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Middle East

Destinations

Cruises to Middle East

Journey through the Middle East where ancient wonders, modern cities, and vibrant cultures meet. Explore Egypt, Dubai, Muscat, Aqaba, and more amid desert beauty and coastal charm.

Overview

Egypt offers a cruise experience unlike anywhere else, where ancient history, timeless scenery, and cultural discovery come together along one extraordinary journey. From the legendary Nile River to the shores of the Red Sea and beyond, these vacations offer a blend of comfort, exploration, and unforgettable moments.

A Nile River cruise is one of the most immersive ways to experience the country’s remarkable heritage. Sailing between Luxor and Aswan, guests can visit some of Egypt’s most celebrated sites, including the temples of Karnak, Luxor, Edfu, and Philae, while taking in peaceful river views lined with palm groves, desert landscapes, and traditional villages. Each day reveals another chapter of Egypt’s story, with ancient monuments and enduring traditions found at nearly every stop.

Beyond the Nile, Egypt’s broader cruise appeal includes vibrant coastal destinations, rich local culture, and access to world-famous landmarks. Travelers may pair their cruise with time in Cairo to see the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum, or extend their journey to the Red Sea for sun-soaked shores, coral reefs, and resort-style relaxation. This combination of history and leisure makes Egypt especially rewarding for travelers who want more than one kind of experience in a single trip.

What sets Egypt apart is the depth of its atmosphere. Temple columns, carved tombs, bustling markets, desert horizons, and riverfront sunsets create a setting that feels both monumental and deeply personal. Local cuisine, warm hospitality, and expertly guided excursions add even more meaning to the journey, turning each sailing into something far more memorable than a typical vacation.

Egypt also appeals to travelers through ocean cruise itineraries that include ports along the Red Sea and the Mediterranean. These voyages can connect guests with destinations such as Alexandria, Port Said, or Safaga, offering access to ancient landmarks, vibrant cities, desert landscapes, and coastal relaxation. For travelers looking to combine Egypt with a broader regional journey, ocean cruises provide a compelling way to experience the country as part of a larger itinerary through the Middle East, North Africa, or the Mediterranean.

