Getting from Alexandria to Cairo

Hi,

We are taking a HAL cruise which stops in Alexandria, and then has a
ship excursion to Cairo and the pyramids etc. The ship is in Alexandria
for only a day, and the trip to Cairo is 3 hours each way.
We thought we might make our own way into Cairo by rail - the reports of
their trains are very good. Anyway ... we hate cruise excursions - we
prefer independent travel when practicable - you get to see much more
for half the price!

However...... can anyone tell me how easy it is to get to the Alexandria
station from the port, and how safe it is? Anyone done this rail trip by
any chance? How likely is it that we'll find English speakers along the
way, and how safe is the place?

I understand it gets dark at around 5.30 pm so is it safe after dark?

All comments welcome. 8*)