Alexandria Port’s Autumn Surge: A Sign of Egypt’s Thriving Cruise Revival

Egypt is experiencing a resurgence as a significant cruise destination, with Alexandria Port seeing a notable increase in ship arrivals during autumn 2025. This renewed activity highlights growing confidence in Egypt’s Mediterranean and Red Sea tourism following years of recovery efforts.

From September to October 2025, the Norwegian Viva made three calls at Alexandria while part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s expanded program connecting Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and Egypt, bringing nearly 14,000 passengers to the historic city. The ship’s recent visit on October 13 involved close coordination between port authorities and various Egyptian ministries, underlining the importance of cruise tourism in Egypt’s broader economic revival.

The Norwegian Viva was escorted into port by tugs, pilot boats, and security vessels, with operations continually monitored. Passengers disembarked to participate in excursions to explore cultural and historical sites before the ship continued to Greece.

A further call on October 21 will align with a 9-night voyage from Piraeus to Istanbul, stopping at various notable ports such as Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini, marking Alexandria’s reintegration into premium cruise itineraries.

In addition to Norwegian Viva, other vessels have docked at Alexandria this season, including Aroya from AROYA Cruises, Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam from Holland America Line, and Resilient Lady from Virgin Voyages. These visits have made this autumn one of Alexandria’s busiest in recent years, emphasizing Egypt’s rising status as a hub for Mediterranean and Red Sea cruising.

This upswing follows substantial government initiatives aimed at enhancing Egypt’s maritime tourism profile. While Nile cruises have thrived over the past decade with the introduction of new vessels, seaborne cruising is only just beginning to regain significant momentum.

Investments in port infrastructure, particularly in Alexandria, Safaga, and Sharm El Sheikh, along with a stabilization of the region and increased interest from global operators, are strengthening Egypt’s position in the cruise industry. With more visits anticipated into 2026, Egypt’s strategy of marrying its rich cultural heritage with modern maritime tourism is yielding positive results, showing that its Mediterranean gateway is flourishing once again.

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