Egypt & Red Sea Cruises

The Red Sea is rarely visited as a cruise destination itself. Instead, you’ll find that cruise ships pass through the Red Sea on longer voyages between Asia and the Mediterranean via the Suez Canal. Sailing through the 100-mile-long Suez Canal is an unforgettable experience. Sit out on the top deck and you’ll feel as though your ship is slicing through the dry desert.

Egypt has several cruise ports that are gateways to some of ancient Egypt's most splendid sights, such as the Great Pyramids at Giza, and the ancient city of Alexandria.

If you'd like to explore more of Egypt to see the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens and the incredibly sites of antiquity at Luxor, taking a cruise down the River Nile is the perfect way to do that. Out sister company RiveryVoyages.om specialise in river cruises all over the world, and can offer Nile river cruises with any of the world's river cruise lines.

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Related Countries

Egypt

Luxor

Aswan

Esna

Qena

Summary

The Port of Qena, situated along the Nile River in Egypt, is a crucial inland port that facilitates trade and transportation in the region. It primarily handles agricultural products, construction materials, and manufactured goods, benefiting from its strategic location that connects various transport modes, including river, road, and rail. With the capacity to accommodate different vessel sizes, the port enhances logistical efficiency and supports local industries, significantly contributing to the economic development of Qena and its surroundings. Additionally, the port is committed to minimising its environmental impact through sustainable practices.

Kom Ombo

Summary

The Port of Kom Ombo, located along the Nile River in Egypt, serves as an important inland port that supports regional trade and transportation. Primarily focused on the import and export of agricultural goods and local products, the port benefits from its strategic position, which allows for efficient connectivity between river, road, and rail transport. With facilities capable of handling various vessel sizes, Kom Ombo enhances logistical operations while playing a vital role in the economic development of the surrounding area. The port is also committed to sustainable practices to minimise its environmental impact.

Edfu

Dendera

Safaga

Summary
Port Safago has been undergoing a transformation, slowly metamorphosing into a holiday rsort. Like other cities on the Red Sea, the commercial port town sits close to great offshore dive sites. Unlike others, however, tourist development hasn't taken off in a meaningful way. But if the mass tourism in Hurghada is a turnoff, Safaga offers a small-scale and much more low-key alternative, though the best dive sites can still be seen on a day trip from Hurghada. Safaga is also the closest beach resort to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings, which lies 200 km (124 mi) to the southwest; when cruise ships offer land excursions to Luxor, they often do so through Safaga.

Port Said

Sharm El Sheikh

Summary
The port and town of Sharm-el-Sheikh lies near the southernmost tip of the Sinai Peninsula where the Straits of Tiran meet the Gulf of Aqaba. With its strategic position, the Sinai posed a desirable target for various rulers over the centuries. In recent times, the last battle for the Sinai was fought between Egypt and Israel from 1967 to 1979, ending with a peace treaty signed in Washington, D.C. Since the withdrawal of the Israelis, more and more Egyptians have settled in the Sinai, taking advantage of the booming tourist trade. However, vast interior regions are still sparsely populated. Many Bedouins have been affected by the advent of the 21st century, which is rapidly changing their age-old customs and nomadic lifestyle. As tourism and hotel projects continue to spring up along the Sinai coast, contact with Bedouins not involved in tourism is becoming increasingly rare. Once their nomadic life kept them on the move with their tents; today many Bedouins cultivate grain, vegetables and dates in addition to catering to the tourists. Sharm-el-Sheikh was initially developed by the Israelis during the Sinai occupation. Na'ama Bay, a short drive from the port, has grown from virtually nothing into a sizeable resort since the early 1980s. Between the two towns, a string of hotels line a once-untouched coastline. Resort hotels offer great opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Glass bottom boat trips are available for those preferring to view the exotic marine life of the Red Sea without getting their feet wet.

Alexandria

Cairo

Summary

To visit Cairo is to immerse yourself in a city where ancient history meets vibrant modernity. The sense of cultural richness and resilience is palpable, evident in its bustling markets, stunning architecture, and ongoing development projects. Founded over 1,000 years ago, Cairo has evolved into a pivotal centre for trade, education, and tourism in the Arab world, boasting iconic landmarks such as the Pyramids of Giza and the historic Islamic Cairo district. Despite challenges faced in recent decades, including political changes and economic fluctuations, the city continues to thrive, attracting international businesses and fostering a dynamic arts scene. However, the rapid urbanisation has also led to significant challenges, including traffic congestion and infrastructural strain, making everyday life a complex balancing act for its residents. The cost of living in Cairo reflects these conditions, impacting both locals and visitors alike.