Marsa Alam: Nefertari Cruise, Submarine Deck & Seafood Lunch

4.57

(251 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to float across the Red Sea on something that looks straight out of ancient Egypt? I didn’t expect the Nefertari cruise in Marsa Alam to feel so surreal. The boat itself is wild — golden columns, painted ceilings, even these starry lights overhead. Our guide, Mahmoud, grinned when he saw me gawking at the Tutankhamun throne (yes, you can actually sit on it). The air smelled faintly of salt and grilled fish drifting up from the kitchen below. It was hot outside but cool inside — kind of like stepping into a museum that moves.

We cruised out toward Marsa Mubarak — they call it Turtle Bay for good reason. There’s this moment when you go down to the submarine-level deck, three meters under the waterline, and suddenly you’re eye-to-eye with these slow-moving green turtles. I pressed my face to the glass and just watched them glide past coral that looked almost fake in its colors. Someone spotted a manatee (sea cow) and everyone scrambled over for a look. Mahmoud pointed out tiny blue fish darting between rocks; I tried to remember their names but honestly just got distracted by how peaceful it felt down there.

After that we had about 45 minutes to snorkel — not gonna lie, I hesitated at first because I’m not exactly a pro swimmer. But the guides were patient and kept an eye on us all. The water was warm and clear enough that you could see flashes of yellow and purple fish even before dipping your head under. Back onboard, lunch was ready: plates of calamari, rice, salads, even vegan options if you wanted (I stuck with seafood soup — still thinking about that flavor). There was this family dressing up as pharaohs for photos; one little girl refused to take off her crown for dessert.