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, the Port of Alexandria received the cruise ship "Aroya" this morning, Thursday, June 11, 2026. The ship arrived from the port of Kaş in Turkey with a total of 3,117 passengers on board, including 2,063 tourists of various nationalities and 1,054 crew members. The ship disembarked at the port's passenger terminal, and its shipping agent is "Rhapsody." The ship's arrival comes as part of the continued success of the Port of Alexandria in the cruise tourism sector. Today, the port also witnessed its return as a passenger port, with 274 Egyptian tourists boarding the ship from Alexandria for a week-long cruise to the Turkish ports of Istanbul, Marmaris, Bodrum, and Kaş. This event marks the restoration of Alexandria Port's status as a turnaround port for cruise passengers. The importance of this type of service lies in the significant added value it brings to the national economy and the tourism sector, as it connects passengers with their accommodation and their use of transportation, shopping, and various tourist activities before or after their cruise. In another anticipated development during the current tourist season, Alexandria Port is preparing to operate as the home port for two cruises of the Aroya cruise ship. Alexandria Port will serve as both the starting and ending point for the cruise, with passengers boarding and disembarking directly from the port. This represents an advanced operational level in the global cruise tourism industry and reflects the growing confidence of international cruise lines in the port's capabilities and facilities. It is worth noting that the cruise ship Aroya is scheduled to call at Alexandria Port this season for a total of 10 voyages. Eight of these voyages will utilize the port as a turnaround port, while the other two will serve as the home port. The ship was received by a number of officials from the Alexandria Port Authority, in coordination with relevant entities from the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Tourism, the Egyptian Tourism Authority, the Alexandria Governorate, and the Ministry of Interior, represented by the Alexandria Port Police Department. This was done within the framework of ongoing cooperation and coordination between various state agencies to support the maritime tourism sector. The Alexandria Port Authority ensured the safe entry and exit of the ship, escorting it from arrival until berthing using tugboats and pilot boats. Close monitoring was also provided from the radar pilot tower to guarantee the smooth and safe operation of maritime navigation. Furthermore, the port's passenger traffic management and maritime passenger terminal provided a professional reception. This development underscores the success of the efforts exerted by the Ministry of Transport and the Alexandria Port Authority to develop the infrastructure and services provided to passenger and cruise ships. This strengthens Alexandria's position as a key destination on the global cruise tourism map and supports the Egyptian state's objectives of developing tourism and increasing its contribution to the national economy.
