Alexandria Port Authority, headed by Rear Admiral Ahmed Hawash, warmly welcomed the luxurious cruise ship Astoria Grande on Saturday, November 23rd, 2024, at 6:30 AM. This marked the third visit of the ship to Alexandria in 2024, making a special voyage from Turkey to Egypt.
Sailing under the Palau flag and represented by the Gulf Agency Egypt, the Astoria Grande docked at Alexandria Port’s passenger terminal. Carrying 1350 passengers, including approximately 911 tourists from the Turkish port of Kusadasi, the ship is scheduled to depart on Monday, November 25th, at 12:00 PM, bound for the Turkish port of Izmir.
Like other distinguished vessels arriving at the port recently, the Astoria Grande received a grand welcome. Officials from the Alexandria Port Authority, representing the Ministries of Transport, Tourism, and Antiquities, as well as the Alexandria Governorate and the Port Police, were present to greet the passengers. The arrival procedures were expedited, allowing tourists to promptly commence their sightseeing tours of the city’s historical and cultural landmarks.
The Alexandria Port Authority ensured the highest safety standards by providing tugboats, pilot boats, and escort vessels to guide the ship upon arrival. The port’s radar tower also closely monitored the ship’s movements. To welcome the passengers, the authority organized a festive reception complete with folkloric performances and souvenir gifts. These efforts align with the Egyptian government’s initiative to promote cruise calls to the Egyptian ports, especially considering the increasing frequency of cruise ship calls, particularly during the upcoming Christmas and New Year holidays.
With Egypt being one of the most sought-after cruise destinations in the Eastern Mediterranean, Egyptian ports are poised to witness a steady rise in cruise calls.
