Cruise port Aqaba
Port information & tips for Aqaba
Aqaba is Jordan's radiant gateway to the Red Sea and fascinates as the country's only port city with a rich history and spectacular desert landscapes. The sun-drenched coastal city impresses with its crystal-clear water, colorful coral reefs, and a relaxed oriental flair that immediately welcomes visitors. Nearby, the historic Aqaba Fort, the imposing Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque, and the Archaeological Museum invite you to cultural discoveries. Cruise ships dock at the modern Aqaba Cruise Terminal, from which the city center can be reached in around 15 minutes thanks to comfortable shuttle services or taxis, and at the same time marks the perfect starting point for legendary excursions to Petra or the Wadi Rum.
The Port of Aqaba on the Red Sea is Jordan's only gateway to the world and, thanks to the modern Aqaba Cruise Terminal, a comfortable starting point for cruises in the Orient. Arrival from the DACH region is very efficient thanks to connections to international airports and well-developed highways.
Airplane
King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is located only about 10 kilometers north of the port and is served seasonally with charter flights directly from Europe. Alternatively, flights operate via Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, from where you can reach the port either by a short domestic flight to Aqaba or via an organized onward journey to the south.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Aqaba Airport, you can reach the terminal comfortably by taxi or private transfer in just about fifteen minutes. For travelers landing in the capital Amman, a transfer via the Desert Highway (Highway 15) is available, which takes you directly to the ship in around three to four hours through impressive desert landscapes and is also often offered as a guided service by the cruise lines.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the fascinating sights such as the rock city of Petra or the Wadi Rum desert, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation. Many hotels in the city of Aqaba or in the nearby Tala Bay resort also offer a direct shuttle service to the cruise terminal, allowing for a particularly relaxed start to your vacation thanks to this proximity.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Aqaba on the Red Sea is Jordan's only gateway to the world and, thanks to the modern Aqaba Cruise Terminal, a comfortable starting point for cruises in the Orient. Arrival from the DACH region is very efficient thanks to connections to international airports and well-developed highways.
Airplane
King Hussein International Airport (AQJ) is located only about 10 kilometers north of the port and is served seasonally with charter flights directly from Europe. Alternatively, flights operate via Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Amman, from where you can reach the port either by a short domestic flight to Aqaba or via an organized onward journey to the south.
Transfer & Shuttle
From Aqaba Airport, you can reach the terminal comfortably by taxi or private transfer in just about fifteen minutes. For travelers landing in the capital Amman, a transfer via the Desert Highway (Highway 15) is available, which takes you directly to the ship in around three to four hours through impressive desert landscapes and is also often offered as a guided service by the cruise lines.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the fascinating sights such as the rock city of Petra or the Wadi Rum desert, we recommend arriving at least one day before embarkation. Many hotels in the city of Aqaba or in the nearby Tala Bay resort also offer a direct shuttle service to the cruise terminal, allowing for a particularly relaxed start to your vacation thanks to this proximity.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that your travel documents usually include a fixed time slot for check-in, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the trip: for shore excursions, you should be back on board no later than one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Aqaba is ideally situated on the Red Sea and, thanks to its modern infrastructure, offers convenient connections to the city center as well as Jordan's fascinating desert destinations.
Shuttle Service
Most cruise lines offer free or low-cost shuttle buses that take passengers directly from the ship to the central Mamluk Fort or near the great flag. These buses run regularly and provide a relaxed transfer into the heart of the city.
Taxi
Numerous official taxis wait for passengers directly at the terminal exit. They offer a flexible option for short trips to the center, to the southern beaches of Tala Bay, or for individually arranged day tours to the world-famous sites of Petra and Wadi Rum.
On Foot
From the modern cruise terminal, you can reach the bustling Corniche and the first shopping opportunities in about 15 to 20 minutes. The path is flat and leads directly along the coastal road, allowing you to enjoy the view of the Gulf of Aqaba as you stroll.
To make the most of your limited time in Aqaba, we recommend a combination of the oriental charm of the city center and the world-famous historical and maritime treasures of the region.
Aqaba City Center & Souk
The vibrant heart of the city impresses with its fragrant spice markets and the impressive Sharif Hussein bin Ali Mosque; additionally, authentic Jordanian everyday life can be perfectly explored over a traditional coffee thanks to the short distances from the port.
Berenice Beach Club
This extensive stretch of beach in the south of the city is ideal for a relaxing day by the Red Sea and, thanks to the hotel's own infrastructure and the coral reefs directly offshore, offers first-class conditions for swimming and snorkeling in crystal-clear water.
Rock City of Petra
The world-famous UNESCO World Heritage site is the cultural jewel of Jordan and is accessible as a day trip thanks to well-organized shore excursions, where the monumental sight of the Treasury carved out of red sandstone is perfect for a unique travel experience.
Berenice Beach Club
The Berenice Beach Club is located approximately fifteen minutes' drive south of the harbor in the Aqaba Marine Park and offers cruise guests a first-class infrastructure with well-maintained pools as well as exclusive access to the Red Sea. Thanks to the coral reef directly offshore, you can enjoy wonderful snorkeling and also relax in the comfortable beach beds with excellent service. Ideally, use the early morning for a quiet start by the sea and plan your return trip to the harbor no later than ninety minutes before departure to conclude your day in a completely relaxed manner.
The journey back to the Aqaba Cruise Terminal is safe and convenient thanks to organized transport options. When planning your return from the city or the beaches, allow a small time buffer for security checks at the port entrance.
Shuttle Service
Cruise lines usually offer shuttle buses that run regularly between the central city square near the large flag at Great Arab Revolt Plaza and the ship. This service is the most comfortable way to return and takes you conveniently directly to the terminal building within the port grounds.
Taxi
Taxis in their typical colors are available everywhere in the city center as well as at the entrances of major hotels such as the InterContinental or the Mövenpick Resort. The drivers are very familiar with the location of the cruise port and will take you quickly to the guarded port gate thanks to the short distances.
Private Transfers and Orientation
Organized excursions to Petra or Wadi Rum reliably end directly at your ship's berth and guarantee a punctual return. The prominent flag on the shore serves as a central landmark in Aqaba, from where you can reach all important means of transport for the trip to the port in just a few moments.
