Aqābaʾ is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Situated in southernmost Jordan, Aqaba is the administrative center of the Aqaba Governorate.
Aqaba, Jordan Cruise Port Guide
Middle East · Jordan
Port day snapshot
Aqaba shore-day moodJordanMiddle EastSeaDays guide
Jordan's only port city, gateway to Petra and the Red Sea, with excellent facilities and historic significance.
Bookable Experiences
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Weather & best season
Desert climate with hot summers and mild winters Average temperature: 18°C (64°F).
Best season: March, April, May, September, October, November
Port information
- Timezone
- EET (UTC+2) / EEST (UTC+3)
- Language
- Arabic
- Currency
- Jordanian Dinar (JOD)
Overview
Things to do
Aqābaʾ is the only coastal city in Jordan and the largest and most populous city on the Gulf of Aqaba. Situated in southernmost Jordan, Aqaba is the administrative center of the Aqaba Governorate. For a shore day in Aqaba, choose one main activity first, then keep time for meals, walking, and the return to the pier. SeaDays helps travelers compare Aqaba with nearby ports so the itinerary feels organized before the ship arrives.
- Start with one anchor sight, then leave room for spontaneity around Aqaba.
- Screenshot ship departure time and pier map before you lose signal.
- Pair a light breakfast on the ship with a local lunch ashore to maximize exploration time.
- Check whether your line offers shuttle pricing before you commit to taxis at Aqaba.
- Confirm your assigned pier and all-aboard time before leaving the ship at Aqaba.
Climate
Desert climate with hot summers and mild winters
- Climate type
- Desert
- Average temperature
- 18°C (64°F)
- Humidity
- Moderate
- Best months
- March, April, May, September, October, November
- Rainy season
- Winter (November to March)
Politics & entry requirements
- Government
- Unitary parliamentary constitutional monarchy
- Stability
- Stable
- Visa requirements
- Visa on arrival for many nationalities (30 days). Some need visa in advance.
- Entry requirements
- Valid passport required. Visa on arrival available for many visitors.
Size & capacity
- Terminals
- 1
- Berths
- 2
Traveler questions
What are the entry or visa requirements for Aqaba?
Visa on arrival for many nationalities (30 days). Some need visa in advance. Valid passport required. Visa on arrival available for many visitors.
When is the best time to visit Aqaba on a cruise?
Best months: March, April, May, September, October, November. Desert climate with hot summers and mild winters
Reviews
Public community reviews for Aqaba live in the SeaDays app.
Cruise relevance
Aqaba matters to cruise planning because port time, transport distance, and all-aboard timing shape how much of the destination you can realistically enjoy. Embarkation from Aqaba can simplify flight planning when airports and hotels align; compare total trip cost versus other homeports.
Best time to visit
March, April, May, September, October, November
Tips for travelers
Before leaving the ship in Aqaba, save the pier location, ship time, and any shuttle details offline. Book independent tours with verified reviews and clear meeting points; screenshot confirmations in case connectivity fails.
Related ports
Ships to explore
- A-ROSA Flora (A-ROSA Cruises)
- A-ROSA Sena (A-ROSA Cruises)
- Adventure of the Seas (Royal Caribbean)
- AIDAbella (AIDA Cruises)
What if you miss the ship? · Cruise packing list · Ships directory
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