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Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt
Crystal-clear Red Sea waters meet the Sahara Desert at Hurghada — Egypt's premier resort coast and the closest cruise port to the ancient wonders of Luxor.
Crystal-clear Red Sea waters meet the Sahara Desert at Hurghada — Egypt's premier resort coast and the closest cruise port to the ancient wonders of Luxor.
Ships dock directly at Hurghada Port, a secured commercial zone in the central Sekala (Sakkala) district, beside the Marina.
💡 Pro move: If taking a local taxi, agree on the fare (and currency) in writing before you get in — orange-and-blue taxis do not use meters for tourists.
Hurghada Port is a direct-docking facility upgraded under a 2024 AD Ports Group concession; tendering is not used.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (MSC, Costa, Aroya, Ponant) | Hurghada Port quay, Sekala district📍 | Docked |
| Expedition / small ship operators | Hurghada Port quay📍 | Docked |
From reef snorkeling to ancient pharaonic temples, Hurghada punches well above its resort-town size.
Boat trip to the protected Giftun Islands National Park — shallow coral gardens, brilliant reef fish, and powdery white sand in water that reads almost Caribbean. Masks and fins usually included.
Find Giftun Island snorkeling tours →A 3.5–4 hr desert drive brings you to Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, and the Valley of the Kings — the greatest open-air museum on Earth. Only realistic if your ship is in port 12+ hours; book ship-sponsored tours so the vessel waits if you're delayed.
Find Luxor day trip tours →ATV or 4x4 jeep into the Eastern Desert, followed by a camel ride, Bedouin village visit, mint tea, and a traditional dinner show under the stars.
Find desert safari tours →Buy a day pass at a Red Sea resort (Steigenberger Al Dau, Marriott Red Sea, or similar) for private beach access, sunbeds, and pool — the cleanest and most hassle-free way to enjoy the water without a tour.
Search Hurghada resort day passes →A real submarine descends about 22 metres into the Red Sea so non-swimmers and families can witness the coral reef and its tropical fish in comfort — no wetsuit required. Note: Sindbad submarine tours have been suspended since a fatal 2025 incident — confirm operations have resumed before booking.
Find Sindbad submarine tours →Hurghada's port zone is industrial and best avoided on foot — take a taxi or shuttle to the Marina and walk from there.
A pedestrian-only promenade lined with yachts, cafes, and souvenir shops. Hassle-free zone with no aggressive street vendors — the most relaxed walk in the city.
📍 Open in MapsThe authentic, lived-in heart of Hurghada, about 7 km north of the port in the old town. Browse the fruit market, haggle for spices and leather in the traditional souq, and visit the landmark El Mina Mosque.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 69°F / 21°C | 56°F / 13°C | 0 | 6:36 AM | 5:12 PM |
| Feb | 71°F / 22°C | 58°F / 14°C | 0 | 6:21 AM | 5:36 PM |
| Mar | 76°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 0 | 5:54 AM | 5:53 PM |
| Apr | 81°F / 27°C | 68°F / 20°C | 0 | 5:20 AM | 6:09 PM |
| May | 88°F / 31°C | 74°F / 23°C | 0 | 5:56 AM | 7:25 PM |
| Jun | 92°F / 33°C | 79°F / 26°C | 0 | 5:49 AM | 7:40 PM |
| Jul | 94°F / 34°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 | 6:00 AM | 7:41 PM |
| Aug | 95°F / 35°C | 83°F / 28°C | 0 | 6:16 AM | 7:21 PM |
| Sep | 92°F / 33°C | 80°F / 27°C | 0 | 6:30 AM | 6:49 PM |
| Oct | 86°F / 30°C | 74°F / 23°C | 0 | 6:44 AM | 6:15 PM |
| Nov | 79°F / 26°C | 67°F / 19°C | 0 | 6:05 AM | 4:53 PM |
| Dec | 73°F / 23°C | 60°F / 16°C | 0 | 6:27 AM | 4:52 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Hurghada, Red Sea, Egypt. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.