AQABA, JORDAN

Aqaba is Jordan’s only coastal city, and if you’re on a cruise sailing around Africa or through the Middle East, your ship might just make a stop.

Aqaba itself is a relaxed resort town that’s popular for divers and tourists from across the country. You can enjoy a glass bottom boat tour, snorkeling trips, diving excursions, and relaxation time by the beach. The city is also home to the ruins of the world’s oldest purpose-built church, as well as the Ruins of Ayala—the first Islamic city outside of the Arabian Peninsula which was erected in 650 AD. Other points of interesting in Aqaba include The Great Arab Revolt Plaza, the Archaeological Museum, the Sharif Hussein Bin Ali Mosque, and Aqaba Fortress (AKA Mamluk Castle).

The main reason your ship stops at Aqaba, however, is to give passengers a gateway to one of the 7 Wonders of the New World: Petra. Petra is an astounding archaeological site that dates back to around 300 BC. Exquisite tombs and temples are carved right into the pink sandstone cliffs, and it’s truly a site to be seen. Petra is a 78mi/125km away from Aqaba, which is around a 2hour drive each way.

If you’ve already seen Petra, consider a trip to Wadi Rum, also called the Valley of the Moon. Wadi Rum is an expansive dessert landscape that has towering cliffs, narrow gorges, and natural arches that look other wordily. You’ll also find rock carvings and inscriptions that date back 12,000 years. Wadi Rum is 47mi/75km away from Aqaba, and the drive will be just over 1 hour each way. 

Whether you choose to explore Petra, traverse through Wadi Rum, or soak up the local culture of Aqaba, this port is sure to be a highlight of your cruise.