Nefertari Cruise vs Elite VIP Cruise: Which Egypt Sunmarine Trip Fits Your Group?

Quick answer: If you want a themed, cultural experience with an underwater viewing deck, a costume photo moment, and a sit-down lunch or dinner, book the Nefertari Cruise. If you want a spacious, luxury day boat focused on multiple snorkeling stops and a relaxed open buffet, book the Elite VIP Cruise. Both include snorkeling, so the choice comes down to theme and pace rather than whether you'll be in the water.

Same sea, two very different days out

Egypt Sunmarine runs both trips from the Hurghada area, and both are built around good food and good snorkeling. What sets them apart is the atmosphere: Nefertari leans into a Pharaonic theme with a genuinely different underwater feature, while Elite VIP is a straightforward luxury cruise built for space and comfort.

Nefertari Cruise

The Nefertari Cruise sails aboard a striking Pharaonic-themed vessel — a floating replica of Queen Nefertari's tomb — from Makadi Bay out to Abu Hashish Island. The standout feature is its submarine-level observation deck: guests descend below the waterline to view the coral reef through large panoramic windows before ever getting in the water, followed by a guided snorkeling stop at the reef.

What makes it distinctive:

• A submarine-style underwater viewing deck as part of the trip, not just snorkeling
• A costume photo experience — guests can dress as an ancient Egyptian king or queen and sit on a replica throne
• A seated 3-course lunch or dinner, with a choice of seafood, chicken, or vegetarian
• A calmer pace that suits mixed groups, including guests who prefer to view the reef before deciding whether to snorkel

This is the trip for:

• Families with children who'll enjoy the costumes and the underwater viewing deck
• Mixed groups where not everyone is equally confident snorkeling
• Anyone who wants a cultural, photo-worthy experience alongside the marine life
• Travelers who prefer a sit-down meal over a buffet

Elite VIP Cruise

The Elite VIP Cruise is a four-deck luxury boat — open sun deck, shaded mid-deck, and two air-conditioned salons — built for space and comfort rather than theme. The trip includes multiple guided snorkeling stops at some of the Red Sea's best reef sites, with life jackets available for less confident swimmers and a crew that stays with guests throughout.

What's included: an open buffet (soups, salads, sides, BBQ chicken and Egyptian kofta, or grilled shrimp and fish), soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, a snorkel guide, and wifi on board. What's not included: transfer and national park fees.

This is the trip for:

• Couples and groups of confident swimmers who want more time snorkeling
• Travelers who want a spacious, premium boat with real room to relax between stops
• Anyone who prefers a casual open buffet over a seated meal
• Groups hoping to spot dolphins along the way

Nefertari vs Elite VIP: side-by-side

Can you do both?

Yes. Because the two trips offer different experiences rather than competing versions of the same day, some travelers book Nefertari for its cultural angle and Elite VIP later in the trip for a more snorkeling-focused day. If your group is genuinely mixed — some wanting culture and comfort, others wanting more time in the water — this combination often works better than picking one trip to satisfy everyone.

Book your Hurghada trip

• Nefertari Cruise — Hurghada
• Elite VIP Cruise — Hurghada
• Royal Seascope Submarine — Hurghada
• Pirates Sailing Boat — Hurghada

Check each trip page for current inclusions and availability before booking.