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Jeddah (Saudi Arabia, Mecca)

Cruise port schedule, live map, terminals, news.

Region Asia

Local Time 2024-04-05 23:55

Port Jeddah cruise ship schedule shows timetable calendars of all arrival and departure dates by month. The port's schedule lists all ships (in links) with cruises going to or leaving from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Mecca. To see the full itineraries (ports of call dates and arrival / departure times) and their lowest rates – just follow the corresponding ship-link.

Port Jeddah (officially "Jeddah Islamic Port") is a Red Sea cruise port, Saudi Arabia's largest seaport, the second-largest Arabian/Middle East port (after Dubai 's Port Jebel Ali) and the world's 36th largest (by annual cargo shipping volumes). Jeddah is the cruise port to AlUla (~110 km / 70 mi southwest of Tayma and ~300 km / 190 mi north of Medina) as well as the holy for all Muslims cities Mecca (Makkah al-Mukarramah, approx 65 km/40 mi to the east) and Medina (Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, approx 360 km/220 mi to the north).

The 1976-founded Jeddah Islamic Port handles most of Saudi Arabia's imports (65%), including over half of the containerized cargoes. The seaport occupies a total area 12 km2 (4,6 mi2) and currently has 62 operational berths (deepwater quays with max-draft 16 m/53 ft) and overall quay length 11,2 km (7 mi). Port Jeddah (locode SAJED) can handle most of the world's largest container carriers (ULCVs/Ultra-Large Container Vessels with max cargo capacity 20,000 TEU-containers).

In late-January 2019 was signed an MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) between RSGT-Red Sea Gateway Terminal (subsidiary of SISCO-Saudi Industrial Services) and Mawani (Saudi Ports Authority) for the development/expansion of Port Jeddah's northern part. By this SAR 2+ billion (~USD 535 M / ~EUR 440 M) project, the Port's annual container capacity was increased to 2,5 million TEUs.

The Port's dry-bulk cargoes (mainly grain and livestock) are handled by Bahri (1978-founded as National Shipping Company of Saudi Arabia), the country's principal carrier (transportation and logistics company). Jeddah's annual drybulk throughput capacity is over 0,5 million tons (516,375 tons in 2022).

Besides Jeddah, Saudi Arabia's other large port cities are Dammam , Yanbu , Jubail, Gizan, Ras Al-Mishab (serving Al Batin), Ras Al-Ghar, Ras Tanura (near Dammam), Dhuba and King Abdullah KAEC (newest). All seaports (9 total) are managed by Mawani (Saudi Ports Authority) and have combined annual traffic 15,000 ships, 13 million TEUs, 530+ million cargo tonnes, 214 platforms. Ship terminal operators include the companies Zamil Operations and Maintenance (King Fahad Dock/ship repairs), United National Marine Projects (passenger and ferry stations), GSCO Ltd (TEUs), MM Group (general goods, livestock, grains), Sianco & DP World Venture (TEUs), ATCO (general goods), Tasdeer (trading and export) and RSGT Ltd (TEUs).

Jeddah Waterfront (Jeddah Corniche/2017-inaugurated) is a Red Sea coastal tourism area spanning ~30 km (19 mi). Jeddah Waterfront has capacity to handle 120,000 people (3000 parking lots) and is lined up with parks, kids playgrounds, 3x large swimming beaches (fronted with crescent moon-shaped artificial islands), 25x huts, gardens, fountains, bathrooms, outdoor fitness areas, restaurants, hotels, retail shops, USB-charging stations, info kiosks, aquarium, floating marinas (yacht docks).

Jeddah City is in Saudi Arabia's Hijazi Tihama region (Makkah Province) and the country's commercial capital, with population ~4 million. Jeddah is also Saudi Arabia's second-largest city (after Riyadh / ~7,7 million) and the country's largest resort city. The city's economy is based on shipping (port), commercial fishing, seafood processing, trade, finances, tourism (including religious tourism/pilgrimage, luxury resort vacations, premium fashion brand shopping, traditional cuisine, museums, annually held international festivals - Red Sea Film Festival, Jeddah Book Fair).

