Category Archives: Cruises

Cruise Saudi has renewed its ongoing collaboration with Discover Saudi. Following a highly successful third season for Cruise Saudi, which included Discover Saudi providing unique and memorable shore excursions to over 5,200 cruise passengers in the Two Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah, this collaboration will continue to provide a seamless and unforgettable journey with the highest standards for regional and international visitors. With the shared vision to promote domestic tourism in Saudi and enrich the nation’s growth as an international cruising destination, Discover Saudi’s shore excursion packages will offer Cruise Saudi’s passengers an authentic Saudi experience, enabling visitors to explore The Two Holy Cities’ rich history, culture, heritage and nature. Lars Clasen, Chief Executive Officer at Cruise Saudi said: “As we approach season four, we are delighted to renew our partnership with Discover Saudi, so that we can continue to ensure our guests experience the very best of what Saudi has to offer. These extraordinary experiences, created in collaboration with partners such as Discover Saudi, are a crucial part of Cruise Saudi’s attractive offering to both cruise lines and travellers alike, it is also in line with our mandate to develop a comprehensive cruising ecosystem in Saudi and promote Saudi as a distinct global cruise destination.” Fahad Alobailan, Chief Tourism Officer at Almosafer, said: “We are excited to continue to build on our relationship with Cruise Saudi. Saudi has a plethora of incredible cultural, natural, historical and religious attractions that are drawing an increasing number of international tourists. As a leading integrated Destination Management Company, our local knowledge and passion for travel and tourism will provide an immersive and authentic experience for visitors and further fuel this upward growth …

Cruise Saudi welcomed SH Diana to Saudi Arabia as part of her Maiden Voyage with inaugural calls to Yanbu, Baridi Island and Jeddah. SH Diana anchored at sea, just off Baridi Island, offering a new expedition experience with pristine beaches and coral reefs. Continuing her journey along the Red Sea coast, the ship made a second maiden call in Saudi to Jeddah, where passengers explored the streets of Al Balad – a UNESCO World Heritage recognized Hijazi style historic district, with its traditional buildings and authentic shops and cafes. Lars Clasen, CEO at Cruise Saudi said, “We were honoured to welcome Swan Hellenic’s cruise ship, SH Diana to Saudi for the first time, in what was a milestone visit for Cruise Saudi. We are proud to be constantly expanding our programme of onshore experiences to provide such an authentic insight into Saudi culture for our guests.” Kai Ukkonen, Captain of SH Diana said, “It’s incredibly exciting to have incorporated this Maiden Voyage to Saudi and to offer this new destination to our passengers. Our goal is to always create unforgettable moments for our guests, so it was a top priority to work with Cruise Saudi on creating a collection of unique and curated adventures for a truly immersive experience.”

SITA is helping Costa Cruises mitigate costly trip disruptions by providing accurate real-time flight updates via a cloud-based application equipped with an intuitive user interface, the operations team can link each flight to the associated vessel and the relevant booking codes. Costa Cruises, part of the Carnival Group, offers Fly & Cruise packages encompassing both dedicated charter flights and scheduled flights. The flight updates provided by SITA Flight Monitoring Solution will empower Costa Cruises’ Operations Control Center (OCC) to handle the embarkation and disembarkation process for Fly & Cruise guests more efficiently, as well as improve planning for crew movements and allocations. In the event of a cancelled or delayed flight, this continuously refreshed set of data becomes crucial for promptly arranging guest transfers to the next port of call, minimizing associated costs, avoiding inefficiencies, and ensuring a first-class guest experience. Similarly, disembarking guests at the right moment enables them to continue enjoying their time onboard the ship while allowing Costa Cruises to optimize airport transfers. The application leverages SITA Flight Global APIs and offers direct integration with the airlines to benefit from real-time updates, even for charter flights. Massimo Callegari, Director Guest & Corporate Travel Service at Costa Cruises, said: “At Costa, it was imperative to find a supplier that could offer accurate and timely flight updates through a cloud-based solution featuring a user-friendly interface and direct integration with the charter airlines. Significant operational challenges are shared between cruise companies and airlines, and, with its strong footprint in the air transport industry, SITA clearly understands how they could help us enhance the management of our Fly & Cruise operations.” Sergio Colella, President for Europe at SITA, said: “The world …

