Alexandria Port (Egypt) recorded a significant month of cruise activity in June, welcoming more than 4,300 passengers and crew through the arrivals of Aroya and Seven Seas Grandeur. The calls highlighted the port’s expanding role within the Eastern Mediterranean cruise sector and marked a renewed focus on turnaround and homeport operations.
The Egyptian port continued its efforts to establish itself as a key regional cruise destination following the arrival of the two vessels, which together brought 4,363 passengers and crew to Alexandria. Beyond serving as a traditional port of call, the port demonstrated its growing capacity to function as both a turnaround and homeport facility.
Seven Seas Grandeur arrived at Alexandria’s passenger terminal on June 7th with 701 passengers and 545 crew members, for a total of 1,246 persons on board. Operating under the agency of Dominion, the vessel called from Kusadasi, Turkey, before departing for Limassol, Cyprus, the following day. During the visit, passengers participated in shore excursions and tours of Alexandria’s historic and cultural landmarks.
The call was coordinated by the Alexandria Port Authority in cooperation with agencies representing the Ministry of Transport, Ministry of Tourism, Egyptian Tourism Authority, Alexandria Governorate, and the Alexandria Port Police Department.
On June 11th, the Saudi Arabian cruise ship Aroya arrived from Kaş, Turkey, carrying 2,063 passengers and 1,054 crew members, bringing a total of 3,117 people to the port.
The visit represented an important operational development for Alexandria, as 274 Egyptian passengers embarked on the vessel for a 7-day cruise itinerary that included calls at Istanbul, Marmaris, Bodrum, and Kaş. The operation marked the resumption of turnaround activities at the port, allowing passengers to begin and end their voyages in Alexandria rather than merely visiting during a transit call.
Turnaround operations are generally regarded as having greater economic value than standard port calls, as they generate additional demand for accommodation, transport services, retail activity, and other tourism-related sectors before and after a voyage.
Alexandria is expected to further expand its role in the cruise market later in the season when it serves as a homeport for two Aroya sailings. During these voyages, the vessel will both commence and conclude its itineraries in the Egyptian city, with passengers embarking and disembarking directly at the port.
According to information released by the Alexandria Port Authority, Aroya is scheduled to make ten calls at Alexandria during the current season. Eight of those visits will involve turnaround operations, while two voyages will use the port as a full homeport.
The June calls followed a series of recent cruise developments at Alexandria. In May, the port welcomed Crystal Serenity during a major international event organized by the World Travel & Tourism Council, further underlining Alexandria’s growing presence within the regional cruise industry.