From Aqaba to Jeddah · Mediterranean · 11 nights
Following Emerald Kaia in 2026, Emerald is welcoming two new superyachts – Emerald Raiya and Emerald Xara.
Accommodating up to 128 guests, both ships will reflect the same
sleek design as Emerald Kaia, offering a yacht-like feel, spa and
wellness-focused facilities and immersive itineraries. Emerald
Raiya will make her debut in the Seychelles from December 2026,
before making her way to the East Mediterranean in April 2027.
Emerald Xara will first cruise the Mediterranean from April 2027,
before crossing the Atlantic to the Caribbean from October 2027 –
March 2028.
Aqaba is Jordan's principal beach resort, situated on the Red Sea coast close to the Israeli border. There is not an awful lot here in terms of sights; Aqaba's main attraction is the incredible diving, with crystal clear waters and some of the world's most spectacular coral reefs. Many visitors will choose to skip Aqaba altogether, and use the port as a jumping off point for the 'Rose City' of Petra and the magnificent desert landscapes of Wadi Rum.
Eilat is Israel’s southernmost city, a bustling Red Sea resort town that is especially popular with families. Just across the border is the Jordanian port of Aqaba, gateway to Petra and Wadi Rum, while inland from Eilat lies the rugged and rocky Negev Desert.
Sharm El-Sheikh is Egypt’s most popular beach resort, situated on the Red Sea coast on the Sinai Peninsula. The wonderfully warm waters of the Ras Mohamed National Park offer fantastic snorkelling and diving, and other nearby attractions include the impressive Byzantine-era St Catherine’s Monastery.
Ain Sukhna is the nearest Red Sea port to Egypt's capital, Cairo. Obviously the highlight of your visit may well be the Pyramids and Sphinx at Giza, but on no account neglect a visit to the Egyptian Museum, which has a truly stupendous collection of ancient artefacts, not least, of course, the Tutankhamen treasures.
Safaga is the nearest sea port to Luxor, and ships often stop here overnight to give you time to see everything. Prepare to be amazed – the thin belt of greenery along the banks of the Nile gives Luxor a lush setting for an extraordinary collection of tombs and temple complexes that hint at the magnificence of this former Ancient Egyptian capital.
The port city of Jeddah has long been a cultural crossroads, serving as the gateway to Mecca for pilgrims making the Hajj, and there's a cosmopolitan feel here that other Saudi cities lack. The old Al-Balad neighbourhood is home to the city’s most characterful buildings, while the buzzing Corniche promenade is a great spot for people watching.
