As part of the integrated efforts of state tourism agencies, and in implementation of the political leadership's directives to support and revitalize tourism, and the instructions of the Ministry of Transport, Alexandria Port witnessed a significant increase in maritime tourism on Monday, August 10, 2026, with the simultaneous arrival of two cruise ships: the "Aroya" and the "Astoria Grande," carrying a total of 5,232 passengers. This reflects the continued growth in passenger ship traffic and reinforces Alexandria Port's position on the Mediterranean cruise tourism map. The cruise ship "Aroya" docked at the Alexandria Port passenger terminal, arriving from the Turkish port of Istanbul. On board were 4,421 passengers, including 3,239 tourists of various nationalities and 1,182 crew members. The ship, operated by the shipping agent "Rhapsody," is scheduled to depart the port on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, returning to Istanbul. The "Aroya" continues to support the operation of Alexandria Port as a turnaround port, reflecting growing confidence in the port's ability to provide integrated services to the cruise industry, particularly passenger reception and boarding services. This adds significant value to tourism, transportation, services, and related economic activities. On the same day, Alexandria Port also received the cruise ship "Astoria Grande," arriving from the Turkish port of Antalya. On board were 811 passengers, including 401 tourists and 410 crew members. The ship, operated by the shipping agent "Gulf Navigation," departed the port the same day, bound for the Turkish port of Çeşme. As part of its commitment to providing a welcoming experience that reflects the unique character of the city and Egypt, the Alexandria Port Authority ensured the participation of Dr. Hala Batisha's Folk Arts Troupe in the passenger reception ceremony. This showcased aspects of Egyptian identity, culture, and folk arts, contributing to a distinctive and welcoming image for tourists upon their arrival in Alexandria. The two ships were received by several leaders from the Alexandria Port Authority, in coordination with relevant entities including the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Egyptian Tourism Authority, the Alexandria Governorate (represented by the Regional Tourism Promotion Authority), and the Ministry of Interior (represented by the Alexandria Port Police Department). The Authority ensured the smooth and efficient processing of passengers and the provision of necessary services according to the highest operational standards. The Authority also secured the entry and exit of the two ships, escorting them from arrival to berthing using tugboats and pilot boats, with close monitoring from the radar pilot tower to guarantee the smooth and safe operation of maritime navigation. The simultaneous arrival of the two ships, each carrying a large number of passengers, confirms the continued growth in maritime tourism at the port of Alexandria, and the success of the efforts of the Ministry of Transport and the General Authority for the Port of Alexandria in developing the passenger ship services system, and enhancing the port’s role as an advanced regional center for cruise tourism, which supports the Egyptian state’s objectives in developing maritime tourism and maximizing the economic return associated with it.
