Egypt's second city sits on the Mediterranean coast, blending Pharaonic grandeur with Greco-Roman history. Most cruisers use it as the jumping-off point for Cairo and the Pyramids — but Alexandria itself rewards those who stay.
Ships dock at the Alexandria Cruise Terminal in the main port — a modern facility with cafes and tourist info, but inside a secured industrial zone.
💡 Pro move: The city center is 1.5-2 km from the terminal — not pleasant to walk through the port industrial area, especially in summer heat. Take a taxi.
Alexandria Cruise Terminal handles up to four large ships simultaneously at modern alongside berths.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most major cruise lines (MSC, Viking, Celestyal, NCL, etc.) | Alexandria Cruise Terminal, East Port📍 | Docked |
| Some smaller expedition vessels | Alexandria Cruise Terminal📍 | Docked |
Alexandria is one of the world's great shore-excursion ports — the Pyramids of Giza are reachable in a day, while the city itself offers ancient catacombs, a world-class modern library, and a breezy Mediterranean corniche.
The classic full-day run: ~3 hours each way by private air-conditioned vehicle, with an Egyptologist guide. Includes the Great Pyramids of Cheops, Chephren, and Mykerinus, the Sphinx, and usually the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) housing Tutankhamun's treasures.
Find Cairo day tour excursions →Descend into Alexandria's most remarkable underground site — a 2nd-century AD multi-level tomb complex blending Egyptian, Greek, and Roman funerary art in one of antiquity's most unusual fusions. About 5 km from the port by taxi.
Find Catacombs tours →The modern successor to the ancient Library of Alexandria is an architectural showpiece on the Corniche waterfront. Inside: millions of books, specialist museums (manuscripts, antiquities, science), a planetarium, and art galleries. About 3 km from the terminal.
Find Alexandria city tours →A ~27-meter red granite column — one of the largest ancient monolithic columns ever erected — standing on a hill amid fragmentary remains of the Serapeum temple. Often combined with the Catacombs for an efficient half-day.
Find Alexandria half-day tours →Alexandria's sweeping Mediterranean seafront promenade stretches for miles. Stanley Beach and the distinctive Stanley Bridge are popular local spots. Combine with fresh seafood lunch at a Corniche restaurant for a relaxed alternative to a Cairo dash.
Find Alexandria city walks →For longer port calls, some tours extend beyond Giza to include the Step Pyramid of Djoser at Saqqara — the world's oldest stone pyramid — and the necropolis at Memphis. An impressive add-on for repeat Pyramids visitors.
Find Saqqara tours from Alexandria →The cruise terminal itself isn't walkable to city sights, but once you grab a taxi into the city, the Corniche waterfront is a pleasant seafront stroll.
Alexandria's Mediterranean seafront is the city's main public space. Walk from the area near the Bibliotheca Alexandrina east along the Corniche toward Stanley Bridge, passing café terraces and sea views. Best in the morning before the heat peaks.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From Misr Station (the historic railway terminus) walk down Nabi Daniel Street past the Roman Amphitheatre remains to the waterfront. Compact urban history walk with street food vendors and a sense of the working city.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 63°F / 17°C | 51°F / 11°C | 8 | 6:59 AM | 5:20 PM |
| Feb | 65°F / 18°C | 52°F / 11°C | 5 | 6:41 AM | 5:47 PM |
| Mar | 69°F / 21°C | 54°F / 12°C | 3 | 6:10 AM | 6:08 PM |
| Apr | 75°F / 24°C | 58°F / 14°C | 2 | 5:32 AM | 6:28 PM |
| May | 80°F / 27°C | 64°F / 18°C | 1 | 6:04 AM | 7:48 PM |
| Jun | 84°F / 29°C | 70°F / 21°C | 0 | 5:56 AM | 8:05 PM |
| Jul | 87°F / 31°C | 74°F / 23°C | 0 | 6:07 AM | 8:05 PM |
| Aug | 88°F / 31°C | 75°F / 24°C | 0 | 6:26 AM | 7:42 PM |
| Sep | 87°F / 31°C | 74°F / 23°C | 1 | 6:44 AM | 7:05 PM |
| Oct | 82°F / 28°C | 69°F / 21°C | 2 | 7:03 AM | 6:28 PM |
| Nov | 75°F / 24°C | 62°F / 17°C | 4 | 6:27 AM | 5:01 PM |
| Dec | 68°F / 20°C | 56°F / 13°C | 7 | 6:51 AM | 4:59 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
City center (Corniche waterfront) is only 1.5–2 km from the cruise terminal — a 5–10 minute ride. Taxis do not use meters; agree on the fare before departing.
Both Uber and Careem are available in Alexandria and provide fixed upfront pricing. Download and set up before arrival — a reliable alternative to negotiating with street taxis.
The port is very close to central Alexandria. The Corniche waterfront promenade is walkable from the terminal, though summer heat can make long walks uncomfortable.
Cruise line and independent operators (e.g. Ramasside Tours) offer guided half-day city tours or Cairo day trips from the port. Prices vary by group size and itinerary.
Many travelers hire a private guide for the day, especially for the Cairo–Pyramids day trip (~3 hrs each way). Pre-book with reputable operators; your cruise line can arrange these too.
Upcoming cruises that call at Alexandria, Alexandria Governorate, Egypt. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.