Egypt Welcomes First Cruise Ship in 18 Months

Egypt’s Port Said has received its first cruise ship in 18 months, marking a promising reset for tourism in this northern seaside city since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourists from America were greeted with smiles and roses by Port Said’s Tourism Authority as they disembarked the Atlas Ocean Voyages’ luxurious World Navigator cruise ship.

After arriving at the tourist port of the Suez Canal Economic Zone from Cyprus, the travellers were whisked off to Cairo to go sightseeing at the Pyramids of Giza and other sites before returning to the port to set sail for their next destination.

Accounting for 16% of the Egyptian economy in pre-pandemic times, Egypt was about to receive its largest influx of tourists in nearly a decade until global lockdowns and restrictions were instated in March 2020 in order to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. Ever since these restrictions were loosened in 2021, Egypt has welcomed well over two million tourists, eager to visit its ancient sites and lively beaches.

For travellers entering Egypt, a negative PCR test must be presented upon departure that is no older than 72 hours.