Alexandria Port: A Key Player in Elevating Egypt as a Premier Mediterranean Cruise Hub

The Alexandria Port Authority, headed by Rear Admiral Ahmed Hawash, welcomed the cruise ship Astoria Grande on Saturday, November 23rd, at 6:30 a.m., marking its third visit to Alexandria this year on its route between Turkey and Egypt.

The Astoria Grande, sailing under the Palau flag and managed by Gulf Agency Egypt, docked at the passenger terminal carrying 1,350 passengers, including 911 tourists from Kusadasi (Turkey). The ship was scheduled to depart for Izmir (Turkey) on Monday, November 25th, at 12:00 p.m., after a two-day stay.

Upon arrival, the ship was greeted with an official reception involving representatives from the Alexandria Port Authority, the Ministries of Transport and Tourism, the Antiquities Department, the Alexandria Governorate, and the Port Police. Efficient protocols were in place to ensure passengers could quickly embark on tours of Alexandria’s historical and cultural landmarks.

Support operations included the use of tugboats, pilot boats, and escort vessels to safely guide the Astoria Grande to its berth, alongside radar monitoring from the port’s control tower. The welcoming atmosphere featured folkloric performances and the distribution of souvenir gifts to the cruise passengers.

This visit is a significant part of Egypt’s broader initiative to enhance its reputation as a cruise destination in the Eastern Mediterranean. The Egyptian government is focused on attracting increased cruise traffic, with special preparations underway for the upcoming Christmas and New Year season. As Alexandria continues to rise in prominence, Egyptian ports are poised for a sustainable increase in cruise activity.

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