Museum
El Mahrousa
El Mahrousa is an Egyptian-owned and operated historic steamship launched in 1865. It served as a royal yacht and later as a passenger ship on the Mediterranean Sea under Egyptian ownership, symbolising Egypt's maritime heritage.
CountryEgypt
TypeSteamship
Water bodyMediterranean Sea
Service period1865 - 1960
Museum Service timeline
1865
1960
190019632026
95
Years in service
Museum
Current status
About El Mahrousa
El Mahrousa was commissioned and owned by the Egyptian government and served as the royal yacht for the Khedive of Egypt. Built in England but fully owned and operated by Egypt, it was one of the largest and most luxurious ships of its time in the Mediterranean. The vessel played a significant role in Egypt's maritime history, transporting dignitaries and serving as a symbol of Egyptian sovereignty and modernisation in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. After decades of service, it was preserved as a museum ship in Alexandria, Egypt, showcasing Egypt's naval and royal heritage. The ship's ownership and operation have always been under Egyptian authority, making it a genuine African vessel.
At a glance
EraPre-1980 African maritime
RegionSea
Historical age161 years
DocumentationVerified historic record
Added to databaseMay 13, 2026
Specifications
Type
Steamship
Country
Egypt
Water body
Mediterranean Sea
Launched
1865
Decommissioned
1960
Status
Museum
Length
146.00 m
Beam
12.00 m
Displacement
2,200 t
Crew
150
Passengers
400