Egypt Cruises

Explore Ancient Egypt By Sea

Welcome to Egypt, the land of ancient wonders and rich history! Located at the crossroads of Africa and the Middle East, Egypt is known for its iconic pyramids, the majestic Nile River, and vibrant cultural heritage. Cruising through Egypt offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty and complexity of this captivating destination while enjoying the comforts of a floating hotel. Did you know that Egypt is home to one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, the Great Pyramid of Giza? With its rich tapestry of history and breathtaking landscapes, embarking on a cruise here will undoubtedly leave you with unforgettable memories.

Top Harbours in Egypt

• Alexandria, Egypt – Visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa and the historic Citadel of Qaitbay.
• Port Said, Egypt – Located at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal and known for its distinctive colonial architecture.
• Safaga, Egypt – Gateway to Luxor, Karnak Temple, the Valley of the Kings and the Temple of Hatshepsut.
• Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt – Famous for Ras Mohammed National Park, coral reefs and world-class diving opportunities.
• Sokhna, Egypt – Provides access to Cairo, the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Egyptian Museum.
• Hurghada, Egypt – Popular for Red Sea beaches, snorkelling excursions and marine wildlife encounters.

Top Attractions and Activities in Egypt

• Pyramids of Giza, Giza, Egypt – Stand beside the Great Pyramid of Khufu, the last surviving Wonder of the Ancient World.
• Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt – Explore the richly decorated tombs of Tutankhamun, Ramses VI, and other pharaohs.
• Karnak Temple Complex, Luxor, Egypt – Walk through the immense Great Hypostyle Hall with its forest of towering columns.
• Abu Simbel Temples, Aswan Governorate, Egypt – Admire the colossal statues commissioned by Ramses II overlooking Lake Nasser.
• Philae Temple, Aswan, Egypt – Visit the beautiful island sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Isis.
• Egyptian Museum, Cairo, Egypt – View ancient treasures including artefacts from Tutankhamun’s tomb.

Cruise Lines That Navigate the Rich Waters of Egypt

• Holland America Line features a fleet of 11 ships, with 4 of them journeying to Egypt. The Oosterdam and Zuiderdam are particularly popular, offering spacious accommodations and elegant dining options. Onboard, guests can participate in enriching activities such as cooking classes inspired by local cuisines and insightful talks about the destinations being visited. Most cruises set sail from Athens or Barcelona, allowing for seamless access to Egypt’s incredible treasures.
• MSC Cruises operates a fleet of 23 ships, with 4 offering itineraries to Egypt. The MSC Euribia and MSC Magnifica are known for their diverse dining experiences and inclusive onboard amenities, catering to families and leisure travelers alike. Guests can enjoy live entertainment, themed parties, and luxury relaxation spaces while cruising. Departures often take place from Dubai or Rome, providing ideal access to the wonders of Egypt.
• Princess Cruises boasts a fleet of 17 ships, among which the Crown Princess and Coral Princess deliver fantastic experiences in Egyptian waters. These ships are recognised for their exceptional service and myriad entertainment options. Cruisers can participate in various enrichment programs, including destination-specific lectures and culinary experiences. This cruise line frequently departs from Sydney or Singapore, offering convenient connections to historic ports in Egypt.
• Norwegian Cruise Line has a fleet of 20 vessels, with the Norwegian Viva making waves on Egypt itineraries. Known for its relaxed “freestyle cruising” philosophy, Norwegian offers flexibility in dining and entertainment options. Enjoy a variety of shows and themed nights as you sail towards Egypt. Departures typically take place from Athens or Istanbul, ushering travellers into an adventure-rich journey.
• Costa Cruises operates 9 ships, with 2 offering itineraries to Egypt. The Costa Toscana and Costa Smeralda embody the Italian spirit, showcasing fabulous onboard dining and entertainment. Guests can immerse themselves in the fusion of cultures through local dishes and arts. These cruises commonly depart from Barcelona or Savona, setting a festive tone from the very beginning of the journey.

Customs & Culture in Egypt

• Ancient Heritage, Egypt – Historical sites such as the Pyramids and temples remain central to national identity.
• Hospitality Traditions, Egypt – Tea and friendly conversation often accompany social interactions.
• Religious Customs, Egypt – Modest dress is appreciated when visiting mosques and religious landmarks.
• Market Culture, Cairo – Khan el-Khalili remains one of the region’s most famous traditional markets.
• Nile River Heritage, Egypt – The Nile continues to influence culture, agriculture and daily life.
• Traditional Cuisine, Egypt – Koshari and ful medames remain popular local dishes.

Seasonal Expectations & Weather in Egypt

• Winter (November to February) – The most comfortable period for visiting Cairo, Alexandria and Red Sea resorts, with temperatures between 18–28°C.
• Christmas & New Year – Peak tourism season for Nile cruises, Red Sea holidays and visits to the Pyramids.
• Spring (March to April) – Warm temperatures of 22–32°C prevail, though occasional Khamsin desert winds can reduce visibility.
• Summer (May to September) – Extremely hot conditions dominate, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C inland.
• Autumn (October) – Temperatures ease to a more comfortable 25–35°C, making sightseeing more enjoyable.
• Ramadan & Eid – Important religious observances may affect business hours, dining schedules and local services.
• Sea Conditions – The Red Sea remains warm year-round and generally offers calm cruising conditions outside windy periods.