Since 2014, Al-Balad (Old City) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city's largest mosque (King Saud Mosque, 1987-built) is in the Al-Sharafeyyah District and has dome height 42 m (138 ft) and minaret height 60 m (197 ft). Saudi Arabia's highest tower (National Commercial Bank-NCB Tower/1983-built) houses AlAhli Bank (country's largest) and has height 235 m (771 ft).

In late-January 2021, Saudi Arabia launched the new cruise company "Saudi Cruise" (Jeddah-homeported operations) with which was established the country's own ship travel sector generating estimated 50,000+ tourism industry jobs. Saudi Cruise is owned by Saudi Arabia's PIF (Public Investment Fund) and part of the "Vision 2030 Plan". The new brand operates Red Sea itineraries targeting mainly foreign tourists with top-luxury, culture-themed coastal voyages. All PIF-owned subsidiaries aim to contribute to Saudi Arabia's GDP (SAR 2.95 trillion in 2018, or ~USD 790 billion/~EUR 650 billion) via non-oil revenues - planned SAR 1,2 trillion (USD 320B / EUR 265B) by 2025-Q4.

In August 2020, Silversea 's ultra-luxury ship Silver Spirit (rebranded as "Red Sea Spirit") was seasonally chartered for leisure voyages in Saudi Arabia. The scheduled for 2 months (first departure on August 27, 2020) itineraries visited Makna/Magna (Tabuk Province), Yanbu al-Bahr (Madinah Province), Ras al-Abyadh (Madinah) and Neom (Tabuk). The 600-passenger superyacht offered 3- and 4-day roundtrips from King Abdullah Port for domestic tourists only.

In April 2021, MSC and Cruise Saudi (fully-owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund) announced a partnership for launching Red Sea cruises in 2021-2022 winter by homeporting in Jeddah the ship MSC Magnifica .

• A framework agreement in Riyadh was signed by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC's Executive Chairman) and Fawaz Farooqui (Cruise Saudi's Managing Director).
• MSC Magnifica was scheduled to operate 7-day Red Sea voyages (November 2021 through March 2022), that visit 3 Saudi ports - including weekly calls to Port Al-Wajh (gateway to the UNESCO site Hegra in Al-Ula).
• In addition to Magnifica's Red Sea sailings, MSC Virtuosa had scheduled an Arabian Gulf 2021 winter season (December 2021 through March 2022) with visits to Prot Dammam and the Al-Ahsa Oasis.
• With the two MSC boats, Cruise Saudi expected ~170,000 tourists during the winter 2021-2022 season.
• MSC's Saudi Arabia voyages were also offered as fly-cruise deals with fares inclusive of direct flights between Europe and Jeddah via Saudia (fka Saudi Arabian Airlines). As part of the agreement, Saudia's flight schedules were modified to fit the two MSC liners' homeport times (departure and arrival).

On July 29, 2021, MSC and Cruise Saudi signed a 5-year agreement (thru 2026) for preferential berthing rights at Port Jeddah. The signing event was held onboard MSC Bellissima (docked in Jeddah). The deal was signed by Pierfrancesco Vago (MSC's Executive Chairman) and Fawaz Farooqui (Cruise Saudi's Managing Director). The ceremony was attended by local dignitaries, Saudi Tourism Authority and Saudi Ports Authority officials, Saudi media and travel representatives. Bellissima had scheduled 21x roundtrips from Jeddah (August-October 2021) with 3-4-night voyages visiting Safaga-Luxor (Egypt) or Aqaba-Petra (Jordan).

Next table shows the 7-night/8-day itinerary (Jeddah roundtrip) as call ports and times.

Prices started from ~USD 1130 (EUR 950 / GBP 816) per person with double occupancy.

