Cruises to Alexandria

85 Reviews
Alexandria (Photo:javarman/Shutterstock)

About Cruising to Alexandria

It wasn't Rome or Athens that intellectually dominated the ancient world, as most assume, but Alexandria of Egypt. It was here that humans first realized the world wasn't flat, invented geometry, built the steam engine, created latitude and longitude, and drew the first accurate maps of the world. Alexandria is rich in history and takes many visitors by surprise who explore the region as part of their Egypt cruise itinerary.

As Justin Pollard and Howard Reid note in their recent must-read book, The Rise and Fall of Alexandria: Birthplace of the Modern Mind, "Alexandria was the greatest mental crucible the world has ever known, the place where ideas originating in obscure antiquity were forged into intellectual constructs that far outlasted the city itself. If the Renaissance was the 'rebirth' of learning that led to our modern world, then Alexandria was its original birthplace. Our politics may be modeled on Greek prototypes, our public architecture on Roman antecedents, but in our minds we are all the children of Alexandria."

Who knew?

Founded by Alexander the Great in 332 B.C., Alexandria today is a bustling, modern city (though calmer than frenetic Cairo, about three hours away) with sadly little to show of its incredible ancient roots. However, with a population of roughly four million, it is an important commercial and cultural center blissfully situated on the Mediterranean coast. It's no coincidence that Alexandria is known as "The Pearl of the Mediterranean."

Almost 90 percent of Alexandrians are Sunni Muslims. Listen up for the spellbinding calls to prayer that resonate across town from the city's minarets five times a day. Cafes and shops will suddenly empty as men make their way toward their prayer rugs. One mosque of note: Abu Abbas al-Mursi, on Sharia Fransa, just a block from the seafront boulevard called Corniche, is a striking example of Islamic architecture that draws thousands of worshipers for the noon prayer on Fridays.

  • More about Alexandria

  • Why Cruise to Alexandria?

  • Alexandria Cruise Port Facilities?

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More about Alexandria

Why Cruise to Alexandria?

Pros:

A city with tons of history, it's also the gateway for trips to Cairo and the Pyramids

Cons:

Many lines have removed Egypt from Holy Land itineraries altogether

Bottom Line:

A great city to start your exploration of Egypt, should you find a cruise that calls here

Alexandria Cruise Port Facilities?

There's nothing here to hang around for.

Getting Around?

A taxi ride from the port to Corniche, the city's waterfront boulevard, costs 10 euros. That translates into about one euro per minute. (The euro, currently equivalent to $1.29 U.S., tends to be the shipboard currency in the region.) You can walk the same distance in 30 - 40 minutes. Editor's tip: Whether it's a cab or a horse and buggy, it's almost predictable that the quoted price will somehow skew upward by the end of your journey. Live with it.

Currency & Best Way to Get Money?

The local currency is the Egyptian pound. However, there's absolutely no need to convert your dollars or euros to Egyptian currency because the locals prefer our hard cash. It's a good idea to carry some small denominations, dollar bills or euro coins. Credit cards are widely accepted in finer shops and restaurants.

Language?

Egyptians speak Arabic. Don't count on hearing much English spoken, but the better restaurants typically offer menus in English.

Where You're Docked?

Ships dock right at the passenger marine terminal, home to all manner of souvenir stands as well as a queue of bright blue taxis. The port itself is pretty buttoned down and you'll need your passport to exit. Egypt does require a visa, which is handled in advance onboard.


Alexandria Cruise Reviews
Crazy traffic, crowds of people and a great time. Read More
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SunnySocks
We took the Old City Carriage Ride excursion and it was great.Read More
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Leslie Porter
Unbelievable ancient pieces Read More
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Clearwaterteacher
Our tours were excellent, but the cities of Cairo and Alexandria are not pleasant places. We toured with Alex City Tours, and highly recommend them.Read More
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roam4adventure

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