Port Said

Port Said in detail

Cruise ships calling at Port Said offer passengers the opportunity to take a day trip to Egyptian capital Cairo, which lies some 160km (100 miles) south.

The port itself, on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, was established in the mid 19th century when work on the Suez Canal began and rapidly established itself as a fishing settlement, later becoming a popular summer resort for the wealthier inhabitants of the capital.

Although there is little of tourist interest in the city itself, Port Said does feature some very grand houses with their own distinctive architecture.

However, the majority of cruises stopping here will incorporate the trip to see the major sights of Cairo.