The ultra-luxury brand Scenic Cruises signed with Saudi Arabia a seasonal charter deal for the Scenic Eclipse superyacht to do a series of Red Sea itineraries (July 17 through December 9, 2021). The voyages (for Saudis only) were roundtrips from homeport Jeddah and visiting Yanbu (beach destination with watersports activities, including Iona ship's wreck / a British merchant steamer/1915-sunk which can be explored by the ship's submarine, as well as via snorkeling and scuba-diving), also Aqaba-Petra Jordan and Egypt's Port Ghalib Marina (in close proximity to Luxor ).

Jeddah cruise terminal

In late-July 2022, JCDC-Jeddah Central Development Company (wholly owned by Saudi Arabia's PIF-Public Investment Fund) signed an initial agreement with Cruise Saudi (also PIF-owned) to design the new Jeddah International Cruise Terminal & Marina. 

When completed, the new luxury cruise terminal will establish Jeddah as one of the major cruiseship and superyacht destinations in the Red Sea region.

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Jeddah - user reviews and comments

THE 10 BEST Jeddah Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in jeddah.

• Scuba & Snorkeling
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Desert Sea Divers

2. Dive Point Jeddah

3. Al-Haddad Scuba

4. Fins & Flash

5. My Saudi Tours

6. Gulf Divers Group

7. Jeddah Tec Diver

8. Orca Divers SA

9. Dive with Imed

10. Hope Of Spring Dive

11. 17Sixty

12. Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah

13. Season Tours سيزن للرحلات

14. MaxDeep Dive Center

15. TripeP Tours

17. La Pelage

19. Jeddah Kitesurfing School Super Kite Day

20. Upgrade

21. seasafari

22. Wated Boat trips

23. Formula Travel

24. Peninsula Caravans Tour Operator

25. Descent DiveClub

26. Bassam Mousa Alnajar

27. DESCENT Dive Club

28. jeddah tour.

29. YOLO JEDDAH

30. Method5 on board

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Saudi Arabia

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Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

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Jeddah is both steeped in ancient history and viewed as the modern, economic capital of Saudi Arabia. It's Red Sea location serves as a major trading port for the Middle East region as well as the global link to the Muslim holy cities of Mecca and Media. Jedda is also a renowned resort town - the famed Waterfront is lined with hotels, sculptures, restaurants and more.

Jeddah Cruise Image Gallery

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Explore Jeddah on your Cruise to Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea

Cruises from / to Jeddah in 2024

EXCURSIONS & ACTIVITIES

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CULTURE AND HISTORY

NATURAL WONDERS

SOMETHING SPECIAL

SCENIC ROUTE

EXCURSIONS PACKAGE

Sort by duration

• Category: CITY TOUR
• Duration: 4 hour(s)
• Code: JED01
• See details
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• Category: CULTURE AND HISTORY
• Code: JED01E

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How to cruise to Saudi Arabia and what to expect

Saudi Arabia is home to unique historical sites, the famous Red Sea and sunny beaches, but what’s it like to cruise there?

Saudi Arabia may not be the first country on your cruise bucket list to spring to mind but there are actually many reasons why cruising to this Middle Eastern country could be just the vacation you’re after.

Currently, MSC Cruises is the only mainstream cruise line to have a homeport in Saudi Arabia.

The company began operating out of Jeddah back in November 2021, two years after Saudi Arabia opened applications for online tourist visas to citizens of 49 countries and relaxed its stringent dress code for foreign women.

MSC Bellissima was the largest cruise ship ever to visit the country last November while MSC Magnifica home-ported in Jeddah between the same month and March 2022. Emerald Cruises also operated two Red Sea yacht cruises earlier this year and other cruise lines are offering future Saudi Arabia cruise vacations

This is everything you need to know about cruising Saudi Arabia and what to do in the Middle Eastern region.

Do cruise ships go to Saudi Arabia?

Yes, vacationmakers can cruise to Saudi Arabia with mainstream lines as well as smaller local companies, for instance, the Red Sea Cruise Company.

Azamara Cruises has a 2024 cruise to Saudi Arabia available to book while Ponant is offering cruises for winter 2023.

