The Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) announced on Monday that Ain Sokhna Port has received the AROYA cruise ship, arriving from Safaga. The vessel docked at 8:00 AM, carrying 2,351 tourists of various nationalities, along with a crew of 1,500.
Sailing under the Maltese flag, the AROYA measures 303 meters in length with a draft of 8.5 meters. It is scheduled to depart on Tuesday, 10 June, bound for Jeddah.
The ship’s arrival supports SCZONE’s ongoing strategy to position its ports as a regional hub for tourism, maritime services, and logistics. This strategy leverages the zone’s unique geographic location along the Red Sea and Mediterranean, coupled with continuous infrastructure enhancements aimed at boosting operational efficiency and global competitiveness.
The timing of the AROYA’s reception during the Eid Al-Adha holiday highlights the port’s readiness and capacity to operate efficiently during peak travel seasons and public holidays.
The cruise’s arrival also aligns with Egypt’s broader national efforts to revitalize marine tourism. The government has launched a comprehensive strategy to establish the country as a key destination for cruise and yacht travel, including major upgrades to port facilities in Ain Sokhna, Hurghada, and Sharm El-Sheikh.
Key initiatives include the development of modern marinas, the implementation of a unified digital platform to streamline yacht entry procedures, and international partnerships—such as with AD Ports Group—to manage and develop cruise terminals.
These efforts form part of Egypt’s long-term vision to integrate marine tourism into the national economy and promote sustainable growth within the blue economy.