The Royal Yacht Club of Ras Al Khaimah and Al Hamra has partnered with Dubai’s Sky Walker Yachts to offer the first charter experience of its kind in Ras Al Khaimah from mid-October. Sky Walker Yachts will enhance the maritime and tourist experience within Ras Al Khaimah with two vessels – one that accommodates large groups and corporate bookings, and the other, is more suited to smaller, intimate occasions. The experienced team at Sky Walker Yachts is ready to cater to a variety of desires, with multiple add-on options and packages. From those who are looking for some rest and relaxation alongside incredible dining experiences – to those who want a little more action with snorkelling gear and inflatables – the Sky Walker Yachts team is ready to assist. “We are all very excited to expand our services into Ras Al Khaimah. As a destination, it is becoming increasingly attractive for inbound tourists and residents alike through its development plans. As a yachting destination, it is simply perfect, with its crystal-clear waters, sheltered anchorages, and stunning landscapes,” said Simon Wickham, Managing Director of Sky Walker Yachts. “Our yachting experiences are designed to provide guests with the ultimate blend of comfort, excitement, and relaxation. Whether they are seeking a serene escape or an action-packed aquatic adventure, we have it all. Our vessels are modern with spacious designs and come in various sizes to accommodate small to large groups. Our crew are highly trained in hospitality offering guests a five-star experience complimented by delicious cuisine and water sport options if guests wish to add to the fun.” Simon concluded. “With the rapid growth and expansion of Al Hamra Village and Ras Al …

Cruise Saudi announced its investment in world-leading tech organisations for its pioneering owned cruise line AROYA Cruises, part of its visionary ambition to revolutionise the Saudi tourism industry and guide Saudi into the future, in line with Vision 2030. Cruise Saudi’s strategic partnerships for its phase I of technology stack development for Aroya Cruises including Monitor Deloitte, Alibaba Cloud SA, theICEway, SourceToad, Otalio, and Versonix Seaware form a crucial part of Cruise Saudi’s commitment to creating a seamless passenger experience, from booking to the boarding process, and beyond. The unrivalled expertise of the Information Technology and Digitisation team at Cruise Saudi to craft the technology stack, coupled with an insatiable drive for innovation and market disruption in cruise line technologies, underscores the project’s visionary approach. Meanwhile, the blend of both luxury and groundbreaking technology sets AROYA Cruises apart as a beacon of innovation, charting a fresh course for Arabian travel experiences. A global powerhouse in strategy and consultancy, Monitor Deloitte will be at the vanguard of project management, intricately weaving a data and digital strategy to ensure every technological decision is foresight driven. As a homegrown Saudi enterprise, Alibaba Cloud Saudi Arabia will be laying the digital foundation for AROYA Cruises, epitomising the zenith of security, reliability, and swift digital interactions. Meanwhile theICEway is tasked with amalgamating AROYA’s diverse technological realms into a seamless and cohesive digital ecosystem, ensuring a harmonious experience for every guest and crew member. Providing features for passengers, such as an interactive ship map, daily itineraries, and reservations for shore excursions, dining, and spa treatments, Sourcetoad’s guest-centric digital concierge is poised to be the central hub of onboard connectivity and engagement. Alongside this, Otalio’s Ship Property Management System …

MSC Cruises announced that in November it will open its first office in Saudi Arabia and also launch a brand-new itinerary from Jeddah as a further demonstration of its commitment to support the Kingdom’s plans for its tourism sector with Saudi Vision 2030. Details were unveiled in Riyadh by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of the MSC Group as he attended the United Nations World Tourism Organization’s (UNWTO’s) ‘World Tourism Day’ conference. The new office will be based in Jeddah and house the commercial, sales and marketing functions for both MSC Cruises and its sister company, Explora Journeys, a new luxury cruise brand that began operations in July this year.  MSC Cruises added that it will start its third season of Red Sea voyages from Jeddah in two months’ time with a new sailing itinerary for international and Saudi Arabia-based holidaymakers. The 294 metre long 16 deck MSC Orchestra can accommodate up to 2,550 passengers and will operate from Jeddah for six months and offer 20 separate 7-night sailings to Aqaba in Jordan to visit Petra and three destinations in Egypt – Sharm El-Sheikh, Sokhna Port for Cairo and Safaga for Luxor – before returning to the Saudi port. In 2024, Explora Journeys’ second ship EXPLORA II will sail in the Middle East in 2024 and visit Jeddah to enable its passengers to visit the city as well as Al Ula and Hegra. Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, Cruise Division, MSC Group, said, “We are honoured to have played an important role partnering with the key government bodies to stimulate the establishment of the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia. Initially starting with local cruises during the pandemic and then …

Cruise Saudi’s AROYA Cruises promises a design- led, luxurious environment from which to explore the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, and Cruise Saudi has announced that it will be collaborating with leading brands in cruise ship design, SMC and PARTNER SHIP DESIGN (PSD) to support in this vision. SMC, the original designer of AROYA Cruises first ship, has been chosen as the lead designer for the refurbishment project. As lead designer, SMC will provide interior and architectural design, branding and art consultancy to Cruise Saudi for its visionary new cruise line. Based in London, SMC are an established design firm and a pioneer within the maritime interior design arena. Hamburg-based firm PSD has been assigned by Cruise Saudi as a partner designer. PSD provides ship design and building services, with expertise in new ship builds, refurbishments and conversions of cruise ships, river cruises, yachts and ferries. As a design partner for AROYA Cruises, PSD will perform the interior design, design details and documentations, follow-ups, and engineering support. Commenting on the announcement, Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “We are delighted to be working with some of the best visionary innovators in cruise ship design for our premium cruise offering, AROYA Cruises. Working with sector-leading experts such as SMC and PSD will play a crucial role in ensuring that AROYA Cruises offers a comfortable, luxurious and inspiring environment from which passengers can enjoy the highest standard of service and facilities.” AROYA Cruises is Saudi’s first cruise line, designed for nationals, expatriates and regional guests. Announced in June 2023, AROYA Cruises will offer a premium travel experience from booking to boarding and beyond.

