Cruise Saudi, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund dedicated to developing Saudi Arabia’s cruise industry, and MSC Cruises, the world’s largest privately held cruise line, today announced the launch of Red Sea cruises for the upcoming 2021/2022 winter season. Fawaz Farooqui, CEO of Cruise Saudi, and Pierfrancesco Vago, CEO of MSC Cruises, signed a landmark framework agreement in Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh, to mark the beginning of the new partnership.
Farooqui commented: “We are delighted to be working with MSC Cruises and eager to forge a long-term relationship. We look forward to exploring opportunities to increase the number and size of ships operating on Saudi routes in the future. Saudi Arabia has so much to offer visitors, and this new collaboration will open doors for intrepid travelers from around the world to be the first to experience Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and the warm hospitality of its people. Meanwhile, by welcoming international tourists to these emerging destinations, new revenue streams will be created for local communities.”.
For his part, Mr. Vago said: “Having witnessed firsthand the richness of the local heritage, I am impressed with Saudi Arabia’s ability to preserve its traditions and culture and make them available to the world. I am delighted that MSC Cruises is in a position to contribute to opening the Kingdom to international visitors by becoming a premier cruise destination, and I look forward to helping tourists from around the world and from within the Kingdom discover the incredible wonders this country has to offer, including the unspoiled beauty of its coastline and historical sites.”.
Under the terms of the agreement, MSC Magnifica will be based in Jeddah, the commercial hub and one of Saudi Arabia’s largest cities, as well as the second-largest port in the Middle East, with a historic center designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Operating seven-day Red Sea cruises from November 2021 to March 2022, the ship will visit a selection of ports and destinations in the region and three Saudi ports, including weekly calls at the port of AlWajh, the gateway to AlUla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Kingdom is preparing to host the Formula 1 Grand Prix on December 5, 2021 in Jeddah, and MSC Magnifica passengers will be able to follow this exciting global sporting event during their journey on board this ship.
In addition to MSC Magnifica's Red Sea voyages, MSC Cruises' new flagship, MSC Virtuosa, will have a winter 2021 program with stops in the port of Dammam in the Persian Gulf, visiting the AlAhsa oasis, another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
MSC Virtuosa will call at this exciting new destination every week from December 2021 to March 2022.
The two companies expect up to 170,000 passengers to explore the historical, cultural, and natural treasures of Saudi Arabia aboard MSC Cruises' two ships during the upcoming 2021/2022 winter season. Saudi residents will also have the opportunity to spend their holidays in their own country and discover its wonders from the comfort that only a cruise can provide.
International passengers can reach Jeddah via direct flights from major European and international cities served by Saudia, the Kingdom's flag carrier. Thanks to a collaborative effort, and for the benefit of cruise passengers, flights will be adjusted to coincide with the departure and arrival times of the two ships, ensuring seamless connections at all times.
