Suez Canal is far more than just a shortcut between seas. It is a symbol of ambition, engineering and global connection. Stretching across the Egyptian desert, the canal links the Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea, allowing ships to travel between Europe and Asia without sailing around Africa.
For travelers, the Suez Canal offers a rare experience: witnessing global trade up close while slowly gliding through history.
What Is the Suez Canal?
The Suez Canal is a man-made waterway that cuts through northeastern Egypt, running roughly 190 kilometers from Port Said in the north to the city of Suez in the south. It is one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, used daily by massive container ships, oil tankers and cruise liners.
Unlike many canals, the Suez Canal has no locks. Ships sail at sea level the entire way, making the journey smooth and continuous — a quiet passage through desert landscapes where land and sea meet.
A Brief History of the Suez Canal
The idea of connecting the Mediterranean and the Red Sea dates back to ancient times, but the modern Suez Canal was completed in 1869 after ten years of construction. It was one of the most ambitious engineering projects of the 19th century and dramatically changed global trade routes.
The canal has played a major role in world history — from colonial ambitions and economic power to political conflict. Events such as the Suez Crisis of 1956 placed the canal at the center of global attention, reinforcing its strategic importance.
Today, the canal remains vital to international shipping, and ongoing expansions have allowed larger vessels and two-way traffic in parts of the canal.
How to See the Suez Canal
While it’s possible to view parts of the canal from land — especially near cities like Port Said, Ismailia, or Suez — the best and most impressive way to experience the Suez Canal is by sailing through it.
From land, ships pass silently by in long convoys. From the water, you become part of that procession.
Sailing Through the Suez Canal – What to Expect
Passing through the Suez Canal by ship or cruise liner is a unique travel experience. It’s not dramatic in the traditional sense — there are no waves or cliffs — but it is deeply fascinating.
The Process
Ships usually enter the canal in organized convoys, scheduled and guided by the Suez Canal Authority. Once inside, pilots board the ship to navigate the passage. Speeds are slow and controlled, allowing safe passage through the narrow channel.
The transit typically takes 12 to 15 hours, depending on traffic and conditions.
What You’ll See
• Endless desert landscapes stretching to the horizon
• Small settlements and observation posts along the banks
• Other massive ships passing closely by
• Tugboats, pilots and canal infrastructure at work
At night, the canal becomes a glowing ribbon of lights, with illuminated ships moving silently through the dark.
The Process
Many travelers experience the Suez Canal as part of a long-distance cruise, often connecting Europe with the Middle East, Africa or Asia. For cruise passengers, sailing the canal is one of the highlights of the journey.
From the deck, you can watch the slow movement of ships, see life along the canal banks, and gain a new appreciation for how interconnected the world really is. Lectures and commentary on board often explain the canal’s history, politics and engineering, adding depth to the experience.
Why the Suez Canal Is So Impressive
The true impact of the Suez Canal lies in its simplicity and scale. There are no grand monuments lining the route — yet every ship passing through represents global movement: goods, energy, cultures and economies flowing between continents.
Watching a massive container ship glide through the desert feels almost surreal, and it leaves many travelers with a lasting impression.