As for this year, MSC Cruises is selling Saudi Arabia & Red Sea sailings throughout winter 2022 onboard MSC Splendida.

Which MSC cruise ship is in Saudi Arabia?

Cruise lines tend to operate cruises to Saudi Arabia outside of the boiling summer months. Daytime temperatures in the shade exceed 38°C from June to August while temperatures in the desert often rise as high as 55°C.

MSC Splendida is next sailing from Jeddah in November and into December when the weather is cooler. Average temperatures during the winter are closer to a comfortable 20°C.

The ship is currently in the western Mediterranean at the time of writing while MSC Magnifica, which was previously home-ported in Jeddah, is sailing Norway . As for where is MSC Bellisima now, the vessel is also cruising the Mediterranean .

Saudi Arabia cruises

Jeddah is the homeport for MSC Saudi Arabia cruises but the line also visits two other ports in the country – the ultra-modern King Abdullah Economic City and Yanbu al Bahr which dates back 2,500 years.

Jeddah cruises

The next MSC cruise to depart Jeddah is November 26 followed by sailings throughout December.

The voyage visits Yanbu al Bahr and Al Wajh in Saudi Arabia before sailing to Jordan and Egypt en route back to Jeddah.

What to do on a cruise to Jeddah

Highlights in Jeddah include the floating Al Rahma Mosque, King Fahad’s Fountain (the world’s tallest fountain and spectacular when illuminated at night) and Jeddah Tower, due to become the world’s first 1km-high building.

Head to the Fakieh Aquarium for more than 200 species of marine life, 85 percent of which are native to Jeddah’s undisturbed coral reefs; visit the Tayebat Museum for insight into Jeddah’s history and culture or head to Al Shallal Park for exhilarating rollercoasters. Other activities around the city include fishing and horse riding.

The old town of Jeddah – Al Balad – dates back to the 7th century and houses an ancient souk and stunning buildings.

Cruise lines operate a variety of shore excursions to take in these hotspots and others outside the city. One must-see is the UNESCO site of Hegra which was previously hidden for centuries in the desert.

Often compared to Petra in Jordan, this isolated city is still being excavated. A hundred monuments are to be admired here, with some fantastically decorated tombs. Look out of the tomb of Lihyan, son of Kuza, 72-feet in height, also known as the Alfareed Tomb, as well as Elephant Rock.

Another excursion takes travelers to Ta’if, the City of Roses, the kingdom’s unofficial summer capital. You’ll learn all about the famous roses (more than 900 rose farms produce more than 300 million flowers every spring), visit the Ta’if Souq (the largest and one of the oldest in the country) and check out the Al Shareef Museum, home to a vast collection of artefacts, furniture and paintings.

Saudi Arabia & Red Sea with MSC Cruises

Duration: 7 nights

Where: Jeddah | Yanbu al Bahr | Al Wajh | Aqaba (Petra) | Safaga (Egypt) | Jeddah

Ship: MSC Splendida

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Ahoy there!

EXPLORE SAUDI'S  UNDISCOVERED WONDERS ABOUT

A NEW WORLDCLASS DESTINATION

Cruise Saudi welcomes cruise lines from around the globe to include Saudi as a port of call on their itineraries and add exciting new destinations across Saudi that boast rich cultural heritage, history, and natural wonders. Saudi is home to six UNESCO World Heritage Sites which have rarely or never been seen by international tourists, and none of which have ever been featured on cruise itineraries before – three of these are now accessible by sea: AlAhsa Oasis, Hegra Archaeological site in AlUla, and Historic Jeddah, the Gate to Makkah. There are multiple destinations available and different shore excursions that cater to all sorts of activities and interests for visitors, from culture and heritage to entertainment, adventure, and nature, all to ensure tourists have the complete and authentic Saudi experience.  The country is also home to many undiscovered treasures, from culinary encounters to unique immersive experiences in nature, including the beautiful Red Sea coral reefs – which can be seen by snorkeling or diving – as well as vibrant modern cities and colorful traditional souqs.Saudi has something unique to offer to every one of its guests.

