Port guide · Egypt
Egypt's second city, founded by Alexander the Great. By the sea stand the Citadel of Qaitbay and the new Library of Alexandria, and in town, Pompey's Pillar and the catacombs. Many passengers use the call to spend the day in Cairo and see the pyramids of Giza.
Ships berth at Alexandria's West Port, and every sight is a drive away. Those in the city are 15–30 minutes by taxi, though traffic is chaotic and you'll need to negotiate; for Cairo and the pyramids (about 3 hours each way), definitely take an organised tour.
Time: Half a day to a full dayApprox. price: Depends on the ship
City tours and Cairo trips, with transport, a guide and a guaranteed return to the ship
Time: Half a dayApprox. price: Agree price and route before you get in
City sights only; agree a time to be back at the port
Don't go to Cairo on your own: it's a long drive, traffic jams are common and the ship won't wait.
Route 1
Citadel of Qaitbay
A 15th-century fortress built where the ancient Lighthouse of Alexandria stood
The Corniche
The great bayside promenade, with views of the harbour and the city
Library of Alexandria
A modern building honouring the great ancient library, with letters from scripts all over the world on its facade
Pompey's Pillar
A Roman column almost 27 metres tall
Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa
Underground tombs mixing Egyptian and Roman styles
Route 2
About 3 hours by coach to Giza to see the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx; many tours also include the Egyptian Museum. It's a full day, so the ship's excursion is the safest option.
Want it easy? Join an official MSC shore excursion, timed around the port call. If you booked your cruise with VIAJES FH, ask your advisor to add it for you.
Search MSC cruises calling at Alexandria with VIAJES FH, with live prices.
Search cruisesYour advisor can add shore excursions, drinks packages and onboard internet.
Contact an advisor
Transport and ticket prices are approximate, checked in November 2026, and may change. The latest all-aboard time is the one announced on board.
Cover photo: Aya Mahmoud Naguib Ibrahim / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0