Avenue of Sphinxes and the Temple of Karnak. Sharm el Sheikh is one of Egypt’s most popular resorts and a regular stopping off point on Red Sea cruises. This place offers sandy beaches and some of the world’s best-preserved coral reefs, a perfect place for snorkeling, scuba diving or taking a trip in a glass-bottomed boat. There will also be opportunities to disembark and visit locations in Jordan and possibly Israel. Jordan’s only port, Aqaba, is famed for the remains of its ancient fort. Petra, the ancient city carved into sandstone cliffs and hailed as the Eighth Wonder of the World, not discovered until the 19th century and then more recently excavated in the 1950's, can be visited as a day excursion from Aqaba. On the opposite bank of the Gulf of Aqaba is the Israeli resort town of Eilat, which has found world fame as a diving Mecca for snorkel and scuba enthusiasts. Some Red Sea cruises may commence or end their journey in the Mediterranean Sea,

via the Suez Canal. A much-loved stopping off point on such itineraries is Cyprus, particularly Larnaca to the east of the island and Limassol to the west. Larnaca is steeped in six thousand years of history, with famous sites including St John’s Cathedral and the Church of St Lazarus. However, the town also boasts a modern shopping centre and plush marina. There is nothing better than taking a stroll in the sun along Larnaca’s promenade lined by palms. Also possible in the Mediterranean segment might be a visit to the Israeli port of Ashdod. A stop here provides access to some of the most iconic locations in the Holy Land – Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Sites worth visiting include the Wailing Wall, Dome of the Rock, Garden of Gethsemane and the Dead Sea, ensuring even more memories of the holiday of a lifetime. Liveaboard Diving Cruise Options in the Red Sea There are a range of liveaboards operating in the Red Sea, including those with trips focusing on the northern regions where visitors can dive numerous fantastic wrecks and those visiting southern area including the marine parks and beyond. North & Wrecks - These Egyptian safaris mostly include a number of premier wreck diving sites such as the world-famous Thistlegorm, the Rosalie Moller and the Abu Nuhas wreck system, as well as reef and wall diving at the Ras Mohammed National Park. Some shorter tours focus entirely on the sites of the Sinai Peninsula, from the Thistlegorm to Sharm El Sheikh and the Straits of Tiran. The sites are varied and the conditions tend to make for relatively easy scuba diving. Wreck enthusiasts and those who are relatively inexperienced tend to prefer the North & Wrecks trips. Most charters in the Northern Red Sea are for duration of 1 week, although shorter Sinai-only trips are also available. Red Sea South - Many liveaboards conduct tours of Egypt's Southern Red Sea, and some boats visit only this area exclusively. These cruise options may include the Brothers, considered to deliver some of the best diving the Red Sea has to offer, as well as spots such as Daedalus Reef and Elphinstone, made famous for encounters with oceanic sharks. Further south are the exquisite reefs of St John's and the adventurous tunnel systems of the Fury Shoals. Conditions are more variable in the south, with reefs being more exposed, rougher seas, and occasional strong currents. Therefore Southern Red Sea safaris appeal to more experienced divers. Indeed divers must show proof of 50 logged dives before they can dive in the southern marine parks. Sudan - Many divers in the Red Sea visit further south with increased experience, which is why for some, Sudan represents the ultimate Red Sea liveaboard destination. Not many boats go there, which is part of the attraction, and the scuba diving can deliver bigger schools of fish and healthier shark populations than areas further north. There are also some interesting wrecks, some of which are more technically challenging than beginners should experience, some fascinating caves and the unique sights of

Cousteau's Conshelf II underwater living experiment. Liveaboard safaris depart either from Egypt's Port Ghalib or Port Sudan, making it easier to get to than you might think. There are also occasional longer charters. Diving here includes deep dives and wrecks, so Sudan is not a liveaboard destination for recently qualified scuba divers. Although relatively small in area, the Red Sea’s coast is full of fascinating places to discover. It’s no doubt that a Red Sea cruise is a fantastic way to visit some of the world's most fascinating and beautiful treasures. Blessed with warm weather the whole year round, it makes for a pleasant holiday whenever visitors choose to go.