OUR BUSINESS

Cruise Saudi is a 100% Public Investment Fund-owned business based in Jeddah, that was officially launched in 2021 to develop the infrastructure and services required to scale a full-suite cruise market in Saudi

The company is responsible for the development and operation of cruise berths and terminals as cruise gateways to key Saudi destinations, as well as scaling cruise services, from marketing to Shorex design and coordination and ship operations. Cruise Saudi works hand in hand with ministries and regulatory authorities to build the offshore and onshore cruise ecosystem, with the aim of positioning Saudi as a premier global cruise destination. Cruise Saudi has completed three successful seasons thus far; welcoming 300,000+ passengers and seven major international cruise lines; and in the future, aims to attract more cruise lines and 1.3 million cruise passengers to experience Saudi via sea by 2035.

OUR Mission

To Support in the diversification of the Saudi economy and growth of the tourism sector, by becoming the bridge between land and sea, showcasing Saudi culture, heritage and natural wonders via partnerships with global cruise operators while providing best-in-class services, while focusing on innovation and sustainability.

Become a world class cruise port and cruise line operator driving the development of destination experiences to build a thriving cruise sector in Saudi.

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Executive Management

Cruises To Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Jeddah Visiting Cruises Calendar

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Saudi Arabia and MSC celebrate opening of Jeddah Cruise Terminal

Saudi Arabia has marked the opening of its first cruise terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, in partnership with MSC Cruises , which has just commenced its first cruise season in the Red Sea .

Jeddah Cruise Terminal is the first in Saudi Arabia, while MSC Cruises is the first cruise line to sail roundtrip from the country ahead of anticipated major growth in the Saudi cruise market.

MSC Bellissima at the Jeddah Cruise Terminal

RELATED:  Saudi Arabia anticipates rapid cruise growth, targets 1.5 million passengers

RELATED:  MSC announces COVID-19 travel insurance for Red Sea cruises out of Saudi

The cruise terminal has been developed by Saudi Ports authority ‘Mawani’ and the Saudi Cruise Company(Cruise Saudi), which was established six months ago to grow Saudi Arabia’s cruise tourism sector.

MSC Bellissima will be the first cruise ship to use Jeddah Cruise Terminal as she commences her Red Sea cruise season, sailing 7-night cruises roundtrip from Jeddah to Aqaba in Jordan, Safaga in Egypt and several Saudi Arabian ports.

The Saudi Arabian ports are Al Wajh and Yanbu, both of which are home to a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites of ancient cultural and historical importance.

“The inauguration of the first cruise ship station represents an important step that contributes to the promotion and development of tourism trips on the Red Sea coast, and supports the growth of the tourism sector in the Kingdom,” said Fawaz Farooqi, Managing Director of Cruise Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is looking to turn its Red Sea coast into a cruise tourism hotspot

RELATED:  MSC Cruises releases full itineraries for MSC Magnifica season in Saudi Arabia

RELATED:  MSC Cruises aims for half of Red Sea cruise passengers to be Saudi Arabian

“We’re targeting creating 50,000 job opportunities by 2025, increasing cruise ships, inaugurating additional ports beside Jeddah Islamic Port, and reaching 1.5 million visitors annually by 2028,” he added.

The General Authority of Ports President Omar Hariri added that choosing Jeddah Islamic Port to be the first cruise port in the country was a reflection of its strategic location midway down the Red Sea coast of the country.

He also said that the authority had put in place extensive plans to develop cruise infrastructure at the port.

“We worked with our partners to develop infrastructure, marine, and logistical services in Jeddah Islamic Port, by inaugurating a passenger terminal for cruise ships after developing it to accommodate more than 2,500 passengers,” Hariri said.

Saudi Arabia’s opening up to cruise tourism, and ambitious plans to expand its cruise sector beyond the cruises announced by MSC Cruises, will provide significant benefits to the Middle East cruise sector.

