Aqaba, a vibrant port city nestled on the shores of the Red Sea, serves as a captivating gateway to Jordan’s rich history and natural beauty. Aqaba cruises offer a unique opportunity to explore this fascinating destination, combining the allure of ancient wonders like Petra with the vibrant underwater world of the Red Sea. This comprehensive guide will delve into the many facets of Aqaba, providing you with all the information you need to plan your perfect Aqaba cruise adventure.
Why Choose Aqaba Cruises?
Aqaba cruises provide a unique blend of experiences, catering to a wide range of interests. Here’s why this destination should be on your travel radar:
- Petra: Explore the legendary “Lost City,” a UNESCO World Heritage site carved into sandstone cliffs, and marvel at its intricate architecture and fascinating history. Many Aqaba cruises offer excursions to this incredible site.
- Red Sea Wonders: Dive into a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life, and intriguing shipwrecks. Several Aqaba cruise lines specialize in diving and snorkeling adventures.
- Wadi Rum: Venture into the breathtaking desert landscape of Wadi Rum, known for its towering sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and ancient rock inscriptions. Aqaba cruises often include excursions to this desert wonderland.
- Cultural Immersion: Experience the warmth of Jordanian hospitality, savor delicious local cuisine, and delve into the rich cultural heritage of this ancient land. Aqaba cruise itineraries often incorporate cultural experiences.
- Convenient Exploration: Cruises offer a hassle-free way to explore multiple destinations in Jordan, with organized excursions and comfortable accommodations. Aqaba cruises provide a relaxing and convenient way to see the best of Jordan.
Top Things to Do on Your Aqaba Cruise
1. Unveiling the Mysteries of Petra on an Aqaba Cruise Excursion
Petra, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, is an absolute must-visit when in Aqaba. This ancient city, carved into the sheer rock face by the Nabataeans, is a testament to human ingenuity and architectural prowess. Most Aqaba cruises include excursions to Petra.
What to see and do in Petra:
- The Siq: Walk through this narrow gorge, the main entrance to Petra, and marvel at the towering rock formations.
- The Treasury: Be awestruck by the iconic Treasury, Al-Khazneh, with its intricate facade and imposing presence.
- The Monastery: Hike to the Monastery, Ad-Deir, a monumental structure offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Royal Tombs: Explore the elaborately decorated Royal Tombs, each with its unique architectural style and historical significance.
- Petra by Night: Experience the magic of Petra illuminated by hundreds of candles, creating a truly unforgettable atmosphere.
Address: Petra Archaeological Park, Wadi Musa, Jordan Estimated Opening Hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Summer); 6:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Winter) Contact: +962 3 215 6091
Tips for visiting Petra on your Aqaba cruise:
- Wear comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is essential.
- Carry water: Stay hydrated, especially during the warmer months.
- Hire a local guide: A guide can enhance your experience by providing historical context and insights.
- Consider a donkey or camel ride: If you prefer not to walk the entire distance, donkey and camel rides are available.
2. Diving into the Red Sea’s Underwater Paradise on an Aqaba Cruise
Aqaba boasts a vibrant underwater world, making it a haven for diving and snorkeling enthusiasts. The Red Sea’s crystal-clear waters teem with colorful coral reefs, diverse marine life, and fascinating shipwrecks. Many Aqaba cruises cater specifically to divers.
Popular dive sites accessible from Aqaba cruises:
- Cedar Pride Shipwreck: Explore this deliberately sunk cargo ship, now a thriving artificial reef teeming with marine life.
- Japanese Gardens: Discover a vibrant coral reef with an abundance of fish, sea turtles, and other marine creatures.
- Power Station: This site offers a unique diving experience with its diverse marine life and underwater landscape.
- First Bay: Ideal for beginners, this shallow bay boasts colorful coral reefs and a variety of fish.
Tips for diving and snorkeling in Aqaba during your cruise:
- Choose a reputable dive operator: Ensure they have experienced guides and well-maintained equipment. Your Aqaba cruise line may offer diving excursions.
- Check weather conditions: Sea conditions can affect visibility and safety.
- Respect marine life: Avoid touching or disturbing coral reefs and marine animals.
- Be aware of your surroundings: Pay attention to currents and depth limits.
3. Exploring the Majestic Wadi Rum on an Aqaba Cruise Excursion
Wadi Rum, a protected desert wilderness, offers a starkly beautiful landscape of towering sandstone mountains, narrow canyons, and ancient rock inscriptions. Many Aqaba cruises offer organized excursions to Wadi Rum.
What to see and do in Wadi Rum:
- Jeep tours: Explore the vast desert landscape on a thrilling jeep tour, visiting iconic landmarks and hidden gems.
