Plan a CruisePort Said is situated at the northern entrance of the Suez Canal, offering cruise passengers the chance to witness the impressive line of vessels awaiting passage. The new cruise terminal is well-equipped with reception halls, a tourist information desk, and an oriental bazaar. Though the city was damaged during the Suez Crisis and subsequent wars in 1967 and 1973, it has been largely rebuilt and is now home to 400,000 people. It's a popular summer resort for Egyptians, with vacation bungalows lining the beach. While the beaches are considered mediocre, the city offers a pleasant escape from the oppressive summer heat of Cairo. The main commercial street is Sharia Palestine, and the town center features interesting 19th and early 20th-century colonial architecture, including buildings with wooden balconies.
Getting Around from the Port
The town center is conveniently within walking distance from the cruise terminal. For destinations further afield, taxis and horse-drawn carriages are readily available just outside the port gate. It is highly recommended to agree on the fare with the driver before beginning your journey; the tourist information desk inside the terminal can provide guidance on typical rates. The National Museum on Juillet Street is accessible by a taxi ride.
Attractions and Activities
While Port Said offers local sights, many visitors opt for day trips to Cairo and the iconic Pyramids. Numerous companies offer excursions to Cairo, and while generally reliable, a critical warning applies: the cruise ship will only wait for late passengers if they have booked an excursion directly through the ship. If you book an independent tour, ensure you carry a cell phone and have the ship's telephone number with you. For all organized tours, expect armed security personnel on each bus, often accompanied by police escorts for the bus caravan. It is advisable to compare the offerings and prices of your cruise line's tours with independent providers for excursions to major sites.
Dining & Shopping
Port Said is designated a free port, making it an excellent destination for shopping. Within the new cruise terminal, you'll find an oriental bazaar. Outside the port, street vendors display their goods. The primary shopping area is Gomhoria Street, a short walk from the pier. For more options, the Noras Beach Shopping Arcade is located one mile from the pier. Popular souvenirs include gold and silver jewelry, cotton goods, carpets, copper and brass ware, and personalized cartouches where your name can be inscribed in hieroglyphs. Egyptian cuisine blends the best traditions of Middle Eastern cooking. Local specialties to try include foul (bean dishes), roast pigeon, kebabs, and humus (chickpeas). Despite Egypt being a Muslim country, alcohol is available in café-style bars and good restaurants. You can find various restaurants on the main streets leading towards the beach.
Safety
When venturing outside the port area, especially on organized tours to destinations like Cairo, be aware that all buses will have armed security, and police escorts often accompany tour caravans. A crucial warning for independent excursions: if you book a tour not directly through your cruise line, the ship will NOT wait for you if you are late. Always carry a cell phone with the ship's contact number. A language tip: the word "Sahara" means "desert" in Arabic, so avoid redundancy by not saying "Sahara desert."
Currency and Language
While the local currency is the Egyptian Pound, US dollars and Euros are widely and readily accepted in souvenir shops. Arabic is the official language. Although internet facilities are available, be prepared for Arabic keyboards.