While the cruise industry is slowly getting back on its feet—or waiting permission to do so—Saudi Arabia’s plan for increasing tourism is banking on cruises for its next step, inking a deal with MSC.
Cruise Saudi, set up to develop the cruise industry in the country has set up a partnership with MSC Cruises and flag carrier airline Saudia for Red Sea cruises starting in November, using the port of Jeddah, one of the Middle East’s largest ports and one of Saudi Arabia’s largest cities.
In all, three Saudi ports and a number of other regional destinations will appear on the itineraries for MSC Magnifica and MSC Virtuosa through at least March 2022. One Magnifica itinerary is lined up to allow passengers to attend the Saudi Grand Prix auto race on December 5.
According to the Cruise Critic website, MSC has not yet said whether passengers will need to be vaccinated or tested before sailing.
Image: Port of Jeddah (Arab News)
