Plan a CruiseSuez, situated at the southern tip of the Suez Canal, has been a significant commercial port since the 7th century. Its strategic location linking the Mediterranean and Red Seas ensures its importance today. Cruise ships typically berth at either Port Ibrahim, which handles general cargo and passenger vessels, or Port Tewfik, used for passenger ships and vessels transiting the Canal. While Suez offers excellent views of Sinai and the Red Sea, and the opportunity to watch large ships transit the Canal, the city itself has limited tourist attractions. Its primary appeal for cruise passengers is its proximity to major Egyptian historical sites, particularly Cairo. The local climate is warm and dry.
Getting Around from the Port
Taxis are readily available at the Suez Canal cruise terminal for independent travel. Tour buses are another common option, especially for organized excursions to major attractions.
For independent exploration:
- Cairo: Located about 134 kilometers (83 miles) away, the journey to Cairo takes approximately 1.5 hours by road. Taxis can be hired for this trip, but organized tours are generally recommended due to distance and local conditions.
- Ismailia: This city is 88 kilometers (55 miles) from Suez.
- Local Suez: The Corniche is within walking distance and offers a pleasant stroll to observe ships queuing for Canal transit.
Attractions and Activities
Suez serves as a gateway to some of Egypt's most iconic historical sites, making day trips to Cairo a popular choice for passengers with 8-10 hours in port.
Day Trips to Cairo (Highly Recommended): The journey to Cairo is about 1.5 hours each way. Two main full-day tour options are typically available:
- Pyramids & Museum Tour: Ideal for first-time visitors, this essential trip includes the ancient Pyramids of Giza and a visit to the Museum of Antiquities.
- Cairo and Beyond: This tour delves deeper into ancient Egypt, featuring the tombs at Saqqara, the ancient city of Memphis (where you can see the gigantic statue of Ramses II), and a visit to Cairo's vast and colorful Khan el-Khalili Bazaar.
Important Security & Booking Note for Cairo Tours: All tour buses to Cairo typically include armed security personnel, and police escorts often accompany bus convoys. If you book excursions through your cruise ship, the ship will wait for you in case of delays. However, if you opt for third-party excursions, the ship will not wait. It is crucial to carry a cell phone with the ship's telephone number if you book independently.
Local Suez Attractions (Limited): For those preferring to stay closer to the port:
- Corniche Walk: Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront to watch the large ships preparing to transit the Suez Canal.
- Hamza Mosque: A pretty white stone mosque that is illuminated at night.
- Anwar Sadat's Home: The former residence of the late Egyptian president.
- Convent of the Good Chapel Sisters: A 19th-century Catholic convent, notable as perhaps the only Christian historical site in the immediate Suez area.
Dining & Shopping
Restaurants in Suez are generally simple and inexpensive, though many offer impressive menus, especially for seafood, which is often very good. Local specialties include foul (bean dishes), roast pigeon, kebabs, and humus (chickpeas). While Egypt is a Muslim country, alcohol is available in some café-style bars and reputable restaurants.
For shopping, souvenir shops in Suez readily accept both US dollars and Euros. If your excursion includes the Khan el-Khalili Bazaar in Cairo, you'll find a vast selection of goods there.
Safety
Security measures are in place for excursions to major sites like Cairo, with armed security on tour buses and frequent police escorts for bus convoys. It is critical to understand that your cruise ship will only wait for passengers who have booked their excursions directly through the ship. If you book a third-party tour, the ship will depart on schedule, even if your tour is delayed. Always carry a cell phone with the ship's contact number if you choose independent tour operators.
Currency and Language
The local currency is the Egyptian Pound (EGP). However, US dollars and Euros are widely accepted in souvenir shops. Credit card acceptance may vary, so it's advisable to carry some local currency for smaller purchases or establishments. The official language is Arabic. When referring to the desert, simply say "Sahara" as "Sahara desert" is redundant ("Sahara" means desert). Internet facilities may have Arabic keyboards.