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 …
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