Category Archives: Cruises

Summer cruises are often popular in the Middle Eastern region, this year especially after almost two and half years, travellers have once again picked up their confidence and started to not just travel, but to add cruises in their bucket lists.  According to Nasir Jamal Khan – CEO – Al Naboodah Travel there is an increase in terms of cruise bookings this summer and Europe has become the top most or popular destination for GCC travelers. Khan shared, “there is an increase in Cruise bookings, travelers are eager to visit Europe during summer. Predicted rise in travel is recorded despite a 57 per cent rise in the average cost of flights in the region due to rising fuel costs and an increased demand for travel. Tourist from UAE are expected to spend more time than usual at the destination. As experts say there is pent-up demand among travelers keen to make up for lost time due to two years of Covid-19 travel restrictions.” As traveller appetite has increased, they are also looking at visa free or easy visa destinations. Khan reiterates, “destinations with visa free entry and short haul, with economical flight cost along with COVID free regulations seem to be some of the preferences. Travellers are looking for flexibility to change and packages with value for money. Switzerland, Ireland, Georgia, Egypt, Turkey, Germany, France, Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Spain, U.S.A., Thailand and Indonesia are few names of the destinations which are more in demand and corporates as well as individual leisure travellers are inquiring at present.” He further mentioned, “Travelers are eager to resume large bucket trips with their friends and family after a two-year pause caused by the …

It was announced that there is a new Saudi Arabia eVisa for cruise passengers. The e-maritime visa is for travelers joining a cruise in Saudi Arabia or arriving at one of its ports onboard a cruise ship. The new eVisa is specifically for cruise tourists. The visa is for passengers: Flying into Saudi Arabia to join a cruise ship, Arriving at a Saudi Arabian port by cruise ship, The new visa has been introduced to facilitate visa processes for cruise passengers. It is now easier for foreigners to fly into the country to join a cruise ship, or visit the country as part of their cruise itinerary. The Saudi Arabia e-maritime visa is a type of transit visa. It cannot be used for extended stays in the country. For longer vacations, foreigners should apply for a tourist eVisa for Saudi Arabia. The tourist visa for Saudi Arabia is for multiple entries of up to 90 days each. The Saudi Arabia tourist eVisa application is also online. Travelers complete the form electronically and receive the approved visa by email. To get an e-maritime visa for Saudi Arabia, applicants must already have purchased a cruise ticket. This visa is only available to people who can prove they will take a cruise to or from Saudi Arabia. They will also require a valid passport. All cruise eVisa applications must be made through the online system. The information provided by applicants is checked in cooperation with the Saudi Cruise Company. To apply for the Saudi Arabia cruise eVisa, eligible travelers must complete the online form, pay the visa fees, and submit the request. Applicants need to provide basic personal and passport details, and information …

Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority (RAKTDA), in partnership with RAK Ports, announces the appointment of Zaiton Consultancy to support the Emirate’s cruise tourism. Experts in developing and promoting cruise services, Dubai-headquartered Zaiton Consultancy will be responsible for developing and marketing Ras Al Khaimah’s burgeoning cruise sector.  The announcement comes as the global industry gathers at the Seatrade Cruise Global event in Miami until April 28, where Zaiton Consultancy is participating as Ras Al Khaimah Tourism Development Authority’s representative. One of the fastest growing sectors in tourism, cruising saw an annual passenger growth rate of 5.4% from 2009 to 2019, with services now close to pre-pandemic levels owing to immediate action and thoughtful planning. In recognition of the importance of cruise tourism, the Authority and RAK Ports have worked together on a number of projects to further develop the Emirate’s offering. This includes the transformation of its old ferry terminal into a modern and efficient boutique cruise passenger terminal and the development of marine transport infrastructure around it. The Authority has also invested in designing bespoke visitor itineraries for arrivals to attract a larger segment of leisure cruise passengers and welcome new audiences from across the world to the destination. Considered as one of the most diverse and fastest growing destinations in the region, a key part of the Authority’s strategy to attract three million visitors a year by 2030 is to ensure accessibility via all means of transport, including luxury cruise ships. These passengers will be welcomed to the Emirate via the dedicated terminal, which is able to accommodate multiple cruise ships of up to 214m in length docking simultaneously. To ensure a continuation of the service levels luxury …

