Trade Crowds for Canvas Sails: My Unforgettable Star Clippers Egypt Cruise Review

There’s a version of Egypt that exists in postcards and documentaries. It’s a land of colossal statues, bustling bazaars, and the silent, eternal gaze of the Sphinx. But it’s also a land of queues, of tour buses kicking up dust, of straining to hear a guide over the murmur of a thousand other visitors. For years, I believed this was the only way to commune with the pharaohs. I was wrong.

Imagine, instead, waking to the gentle creak of rigging and the soft flap of canvas against a Red Sea dawn. Imagine slicing through turquoise waters, propelled by the same winds that once filled the sails of ancient mariners, your destination a land of myth and legend. This isn’t a fantasy. This is the reality of exploring Egypt aboard a Star Clippers tall ship, an experience that trades the cacophony of the crowds for the symphony of the sea. It’s less a cruise and more a genuine voyage, a return to the golden age of sail, and it completely redefined my understanding of this timeless destination.

As a travel journalist, I’ve been fortunate to step aboard many vessels, from riverboats to mega-ships. But nothing prepares you for the moment you first see the four masts of the Star Clipper reaching for the sky. This isn’t just a mode of transport; it’s a living, breathing piece of nautical heritage. In this review, I’ll take you on my journey, from the sun-drenched teak decks to the hallowed tombs of Luxor, and show you why this is, without question, the most profound way to experience the wonders of Egypt.

The Star Clipper Experience: A Ship Unlike Any Other

Forget everything you think you know about cruising. Aboard a Star Clippers ship, the vessel itself is a core part of the adventure. The atmosphere is one of "barefoot luxury"—elegant yet utterly relaxed. There are no cavernous dining halls, no Broadway-style shows, and certainly no waterslides. Instead, there is the tangible thrill of authentic sailing. The real entertainment is watching the crew expertly hoist the 16 massive sails, feeling the ship heel gently as it catches the wind, and lying in the bowsprit net with nothing but the ocean spray and the endless blue between you and the horizon.

The intimacy is palpable. With a passenger capacity of just 170, you quickly move from strangers to fellow adventurers. You share stories over a gin and tonic at the al fresco Tropical Bar, you recognize faces in the cozy, wood-paneled library, and you gather on deck for the daily “sail away” ceremony, a truly magical moment set to a moving orchestral score as the canvas unfurls above you.

Life Onboard: Casual Elegance and Nautical Charm

The rhythm of life at sea is dictated by the sun and the wind. Days are for relaxing, reading, and enjoying the two saltwater pools on deck. One of my favorite aspects was the open-bridge policy. You can wander onto the bridge at almost any time, chat with the captain, study the nautical charts, and get a firsthand look at the art of navigation. It fosters a deep connection to the journey itself.

• Authentic Sailing: You're encouraged to help the crew pull the ropes to hoist the sails or even take a turn at the helm under supervision. It’s a hands-on, exhilarating experience.
• Relaxed Atmosphere: The dress code is resort casual. No formal nights, no assigned dining times. The focus is on comfort and camaraderie.
• Intimate Spaces: From the elegant dining room to the Edwardian-style library and the sunny Tropical Bar, every space feels welcoming and uncrowded.

Choosing the right stateroom is key to personalizing your comfort. While all are beautifully appointed with marble bathrooms and classic maritime decor, some offer better views or more convenient locations. Our specialists can walk you through the deck plan to find the perfect cabin for your needs when you Inquire About This Sailing.

Dining Under the Sails

Mealtime on the Star Clipper is a delight. The single, open-seating dining room means you can dine when you wish and with whom you please. The cuisine is international, with a focus on fresh ingredients and beautifully presented dishes. Breakfast and lunch are often lavish buffets, while dinner is a multi-course affair served by an attentive and friendly staff who quickly learn your name and preferences. There’s a simple elegance to enjoying a perfectly cooked sea bass while watching the Egyptian coastline slip by through a grand porthole, a world away from the impersonal buffets of a mega-ship.

An Itinerary Forged by Wind and Wonder: Our Egyptian Voyage

While many Egyptian tours are confined to the Nile, a Star Clippers voyage unveils the country's magnificent Red Sea coast, a region of stunning coral reefs, dramatic desert landscapes, and strategic ports that serve as gateways to the greatest treasures of the pharaohs. This unique coastal approach allows you to experience both the underwater wonders and the ancient marvels in a single, seamless journey.

Itineraries can shift with the seasons and new opportunities, offering different combinations of ports. The best way to see the latest departures and routes is to use the powerful Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of this page. You can filter by date and destination to find the perfect Egyptian sailing for your schedule.

Port by Port: Unveiling the Treasures of the Red Sea

Arriving at each port under sail is an event in itself. You approach the land slowly, watching the details of the shore emerge from the heat haze. It feels more like a discovery than a simple docking. Here are the highlights from our unforgettable route.

Safaga: Gateway to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings

The port of Safaga is your entry point to the world’s greatest open-air museum: Luxor. This is a long but immensely rewarding day trip, and one that Star Clippers organizes flawlessly. While other cruise passengers are disembarking by the thousand, our small group was whisked away in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach for the journey inland.

The scale of what you witness here is difficult to comprehend. We walked through the Great Hypostyle Hall at Karnak Temple, a veritable forest of 134 colossal columns, each covered in intricate hieroglyphs. We stood before the towering statues of Ramesses II at Luxor Temple as the sun began to set, casting long, dramatic shadows. But the most profound moment was descending into the vibrant, impossibly preserved tombs in the Valley of the Kings. Seeing the 3,000-year-old paintings, their colors still blazing in the subterranean darkness, is a moment that transcends time.