Cruise Saudi announced its collaboration with exceptional sector leaders in cruise ship outfitting, MJM Marine and DE Wave. This partnership has been specially created for its new premium owned cruise line AROYA Cruises, as a crucial part of Cruise Saudi’s commitment to create exceptional passenger experiences. MJM Marine is the globally renowned name in marine outfitting services. Its scope of work for AROYA Cruises includes upgrades to all existing cabins and suites, the creation of multiple culinary, retail and relaxation venues, steelwork modifications, upgrades to on-board electrical and mechanical services, and the manufacture and installation of bespoke furniture, finishes, ceiling features and seating. DE Wave is a leading contractor for cruise ship and yacht interior outfitting. It will outfit AROYA Cruises’ upper deck areas, including new super suites, public areas, and catering areas. Together, both MJM Marine and DE Wave will refurbish 98% of the guest-facing venues. Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “The creation of a premium cruise experience starts from the design phase and by working with two of the cruise sector’s most well-regarded outfitters, we’re demonstrating our commitment to making AROYA Cruises an exceptional product. We look forward to seeing the knowledge, passion and creativity that MJM Marine and DE Wave bring to the first AROYA Cruises ship.” Unveiled in June 2023, AROYA Cruises is Saudi’s first cruise line, designed for nationals, expatriates and regional guests. All elements of AROYA Cruises are being designed to suit Arabian tastes and preferences, from the design of cabins to the on-board food and beverage offering. For more information about Cruise Saudi, visit www.cruisesaudi.com. For more information about AROYA Cruises, visit www.aroyacruises.com.

This latest announcement forms part of Cruise Saudi’s wider strategy to partner with outstanding sector-leading vendors to ensure that AROYA Cruises offers the highest standard of services and facilities. Supplying more than 50 airlines, operating as wholesalers and retailers in over 90 countries, as well as supplying or operating shops onboard 240 cruise ships and ferries, Gebr. Heinemann is a giant in the travel retail sector. Forming a crucial part of the exceptional offering onboard AROYA Cruises, Gebr. Heinemann will work directly with the world’s best-known luxury brands and its wide range of products extends from perfume and cosmetics to confectionery, fashion, accessories, watches, and jewellery. Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “AROYA Cruises will provide our passengers with joyful and memorable premium experiences, and a crucial part of this is the retail offering onboard. We are thrilled to be collaborating exclusively with Gebr. Heineman to deliver such an exceptional high-end retail offering.” Kerstin Schepers, Managing Director for the Cruise Business at Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co. KG: “We are very excited to be on board the AROYA Cruises. On its first ship we want to inspire travelers with our impressive employees and our spectacular assortment. We promise unforgettable shopping experiences to the guests.” The first of its kind, AROYA Cruises will aim to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences, with a vision to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Saudi. The launch of AROYA Cruises marks a significant step in providing new holiday options for Saudi-nationals, expatriates, and regional guests. Due to set sail in 2024, AROYA Cruises will also form a part of Cruise Saudi’s wider goal to provide 50,000 direct and indirect …

The Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu (RCJY), represented by represented by Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries (JCPDI), and Cruise Saudi signed an MoU with a shared objective to develop the accessibility and the experiences in this region on a local, regional, and international level. RCJY is underway with bold ambitions to develop JCPDI as an important entry point for international and domestic tourists thanks to its infrastructure and strategic location, effectively positioning the city as the main destinations gateway of Saudi Arabia’s southern region, with Cruise Saudi playing a crucial role in acting as a conduit between Jazan and the cruise lines. From knowledge transfer to aligning on mutually beneficial opportunities, the two entities a joint vision based on destination establishment and positive local impact. The event, which took place at Grand Millennium Jazan Hotel, welcomed His Royal Highness Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz bin Mohammad bin Abdulaziz, Deputy Governor of Jazan region, His Excellency the President of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, Eng. Khaled Al-Salem, Acting CEO of Jazan City for Primary and Downstream Industries, Dr Hussain bin Yahya Fadhli, leaders of the tourism sector, along with a key delegation from Cruise Saudi including Managing Director, Fawaz Farooqui and CEO, Lars Clasen. Fawaz Farooqui addressed the attendees in a speech which emphasized Cruise Saudi’s enthusiasm to collaborate with RCJY in the aligned vision to create a sea gate which welcomes international tourists to explore the Southern Region as part of the Saudi cruising ecosystem. With pristine beaches, azure seas, verdant forests, and craggy mountain peaks, Jazan is a hidden gem nestled on the tip of Saudi’s Red Sea coast. Stretching over 200 kilometres along the sparkling …