Cruise Saudi’s six-month long Winter Season 2021/22 which began in November last year came to successful close last week. About a third of the 30,000+ passengers sailing in the Winter Season were international guests, representing more than 80 nationalities aboard. The Winter Season itinerary saw the region come together to develop three, four, or seven night itineraries including ports of call in Jordan as well as around the Saudi coastline for the first time. Two of Saudi’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites were also available to visit as part of 14 different tour programs available, Hegra in AlUla and Historic Jeddah, the Gateway to Makkah. Cruise Saudi has activated a total of three cruise ports – in Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City and Yanbu – and ensured they are equipped with the necessary infrastructure and facilities to welcome cruise lines and passengers. A fourth port in Dammam on the Arabian Gulf is ready to receive cruise ships soon. Cruise ships from four international cruise lines – MSC Cruises, Scenic Group, Viking and Silversea – were welcomed and conducted more than 70 safety and security incident free sailings in total around Saudi waters, with above average NPS scores. This included both MSC Bellissima and Scenic Eclipse home porting in Jeddah throughout the Summer and Winter Seasons. Cruise Saudi CEO, Lars Clasen, commented on the milestone saying: “The successes achieved in such a short span of time, from developing the necessary infrastructure for the cruise industry to partnering with government entities and international cruise lines and welcoming passengers from all across the world, have left us humbled. Cruise Saudi’s aim is to catalyze the development of the local cruise industry by promoting …

Cruise Saudi welcomed MSC Cruises’ flagship MSC Virtuosa making it the line’s second vessel to visit Jeddah Islamic Port. The newly launched cruise ship, part of the world’s third largest cruise line, spent around 17 hours at the port before continuing its voyage along the Red Sea. MSC Virtuosa joined MSC Bellissima at Saudi’s largest and busiest port, where the latter ship has been homeporting throughout the 2021/2022 Summer and Winter Seasons. The visits are part of Cruise Saudi’s efforts to build a fully integrated, world-class cruise industry in the country, elevating tourism in line with Vision 2030 – the Saudi leadership’s transformation plan to diversify the economy. MSC Virtuosa entered into service in May 2021 and is one of the two largest ships in MSC Cruises’ fleet. It features the longest LED dome and largest shopping area at sea. Featuring the very latest in environmental technology, MSC Virtuosa is a modern and innovative ship with an incredible choice of onboard features including 11 boutiques, five swimming pools and a waterpark on board. Commenting on MSC Virtuosa’s visit, Lars Clasen, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Saudi, said: “We are proud to host the flagship of one of the world’s most established and popular cruise lines. MSC Virtuosa’s visit highlights Saudi as an exciting cruise destination for international cruise lines and travelers. At Cruise Saudi, we look forward to welcoming more guests and operators to experience the glistening waters of the Red Sea as the tourism industry gathers pace. “By supporting Saudi’s tourism industry, we are not only enabling the world to experience Saudi’s pristine islands and beaches as well as unique culture, heritage and hospitality – but we are also …

Dedicated on sports and wellness this special cruise line is slated to kick off by mid 2023. This gives you a rare opportunity not just to book a cruise but also to own it. One can travel the world in your own spectacular ocean-going residence on a luxury vessel designed exclusively for active, wellness-focused adults. Whether you are a passenger or pampered resident, you’ll be able to take advantage of features and amenities that simply don’t exist on any other ship in the cruise industry. “Wellness is not an afterthought to us, it’s in our DNA” says Gene Meehan, Blue World Co-founder and chairman. “Now more than ever, people recognize that they need to take ownership of their health. Blue World Voyages is setting the precedent. Our attention to sports and wellness is the core of the overall travel experience – and not just options or add-ons. It is embedded in the design of the ship, the onboard programs, dining options, shore-side programs, even the itineraries. We offer the opportunity for everyone onboard to shape their life and take control of their overall wellbeing, creating healthy habits and supporting longevity.” On the sports deck, you’ll find the largest athletic and fitness conditioning facility at sea, a fully equipped functional training gym, several private studios for spinning, yoga & meditation, TRX training, plus a full assortment of cardio equipment, swimmers treadmill, golf training facility including multi-sport simulators, bike fitting station and comprehensive physical therapy lab. Add to that a first-in-the-industry sea water lap pool and marina deck, plus an impressive array of professional-style water sports equipment. Blue World also features two entire decks dedicated to spa amenities and boasts the largest …

Cruise Saudi welcomed Viking Star from Viking to Saudi for its inaugural visit on 30 March. The ship called at Jeddah Islamic Port where a plaque and key exchange ceremony took place before traveling on to call at Yanbu Port. The visit from Viking Star marks the fifth ship to sail Saudi waters as part of Cruise Saudi’s mandate to build a world-class cruise industry in the country, opening up a new gateway for tourism in line with Vision 2030, Saudi’s transformation blueprint. Viking Star is one of Viking’s award-winning ocean ships. Relatively small in size, with a capacity of 930 guests, the ship is able to dock where other larger ships cannot and provide a smooth embarkation and debarkation process. The interior and facilities on the cruise ship are in line with Viking’s Nordic theme – the award-winning spa has been designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind. The Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s gourmet deli are thoughtful spaces located at the bow of the ship and designed to represent the Scandinavian spirit for complete relaxation and for marveling at sweeping views through double-height windows. Commenting on the Viking Star visit, Cruise Saudi’s Chief Executive Officer, Lars Clasen said: “Viking Star’s visit is an important milestone for Cruise Saudi in welcoming a new cruise line to Saudi. We are proud to have hosted ships from some of the biggest and most renowned international cruise lines including Viking. We are excited to offer tourists a new and exciting opportunity to discover all that Saudi has to offer from pristine islands and beaches of the Red Sea to unique culture and heritage – all underpinned by the quintessential Saudi …