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Categories: Middle East Cruise News , News

Tagged as: Jeddah , Jeddah Cruise Terminal , MSC Cruises

Published by Shaun Ebelthite

Founder and editor of Cruise Arabia & Africa. I try to create the best news and information specifically for cruise passengers taking cruises to and from Dubai (where I live) and South Africa (where I was born). You can contact me at shaun(at)cruisearabiaonline.com. View all posts by Shaun Ebelthite

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This cruise sets off from Jeddah and explores the best of the Red Sea

The MSC Bellissima cruise is making Jeddah its homeport through winter – here’s how you can set sail…

One of the largest and most iconic cruise ships in the world, the MSC Bellissima has made Jeddah its new homeport for the summer and has been cruising across the Red Sea as part of its exciting travel itinerary.

Following a hugely successful cruise season, the Geneva-based MSC Cruises has now confirmed that the MSC Bellissima cruise is going to extend its stay in Jeddah for the winter 2021-2022 season.

A first of its kind for the Red Sea

MSC Bellissima began sailing three and four-night cruises from Jeddah to Egypt and Jordan this summer, making it the first time a cruise of this calibre came to the Red Sea. The cruise ship can accommodate 2,500 guests across 19 floors and offers a range entertainment – from concerts and stand-up comedy shows to sports and activities, all now available for Saudi residents to enjoy.

The new cruise route

The cruise’s winter 2021/22 weeklong itinerary is slightly different from the summer session but still includes ports of call to Egypt, Jordan, and across Saudi Arabia.

Starting October 30, MSC Bellissima’s cruises set sail from Jeddah sailing to Ras Al Abyad – which is home to some of the pristine white-sand beaches of Saudi Arabia – as well as Al Wajh and Yanbu. Al Wajh is the gateway to Al Ula, the most popular tourism destination in Saudi Arabia currently, and Yanbu is Saudi Arabia’s diving capital because of its dreamy coral reef views.

The cruise will also include stops at Safaga and Aqaba.

How to book

There are currently three itineraries available to choose from but if the summer session is any indicator on how quickly spots are filled, you will want to make a booking as soon as possible.

The winter session will end in March 2022, and MSC Bellissima will reposition to Japan.

Prices start at approximately SAR 450 per nigh t for a four-nights cruise. More details about the different packages are available here .

A world of experiences awaits you on our Remarkably Arabian waves

Explore our destinations, sharm el sheikh.

Your renewed appointment among the pristine beaches and reserves in the heart of the turquoise Sinai desert, where the Arabian atmosphere, oriental arts, and the joy of barbecue with the sounds of the night.

The cradle of civilizations and the sounds of religions. It is an integrated world that embraces the Red Sea and tells tales of development and prosperity through the ages.

Mermaid of the sea and city of warmth. It welcomes you with love among its old buildings, lively streets and diverse cultures. Recognized by UNESCO, it's a tour that captivates you between its ancient past and its rich present.

Blossom Spa

Indulgence and exceptional services

Enjoy the comfort and purity of beauty at Blossom Spa, where the finest unique beauty products and global competencies we have dedicated to your comfort.

Khuzama Experience

A unique atmosphere to create your memories

Enjoy luxury in the Khuzama VIP area, to find an outlet that creates the most beautiful memories with authentic Arabian features.

Culinary Experience

An exceptional experience that inspires your senses

A world of authentic flavors awaits you, where authentic flavors intermingle with international quality and Arabian features.

AROYA Theatre

Our live shows await you for a pleasure that waves your imagination

Enjoy a range of our live shows that have been scheduled periodically, to provide you with a variety of fun opportunities to suit different tastes.

