Cruising the Red Sea

How the Red Sea got its name remains a mystery: Was it the ring of mineral-rich red mountains that line the shore? Or the reddish-brown algae that live beneath the surface of the glittering, translucent waters? Whatever the origins of its name, the allure of this 1,400-mile saltwater inlet is no secret. The world's most northern tropical sea is home to more than 1,100 species of fish, some 300 types of sharks and hundreds of soft and hard corals, making the Red Sea one of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the world. Pristine beaches, vibrant cities and deserts dotted with ancient relics also make for mesmerizing onshore excursions.

Nestled between Africa and Asia, and flowing from the Indian Ocean, the Red Sea is most heavily sailed along the northern shores, and while the ports of call remain as exotic as ever, the trend toward Red Sea cruising is becoming popular. The advantage? There are plenty of cruise lines and destinations to choose from. Here are a few good bets.

Suez Canal: Though not technically a port, traversing the Suez Canal is a fascinating sail. Completed in 1869, the canal was the first salt-water passage between the Mediterranean and Red Seas, allowing ships to avoid the long trek around the Cape of Good Hope in southernmost Africa. Royal Caribbean's Legend of the Sea just squeezes through the 300-yard width canal, awarding those on deck exceptional views of the mosques and surrounding public gardens of Port Said. As you make your way down the canal, you'll also get treated to an impromptu history lesson with the collection of monuments honoring the Israeli Egyptian war heroes.

Cairo: The most populous city in Africa, Cairo often serves as the starting point for cruising the Red Sea. Flights are plentiful from across the globe and after a few days in the exhilarating chaos that is Egypt's capital, you'll be more than ready to soak up some offshore downtime. Silversea Cruises provides numerous pre-cruise tours of the city (with all of the personalized attention that you'd expect onboard). After a spin through the Egyptian Museum, get yourself to Giza, the site of the Sphinx and pyramids, only a short drive from Cairo. It's hard not to be awed here; the Great Pyramid of Khufu, for instance, took 23 years to build, with more than 100,000 laborers working just four months each year, when the Nile flooded.

Petra: When it comes to exploring the Rose City of Petra in Jordan, the Yachts of Seabourn is the company to choose. After dropping anchor just outside this ancient sandstone wonderland, you'll be whisked away to the intricately carved palaces and tombs that make up this Red Sea gem. The sight of the Treasury (think soaring temples, burial chambers, massive staircases and an 8,000-seat amphitheater, all painstakingly carved from red cliffs) is jaw-dropping (and memorable from its role in the film Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade).

Sharm el-Sheikh: A cruise through the Red Sea wouldn't be complete without a stop in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Trade your Seabourn vessel for a "ship of the desert" and ride your camel transport through the breathtaking desert landscapes of the Sinai Desert. Home to both the 6th-century St. Catherine's Monastery, where monks still live in total seclusion, and some of the best beaches and water-sport sites in the area, it's no mystery that this port of call is a highlight with veteran cruisers.