Ismailia:Suez Canal Authority Chairman Osama Rabie announced that the Suez Canal Yacht Marina in Ismailia has received passengers aboard the cruise ship ASTORIA GRANDE. This event marks the ship's inaugural stop and berthing in Ismailia as part of its journey to several Egyptian ports, aligning with the authority's initiatives to enhance maritime tourism.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the ASTORIA GRANDE transited the Suez Canal early in the morning as part of the northbound convoy. The ship, which is 193 meters long and 27.6 meters wide with a draft of six meters, can accommodate up to 1,300 passengers. The marina's usage as a tourist berth in Ismailia is a significant development, offering facilities for visitor reception and coordination with relevant authorities for necessary procedures.
Rabie emphasized that the Suez Canal Authority aims to reinforce the canal's status as a central hub for maritime tourism and logistics services. This is being achieved by developing yacht marinas, enhancing waiting areas, and providing essential infrastructure for cruise ship berthing, all while coordinating with relevant authorities to streamline procedures.
The Suez Canal Yacht Marina is seen as a promising addition to the authority's efforts in promoting maritime and yacht tourism in the region. It offers a comprehensive package of services intended to boost tourism through organized domestic tour programs in Ismailia and excursions to various governorates across Egypt.
During its 24-hour stay in Ismailia, the ASTORIA GRANDE will allow 335 tourists to explore local attractions such as the Suez Canal Museum, Ismailia Gardens, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq Mosque, and the Evangelical Church. Meanwhile, another group of 327 tourists will embark on a tour of Cairo, visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum, the Giza Pyramids, Khan el-Khalili bazaar, Al-Muizz Street, and experiencing a Nile cruise.
The ship's itinerary includes visits to several Egyptian ports, with its next destination being Sharm El Sheikh, followed by Aqaba in Jordan, and then Hurghada, before it transits the Suez Canal again on its return journey.