Table Of Content
A convergence of continents and cultures, the Suez Canal and surrounding regions that flank its 120-mile long and 24-metre deep waterway are steeped in fascinating history. Stretching between the ports of Said in the north and Suez in the south, the Suez Canal is peppered with all manner of picturesque sights and breathtaking landmarks, from rugged untamed landscapes to impressive man-made structures. Sail through the very heart of the desert and experience the region's unforgettable sights while enjoying the best of onboard life with Cunard.
Suez Canal Cruises
If your cruise ship has a viewing platform above the Bridge, this could also be a good option. Construction began from the Mediterranean side where Port Said now stands. The Suez Canal Company was responsible for the construction of the canal between 1859 and 1869 and over this 10-year period an estimated 1.5 million people worked on the project. Political turmoil in Egypt negatively affected the progress of the work, which was ruled by Britain and France. Fascinating historical buildings include the Lighthouse, an octagonal-shaped, 56-meter-high tower that was completed one week before the inauguration of the canal. It's also the first building in the world created with reinforced concrete and the longest-standing construction in the city.
Carnival Corporation Reroutes 12 Cruise Ships
Between October 2015 and February 2016, a total of 115 westbound cargo vessels loaded with goods from Asia to Northern Europe or the USA took the around Africa route instead of transiting the canal. Statistics show that the South African route saves USD 235,000 on average per voyage. The Suez Canal Authority reported for 2015 an increased number of passing ships (17483 vessels, or 2% increase). The report also revealed decreased bulk cargoes (5,7%) and container cargo ships (3,1%). To compete with the falling oil prices, the Suez Canal needed to cut transition prices by roughly 50%. The Suez Canal was opened in 1869 to connect the Mediterranean Sea and the Red Sea.
Suez Canal cruises 2024-2025 transition schedule
It’s one of the busiest shipping lanes in the world for cargo vessels that transport anything and everything between Europe and Asia. Cruise ships are also known to pass through the Suez Canal, most commonly on repositioning cruises during the shoulder seasons. On a Suez Canal cruise, your day sailing through the canal is the adventure. Step out onto the cruise ship deck or your own private veranda to watch the scenery of Egypt pass you by.
More Cruises Cancel Red Sea Electing to Deadhead Around Africa - The Maritime Executive
More Cruises Cancel Red Sea Electing to Deadhead Around Africa.
Posted: Tue, 16 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines returning to Australia for the first time since 2020
Its proliferation is being closely monitored to ensure that it does not move into the western part of the Mediterranean. Check out our info sheet to find out everything you ever wanted to know about the Suez Canal. Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time.
Ongoing unrest in the Middle East has led to a series of changes and cancellations to cruise line itineraries, with more lines opting to re-route their Red Sea itineraries, including World Cruises, away from the conflict. While cruises in the Middle East do not constitute a major region for sailings, it's certainly impacting many lines and people's vacations. However, the low crude oil price now allows cargo ships to avoid paying the costly Suez Canal transition prices (USD 465,000 on average) by taking the long way around South Africa instead. The diving holidays in the Red Sea are also very popular though optional Red Sea vacation deals. Know that snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, sailing, glass-bottom boats, and even submarine trips are at their very best in the Suez Canal region. And, of course, the numerous archaeological sites, museums, the desert safaris.
SEZ covers a total area of 95 km2 (37 mi2) and includes an industrial area, residential zone (sized 20 km2 / 8 mi2). Development of Port Sokhna increased its capacity and linked it to the industrial zone. Zone's facilities serve smaller-sized industries (medical, electronics, communications, construction materials, textiles, auto parts, food processing, petrochemicals), logistics, service facilities. The residential zone (capacity 0,5 million people) houses coastal villas, residential units, shopping centers, nightclubs, entertainment facilities, mosques, schools, hospitals, green spaces. Construction was launched in August 2014 to expand and widen Ballah Bypass for 22 miles (35 km) to speed canal's transit time.
