Sokhna Port hosts Crystal Serenity as Egypt strengthens cruise position

Crystal Serenity has called at Sokhna Port, marking a high-profile visit that underscores Egypt’s growing role in regional cruise tourism and maritime connectivity.

The vessel, one of two ships operated by Crystal Cruises, docked at the second basin quay at DP World Sokhna, located within the Suez Canal Economic Zone, as part of a wider international itinerary that included multiple Egyptian port calls.

Arriving from Mumbai, the ship’s call at Sokhna represented its first stop in Egypt before continuing to Port Said, Alexandria, and Piraeus. The visit brought more than 1,100 passengers and crew to the country, contributing to inbound tourism flows across several destinations.

The call also coincided with the hosting of a major international tourism event onboard during the vessel’s transit through the Suez Canal.

The programme, organised in collaboration with the World Travel & Tourism Council, brought together approximately 300 global tourism leaders, including ministers, government officials, and senior private sector representatives, to discuss recovery, leadership, and long-term transformation across the travel sector.

The gathering forms part of broader efforts to position Egypt as a central player in global tourism recovery, with infrastructure development and cruise capacity expansion playing a key role in that strategy.

Mohammad Shihab, CEO of DP World Egypt and the Levant, said the vessel’s call reflects growing confidence in the country’s port infrastructure.

“Receiving Crystal Serenity at Sokhna Port marks a key milestone, underscoring our ports’ readiness for the world’s largest cruise ships and confirming international partners’ trust in our operational excellence,” he said. “Sokhna’s role as the launch site for this global event strengthens Egypt’s position as a regional cruise tourism hub and enhances integration among transport, logistics, and tourism sectors.”

The call highlights Sokhna’s dual function as both a logistics gateway and an emerging cruise port, with ongoing investment aimed at strengthening its multipurpose capabilities.

Authorities indicated that the visit required coordination between DP World Egypt, the Suez Canal Economic Zone, and national agencies to facilitate vessel handling, passenger movements, and security procedures.

The arrival of Crystal Serenity reflects a wider trend of cruise operators incorporating Egyptian ports into itineraries that combine Red Sea and Mediterranean routes, supported by the country’s strategic location along key global shipping lanes.

As cruise lines continue to explore alternative deployment patterns and destination combinations, Egypt’s port network, including Sokhna, Port Said, and Alexandria, is increasingly being positioned as a link between regional tourism markets and long-haul cruise itineraries.