Port Said EgyptCruise Port Guide
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.
Weather
Port Said at the Mediterranean entrance to the Suez Canal has a Mediterranean climate with the main cruise season from October to April, when temperatures are comfortable at 59–75°F (15–24°C). Summers are hot and humid at 86–97°F (30–36°C). Light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and comfortable walking shoes are recommended — the Suez Canal transit, the extraordinary 19th-century khedivial architecture, and the gateway to Cairo and the Pyramids make Port Said one of Egypt's most strategically significant cruise ports.
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.