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Destination Highlights

Things To Do


Petra & Wadi Rum Adventures- Aquaba (Petra)
Aqaba serves as the gateway to Petra, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. A guided visit to Petra reveals the iconic Treasury carved into rose-colored rock, along with an expansive network of ancient structures. Alternatively, Wadi Rum offers dramatic desert landscapes and immersive cultural experiences. The combination of history and natural beauty makes Aqaba one of the most unforgettable ports on any luxury itinerary.
Petra & Wadi Rum Adventures- Aquaba (Petra)
Valley of the Kings & Temples- Luxor, Egypt
Reached via Safaga, Luxor is often considered the most impressive historical excursion in Egypt. The Valley of the Kings reveals elaborately decorated tombs of ancient pharaohs, while Karnak Temple stands as one of the largest religious complexes ever built. The scale and preservation of these sites create an immersive journey into ancient civilization. For travelers seeking depth and significance, Luxor delivers one of the most rewarding cruise experiences in the region.
Valley of the Kings & Temples- Luxor, Egypt
Pyramids & Ancient Wonders- Cairo (Alexandria)
Accessed via Alexandria or Port Said, Cairo delivers one of the most iconic cruise excursions in the world. A visit to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx offers a direct connection to ancient history, while the Egyptian Museum showcases artifacts spanning thousands of years. Though the journey inland is longer, the reward is unmatched in cultural significance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that defines Egypt’s place on luxury cruise itineraries.
Pyramids & Ancient Wonders- Cairo (Alexandria)
Jordanian Cuisine & Dining
Jordanian cuisine is known for bold flavors and communal dining traditions, with dishes like mansaf, grilled kebabs, and mezze platters taking center stage. At Ali Baba Restaurant, local specialties are served in a relaxed yet refined setting, offering a well-rounded introduction to the region’s culinary identity. The experience is both satisfying and culturally immersive.
Jordanian Cuisine & Dining
Traditional Egyptian Flavors- Luxor
Dining in Luxor focuses on simple, authentic dishes that highlight local ingredients and preparation methods. Favorites like grilled chicken, lentil soups, and vegetable stews reflect traditional Egyptian cooking. At Sofra Restaurant & Cafe, classic recipes are served in a welcoming setting that emphasizes authenticity and comfort. The experience complements the day’s exploration, offering a grounded connection to local culture.
Traditional Egyptian Flavors- Luxor
Egyptian Cuisine & Local Dining- Cairo
Egyptian cuisine is rich in flavor and tradition, centered on dishes like koshari, grilled meats, and fresh flatbreads. Meals often feature a blend of spices and textures that reflect the country’s cultural depth. Dining at Abou El Sid offers a refined introduction to classic Egyptian dishes in an upscale setting inspired by traditional design. The experience provides a flavorful complement to a day of historical exploration.
Egyptian Cuisine & Local Dining- Cairo
Where to Stay in the Middle East
Most itineraries visiting Egypt and Jordan begin or end in major regional hubs such as Athens or Istanbul, where luxury cruise travelers frequently stay at properties like Hotel Grande Bretagne or Ciragan Palace Kempinski for seamless pre- and post-cruise experiences. For extended land programs in Egypt, hotels such as Marriott Mena House provide views of the pyramids, while in Jordan, Kempinski Hotel Aqaba Red Sea offers a luxury beachfront base near the port.
Where to Stay in the Middle East
What to Wear in the Middle East
This region experiences hot, dry desert climates for much of the year, making lightweight, breathable clothing essential for daytime excursions. Modest dress is recommended, particularly in Egypt and Jordan, where covering shoulders and knees is appropriate when visiting cultural and religious sites. Comfortable walking shoes are critical for navigating uneven terrain at archaeological locations like Petra or the Valley of the Kings. Sun protection, including hats and sunglasses, is highly recommended, while a light layer can be useful in the evening or in air-conditioned spaces.
What to Wear in the Middle East
Currency in the Middle East
Egypt uses the Egyptian pound, while Jordan operates on the Jordanian dinar. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants, though cash is often preferred in local markets and smaller establishments. Tipping is customary and widely expected, particularly for guides, drivers, and service staff, with small gratuities given frequently throughout excursions. Carrying small denominations is especially useful for day trips and guided tours.
Currency in the Middle East
Itineraries & Popular Routes

Cruise itineraries in Egypt are typically centered around two distinct experiences: Nile River cruises and ocean voyages that call on Egypt’s Mediterranean or Red Sea ports. Nile itineraries are among the most popular, usually sailing between Luxor and Aswan and featuring some of the country’s most celebrated archaeological sites. Along the way, travelers can visit landmarks such as Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, Edfu, and Philae, with each stop offering a deeper look into Egypt’s ancient history and enduring cultural legacy.

The most common Nile cruise duration is 3 to 7 nights, with 4-night and 7-night sailings especially popular for travelers wanting a well-paced journey through Upper Egypt. Shorter itineraries are ideal for those adding a cruise to a broader land vacation, while longer sailings allow for a more immersive experience with guided excursions, scenic river views, and time to enjoy the atmosphere onboard. Many travelers combine a Nile cruise with a stay in Cairo, creating a well-rounded itinerary that includes both the ancient treasures of the Nile Valley and world-famous sites such as the Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum.

Egypt also appears on a range of ocean cruise itineraries, particularly those sailing the Mediterranean, Red Sea, and broader Middle East region. These voyages may include ports such as Alexandria, Port Said, and Safaga, connecting guests with Egypt’s coastal gateways and offering access to historic cities, desert landscapes, and iconic attractions inland. Ocean cruises through Egypt are often part of longer regional routes that may also visit destinations in Greece, Turkey, Israel, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, or the Arabian Gulf, making them a strong option for travelers looking to experience Egypt as part of a wider international journey.

The best time to sail depends on the type of cruise experience travelers are seeking. Nile River cruises are especially popular from fall through spring, when temperatures are generally more comfortable for sightseeing, while Mediterranean and Red Sea ocean cruises tend to follow broader regional cruise seasons. This variety allows travelers to choose from shorter, history-focused river journeys or longer ocean itineraries that combine Egypt with other remarkable destinations across the region.