ASTORIA GRANDE Cruise Call in Ismailia Marks First for Suez Canal Yacht Marina
Shipping Arabia, November 13, 2026 – The ASTORIA GRANDE cruise call in Ismailia has marked a milestone for Egypt’s maritime tourism sector, becoming the first cruise ship visit to the city. The arrival also marks the first time the Suez Canal Yacht Marina has operated as a tourist terminal, supporting the Suez Canal Authority’s efforts to expand cruise and yacht tourism services.
The cruise ship arrived as part of a voyage covering several Egyptian ports following its departure from Türkiye. It transited the Suez Canal in the early hours with the northbound convoy before making its historic stop in Ismailia.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), announced the visit as part of the Authority’s broader strategy to strengthen maritime tourism and develop its tourism-related infrastructure.
Suez Canal Yacht Marina Welcomes First Cruise Ship
The ASTORIA GRANDE cruise call represents a significant operational development for the Suez Canal Yacht Marina. For the first time, the facility has served as a tourist terminal, handling visitor arrivals and facilitating the required entry procedures.
The operation involved coordination with several government bodies, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Tourism and Ismailia Governorate. This cooperation enabled the marina to accommodate cruise passengers and support their planned excursions.
ASTORIA GRANDE measures 193 meters in length, with a beam of 27.6 meters and a draft of 6 meters. The vessel can accommodate up to 1,300 passengers, while Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Egypt serves as its shipping agent.
The vessel is scheduled to remain in Ismailia for 24 hours, allowing passengers to participate in organized sightseeing programs covering attractions in Ismailia and Cairo.
Cruise Passengers Explore Ismailia and Cairo
During the ship’s stay, 335 tourists will participate in sightseeing excursions across Ismailia. Their itinerary includes several of the city’s prominent cultural and religious attractions.
Among the planned destinations are the Suez Canal Museum, the Gardens of Nimra 6, Abu Bakr El-Siddiq Mosque and a local church. The program forms part of efforts to introduce cruise visitors to the city’s tourism offerings.
Meanwhile, another 327 tourists will travel to Cairo Governorate for organized excursions covering some of Egypt’s most recognized historical and cultural landmarks.
The Cairo itinerary includes the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, Khan El-Khalili and Al-Muizz Street. Passengers will also enjoy a Nile cruise as part of the sightseeing program.
These excursions demonstrate how cruise calls at Ismailia can support tourism activities both within the city and across other Egyptian destinations.
Suez Canal Authority Expands Maritime Tourism Infrastructure
Admiral Rabiee emphasized that the Suez Canal Authority is seeking to strengthen its position as a pivotal hub for maritime tourism and logistics services.
The Authority’s development plans include upgrading yacht marinas, preparing suitable berthing areas and providing the infrastructure necessary to accommodate cruise ships. These efforts also involve closer coordination with relevant government authorities to streamline procedures for visiting vessels and passengers.
Rabiee highlighted the Suez Canal Yacht Marina’s potential contribution to the development of maritime and yacht tourism through a comprehensive package of services.
According to the SCA Chairman, the Authority aims to support tourism growth by facilitating domestic sightseeing programs in Ismailia and organizing excursions to destinations across Egypt’s governorates.
The ASTORIA GRANDE cruise call in Ismailia provides an opportunity to demonstrate the marina’s role in accommodating cruise tourism activities while connecting visiting passengers with attractions beyond the port city.
ASTORIA GRANDE Continues Regional Cruise Itinerary
Following its 24-hour visit to Ismailia, ASTORIA GRANDE is scheduled to continue its voyage with a call at Sharm El-Sheikh Port.
The vessel will then proceed to Aqaba Port in Jordan before returning to Egypt for a scheduled visit to Hurghada.
After completing these calls, ASTORIA GRANDE is expected to transit the Suez Canal once again as part of its ongoing cruise itinerary.
The visit supports the Suez Canal Authority’s efforts to develop its yacht marinas and expand their role in accommodating maritime tourism activities, while facilitating organized excursions to destinations across Egypt.
Source: Suez Canal Authority
