The Real Deal Round-trip airfare, a seven-night cruise, two nights' hotel accommodations, and a one-way flight within Egypt, from $2,899 per person—plus an estimated $238 in taxes and fees.

When Jan. 22, Feb. 5, 19, Mar. 5, 19, 2009; add $80 for Jan. 8.

Pyramids of Giza, Egypt (Image Source Pink/Getty) [enlarge photo]

Gateways New York City. Note that package rates are based on block seats on Egypt Air flights from JFK airport and include a flight within Egypt. Packages from other U.S. gateways can be purchased at an additional cost that doesn't include the flight within Egypt.

The Fine Print Airline fuel surcharges (which can be up to $240), a total of 22 meals (nine breakfasts, six lunches, and seven dinners), hotel taxes, and all transfers are included. Additional charges include $88 for airport taxes and fees, $85 for port charges, and $65 in mandatory tips—a total of $238. U.S. passport holders can obtain a renewable 30-day tourist visa on arrival at the Cairo airport for a $15 fee to be paid in U.S. dollars. Check the consular information sheet for more details. Prices are based on double occupancy; single supplement is approximately $663. Read these guidelines before you book any Real Deal.

Book By Dec. 12, 2008; add $200 for bookings made after the deadline.

Contact Gate 1 Travel, 800/682-3333, gate1travel.com.

Why It's a Deal According to a recent search on Kayak, multicity airfare for Jan. 22 departures (New York to Cairo, Hurghada to Cairo, and Cairo to New York) starts at $1,211, including taxes (multiple carriers). For an additional $1,926, the Gate 1 package covers airfare as well as the fuel surcharges, taxes, a two-night hotel stay, a seven-night cruise, most meals, and all transfers. Consider that you also get the reassurance and convenience of having all the details arranged on your behalf.

Trip Details The Egypt with Red Sea cruise package features round-trip airfare between New York City and Cairo as well as a local flight between Hurghada and Cairo, both on Egypt Air.

You'll arrive in Cairo for an overnight stay at the central 380-room Pyramisa Cairo Hotel and Casino before transferring to Alexandria (about 140 miles from Cairo) the next day. There, you'll board the 320-passenger Arion. Weighing in at 6,000 tons, this ship is more nimble than many cruise liners, which makes it well suited for visiting smaller, less-trafficked ports.

The ship will remain docked for the first night to allow you to enjoy some time in Alexandria. A guided sightseeing tour will take you, by bus, to the gardens of King Farouk's summer palace and Fort Qaitbey—built on the site of Alexandria's ancient lighthouse—as well as the Shoqafa catacombs, and the futuristic-looking Library of Alexandria. You'll also take an afternoon excursion to Rashid, a town 35 miles northeast of Alexandria known for the Rosetta Stone, a black basalt slab bearing an inscription considered key to the deciphering of Egyptian hieroglyphs.

As the ship sets sail from Port Said, you'll pass through the Suez Canal. The 100-plus-mile-long passageway was built in 1869 to connect the Mediterranean to the Red Sea.

You'll arrive at Aqaba, Jordan, late in the afternoon. Explore the town on your own, then spend the night aboard the docked ship before proceeding by bus to Jordan's Petra. The UNESCO World Heritage site, which dates back to the 6th century, is brimming with temples, royal tombs, and baths. Here you'll also find a 3,000-seat theater from the 1st century A.D.