North Africa Cruise Ports
Souks, Carthage and the pyramids on Mediterranean voyages.
Get North Africa QuotesThe African Side of the Mediterranean
For many cruisers, Africa begins with a day in Tangier or a tour to the pyramids during a Mediterranean voyage. North Africa’s ports add souks, Roman ruins and ancient Egypt to itineraries that otherwise focus on Europe.
The main cruise calls are in Morocco (Tangier and, on the Atlantic side, Casablanca), Tunisia (La Goulette, the port for Tunis and Carthage) and Egypt (Alexandria and Port Said on the Mediterranean, and Safaga on the Red Sea). Which of them appear on cruise schedules depends on the season and on the security situation, which lines review constantly.
Port by Port
| Port | Country | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Tangier | Morocco | The medina and kasbah, Cape Spartel, and day trips to the blue town of Chefchaouen |
| Casablanca | Morocco | The Hassan II Mosque, Art Deco streets, and long tours to Rabat or Marrakech |
| La Goulette (Tunis) | Tunisia | The ruins of Carthage, Sidi Bou Said and the Tunis medina |
| Alexandria | Egypt | The modern Library of Alexandria, catacombs, and tours to Cairo and Giza |
| Port Said | Egypt | The northern entrance of the Suez Canal and an alternative gateway to Cairo |
| Safaga | Egypt | Red Sea port for tours to Luxor and the Valley of the Kings |
Egypt and the Suez Canal
Egypt calls usually come on longer eastern Mediterranean voyages, Holy Land itineraries or repositioning cruises between the Mediterranean and Asia that transit the Suez Canal. In recent seasons, security concerns in the Red Sea led many lines to route ships around southern Africa instead, which has made Cape Town calls more common on world cruises. Check the current routing of any voyage that lists a canal transit.
If ancient Egypt is your main interest, a Nile cruise between Luxor and Aswan gives you far more time at the temples than a cruise port day. Our sister site Nile River Boat Cruises covers Nile river cruising.
Making the Most of a North Africa Port Day
- Book long tours early: Cairo, Marrakech and Luxor trips sell out and leave very early.
- Dress respectfully: cover shoulders and knees for mosques and conservative areas; women may need a scarf for some sites.
- Carry small cash: local currency or small notes are useful for tips and markets.
- Check the visa rules: cruise passengers on organized tours often have simplified entry, but rules vary; your line will advise.
North Africa Questions
Can I see the pyramids from a cruise?
Yes, on voyages that call at Alexandria or Port Said. Tours to Giza and Cairo are long days, often 10 hours or more, and some lines offer overland options that rejoin the ship at the next port.
Are North African ports safe to visit?
Conditions change, so check the U.S. State Department’s current travel advisory for each country before you book and again before you sail. Cruise lines also change itineraries when security concerns arise.
Add North Africa to Your Cruise
Tell us which ports interest you. Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise will find Mediterranean and Suez voyages that include them and send free quotes.
Get North Africa Quotes