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Itinerary: Heraklion, Limassol, Hurghada, Safaga, Jeddah, Salalah, Muscat, Fujairah, Ra's al-Chaima, Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Khasab, Mumbai, Mormugao, Kochi, Colombo, Trincomalee, Langkawi, Penang, Port Klang, Singapore, Semarang, Muara, Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Ternate, Bandanaira, Port Moresby, Cairns, Nouméa, Île des Pins, Mystery Island, Suva, Savu Savu, Apia, Pago Pago, Aitutaki, Vaitape, Papeete, Moorea, Mangareva, Bounty Bay, Ducie Atoll, Hangaroa, Robinson Crusoe Island, Valparaiso, Puerto Montt, Castro, Puerto Natales, Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, George Island, Port Stanley, Puerto Madryn, Mar del Plata, Montevideo, Punta del Este, Porto Alegre, Itajai, Paranaguá, Santos, Ilha Grande, Parati, Rio de Janeiro, Armação dos Búzios, Vitoria, Ilhéus, Salvador de Bahia, Recife, Natal, Fortaleza, Praia, Mindelo, Sta. Cruz

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Intrepid Launches Women-Led Tours In Saudi Arabia

Jesse Chase-Lubitz , Skift

April 4th, 2024 at 12:50 PM EDT

Intrepid’s new women-led tours in Saudi Arabia are about “focusing on the hosts, not just the travelers.”

Jesse Chase-Lubitz

Intrepid Travel has announced a women’s-only tour in Saudi Arabia — led by women, for women. 

The tour represents an effort to sidestep the luxury-focused travel industry in the country while giving travelers a more authentic experience and supporting the booming female labor force.

The launch follows several years of progress for Saudi women, who gained the right to drive in 2018 and to be tour guides in 2019. As the country seeks to become a leading travel destination, the percentage of women who make up the tourism workforce has skyrocketed to 45%.

“This shift had one positive effect, which is that it gave more rights to women,” said Zina Bencheikh, the managing director of EMEA for Intrepid Travel. “[This tour] effectively means that we can speak to women and we can meet women who own businesses, women guides, women who run restaurants.”

The 12-day adventure will bring travelers to female-owned establishments. “I think the beauty of traveling this way is to focus on the hosts, not just the travelers,” said Bencheikh.

Going Local, Not Luxury

The tour involves a family-owned citrus farm, rock formations, and giant tombs. Travelers will visit the holy site Medina, take a tour of Al-Balad in Jeddah with Saudi’s first female guide, and go on a cruise in the Red Sea.

Intrepid partnered with a local agent, Sara Omar, to design the trip. Omar has previously focused on planning trips for Saudi women to experience other parts of the world. Now, she’s helping Intrepid bring the world to Saudi women. 

“A lot of people think Saudi women are unable to do anything, that we’re not educated, that we don’t work. Meeting the locals is the best way to understand what the lifestyle is really like,” Omar said, according to Intrepid’s press release. 

The tour also taps into something that has been difficult for tour operators to breach in Saudi Arabia – local engagement. While the country has marketed themselves as a luxury destination, many travelers want a more authentic experience.

“I think the country has positioned their tourism in one part of the travel industry, which is that kind of more mainstream luxurious experience,” said Bencheikh. “But in my opinion, they are kind of missing the point. In all the reports we see that what people want is interaction with the local people.”

The Saudi tour is the latest in a series of women-led tours. Others include tours to India, Nepal, Morocco, Jordan and Pakistan, all of which have grown in popularity since their inception. 

These tours align with the travel experiences trends Intrepid is seeing, which show that female travelers above 50 are increasingly looking for solo meaningful experiences in lesser visited countries. 

Intrepid’s women-led trekking tour in Morocco launched in 2018 and now has 20 departures per year. “If you think about the economic impact for those women,” said Bencheikh. “Some of them never worked before and now they have a job that is paid for by doing something they enjoy.”

Bencheikh said that Intrepid is scoping for locations for new tours, and may have its eyes on Asia next. 

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Tags: intrepid travel , saudi arabia , Travel Experiences , women travelers

Photo credit: Sara Omar has helped Intrepid Travel design the women-led trip through Saudi Arabia Intrepid Travel

PRESSR: Cruise Saudi’s AROYA Cruises appoints VIKAND as healthcare partner for first cruise ship

The 100% PIF-owned company Cruise Saudi has announced that it has appointed VIKAND, the global leader in maritime healthcare, to provide a comprehensive and full-scale medical management solution for AROYA Cruises, the first cruise line to be designed with Arabian preferences at its heart.