Cruise Saudi has welcomed another Silversea cruise ship, named Silver Whisper, to sail Saudi waters. A plaque and key exchange ceremony was held at both Jeddah Islamic Port and Yanbu Port last week to welcome the ship. This is the second ship from Silversea to sail in Saudi after Silver Spirit took part in a trial summer season in 2020; making it one of just a few ships to sail during the pandemic. Silver Whisper, an ultra-luxury cruise ship, will be the fourth ship to sail the Saudi waters around the Red Sea as part of its World Cruise 2022, Tale of Tales. Over 138-days, the ship will visit 69 destinations in 32 countries. Throughout the World Cruise, Silversea will welcome celebrated creatives – Tale Tellers – aboard Silver Whisper—each of whom will unique insights on a variety of topics and will contribute a chapter to the Tale of Tales anthology, which will be gifted to guests as a keepsake upon the journey’s conclusion. The cruise ship has been designed for luxury-seekers and offers spacious, ocean-view suites that include butler services, and most with private verandas. Silver Whisper also includes a shipboard boutique with collections from top designers, world-class cuisine served in four restaurants, multi-tiered show lounge, swimming pool and pool deck, beauty salon, wellness spa, fitness center, library and other venues. Lars Clasen, Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Saudi, commented: “We are pleased to welcome another exciting cruise ship, Silver Whisper to sail across Saudi’s pristine and crystalline waters. We look forward to offering tourists – specifically those who seek extravagance – truly memorable experiences whilst showcasing the breathtaking beauty in Saudi.” “Cruise Saudi was launched with a clear …

Cruise Saudi is pleased to announce the appointment of Lars Clasen as the company’s Chief Executive Officer. He is a global industry expert with 30+ years of experience in the shipping and cruise industries across Asia, Europe and North America. Prior to joining Cruise Saudi, Clasen held several key roles across leading cruise companies; Managing Director at The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Co-founder and Managing Director of Dolce Cruise Management, CEO of A-ROSA River Cruises, President of AIDA Cruises, and is also the founder and owner of Lars Clasen Cruise Consulting.  His deep experience in the world of cruising is ideally suited for Cruise Saudi as it pursues its development of the cruise sector in the Red Sea and elsewhere. Fawaz Farooqui, Managing Director of Cruise Saudi commented: “We are excited to announce that Lars Clasen has been appointed the new Chief Executive Officer of Cruise Saudi. Clasen brings three decades of experience in the global cruising industry, and we look forward to having him as a key member of the team.” Clasen on joining Cruise Saudi said: “As a cruise professional and enthusiast, I’ve been following the tremendous progress Cruise Saudi has made in such a short span of time; from setting up an entirely new industry and welcoming guests on cruise ships for the first time in Saudi Arabia, to garnering a great deal of attention globally as the newest player in the cruise industry. I am honored to be joining a diligent team of professionals and look forward to achieving more milestones together as Cruise Saudi embarks upon a new phase of development in opening not just one gateway, but several new gateways connecting the world to the …

The UAE will be the base next winter for the biggest and most environmentally high-performing passenger ship to sail in the Middle East, MSC World Europa. The vessel’s Swiss-based owner and operator MSC will also dedicate a second ship, MSC Opera, to the Gulf region for the 2022/23 sailing season as it aims to further strengthen its position as the region’s number one line for holidays at sea. The announcement was made by MSC Cruises’ CEO Gianni Onorato following the official opening this week by HH Sheikh Hamdan Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the ruler’s representative in the Al Dhafra region, of a new jetty for passenger ships at Sir Bani Yas Island. This development, according to MSC, will be greatly welcomed by cruise holidaymakers visiting the incredible island off the coast of Abu Dhabi. Mr Onorato hailed the cruise sector in the UAE as being an integral part of its dynamic tourism industry, paid tribute to the health and safety measures throughout the country and described MSC Cruises’ business outlook for next winter in the UAE and the Gulf as ‘very positive’ as a result. Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises, said, “The UAE is a very important market for us and next winter we are going to deploy our newest addition to our fleet – MSC World Europa – and further increase our capacity from this year with the introduction of a second ship, MSC Opera, in recognition of the region’s ever growing status in the cruise sector. “MSC World Europa will redefine the cruise experience with a variety of never-before-seen features unlike anything at sea today and the vessel will be an additional benefit to the UAE’s tourism industry. …