MSC Lirica Calls at Alexandria Port With 1,677 Tourists and 733 Crew
Shipping Arabia, November 4, 2026 – The Panama-flagged cruise ship MSC Lirica arrived at Alexandria Port on October 31, 2026, carrying 1,677 tourists and 733 crew members of various nationalities. The vessel’s arrival brought a total of 2,410 people to the port, highlighting Alexandria’s continued role in Mediterranean cruise tourism.
The cruise ship arrived from Port Said and berthed at Berth 8 of Alexandria’s Maritime Passenger Terminal. It was scheduled to depart later that evening for the Port of Split in Croatia, continuing its Mediterranean cruise itinerary.
The Alexandria Port Authority received the vessel as part of Egypt’s ongoing efforts to promote cruise tourism and strengthen the country’s position as a destination for international cruise ships.
MSC Lirica at Alexandria Port’s Passenger Terminal
The arrival of MSC Lirica formed part of the Mediterranean cruise traffic serving Alexandria Port. The vessel carried tourists and crew members representing various nationalities.
MSC handled the vessel’s shipping agency arrangements, while Rhapsody served as the tourism agent for the port call.
Port officials coordinated the vessel’s arrival and passenger reception with several government authorities to facilitate procedures and maintain efficient operations at the Maritime Passenger Terminal.
The General Department of Passenger Movement supervised passenger reception and the completion of the required formalities. Meanwhile, the port provided technical and operational support to the vessel to maintain orderly operations and ensure maritime navigational safety.
The Alexandria Port Authority emphasized the importance of providing efficient passenger services and maintaining the port’s readiness to accommodate cruise vessels visiting the city.
Government Agencies Coordinate Cruise Ship Reception
Several Egyptian government entities participated in coordinating the MSC Lirica port call, reflecting the cooperation required to manage international cruise arrivals.
The participating authorities included the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and Ministry of Interior. The Egyptian Tourism Promotion Authority also took part in the reception arrangements.
Additionally, Alexandria Governorate participated through its Regional Tourism Promotion Authority, alongside the Alexandria Port Police Department and senior officials from the Alexandria Port Authority.
The coordination focused on facilitating passenger procedures, supporting vessel operations and ensuring safe navigation throughout the port call.
The arrangements formed part of efforts to support incoming cruise tourism and provide services for passengers arriving at Alexandria.
Alexandria Port Strengthens Its Mediterranean Cruise Tourism Role
The Alexandria Port Authority highlighted the importance of cruise ship arrivals in supporting tourism activity in the city and contributing to related economic and service sectors.
The port continues to focus on developing its passenger services and improving operational readiness to receive cruise vessels of different types.
These efforts align with the Egyptian government’s broader direction to support and stimulate tourism under the guidance of Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir.
The authority considers the reception of vessels such as MSC Lirica an important part of strengthening Alexandria’s position on the Mediterranean cruise tourism map.
By maintaining passenger handling services, coordinating with government agencies and providing operational support to visiting vessels, Alexandria Port aims to reinforce its role as a destination for international cruise traffic.
The MSC Lirica call reflects the port’s ongoing efforts to support cruise tourism while contributing to Alexandria’s tourism-related economic activity and Egypt’s wider tourism sector.
Source: Alexandria Port Authority
