Beach (half) day from Safaga

Hi..

In few days we'll start our Thomson Celebration Red Sea cruise. All exc already planned but still to decide about the first day in Safaga. We'll arrive midday for an overnight and going to Luxor the second day.

We are looking at some nice beach close Safaga having just half day. Reading something about Soma bay. I think no time to go to the small islands front of Safaga. Any suggestions about locations/resorts, costs?

Thank you

Thomson do an excursion to Sol y Mar hotel but cheaper to email hotel directly and they can organise a taxi too.

We did this trip a couple of weeks ago. The weather was pleasant but a bit cloudy so we stayed put in the end and admired the cement works on the port!

I've heard about black sand dunes but couldn't find out where they were!