These are bucket-list, once-in-a-lifetime excursions. To ensure you don’t miss out, our travel advisors can pre-book these essential experiences for you. Just mention it when you Plan Your Egypt Adventure.

Sharm El Sheikh: Diving into an Underwater Kingdom

After the overwhelming history of Luxor, "Sharm" offered a stunning change of pace. Famous for its world-class diving and snorkeling, this is where the ship’s dual nature as an adventure platform truly shines. The crew lowered the water sports platform from the stern, and soon we were launching kayaks, paddleboards, and zodiacs directly from the ship into the crystalline waters.

The real treasure lies beneath the waves. An excursion to Ras Muhammad National Park revealed a kaleidoscope of marine life. Floating effortlessly above the coral reefs, I saw parrotfish, clownfish, and even a majestic sea turtle gliding through the blue. It was a powerful reminder that Egypt’s wonders are not confined to the land; a vibrant, living kingdom thrives just below the surface.

Ain Sokhna: The Journey to Cairo and the Great Pyramids

The final jewel in our Egyptian crown was the journey from Ain Sokhna to the bustling metropolis of Cairo. Nothing can prepare you for the moment you see them. Rising from the desert edge of a sprawling city, the Great Pyramids of Giza are so iconic, so familiar from images, that seeing them in person is a surreal and deeply moving experience. We stood at the feet of the Great Sphinx, its enigmatic gaze fixed on the horizon, and felt the sheer weight of 4,500 years of human history.

The day also included a visit to the incredible Egyptian Museum, a treasure trove of antiquities, including the solid gold funerary mask of Tutankhamun. Navigating a full-day excursion like this, and perhaps adding a pre- or post-cruise stay to explore Cairo more deeply, requires expert planning. Our team is standing by on our dedicated line, 1 (888) 883‑0460, to help you craft the perfect land extension to complement your sailing adventure.

Sailing the Suez Canal: A Modern Marvel

A true highlight for any maritime enthusiast is the transit of the Suez Canal. To experience this 120-mile marvel of engineering from the deck of a tall ship is extraordinary. You glide in a convoy between continents, with the sands of the Sinai Peninsula on one side and the lush greenery of the Nile Delta on the other. It’s a serene, fascinating day of sailing that connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean, and ancient history to the modern world.

Who is a Star Clippers Egypt Cruise For?

This is not a cruise for everyone, and that is its greatest strength. A Star Clippers voyage is for the traveler, not the tourist. It’s for the person who values experience over extravagance, authenticity over artifice.

This cruise is for you if:

• You have an adventurous spirit and a love for the sea.
• You are fascinated by history, culture, and the natural world.
• You prefer intimate, small-ship environments to crowded mega-resorts.
• You dream of a more sustainable and romantic way to travel.

If you've ever felt a thrill watching old films of majestic sailing ships or yearned for a journey that felt truly unique, this is the adventure you've been searching for. If you have questions about the onboard experience or whether this is the right fit for you, our team is ready to help. Click the "Chat with us" button in the lower right corner to connect with a specialist instantly.

Final Reflections: More Than a Cruise, A True Voyage

My Star Clippers journey through Egypt was more than a vacation; it was a transformation. It was the thrill of feeling the ship respond to the wind, the awe of standing in the shadow of monuments built millennia ago, and the quiet joy of sharing it all with a small group of like-minded souls. It stripped away the noise of mass tourism and left only the pure, unadulterated wonder of Egypt itself.

You return home not just with photographs, but with sensory memories: the taste of salt on your lips, the sight of a million stars undimmed by city lights, and the profound silence of a pharaoh's tomb. This is travel as it was meant to be—an elegant, intimate, and unforgettable adventure.

Don't just dream about Egypt; experience it in a way that will stay with you forever. Let us handle the details. Get a Custom Quote today and let’s start planning your unforgettable journey under canvas sails.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the dress code on a Star Clippers cruise?

The dress code is consistently "resort casual." During the day, shorts, t-shirts, and swimwear are perfectly acceptable. In the evening, men typically wear polo shirts or button-downs with slacks or nice shorts, and women opt for sundresses, skirts, or capris. There are no formal nights, so you can leave the tuxedos and gowns at home.

Are shore excursions included?

Shore excursions are not typically included in the cruise fare, allowing you the flexibility to choose the activities that interest you most. You can book them onboard or, for peace of mind, we highly recommend pre-booking the most popular tours, such as the trips to Luxor and Cairo, as they can sell out. Our advisors can arrange this for you.

Is this cruise suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely. The intimate and friendly atmosphere on a Star Clippers ship makes it an excellent choice for solo travelers. The open-seating dining and social nature of the onboard activities make it very easy to meet and connect with fellow passengers from around the world.

What is the best time of year to cruise the Red Sea in Egypt?

The best time to take this cruise is during the cooler months, typically from October to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant and sunny, with comfortable temperatures for exploring the ancient sites on land and for enjoying the water activities. The summer months can be extremely hot, especially for inland excursions.

How do I book this specific Star Clippers Egypt itinerary?

Booking this unique voyage is simple. The best first step is to get in touch with one of our cruise specialists who can provide you with the latest availability, pricing, and any current promotions. You can start by filling out our quick quote form, using the Cruise Booking Toolbar at the top of the page, or calling us directly at 1 (888) 883‑0460.