Maritime Tourism

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

Shipping Arabia, October 31, 2026 – Alexandria Port welcomed the Saudi cruise ship AROYA on October 26, carrying 1,102 tourists and 1,035 crew members, a total of 2,137 people. The visit marked another call during the vessel’s early voyages of the 2026 Mediterranean cruise season, reinforcing Alexandria’s growing role in regional cruise tourism.

The arrival follows the official launch of AROYA’s 2026 Mediterranean cruise season at Alexandria Port on October 20. The event highlighted cooperation between Alexandria Port Authority, Cruise Saudi and other stakeholders involved in developing maritime tourism between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

According to Alexandria Port Authority, the latest visit forms part of Egypt’s wider efforts to promote tourism and attract international cruise vessels. These efforts also reflect directives from Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir to strengthen the country’s maritime tourism sector.

The authority emphasized Alexandria’s importance as a destination for major cruise ships and a gateway for passenger movements. It also highlighted opportunities to expand the port’s role in Mediterranean cruise itineraries and support tourism-related economic activity.

Alexandria Port Supports AROYA Cruise Operations

Alexandria Port Authority coordinated the arrival of AROYA with relevant government and operational agencies to facilitate passenger movements and ensure navigational safety.

The port provided technical and operational assistance throughout the vessel’s call. These services included tugboat support, pilot boats and continuous monitoring from the port’s radar control tower.

The authority stated that these arrangements aimed to maintain efficient vessel handling, streamline passenger procedures and ensure compliance with maritime safety and operational standards.

The latest call also demonstrated the continued coordination between Alexandria Port Authority and Cruise Saudi in supporting the vessel’s Mediterranean operations.

Beyond the immediate operational requirements, the authority highlighted the importance of developing Alexandria as both a passenger arrival and departure port. This includes supporting the homeport model, which allows cruise passengers to begin and conclude their voyages at the same port.

Expanding this model could increase the economic benefits associated with cruise operations, particularly through passenger movements and tourism-related services.

AROYA Launches 2026 Mediterranean Cruise Season in Alexandria

The latest arrival followed a formal ceremony held at Alexandria Port on October 20 to launch AROYA’s 2026 Mediterranean cruise season.

The ceremony brought together senior officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Transport, Alexandria Governorate, the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector and Alexandria Port Authority.

Diplomatic representatives also attended, including the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to Egypt and the Turkish consul general in Alexandria.

Representatives of Cruise Saudi and organizations involved in the tourism sector participated in the event, reflecting the regional cooperation supporting the vessel’s operations.

The launch highlighted AROYA’s position as a Saudi cruise tourism offering and its role in strengthening tourism connections between Mediterranean ports.

Organizers also emphasized the coordination between Egyptian authorities, Cruise Saudi and Rhapsody Shipping Agency in facilitating the ship’s operations and supporting its cruise program.

During the ceremony, Cruise Saudi representatives praised the assistance and operational services provided at Alexandria Port. They acknowledged the cooperation of the relevant Egyptian authorities in supporting the vessel’s Mediterranean deployment.

The event also included a guided tour of AROYA, allowing participants to examine its hotel facilities, entertainment areas and passenger services.

The tour highlighted the ship’s onboard hospitality and recreational offerings, which are designed to provide a comprehensive cruise experience for different categories of travelers.

Cruise Saudi Outlines Further Fleet Expansion Plans

During the October 20 launch ceremony, Cruise Saudi representatives also discussed plans to expand the company’s cruise offering.

They indicated that preparations are being considered to introduce an additional vessel to the cruise fleet in the coming period.

The proposed expansion forms part of the company’s ambitions to develop its cruise tourism activities and support further growth in the regional market.

The announcement accompanied discussions about AROYA’s Mediterranean operations and the cooperation required to support cruise services across different ports.

Alexandria Port Authority emphasized that continued visits by AROYA demonstrate the importance of cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in developing maritime tourism.

The authority also highlighted the role of coordinated port services, efficient vessel handling and passenger facilities in supporting the continued growth of cruise operations.

Alexandria Strengthens Its Mediterranean Cruise Tourism Role

The authority views the continued deployment of AROYA to Alexandria as an opportunity to strengthen the port’s position within Mediterranean cruise networks.

It emphasized that cruise tourism can contribute to wider economic activity by attracting visitors and supporting services connected to passenger travel.

A key priority is developing Alexandria’s capabilities as a port for both cruise arrivals and departures, while encouraging greater adoption of the homeport model.

Such operations can create additional economic opportunities associated with the start and completion of cruise itineraries, complementing the benefits generated by visiting cruise passengers.

The authority also stressed the importance of maintaining efficient operational arrangements and cooperation with cruise operators to accommodate major passenger vessels.

With AROYA continuing its Mediterranean cruise program, Alexandria Port Authority remains focused on providing the technical services, safety arrangements and passenger handling facilities needed to support cruise calls.

The ongoing cooperation with Cruise Saudi forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Egyptian-Saudi maritime tourism links, improve connectivity between regional cruise destinations and support Egypt’s tourism economy.

Source: Alexandria Port Authority

Shipping Arabia, September 26, 2026 – Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority has received the Excellence Award for Advancing Maritime Tourism during the country’s World Maritime Day 2026 celebrations in Alexandria, recognizing its efforts to support maritime tourism and improve services across its ports.

Transport Minister Kamel El-Wazir presented the award to Red Sea Ports Authority Chairman Maj. Gen. Mohamed Abdel Rahim during the event, which brought together senior officials from the Ministry of Transport, the maritime transport sector, Egyptian port authorities and other organizations involved in the country’s maritime industry.

The recognition reflects the authority’s work to strengthen maritime tourism and improve the level of services available at its ports. It also comes as Egypt continues to develop port infrastructure, raise operational efficiency and make greater use of the country’s maritime and tourism assets.

Red Sea Ports Support Maritime Tourism Growth

The Red Sea Ports Authority said the award highlights the role its ports play in supporting maritime tourism as a key component of Egypt’s wider maritime transport and tourism system. Their geographic location and connections to international shipping routes also strengthen their importance within this activity.

The authority is continuing to improve port efficiency and develop services for vessels, passengers and tourists. It also aims to make better use of the maritime and tourism potential available across its ports.

Abdel Rahim said the award represents recognition of the efforts made by employees across the authority to improve performance and develop port services. He also highlighted the continued support of the Ministry of Transport and its direction to strengthen port operations and maximize the use of available capabilities.

Award Aligns With World Maritime Day Theme

The recognition was presented during Egypt’s World Maritime Day 2026 celebrations, held under the theme “From Policy to Practice: Powering Maritime Excellence.”

The International Maritime Organization introduced the theme for 2026 and 2027 to emphasize the importance of translating maritime policies and standards into practical measures that produce tangible results across ports and the wider maritime sector.

The Red Sea Ports Authority said the award reflects that approach by recognizing practical efforts to develop maritime tourism and improve the services offered through its ports.

Port Development Supports Wider Transport Strategy

Abdel Rahim said maritime tourism represents an important area for increasing the value generated from the capabilities of Red Sea ports. The authority will therefore continue working to improve efficiency and develop services that meet the needs of vessels, passengers and tourists.

These efforts also support Ministry of Transport plans to build a more advanced maritime transport system and strengthen the competitiveness of Egyptian ports.

The authority said its work forms part of a broader approach to improve integration between trade, transport and maritime tourism while increasing the economic return from Egypt’s maritime location.

Source: Red Sea Ports Authority