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Alexandria: when your ship stops here

A new library on the old library's ground, a sea fort on the lighthouse site, and Roman tombs under the city.

Facts checked Nov 5, 2026, each with its source. No prices on this page.

Alexandria was founded by Alexander the Great in April 331 BC. A cruise port guide says ships normally dock at the passenger terminal inside the large Western Harbour, with a walk of about 10 to 15 minutes to the port gate, and that the edge of central Alexandria is about 1.5 to 2 km (0.9 to 1.2 miles) from the terminal, with taxis the most practical way on your own.

Sources: Wikipedia: Alexandria; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Alexandria

Top 3 things to do

  1. 1. The Bibliotheca Alexandrina

    A modern library opened on 16 October 2002 in memory of the ancient Library of Alexandria. It has shelf space for eight million books, four museums, a planetarium and a main reading room under a glass roof tilted toward the sea, with walls of grey granite carved with characters from 120 writing systems.

    Tip: Agree the price before you set off in a taxi that has no meter, as the cruise port guide advises.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Bibliotheca Alexandrina; CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Alexandria

  2. 2. Qaitbay Citadel

    A fort built in 1477 by the Mamluk Sultan Qa'it Bay on the exact site of the famous Lighthouse of Alexandria.

    Tip: Ask your taxi driver for the Citadel of Qaitbay by name and agree the time back.

    Source: Wikipedia: Alexandria

  3. 3. Kom el Shoqafa and Pompey's Pillar

    The catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa were cut into the rock in the 2nd century, used for burials until the 4th, and found again in 1900 when a donkey fell into the access shaft. They have three levels and mix Egyptian, Greek and Roman art. Pompey's Pillar, one of the best known ancient monuments still standing in the city, is 30 m (99 feet) high with its pedestal.

    Tip: The catacombs run down through solid rock, so wear shoes with a good grip.

    Sources: Wikipedia: Catacombs of Kom el Shoqafa; Wikipedia: Alexandria

What to skip

  • Cairo and the pyramids on a short call

    A cruise port guide says the road journey to Cairo and Giza normally takes 3 to 3.5 hours each way and can take longer in traffic, with 11 to 13 hours for the whole trip, and that it is realistic only when the ship has a long stay in Alexandria.

    Source: CruiseMapper (a cruise port guide site): Alexandria

Before you go ashore

You do not have to book a tour: you are free to go ashore on your own. Royal Caribbean sets the all aboard time about 30 minutes before the ship sails, posts it near the gangway, and says the ship does not wait for guests touring on their own.

Source: Royal Caribbean FAQ: Do I need to book a shore excursion?

Back-to-backs that stop in Alexandria

Back-to-back cruises from these home ports have a stop in Alexandria, from the Royal Caribbean sailings we track:

Sources

Read on Nov 5, 2026. Opening days, hours and rules change: check with the place itself before you go. legtolegcruises.com is independent and not affiliated with or endorsed by Royal Caribbean International or any place named here.

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