The diplomatic side of this event was also intended to ease the tensions that had been brewing in Europe during the 10 years of construction. Whichever side of the ship you book a cabin, there will be scenery to enjoy. If you are taking a southbound transit from the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, starboard has the most landmarks. It will enable you to enjoy the views from the comfort of your cabin and offers some shade from the midday sun. Your Suez Canal cruise will likely need to cruise through the Gulf of Aden, which has had pirate activity in the past but your ship will take the necessary precautions, like armed guards, close some open decks and do a pirate drill. As your cruise reaches the end of the canal, you will pass the city of Suez.
Royal Caribbean Confirms 9-Month Cruise Will Not Go Through Red Sea and Suez Canal Due to Middle East Unrest - PEOPLE
Royal Caribbean Confirms 9-Month Cruise Will Not Go Through Red Sea and Suez Canal Due to Middle East Unrest.
Posted: Fri, 16 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Instead of sailing through the Suez Canal, Anthem of the Seas will sail without any passengers around Africa. Onboard facilities include open deck area, passenger lift, TV/VCR room, passenger lounge, self-service laundry, indoor pool and sauna, fitness room (with table tennis, exercise bicycle, rowing machine). The Egyptian resorts on the Red Sea offer a unique chance to sample so many things in this ancient region. You can perfectly combine visiting the Pharaoh’s mysterious kingdom, enjoying the beautiful shores, the amazing coral reef and marine life with luxury ship amenities and stylish experiences on board.
The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available. Many years in the making, the Suez Canal has become a vital passage between the Mediterranean and the Red Sea. Passing through it is one of the many tourist highlights available to experience on a cruise from the islands of the Agean Sea to the treasures of the Egypt of the Pharaohs. We spent the first half of the transit on the open decks and then watched the rest from our cabin balcony. You are likely to see plenty of security lookout posts on the Suez Canal banks during the transit.
Affected departures include Celestyal's "Three Continents" voyages sailing aboard Celestyal Journey on October 21, 28; November 4, 11, 18, and 25, 2023. “We were on tour of Galilee region at Jordan River when we were all recalled to the ship,” writes CNSJ on Cruise Critic’s Holland America Line message boards. “Awaiting last passengers to return so we can depart for sea as soon as possible. Three days in Holy Land has become three hours…obviously this is beyond HALs control. A Windstar spokesperson told Cruise Critic, “Windstar staff are contacting all booked guests with an offer to move their sailing to a 2024 date. Other destination options being offered aboard Windstar’s ships are Caribbean, Tahiti, Costa Rica and Panama.
Once in the Mediterranean, the ship will stop in Barcelona, Malta's Valletta, and Santorini before arriving in Athens (Piraeus). Whether you cruise multiple times per year or you're new to cruising, the goal of Royal Caribbean Blog is for it to be a useful resource for keeping up to date with what's new and exciting with Royal Caribbean. Started in 2010, Royal Caribbean Blog offers daily coverage of news and information related to the Royal Caribbean cruise line along with other relevant topics of cruising, such as entertainment, news, photo updates and more.
The southern entrance to the Suez Canal, Suez Port is a bustling trade port where some of the largest ships in the world converge before setting off on their voyage through the Canal. Our cruise ship was followed by an armed vehicle for the first half of the journey but we didn’t notice it until another passenger pointed it out. After passing under the Mubarak Peace Bridge, the Suez Canal splits into two channels. This is to enable traffic to travel southbound and northbound without having to stop to let ships pass. This is going to be the busiest day of your cruise with people out on deck watching the ship pass through the canal. Some passengers booked on itineraries in the region, however, are making alternate plans.
When deciding what to pack for a cruise to the Suez Canal, keep in mind you’ll be visiting both desert and Mediterranean climate zones during your trip. Pack clothing in fabrics that will breathe easily in both humid and dry heat. You’ll also want to bring light and airy layers that keep your arms and legs covered, since you’ll be traveling through countries where modesty is expected when it comes to clothing. Still, don’t forget your bathing suit, since your time in Greece and Italy may include some blissful beaches. You’ll cruise to the Suez Canal on an itinerary that includes Dubai, Greece, and the Suez Canal, or the Arabian Sea and the Suez Canal, in either April or November. Choose a cruise that departs from Dubai and sails to Rome (via the port of Civitavecchia) or Athens (via the port of Piraeus), or an itinerary that travels the reverse route.
