As cruise lines alter their itineraries to exclude Middle Eastern ports of call amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, passengers have been left unhappy with itineraries that no longer feature bucket-list destinations.
MSC Cruises expects up to 200,000 passengers for coming Saudi cruise season
MSC Cruises is seeing significant growth in passenger numbers on its Red Sea itineraries out of Saudi Arabia, with up to 200,000 expected for the coming 2023/24 cruise season.
AIDA Cruises to sail Dubai to Mallorca in 2024 aboard AIDAbella
AIDA Cruises will sail a 15-night voyage from Dubai to Palma De Mallorca on April 16th next year aboard AIDAbella, as part of her repositioning from Asia to Europe for the summer.
Luxury cruise yacht operator Emerald to return to Middle East for 2024/25 season
Emerald Cruises is returning to the Middle East for the 2024/25 winter cruise season with nine itineraries featuring departures from Aqaba in Jordan or Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, with port calls in […]
Saudi Arabia aims to turn NEOM city project into Florida/Montenegro-style cruise hub
Saudi Arabia has revealed it plans to make NEOM city the Montenegro or Fort Lauderdale of the Middle East when it comes to the cruise sector.
MSC Cruises expands embarkation options for Red Sea cruise season out of Saudi
MSC Cruises has expanded its Red Sea cruise season out of Saudi Arabia, adding more embarkation ports in Egypt, as well as shore excursions and pre-cruise stay options.
Cruise sector booming as Saudi Arabian tourism hits 121% pre-pandemic recovery
Saudi Arabia’s tourism sector has seen a 121% increase from pre-pandemic levels, supported by its emergent but booming cruise sector.
Cruise Saudi announces plans to develop cruise terminals in south of country
Cruise Saudi is planning to develop cruise infrastructure at two ports in the south of the country in the coming years, according to statements made during Arabian Travel Market (ATM) 2022.
Saudi Arabia sees collaboration as key to growing Red Sea as cruise destination
Saudi Arabia is looking to form alliances with other Red Sea cruise destinations to enhance the region’s appeal for cruise lines, Cruise Saudi’s Chief Strategy Officer Ghassan Khan told delegates at Seatrade […]
Emerald Azzurra cruising super-yacht sets sail on maiden voyage in Red Sea
The first super-yacht cruise ship for Emerald Cruises has departed Aqaba, Jordan on her maiden voyage.
Emerald Azzurra delivered ahead of maiden voyage from Middle East
Emerald Azzurra has been delivered to Emerald Cruises in Vietnam, ahead of her maiden cruise from Aqaba in Jordan.
MSC amends 2021/22 Saudi Arabian itineraries aboard MSC Bellissima
MSC Cruises has amended the cruise itinerary for MSC Bellissima’s winter season out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia between November, 2021 and March, 2022. MSC Bellissima will no longer call in Safaga, Egypt, […]
River cruise line CroisiEurope announces Red Sea open season out of Egypt
CroisiEurope, one of the largest river cruise line’s in Europe, has announced an Egyptian cruise season in the Red Sea for winter 2021/22.
MSC Cruises extends Saudi Arabian cruise season for MSC Bellissima
MSC Cruises has extended its Saudi Arabian cruise season aboard MSC Bellissima in the Red Sea until March next year following greater than anticipated demand.
Emerald Cruises latest line to announce Saudi Arabian itineraries for 2022
Emerald Cruises, a luxury boutique cruise line that recently expanded into the ocean-going cruise sector, has announced its first cruises will include calls in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Arabia anticipates rapid cruise growth, targets 1.5 million passengers
Saudi Arabia is forecasting immense growth of its cruise tourism sector as MSC Cruises begins its inaugural cruise season in the country with MSC Bellissima.
MSC Bellissima makes historic arrival in Saudi Arabia ahead of Red Sea cruise season
MSC Bellissima has arrived in Saudi Arabia, sailing into Jeddah Islamic Port over the weekend, the first mainstream cruise ship ever to dock in the city.
Egypt updates regulations for cruise tourists unvaccinated against COVID-19
Egypt’s health ministry has issued new regulations for people arriving in the country who are vaccinated against COVID-19, including cruise tourists.
MSC announces COVID-19 travel insurance plan for Red Sea cruises out of Saudi
MSC Cruises has rolled out a comprehensive travel insurance plan via Europe Assistance covering passengers for COVID-19 related medical costs and cancellations.
MSC Cruises releases full itineraries for MSC Magnifica season in Saudi Arabia
MSC Cruises has released the full season cruise itineraries for MSC Magnifica’s maiden homeport program in the Red Sea out of Jeddah.