- Camel treks: Experience the traditional way of traversing the desert on a camel trek, enjoying the peace and tranquility.
- Rock climbing: Challenge yourself with rock climbing on the sandstone cliffs, offering stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Bedouin camps: Spend a night under the stars in a traditional Bedouin camp, experiencing their hospitality and culture.
Tips for visiting Wadi Rum during your Aqaba cruise:
- Book tours in advance: Especially during peak season, tours can fill up quickly. Your Aqaba cruise line may offer pre-bookable excursions.
- Dress in layers: Temperatures can fluctuate significantly between day and night.
- Protect yourself from the sun: Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
- Respect the environment: Leave no trace and dispose of waste responsibly.
4. Immerse Yourself in Aqaba’s Culture and History During Your Cruise
Beyond its natural wonders, Aqaba offers a rich cultural experience. Explore the city’s historic sites, bustling markets, and vibrant culinary scene. Many Aqaba cruises offer guided tours of the city.
Places to visit in Aqaba:
- Aqaba Fort: This 16th-century fort, also known as Mamluk Castle, played a significant role in the region’s history.
- Aqaba Archaeological Museum: Discover artifacts from Aqaba’s rich past, dating back to the Iron Age.
- Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque: Admire the beautiful architecture of this mosque, a prominent landmark in the city.
- Aqaba Souk: Wander through the bustling souk, where you can find souvenirs, spices, and local handicrafts.
Tips for experiencing Aqaba’s culture during your Aqaba cruise:
- Learn some basic Arabic phrases: It’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to communicate in the local language.
- Dress modestly: When visiting religious sites, dress conservatively out of respect.
- Bargain respectfully: Negotiating prices is common in the souk, but do so politely.
- Try the local cuisine: Aqaba offers a variety of delicious Jordanian dishes, from Mansaf to Falafel.
Practical Information for Aqaba Cruises
Getting Around During Your Aqaba Cruise
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available in Aqaba and are a convenient way to get around when not on organized Aqaba cruise excursions.
- Rental cars: Car rentals are available for those who prefer to explore at their own pace.
- Public transportation: Local buses operate within Aqaba and to nearby destinations.
Currency Exchange
The local currency in Jordan is the Jordanian Dinar (JOD). Currency exchange services are available at banks, hotels, and exchange bureaus. Your Aqaba cruise ship may also offer currency exchange services.
Cultural Etiquette
- Greetings: It is customary to greet people with “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you).
- Dress: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
- Photography: Ask permission before taking photos of people.
- Tipping: Tipping is expected in restaurants and for services rendered.
Real-Life Experiences: Aqaba Cruise Testimonials
- “The highlight of our Aqaba cruise was definitely Petra. It was even more breathtaking than we imagined!” – John and Mary, USA
- “We loved diving in the Red Sea during our Aqaba cruise. The coral reefs were stunning, and we saw so many different fish.” – David and Sarah, UK
- “Wadi Rum was an unforgettable experience on our Aqaba cruise. The desert landscape was simply awe-inspiring.” – Peter and Lisa, Australia
Planning Your Aqaba Cruise Adventure
Aqaba cruises offer a unique and unforgettable travel experience. With its blend of ancient wonders, natural beauty, and cultural richness, this Jordanian gem has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re exploring the lost city of Petra, diving into the Red Sea’s underwater paradise, or venturing into the majestic Wadi Rum, your Aqaba cruise promises to be an adventure of a lifetime.
Transliteration: Essential Arabic Phrases for Aqaba
Greetings
- Hello: مرحبا (marhabaan)
- Good morning: صباح الخير (sabah al-khayr)
- Good evening: مساء الخير (masaa al-khayr)
- Thank you: شكرا (shukran)
- You’re welcome: عفوا (afwan)
Directions
- Where is…? أين …؟ (ayn…?)
- Left: يسار (yasar)
- Right: يمين (yameen)
- Straight ahead: مستقيم (mustaqeem)
Dining
- The bill, please: الفاتورة من فضلك (al-fatoorah min fadlik)
- Delicious: لذيذ (lazeez)
- Water: ماء (maa)
Emergencies
- Help!: مساعدة! (musaa’adah!)
- Police: شرطة (shurta)
- Hospital: مستشفى (mustashfa)
Shopping
- How much does this cost?: كم سعر هذا؟ (kam si’r hadha?)
- Too expensive: غالي جدا (ghali jiddan)
Notes:
- Arabic is written from right to left.
- Pronunciation can vary slightly depending on the region.
- It’s always appreciated when visitors make an effort to speak some Arabic.
