Cruise water park operator WhiteWater says pool facilities a hit with Saudi passengers

WhiteWater, the waterpark developers for the cruise industry, says this is one of the most popular onboard amenities for Saudi Arabian cruise passengers.

MSC Cruises homeports annually in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and MSC Orchestra was due to sail a series of roundtrip cruises in the Red Sea between November, 2023 and March, 2024, before her season was called off due to the conflict in Israel.

While MSC Orchestra is one of the smaller ships in the MSC fleet and does not feature a waterpark, during the previous season MSC Splendida homeported in Jeddah, and MSC Bellissima before her, both of which feature onboard waterparks.

The increasing popularity of cruises among the under-20 demographic, which shows the fastest growth, highlights the demand for innovative onboard experiences, according to WhiteWater.

“As younger generations embrace cruise vacations, industry leaders like WhiteWater, the leading designer and manufacturer of aquatic amenities, are becoming essential,” WhiteWater said in a press release. 

“Their expertise not only aids the expansion of the cruise industry but also aligns with Vision 2030’s objectives to enhance tourism and position Saudi Arabia as a premier cruise destination.” 

This collaboration between WhiteWater and the cruise industry caters to the evolving expectations of adventure-seeking young travelers, thereby ensuring the industry’s continued success in Saudi Arabia.

Saudi Arabia is developing world-class cruise facilities in key Saudi ports, facilitating larger cruise ship arrivals. MSC Cruises reported a 40% increase in Saudi Arabia sailings over the last 24-month period, and has more than 20 separate sailings of 7 to 15 nights planned from Jeddah to Aqaba between November 2023 and April 2024.

Meeting the challenge of keeping guests entertained for extended sailings, WhiteWater collaborates with MSC Cruises to create dynamic mix of attractions for different age groups on over 10 ships, enabling families to equally all be entertained within a small space. 

The two AquaTube water slides on the MSC Seascape, for example, provide thrilling experiences as they spiral above the deck. These slides, crafted from translucent fiberglass, create alternating light and dark sensations, amplifying the excitement and offering stunning views of the water below. 

The AquaTubes are ideal for guests over 102 cm tall, while the AquaPlay 150 caters to younger passengers—an immersive pirate ship-themed playground experience without long lines

“There’s enormous potential for the cruise industry within Saudi Arabia, especially with AROYA Cruises on the horizon,” said WhiteWater’s GM & RVP, Middle East & India, Mike Rigby. “As more people come to embrace the cruise industry as a way of travel, there will continue to be a need for these venues to keep people entertained over long spans of time, and water parks are one of the best ways to accommodate large volumes of people all at the same time.”

WhiteWater doesn’t just work with MSC Cruises, it also collaborates with Royal Caribbean for their FlowRider surf simulator attraction. Placed on the back of the ship, it creates a continuous sheet wave. It accommodates various skill levels, making it appealing for families and groups. 

The gentle learning curve encourages riders to keep trying new tricks, ensuring they queue up for more, providing lasting entertainment throughout the cruise.