Egypt’s re-emergence as a major cruise destination is gathering momentum, with Alexandria Port recording a series of prominent ship calls through autumn 2025. The renewed activity reflects growing confidence in the country’s Mediterranean and Red Sea potential following a decade of gradual recovery.
Between September and October 2025, Norwegian Viva made three calls to Alexandria as part of NCL-Norwegian Cruise Line’s expanded Eastern Mediterranean programme linking Greece, Turkey, Cyprus, and Egypt. The visits brought nearly 14,000 passengers to the historic port city. During the vessel’s most recent call on October 13th, port authorities coordinated closely with representatives from several Egyptian ministries, highlighting the increasing importance of cruise tourism within Egypt’s wider economic revival.
The Alexandria Port Authority reported that the 2023-built Norwegian Viva entered port under full escort by tugs, pilot boats, and security vessels, with operations monitored continuously by radar. Disembarkation was managed by the General Administration of Passenger Movement, enabling guests to join excursions to cultural and historical sites before the ship continued onward to Greece.
A further visit by Norwegian Viva on October 21st will coincide with a 9-night voyage from Piraeus to Istanbul, calling at Mykonos, Rhodes, Kusadasi, Limassol and Santorini — an itinerary marking Alexandria’s firm return to high-end cruise circuits.
Other vessels have also called at the port this season, including Aroya from AROYA Cruises, Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam from HAL-Holland America Line, and Resilient Lady from Virgin Voyages. Together they have made this one of Alexandria’s busiest autumns in recent years and underscored Egypt’s growing prominence as a hub for both Mediterranean and Red Sea cruising.
The renewed activity follows long-term government efforts to strengthen Egypt’s maritime tourism profile. While Nile cruising has flourished over the past decade with the addition of new vessels such as Viking Osiris, Viking Aton, and Viking Sobek, seaborne cruising is only now regaining significant momentum.
Investments in port infrastructure — notably at Alexandria, Safaga, and Sharm El Sheikh — combined with improved stability and increasing interest from global operators, are reinforcing the nation’s position on the regional cruise map. With more calls planned into 2026, Egypt’s strategy to connect its cultural heritage with modern maritime tourism is showing tangible results, signalling that the country’s Mediterranean gateway has truly returned to form.