# Suez Canal’s Ismailia Marina welcomes first cruise ship passengers

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/suez-canals-ismailia-marina-welcomes-first-cruise-ship-passengers/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-12T13:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-12T13:00:00+00:00
- **Section:** Shipping / Passenger & Cruise
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** ASTORIA GRANDE, Cruise Shipping, Cruise Tourism, Egypt, GAC Egypt, Ismailia, Maritime Tourism, Passenger Ships, Sharm El-Sheikh, Suez Canal, Suez Canal Authority, Yacht Marina

The Suez Canal Yacht Marina in Ismailia has received passengers from the cruise ship ASTORIA GRANDE for the first time, marking a new development in the Suez Canal Authority’s efforts to expand maritime tourism services in Egypt.

The visit took place on 10 November 2026 during the vessel’s itinerary from Türkiye to several Egyptian destinations. According to the Suez Canal Authority (SCA), it represents the first cruise ship visit to Ismailia and the first use of the city’s yacht marina as a terminal for receiving cruise passengers and facilitating their entry procedures.

The operation involved coordination between the SCA, the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Tourism and Ismailia Governorate. It forms part of the Authority’s wider efforts to develop its maritime tourism infrastructure and attract additional cruise and yacht activity to the Suez Canal region.

## Ismailia expands its cruise tourism role

ASTORIA GRANDE measures 193 metres in length, with a beam of 27.6 metres and a draft of six metres. The vessel has capacity for up to 1,300 passengers, while Gulf Agency Company (GAC) Egypt is serving as its local agent.

The cruise ship transited the Suez Canal on 10 November, with a 24-hour stop planned in Ismailia. During the visit, 335 tourists were scheduled to explore attractions in the city, including the Suez Canal Museum and other cultural and historical sites.

A further 327 tourists were scheduled to travel to Cairo for organised excursions covering the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, Khan El-Khalili, Al-Muizz Street and a Nile cruise.

The Suez Canal Authority said the visit demonstrates how the marina can support cruise tourism by providing passenger reception facilities and coordinating the administrative procedures required for visitors entering Egypt.

Admiral Ossama Rabiee, Chairman and Managing Director of the Suez Canal Authority, said the Authority is seeking to strengthen its position in maritime tourism through the development of yacht marinas, improved facilities and closer cooperation with relevant government agencies.

The Ismailia Yacht Marina, located on Lake Timsah, has previously undergone development to improve its services and facilities for visiting yachts. Its use for cruise passenger reception represents an additional application of the existing infrastructure.

## Further Egyptian port calls planned

Following its visit to Ismailia, ASTORIA GRANDE is scheduled to continue to Sharm El-Sheikh before calling at Aqaba in Jordan and Hurghada in Egypt. Its itinerary then includes a further transit of the Suez Canal.

The SCA has identified cruise and yacht tourism as an area of development alongside its core responsibilities for managing commercial shipping through the waterway. Its initiatives include improving marina facilities, developing areas for visiting vessels and expanding the services available to maritime tourists.

The Authority has also pursued cooperation with international organisations involved in yacht tourism. In October 2026, it signed a cooperation protocol with the Monaco Yacht Club focused on promoting its marinas and supporting the development of maritime tourism services.

Although the latest call does not establish a regular cruise service to Ismailia, it provides an initial operational example of how the marina can be used to receive cruise passengers travelling through the Suez Canal region.

The visit also adds another potential tourism destination to Egyptian cruise itineraries, connecting the waterway’s maritime activity with attractions in Ismailia and Cairo.

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Cite as: "Suez Canal’s Ismailia Marina welcomes first cruise ship passengers", pelavox., 12 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/suez-canals-ismailia-marina-welcomes-first-cruise-ship-passengers/