Red Sea Cruises 2026 from Sharm El Sheikh & Hurghada – Best Prices & Itineraries
- Oleg Filatov
- Jul 11
- 4 min read
Winter 2026 marks the long-awaited return of big-ship cruising to the Red Sea, with three major lines now home-porting in Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada for the first time. Warm turquoise water (+24–27 °C all winter), world-class coral reefs, and brand-new itineraries combining Egypt, Jordan (Petra) and Saudi Arabia have made the Red Sea the hottest new cruise destination of the decade.
Red Sea Cruises 2026 from Sharm El Sheikh & Hurghada
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE:
As of July 11, 2026. Updated every Friday.CRITICAL SAFETY NOTICE:
Due to the ongoing war in the region (Houthi attacks, missile strikes, regional tensions, closed airspace), most Red Sea cruises remain canceled or suspended in 2026. Major international operators have withdrawn from the area. Only Aroya Cruises continues to operate limited short itineraries from Jeddah, but with high risk and possible last-minute cancellations.We strongly advise against travel to the region until the situation stabilizes. Check official government travel advisories. Saodat Turizm offers safe cruise alternatives in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and other regions.Prices per person (twin cabin, all-inclusive), including port fees and gratuities. Low season + high risk.
Departure Date | Ship | Itinerary (nights) | Interior Cabin (USD) | Oceanview (USD) | Balcony (USD) | Notes |
12.07.2026 | Aroya | Jeddah → Port Ghalib → Jeddah (3 nights) | ~145 | ~180 | ~240 | High risk — status subject to change |
19.07.2026 | Aroya | Jeddah → Saba Beach Island → Jeddah (3 nights) | ~140 | ~175 | ~235 | Kids free, high risk |
26.07.2026 | Aroya | Jeddah → Port Ghalib → Jeddah (3 nights) | ~140 | ~175 | ~235 | July low season, high risk |
02.08.2026 | Aroya | Jeddah → Saba Beach Island → Jeddah (3 nights) | ~135 | ~170 | ~230 | Early August, kids free, high risk |
09.08.2026 | Aroya | Jeddah → Port Ghalib → Jeddah (3 nights) | ~135 | ~170 | ~230 | Mid-August, high risk — confirm before booking |
Notes:
Prices are approximate in USD (based on ~80 RUB per 1 USD).
Due to the war, most cruises are canceled. Remaining Aroya short sailings carry high risk and may be canceled at short notice.
Contact Saodat Turizm for real-time updates and safe cruise alternatives.
Ship Comparison – Red Sea Winter 2026
Feature | Aroya | MSC Orchestra | Mein Schiff 6 |
Built / refurbished | 2017 / 2024 | 2007 / 2024 | 2019 |
Passengers | 3 362 | 3 200 | 2 534 |
Russian-speaking service | Full Russian staff | Large Russian groups | Menus & announcements in Russian |
Food & drinks | Halal all-inclusive | 5 restaurants + packages | 12 premium restaurants – everything included |
Kids policy | Up to 12 yrs FREE | 3rd/4th guest discount | 30 % child rate |
Alcohol | Non-alcoholic | Packages from ~$26/day | Premium drinks included |
Waterpark / Spa | Yes | Yes | Yes + adults-only zones |
Egypt → free Sinai-only visa on arrival (Sharm) or $25 full visa (Hurghada)
Jordan → visa on arrival or free Jordan Pass if Petra excursion is pre-booked
Saudi Arabia → free transit e-visa issued automatically for cruise passengers
More than 70 nationalities (EU, UK, USA, India, etc.) travel completely visa-free or with visa-on-arrival.Why the Red Sea Is the Hottest New Cruise Destination
Year-round warm weather & calm seas
Overnight call in Aqaba = full-day Petra excursion (UNESCO site)
Brand-new ports in Saudi Arabia (Jeddah Corniche, Yanbu)
Outstanding value compared to Caribbean or Mediterranean in peak season
New Reviews (January 2026)
Aigul, Kazan (04.01.2026):“MSC Orchestra January 3rd — perfect start to the year! Interior cabin for ~$410, Russian group of 40+ people, guide explained everything in detail. Aqaba and Petra — wow, kids loved the corals in Sharm. Post-holiday discounts really worked, highly recommend to everyone!”
Roman, Moscow (05.01.2026):“Aroya Cruises January 4th, 3 nights from Jeddah — great option after New Year. Balcony for ~$510, kids free, water park and safari on Saba Beach — amazing. Halal food, everything clean, top-level service. Already thinking about February!”
Olga, Yekaterinburg (06.01.2026):“Mein Schiff 6 January sailing — premium without questions. Alcohol included, food outstanding, Petra and Aqaba for ~$1,140 with oceanview. Russian-speaking guide, calm atmosphere, perfect for a couple after New Year stress. 10/10!”
Dmitry, St. Petersburg (07.01.2026):“MSC Orchestra January 3rd — classic for the money. Russian group, animation, new port every day. Oceanview ~$480 — stunning Red Sea views. After holidays more cabins available, managed to grab last-minute. Thanks Saodat Turizm for help!”
Maria, Novosibirsk (08.01.2026):“Aroya January 11th — low season, prices dropped to ~$360 for oceanview. 3 nights but packed: Jeddah, Port Ghalib, beaches. Kids thrilled with animators and pools. Alcohol-free cruise, but we even liked it better. Will repeat in summer!”
How to Get the Lowest Price
We are partners of all three lines in the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and Middle East. Our exclusive rates are 8–18 % lower than booking direct.Early-bird offers expire 15 December 2025 – lock in the lowest fares now.
Need a custom quote or cabin selection?
Drop us a WhatsApp (English 24/7):
WhatsApp +90 5326799057
Quick FAQ
Best time to cruise?
December – March (25–30 °C air, 24–26 °C water)
Flights?
Direct charters from London, Frankfurt, Milan, Moscow, Dubai from $220–$420 return
Dress code on Aroya?
Modest dress respected in public areas (halal ship)
Article updated every Friday. Bookmark and check back for new departures!
Related reading (soon!):
→ Dubai & Oman cruises winter 2025–2026
→ Greek Islands from Turkey 2025 See you on board!
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