Silver Whisper makes maiden call to Saudi Arabia as 2022 season wraps up

Silversea Cruises has marked the maiden call of a second cruise ship in Saudi Arabia with Silver Whisper’s port call to Jeddah Islamic Port this week.

Silver Whisper called in Saudi Arabia for the first time, and is only the second Silversea cruise ship to do so since the Kingdom opened up to the cruise industry in 2019.

Silversea Cruises’ smaller luxury ship Silver Spirit took part in a trial summer season in 2020, making it one of just a few ships to sail during the pandemic and the first cruise ship to ever homeport in Saudi Arabia.

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A few months later, in the summer of 2021, MSC Bellissima became the first cruise ships to sail a full winter cruise season in her own right, and not under charter from the Saudi government.

A plaque and key exchange ceremony was held with the ship’s Captain Macarone Palmieri Michele at both Jeddah Islamic Port and Yanbu Port last week to welcome Silver Whisper to Saudi Arabia.

Silver Whsiper called in the country on her 138-night World Cruise for 2022, which will visit 69 destinations in 32 countries. She is only the fourth cruise ship to visit Saudi Arabia since it opened its nascent cruise sector.

Cruise Saudi has welcomed MSC Cruises, Scenic Group, Viking and Silversea which have completed more than 70 sailings during the summer and winter seasons in 2021 and 2022.

Throughout the world cruise, Silversea will welcome “celebrated creatives” – referred to as Tale Tellers – aboard the Silver Whisper. Each of them will provide 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 end of the voyage.

“We are pleased to welcome another exciting cruise ship, the Silver Whisper to sail across Saudi’s pristine and crystalline waters,” said Lars Clasen, Cruise Saudi’s new CEO. “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 goal of establishing cruising as a new economic pillar, another growth engine and an experiential dimension to the country’s flourishing tourism industry in line with the goals of Vision 2030, the Saudi leadership’s transformation blueprint,” Clasen added.

“We are in a position to showcase what this beautiful country has in store from untapped beaches and islands to the rich cultural heritage, history and hospitality of the people. By continuing to welcome cruise ships to Saudi, we are opening new and exciting gateways that connect us to the rest of the world,” he said.