Cruise Saudi has welcomed the cruise ship Amadea to Saudi waters for the first time, with the Phoenix Reisen-owned vessel docking this month in Jeddah.

More than 400 passengers experienced Saudi’s unique history, natural wonders and warm and welcoming hospitality as Saudi cruise officials and the ship’s crew conducted a traditional plaque exchange.

Amadea is operated by German-based travel agency Phoenix Reisen and her stop in Jeddah is part of a 150-day worldwide itinerary, with the ship concluding its voyage in Nice on 22nd May 2023.

Amadea

During its maiden call to Jeddah, a plaque and key exchange ceremony was held with the Cruise Saudi team and the captain of MS Amadea.

After Jeddah, Amadea cruised further along the Red Sea to Hurghada, Egypt, and continued to Nice for the end of the trip.

Commenting on MS Amadea’s visit, Cruise Saudi Director, Port, Terminal & Asset Operations, Serafin Blazquez, said the maiden call was the latest development in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to grow its young cruise sector.

“Relationships with global cruise liners, travel agents and tour operators are hugely important to our strategy in growing Saudi as a tourism destination, and we’re thrilled to have partnered with MS Amadea in welcoming new travellers to experience all that Saudi has to offer,” said Blazquez.

The ship’s Captain Martin Rittig said he was looking forward to future visits to the Kingdom, and watching it grow as a cruise destination.

A traditional plaque exchange was held onboard.

“It was a pleasure to visit Saudi for the first time. We received excellent feedback from our passengers and were particularly impressed by the enthusiasm shown by all parties,” he said.

“During the traditional plaque exchange ceremony, you could really feel the passion and motivation from the team. Based on this first experience, we are really looking forward to coming back and to watch Saudi grow as a cruise destination,” Captain Martin added.

Cruise Saudi was launched in 2021 to develop the infrastructure and services required to scale-up Saudi Arabia’s cruise market and establish it as a leading cruise destination in the Middle East and the world.

The company is responsible for the development and operation of cruise berths and terminals as cruise gateways to key Saudi destinations, as well as scaling cruise services, from marketing to shore excursion design and coordination, as well as cruise ship services.