Norwegian Sky Cruise Stops in Safaga Port

The Norwegian Sky is a Sun-class cruise ship owned and operated by Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). She was originally ordered by Costa Cruises in 1993 as the Costa Olympia, but was later completed in 1999 for NCL under the name Norwegian Sky.

The ship has an interesting history. Originally planned as a sister ship to Costa Victoria, construction on the Costa Olympia was suspended in 1996 when only 35% was complete due to financial troubles at the Bremer Vulkan shipyard in Germany. In 1997, NCL purchased the unfinished ship and redesigned it as the Norwegian Sky.

Norwegian Sky was completed at the Lloyd Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany, retaining the original yard number 108. She entered service with NCL in August 1999, making her maiden voyage from Dover, UK, to Norway. This was the first new ship to join the NCL fleet in six years.

In 2004, Norwegian Sky was transferred to NCL's U.S.-flagged subsidiary NCL America and renamed Pride of Aloha, operating Hawaii cruises. This proved challenging, as the ship required a U.S. citizen crew, leading to staffing issues and poor service initially. NCL addressed this with an enhanced training programme.

In 2008, Pride of Aloha reverted to her original name, Norwegian Sky, returning to the core NCL fleet and being reflagged to the Bahamas. In 2009, the ship was sold to a subsidiary of Genting Hong Kong and chartered back to NCL.

Today, Norwegian Sky sails 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami to the Bahamas, with stops at Grand Bahama, Great Stirrup Cay, Freeport, and Nassau. From 2016 to 2019, the ship offered an "open bar" package where alcohol was included in the cruise fare.

With a capacity of over 2,000 passengers, Norwegian Sky features an array of onboard venues and amenities, including multiple dining options, bars and lounges, a casino, spa, fitness centre, pools, and entertainment. She retains the visual redesign she received when converted to Pride of Aloha, including colorful Hawaiian-themed hull art.

The MS Europa, a renowned luxury cruise ship operated by Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, regularly includes Safaga Port as a destination on its voyages through the Red Sea region. Safaga, located on the western coast of the Red Sea in Egypt, serves as a gateway for passengers to explore the country's rich historical and cultural heritage.

When the MS Europa docks in Safaga, guests are presented with a wealth of excursion opportunities. One of the most popular attractions is the ancient city of Luxor, situated approximately 3 hours from the port. Luxor is home to the stunning Karnak Temple Complex, the Valley of the Kings, and the Colossi of Memnon, offering passengers a captivating glimpse into the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation.

Another highlight is the opportunity to take Egypt tours to visit the Sahara Desert and experience the serene beauty of the desert landscape. Passengers can embark on camel rides, explore the vast dunes, and enjoy the tranquility of the desert environment.

For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Safaga itself offers beautiful beaches and an array of water sports activities, such as snorkeling and diving in the crystal-clear waters of the Red Sea. The town also boasts a rich history, with opportunities to explore ancient ruins and learn about the local culture and traditions.

The MS Europa's shore excursions from Safaga Port allow passengers to immerse themselves in the unique blend of ancient wonders and modern leisure that the region has to offer. With expert guides, comfortable transportation, and the luxurious amenities of the MS Europa, guests can discover the captivating sights and experiences that make Safaga Port a must-visit destination on their cruise itinerary.