Making the most of Alexandria
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Alexandria's Cruise Terminal is first class, though it is a long way from town.
The terminal is roughly 1.5 to 2 kilometers from central Alexandria: about a 5-10 minute drive or a 20-25 minute walk. Taxis and shuttles are normally available.
Arrange a private excursion ahead of time, or choose one offered by the cruise company.
Alternatively, remain on board: 90 % of passengers leave early for the pyramids and Cairo, returning very late, leaving the ship largely to yourself.
Port controls are strict, and a passport is needed to leave. Egypt requires a visa, arranged on board in advance.
Alexandria is Egypt's most visited cruise terminal.
Founded by Alexander the Great as early as 332 BC, Alexandria was once the ancient world's greatest city and one of Christianity's three main centres. It stands on the Mediterranean at the western edge of the River Nile delta, about 183 km (114 miles) northwest of Cairo. The Graeco-Roman Museum contains some 40,000 relics documenting the religious history of Alexandria's many civilizations. Other sights include the Roman Amphitheater, the royal family's Montazah Palace and Fort Qait Bey, built on the destroyed Pharos Lighthouse's foundations, once one of the Seven…
Getting around
A taxi from the port to the Corniche costs 10 euros. This waterfront boulevard follows Alexandria's eastern harbor, making it good for a stroll along the water and for restaurants serving freshly caught fish.
Bibliotheca Alexandrina is a modern cultural centre honouring the ancient Library of Alexandria. Its millions of books, museums, planetarium and art galleries make it both architecturally impressive and a focus for cultural activity.
Alexandria taxis have no working meters. A Midan Ramla–Misr Train Station journey costs E£5; city-centre trips to Fort Qaitbey cost E£5, to the Royal Jewellery Museum or Mahmoud Said Museum E£15, and to Montazah or Maamoura around E£25.
Nearby places
Many operators offer generally reliable Alexandria and Egypt excursions, but ships wait for late passengers only when they booked the ship's own tours. Carry a cell phone and the ship's telephone number in case they are needed.
A ship's Cairo and Pyramids excursion takes about two to three hours each way. Buses travel in a police-escorted convoy, with an armoured security guard assigned to every bus.
Cairo can be overwhelming, from its ancient pyramids to the treasures of the Cairo museum.
The Pyramids just outside Cairo are an essential visit.
Food and shopping
Cairo tours usually try to sell Cartouche items, while Papyrus gifts are also popular. Since most tours finish at the Bazaar before returning to Alexandria, there is ample time to shop there.
Money
US dollars and the Euro are readily accepted in souvenir shops.
Staying connected
Arabic
Internet facilities are available, but use Arabic keyboards.
Every tour bus has armed security, and police escorts often accompany the bus caravan. Caravans of 50+ buses are not unusual.
In Arabic, Sahara means desert, so avoid saying "Sahara desert".