Arriving in Jordan by cruise ship at Aqaba Port? This guide explains the passenger terminal, passport and manifest requirements, meeting your driver or guide at the ship, visa planning, shore-excursion procedures and practical points to prepare before your day tour.
The Port of Aqaba is in southern Jordan on the northern shore of the Gulf of Aqaba. Its passenger facilities serve cruise and passenger ships and make Aqaba an important gateway for shore excursions to Petra, Wadi Rum and other destinations in Jordan.
The Port of Aqaba is Jordan's seaport on the Gulf of Aqaba. It handles different types of vessels and includes passenger facilities used by cruise ships. For cruise visitors, the port is a convenient starting point for private shore excursions into southern Jordan.
Jordan's official tourism information states that Aqaba Port can accommodate up to 23 ships of different sizes and models, with additional anchorage capacity.
Important: Cruise schedules, port-security procedures, immigration requirements and access rules can change. Your ship, port authorities and immigration officials make the final decisions about port access, entry procedures and departure timing.
When Jordan Horizons Tours is arranging to collect cruise guests inside the controlled port area, the required passenger information must be prepared and submitted in advance so the driver, guide and vehicle can be authorized to enter the port and meet the group.
Provide the requested passport information for every traveler included in the shore-excursion booking.
JHT prepares the related passenger paperwork / manifest needed for the booked port service and submits it as required.
Once the required arrangements are accepted, the authorized driver or guide can enter the designated port area according to the confirmed service.
Your representative can wait near the front of the ship with a sign displaying your name, making the meeting straightforward.
Booking lead time: Please book as early as possible. JHT's current shore-excursion booking conditions state that reservation requests may be accepted up to 48 hours before the tour, subject to weekends, official holidays, office hours, availability and completion of the required paperwork. Earlier booking is strongly recommended.
If passport details are not provided: we may be unable to arrange authorized ship-side pick-up. Guests may instead need to use the port shuttle and meet the driver outside the controlled port area, which can add inconvenience and delay to the start of the excursion.
When the required port paperwork has been completed for your booking, your driver and/or guide will normally meet you at the front of the ship with a sign showing your name. The exact meeting instructions are confirmed with your booking.
Your representative will use the confirmed lead traveler's or group's name to help you identify the correct driver / guide.
For many eligible cruise passengers taking a confirmed shore excursion, Jordan entry and visa arrangements can be handled on arrival as part of the booked service. However, visa eligibility is based on nationality and current government rules.
JHT shore-excursion products currently list a free visa on arrival among the included services for eligible guests. The exact entry arrangement is confirmed for your nationality and booking before travel.
Always send accurate passport details in advance so our team can check the applicable procedure.
Some nationalities require advance visa approval or additional documentation before arrival. In those cases, do not rely on a last-minute visa arrangement at the port.
Contact our team well before your cruise date so we can advise what documents are needed for the booked excursion.
Visa rules can change. Immigration authorities make the final decision on entry. Any visa or meet-and-assist service provided by JHT does not override nationality-specific government requirements.
The exact program depends on your ship's schedule and the excursion you select, but the basic process is designed around a timely pick-up, efficient sightseeing and a safe return to Aqaba Port before sailing.
Confirm the excursion, cruise ship, travel date, passenger count and requested passport information.
JHT prepares the relevant paperwork / manifest and confirms the operational meeting arrangements for the booked date.
Meet your representative at the ship or confirmed port meeting point, then continue by private air-conditioned vehicle.
The sightseeing schedule and return drive are planned around the cruise departure time, traffic, distance and port re-entry requirements.
A classic full-day option from Aqaba Port to Jordan's UNESCO-listed Nabataean city, planned according to the ship's time in port.
Explore the desert landscapes of Wadi Rum with a route designed for cruise passengers returning to Aqaba Port the same day.
Itineraries can be adjusted for private travelers or groups according to passenger numbers, ship timing and available services.
Browse Jordan Horizons Tours shore-excursion programs starting and finishing at Aqaba Port, including Petra, Wadi Rum and other private day-tour options designed around cruise-ship schedules.
If you are unhappy with any part of the service, please tell us as soon as possible so the team has the opportunity to resolve the issue while your tour is still in progress.
Please first inform your driver and/or guide, or ask to contact your trip consultant. Many operational issues can be solved immediately when the team is aware of them. If the matter cannot be resolved locally, ask for it to be escalated to the agency management.
If a formal complaint remains unresolved, send the agency a written complaint with the relevant details and supporting information within 15 days after the end of your trip. Claims submitted after that period may not be accepted under JHT's stated procedure.
Best approach: contact the JHT team immediately if there is a problem with transportation, guiding, accommodation or another booked service. Early notice gives us the best opportunity to investigate and assist while the service is taking place.
These answers cover the practical questions cruise passengers most often ask when planning a private excursion from Aqaba Port.
Aqaba Port is in southern Jordan on the Gulf of Aqaba. It is Jordan's seaport and a convenient cruise gateway for Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba.
Passport information is required in advance when JHT is preparing the passenger manifest / paperwork and coordinating authorized access for ship-side pick-up.
When the required port arrangements are completed, the representative normally meets you near the front of the ship with a sign displaying your name. Your booking confirmation provides the final meeting instructions.
JHT may be unable to arrange ship-side collection inside the controlled port area. You may need to use the port shuttle and meet the driver at an outside meeting point.
Book as early as possible. Current JHT conditions say requests may be accepted up to 48 hours before the tour, subject to weekends, holidays, office hours, availability and completion of required paperwork.
Many eligible guests can have the Jordan visa / entry arrangement handled on arrival as part of the confirmed shore-excursion service, but nationality-specific restrictions and current government rules apply.
Possibly, but advance visa approval or extra documentation may be required. Contact JHT well before travel so the applicable requirements can be checked.
JHT offers private excursions and can also arrange groups. Vehicle size, guiding arrangements and rates depend on the confirmed passenger count and itinerary.
The excursion is planned around the confirmed cruise schedule, but passengers should always follow the ship's all-aboard instructions. Traffic, weather, port procedures and unforeseen events can affect timing.
Popular options include Petra and Wadi Rum, with other possibilities depending on the time your ship remains in port and the itinerary arranged for your group.
Before your cruise date: reconfirm your ship schedule, meeting instructions, passport submission, visa requirements and final excursion timing with the JHT team.
Tell Jordan Horizons Tours your cruise ship name, Aqaba arrival date, number of travelers, nationality, available time in port and preferred destinations. We can help plan a private shore excursion and coordinate the required port arrangements for your confirmed booking.
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