Alternative Regions to Consider for Egypt Cruises

• Jordan – Visit the rose-red city of Petra, explore Wadi Rum’s dramatic desert landscapes and relax along the shores of the Red Sea in Aqaba.
• Greece – Discover Athens’ Acropolis, Delphi’s ancient sanctuary and Rhodes’ medieval old town while exploring the birthplace of Western civilisation.
• Turkey – Explore Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, alongside Ephesus’ remarkably preserved Roman ruins.
• Israel – Experience Jerusalem’s Old City, the Mount of Olives and the historic port city of Haifa.
• Red Sea – Enjoy world-class diving and snorkelling among coral reefs while visiting destinations steeped in ancient trading history.
• Cyprus – Explore Paphos Archaeological Park, ancient Kourion and picturesque Mediterranean coastal towns.
• Eastern Mediterranean – Combine ancient history, island scenery and UNESCO-listed sites across Greece, Turkey and Malta.

Top Egypt Cruises Options & Alternatives

Egypt Cruise Highlights

• Alexandria, Egypt – Discover ancient history, the Bibliotheca Alexandrina, and Mediterranean heritage.
• Luxor (Safaga), Egypt – A gateway to the Valley of the Kings, Karnak Temple, and ancient Egyptian wonders.
• Suez Canal Passage, Egypt – Experience one of the world’s most famous waterways.

Turkey Cruise Destinations

• Istanbul, Turkey – Explore Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and the Bosphorus.
• Kuşadası (Ephesus), Turkey – Gateway to the remarkably preserved ruins of ancient Ephesus.
• Izmir, Turkey – A vibrant Aegean city blending modern life with ancient history.
• Bodrum, Turkey – Famous for its castle, marina, whitewashed buildings, and seaside atmosphere.
• Marmaris, Turkey – A popular resort town surrounded by pine-clad hills and beautiful bays.
• Antalya, Turkey – Discover beaches, Roman ruins, and the picturesque old town of Kaleiçi.
• Alanya, Turkey – Known for its medieval castle, beaches, and dramatic coastal scenery.
• Çeşme, Turkey – A stylish Aegean resort famous for beaches, marinas, and thermal springs.
• Dikili (Troy), Turkey – Explore the legendary archaeological site of ancient Troy.
• Canakkale, Turkey – A historic port city overlooking the Dardanelles Strait.
• Tenedos, Turkey – A charming Aegean island known for vineyards and traditional villages.

Dubai & UAE Cruise Options

• Dubai Fly Cruises – Reach the Gulf quickly and maximise your time exploring the region.
• Dubai Fly 2026 Cruises – Fly-cruise holidays featuring Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.
• Dubai Fly 2027 Cruises – Future fly-cruise packages with Middle East highlights.
• All Inclusive Dubai Cruise & Stay Cruises – Combine a Dubai hotel stay with a cruise and added-value inclusions.
• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Cruises – Visit Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Yas Island, and the UAE’s capital city.
• United Arab Emirates – Explore modern cities, desert landscapes, and world-famous landmarks.
• Middle East Cruises – Discover ancient history, modern cities, desert landscapes, and year-round sunshine.
• Dubai Cruises 2026 – Explore the Arabian Gulf aboard some of the region’s most popular itineraries.
• Dubai Cruises 2027 – Plan ahead for future sailings across the Middle East.
• Persian Gulf Cruises – Sail between iconic cities, luxury resorts, and fascinating cultural destinations.

Historic Waterway Passages

• Dardanelles Passage, Turkey – Sail through the historic strait connecting the Aegean Sea and Sea of Marmara.
• Suez Canal Passage, Egypt – One of cruising’s most fascinating navigational experiences.

Regional Cruise Alternatives

• Mediterranean – Combine Turkey and Egypt with Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Spain.
• Africa – Explore a diverse continent featuring ancient civilisations and natural wonders.
• Saudi Arabia Cruises – Discover emerging Red Sea destinations and Arabian heritage.

FAQs About Egypt Cruises

Which cruise ports are commonly used in Egypt?

Alexandria, Port Said, Safaga and Ain Sokhna are among Egypt’s most frequently visited cruise ports.

Can I visit the Pyramids from a cruise ship?

Yes. Excursions from Alexandria and Port Said often include visits to the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx.

When is the best time to cruise to Egypt?

Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable temperatures for sightseeing.

What are the highlights of an Egypt cruise?

Popular attractions include the Pyramids, Egyptian Museum, Luxor temples and the Valley of the Kings.

Are Egypt cruises suitable for history enthusiasts?

Absolutely. Egypt is home to some of the world’s most famous archaeological and historical sites.

Can Egypt cruises be combined with Jordan?

Many Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean itineraries feature both Egypt and Jordan.

How long do cruise ships usually stay in Egyptian ports?

Most visits are full-day calls, although some itineraries may include overnight stays.

What should I wear during excursions in Egypt?

Lightweight clothing, sun protection and comfortable walking shoes are strongly recommended.

Is the Valley of the Kings accessible from cruise ports?

Yes. Excursions from Safaga often visit Luxor and the Valley of the Kings.

Are organised tours recommended in Egypt?

Yes. Guided excursions provide historical context and simplify travel to major landmarks.

Eager to discover Egypt’s ancient wonders? Call our Cruise Specialists and let us help you find your perfect Egypt cruise.