The engagement spans from pre-launch support services, biomedical device specification and procurement as well as formulary supply, to ongoing maritime healthcare support through VIKAND’s all-inclusive, proactive medical management services.

AROYA Cruises will provide guests with authentic Arabian experiences that celebrate Saudi’s rich cultural heritage and signature hospitality, while ensuring consistent high safety and quality standards supported by VIKAND. The ship is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to tailor all amenities to the highest standard in line with the taste of Arabian passengers. With 19 decks and 1,682 elegant cabins, this grand ship will redefine Arabian holidays and will set sail from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2024.

The partnership agreement was formalized with a signing ceremony, during which Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with VIKAND. Our clients expect a premium service, and we were impressed with their experience in delivering proactive health and wellness to guests and crew. It is important that our AROYA Cruises guests feel safe and can turn to trusted medical professionals should they feel unwell during a voyage.”

VIKAND medical management is an all-inclusive, proactive and modular approach to onboard health and wellness inspired by the company’s deeply held values. It begins with a pre-launch analysis of biomedical equipment and onboard facilities to ensure the vessel meets all flag state and American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) requirements. 

VIKAND has deep experience in launching vessels, bringing clarity and control to the process of taking ownership of a cruise ship and preparing it for service. This support extends to the entire onboard healthcare operation, including global medical staffing and integrated supply chain solutions for all formulary and medical supplies. VIKAND provides AROYA Cruises with its full expertise at every step, from launch to operation.

“I am delighted that AROYA Cruises have entrusted VIKAND to help launch their first cruise ship and provide ongoing support for its medical needs,” said Peter Hult, CEO of VIKAND. “We understand that each ship is a delicate ecosystem, and our services integrate seamlessly to protect guests and crew against medical risks, helping to keep everyone onboard safe and healthy. We wish this new venture well and hope to nurture a long-term partnership with AROYA Cruises.”

Phil Page, Elaborate Communications, [email protected] (Commercial, Cruise and Energy)

About VIKAND

VIKAND provides proactive total healthcare solutions for the shipping, cruise, yachting and offshore industries. Crew members and guests alike trust VIKAND to provide expert medical care, telemedicine, risk mitigation, and other valuable health services, and the world’s leading maritime companies rely on us to protect their most important asset at sea – people. 

As a truly integrated partner, VIKAND brings 24/7 hands-on support and best-in-class solutions to each corner of the globe. Our caring and committed teams manage more than 4,100 daily medical encounters across 220 vessels, and each year we support the physical and mental wellness of hundreds of thousands of passengers and crew. 

www.vikand.com  

About AROYA Cruises

AROYA Cruises was first launched in June 2023 as a separate business unit of Cruise Saudi; a 100 percent Public Investment Fund owned business. The premium Cruise Line runs as a separate business unit with an independent operational and management team based in Jeddah. Launched in line with Vision 2023 and Saudi Arabia’s plan to become one of the top global tourism destinations by 2030, AROYA Cruises aims to provide exceptional all-year-round experiences tailored to Saudi and GCC nationals and residents.

www.aroya.com

About Cruise Saudi

Cruise Saudi, a 100% Public Investment Fund-owned business, is a strategic facilitator and a trusted partner to international and local entities, which oversees the development of services and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art cruise terminals, training of ground services, and creation of shore excursions, that will transform the country’s coastlines into a premier global cruise destination. With cruise port facilities in Jeddah, Yanbu and Dammam, Cruise Saudi welcomes cruise lines from around the globe to include Saudi as a port of call on their itineraries and add exciting new destinations that reveal Saudi’s rich cultural heritage, history, and natural wonders.  Operating within the wider context of Saudi’s Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, Cruise Saudi plans to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035 and support the country’s wider tourism industry.

www.cruisesaudi.com

For more information on Cruise Saudi and AROYA Cruises please contact: [email protected]

© Press Release 2024

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