Egypt’s six main cruise ports serve up totally different vibes from the Med to the Red Sea.
Alexandria is your ticket to Egyptian culture, while Safaga gets you to those jaw-dropping temples in Luxor.
Port Said lets you check out massive ships squeezing through the Suez Canal, Sharm El-Sheikh hooks you up with amazing diving spots, and Hurghada? Some of the best coral reefs you’ll ever see.
The Suez port is getting a major facelift with better roads to Cairo.
Each stop has its own transportation setup and cool stuff nearby that’ll make your Egyptian adventure one for the books.
Port of Alexandria Cruise Ship Port Guide
Heading to Egypt’s historic northern coast on a cruise? Alexandria’s cruise port has you covered, dropping you just 1.5-2 km from the buzzing downtown area.
You’ll dock at a handy spot run by Alexandria Port Authority. There’s no metro nearby, but don’t worry – you’re only a quick 5-10 minute drive or a pleasant 20-25 minute stroll from the heart of the city. Grabbing a taxi or ride-share is your best bet for getting around.
What’s great about this terminal is how central it is – perfect for jumping on city tours or checking out Alexandria’s cultural treasures. The nearby highways mean tour buses and transfers run smoothly too.
Port Said Cruise Ship Port Guide
Port Said Cruise Ship Port Guide
Sitting right where the Mediterranean Sea meets the Suez Canal, Port Said opens its arms to cruise travelers as one of Egypt’s key maritime hotspots. This bustling place is Egypt’s second-largest city with about 600,000 locals calling it home, and it stands as the world’s 28th busiest container port.
Your cruise will pull into the sleek, modern terminal – a perfect jumping-off point for Cairo adventures just 200km down the road. From the terminal, you can easily grab private rides to check out the pyramids and wander through the Egyptian Museum.
Weather-wise, you’ll enjoy the Mediterranean vibe with pleasant temps averaging around 19°C (66°F). While you’re in town, don’t miss the impressive Suez Canal Authority Building, the lively local markets, and the National Museum to get a taste of this historic spot that’s long been known as the “Gateway to the East.”
Port of Safaga Cruise Ship Port Guide
Port of Safaga Cruise Ship Port Guide
Looking to explore ancient Egyptian wonders? Port of Safaga is your Red Sea jumping-off point, just a quick 3km from Safaga town. Don’t expect fancy terminals here – cruise ships like MSC Virtuosa and Silver Spirit pull right up to the deep-water docks.
Better grab those transfers ahead of time since taxis are pretty thin on the ground. Most folks make the 253km trek inland to Luxor (yep, that’s a solid 3-4 hour drive) to check out those incredible temples and tombs. Not your thing? The area’s got killer diving spots, or you can snag a day pass at one of the beach resorts nearby.
The port never sleeps – it’s open 24/7 with tight security. Want the best weather? Come between October and April when it’s not scorching hot.
Port of Sharm El-Sheikh Cruise Ship Port Guide
The Port of Sharm El-Sheikh gives you a totally different Egyptian cruise vibe than Safaga – it’s right next to the buzzing city instead of forcing you into those long inland trips. You can easily hop over to hotels and some seriously amazing coral reefs.
The port started out as a military facility, but now AD Ports Group is pouring $4.7 million into modernizing it by 2025. Right now you’ll find basic souvenir shops and transportation options, but they’re working on expanding everything soon.
Just a heads-up when you visit – the heavy boat traffic has created some environmental issues for the area, and you’ll need to go through security checks when you arrive. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can catch ferries to Hurghada or Aqaba for some extra exploring.
Port of Suez Cruise Ship Port Guide
Port of Suez Cruise Ship Port Guide
Sitting right at the southern doorway of the famous Suez Canal, Port Suez offers cruise passengers a bustling maritime spot packed with history and growing facilities.
When you step off your ship, you’ll see everything from massive container vessels to passenger ships coming and going. The place has really stepped up its game lately – especially with the New Suez Canal that can now handle monster ships like the 400m MSC Gulsun.
Yacht facilities are still in the works, but make no mistake – this port means business, moving over 1 billion tons of cargo each year. If you’re heading out on shore excursions, you’ll find it much easier to get to Greater Cairo thanks to the new Ismailia tunnel connection.
Port of Hurghada Cruise Ship Port Guide
Nestled along the western Red Sea coast, Hurghada has grown into one of Egypt’s coolest cruise spots, mixing sea adventures with cultural exploration. It sits about 370km south of Suez, and you’ll find great docking at Hurghada Marina with all the basics – fuel, water, and power hookups.
Once you’re there, you’re in the perfect spot to check out amazing underwater life through snorkeling or the Sindbad Submarine Tours. Make sure to hit up Orange Bay’s stunning coral reefs or take a day trip to Luxor’s ancient sites, just a 3-hour drive away. If you’re looking for a break from the water, hop on a desert safari or tear through the sand on a quad bike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Local Customs Should I Respect When Visiting Egyptian Ports?
When in Egypt, respect goes a long way! Cover up those shoulders and knees – modesty matters here. Stick to using your right hand for handshakes and paying for stuff. Pop those shoes off before stepping into someone’s home. Keep small bills handy for tipping (they expect it). And trust me, locals love when you throw in a “shukran” (thanks) or two. A little Arabic goes a long way!
Is Tipping (Baksheesh) Expected at Egyptian Cruise Ports?
Yes, you’ll definitely need to tip (baksheesh) at Egyptian ports. Grab some small bills before you go – porters, security folks, and local guides all expect a little something. It’s just how things work there and honestly helps these workers make ends meet during your cruise adventure.
How Reliable Is Wi-Fi Connectivity at Egyptian Ports?
Looking for Wi-Fi at Egyptian ports? It’s a bit hit-or-miss, honestly. Major ports offer better connections than what you’ll find on your ship, but don’t count on anything rock-solid. Do yourself a favor and grab a local SIM card as a backup plan – you’ll thank yourself later when the port Wi-Fi inevitably drops right as you’re trying to upload those Sphinx selfies.
Are There Disability-Friendly Facilities at Egyptian Cruise Terminals?
Egyptian cruise terminals aren’t really decked out for wheelchair users and folks with disabilities. The accessibility is spotty at best – you’ll run into bumpy walkways and not many proper bathrooms. Your best bet is actually through the cruise companies themselves, who can hook you up with assistance and sort out accommodations before you arrive if you let them know what you need.
What Emergency Medical Services Are Available Near Cruise Ports?
Cruise ports have some decent medical options nearby. You’ll find major hospitals around Alexandria, Luxor and Aswan. If you’re docked at Port Safer in Cairo, they’ve got a facility with 180 beds, and the staff can hook you up with an ambulance if needed. Air ambulances are pretty quick too – they usually show up within about an hour and a half if there’s a serious emergency.
