The cruise itinerary includes calls at several Egyptian ports.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, announced that the Suez Canal Yacht Marina in Ismailia has welcomed passengers of the cruise ship ASTORIA GRANDE as part of its voyage to several Egyptian ports following its departure from Türkiye. The visit comes within the framework of the Authority’s efforts to promote maritime tourism.
This visit marks the first time a cruise ship has stopped in the city of Ismailia. The vessel transited through the Suez Canal in the early hours of today, Tuesday, as part of the north convoy.
The vessel measures 193 meters in length, with a beam of 27.60 meters, and a draft of 6 meters and a passenger capacity of up to 1,300 passengers. Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Egypt is acting as the vessel’s agent.
This cruise call is significant as it represents the first time the Suez Canal Yacht Marina in Ismailia has functioned as a tourist terminal, facilitating the arrival of visitors and the completion of necessary entry procedures, in coordination with all relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Tourism, and Ismailia Governorate.
Admiral Ossama Rabiee affirmed that the Suez Canal Authority is seeking to strengthen its position as a pivotal hub for maritime tourism and logistical services through the development of its yacht marinas, the preparation of berthing areas and the necessary infrastructure for cruise ships, as well as close coordination with all relevant authorities to facilitate procedures.
H. E. added that the Suez Canal Yacht Marina represents a promising contribution to the Authority’s efforts to promote maritime and yacht tourism in the region through providing a comprehensive package of services. These efforts are expected to contribute to promoting and revitalizing tourism through the organization of domestic sightseeing programs in Ismailia, as well as outbound tourist itineraries covering various governorates across Egypt.
The SCA Chairman added that the vessel is scheduled to remain in Ismailia for 24 hours, during which 335 tourists will enjoy sightseeing tours of the city's attractions, most notably the Suez Canal Museum, the Gardens of Nimra 6, Abu Bakr El-Siddiq Mosque and the Church, among others. Meanwhile, 327 tourists will embark on an organized excursion to explore a number of attractions in Cairo Governorate, most notably the Grand Egyptian Museum, Giza Pyramids, Khan El-Khalili, Al-Muizz Street and a Nile cruise.
The SCA Chairman pointed out that the vessel's itinerary includes calls at several Egyptian ports. Its next stop will be Sharm El-Sheikh Port, followed by Aqaba Port, then Hurghada, before the vessel returns to transit through the Suez Canal once again.