MSC Cruises has confirmed the winter season itinerary details for MSC Bellissima, sailing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, starting November 6. The ship will offer 7-night cruises calling at the Saudi Arabian ports of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC) and Yanbu, followed by a stop in Aqaba, Jordan, before returning to Jeddah. Throughout this updated itinerary, passengers can enjoy an unparalleled journey of discovery, tradition, and culture combined with sun, sand, and relaxation.
Both passengers with a confirmed reservation and prospective new passengers should be aware of the following updates to the original itinerary:
- The Safaga port in Egypt has been cancelled, as many of the countries our passengers come from are considered high-risk destinations due to the pandemic and, upon returning, they would be required to undergo quarantine.
- Further changes have been made to optimize and enrich this new itinerary, offering passengers the best possible opportunity to discover all that Saudi Arabia has to offer. MSC Bellissima will now spend the night in Yanbu, allowing passengers to visit AlUla, described as a masterpiece of the world. AlUla is one of the oldest cities on the Arabian Peninsula and home to Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For those seeking sun, sand, and sea, there are also opportunities to visit an island, snorkel on the coral reef, or enjoy an authentic Saudi experience with a desert camp.
- KAEC has also been added to the itinerary to offer passengers the opportunity to enjoy a sightseeing tour of the holy city of Medina, known as “the illuminated city” due to its pivotal role in the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Furthermore, from KAEC, passengers can enjoy a full day on a stunning, unspoiled beach, taking full advantage of the beautiful winter sun and warm turquoise waters.
MSC Cruises has also revealed the highlights of its shore excursion program, with a range of options specially designed to enrich the cruise experience in this incredible region. Highlights include:
JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA: Since the ship doesn't leave port until late at night, passengers can check in and embark, then disembark in the afternoon to make the most of their day. Saudi Arabia's second-largest city blends history and modernity, offering a journey through centuries of culture and traditions.
King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC): Construction of KAEC didn't begin until 2005, and today this modern metropolis is rapidly becoming a popular tourist destination. Its proximity to Medina, the second holiest city in Islam, makes this port an ideal base for visiting the city. For passengers seeking a relaxing day, there are excursions to two beaches: Pure Beach or Yam Beach, where they can enjoy music, sun, and sea.
YANBU, SAUDI ARABIA: The ship will remain in port until the following day to allow passengers the opportunity to visit one of Saudi Arabia's most outstanding sites with a visit to Hegra (Al-Hijr Archaeological Site), in the ancient city of AlUla, and to Elephant Rock, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Yanbu is known as the “diving capital of Saudi Arabia,” and adventure seekers need look no further for snorkeling at Iona Coral Reef. For those who prefer to relax and soak up the sun during their vacation, Baridi Island Getaway offers hours of relaxation, fun, sunshine, and crystal-clear waters in a secluded spot on Baridi.
Passengers wishing to experience the Arabian Desert can enjoy the magic of a desert camp under the stars—the perfect ingredients for this unforgettable excursion. At night, travelers will experience the romance of the desert and connect with nature and the landscape. They will also learn about the way of life of the camp's inhabitants while enjoying the various activities planned for the experience. This will be a feast for all the senses, connecting travelers with ancient traditions and the desert's natural beauty.
AQABA TO PETRA, JORDAN: An undeniable highlight is a visit to the Wonders of Petra, the ancient city and UNESCO World Heritage Site in the middle of the Jordanian desert.
For those intrigued by the romance of the Arabian Desert, the beautiful and timeless Wadi Rum is filled with rolling sand dunes nestled in a stunning valley. Inhabited since prehistoric times, the area offers a modern way to explore its magnificent landscape: traversing the stunning scenery in a 4x4 vehicle and ending the day with a delicious cup of Arabic tea in a traditional Bedouin tent.
MSC Cruises passengers can book a perfect holiday experience with a “Fly & Cruise” from major international airports to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in partnership with SAUDIA, the national airline of Saudi Arabia.
Seven-night cruises depart from the port of Jeddah at 11:00 PM every Saturday, and Saudi Arabia has adjusted its flight schedules, with departures on Friday evenings from Madrid, Milan, Rome, Frankfurt, Munich, and Paris, arriving in the Saudi city on Saturday mornings. This provides ample time to explore the city or transfer from the airport to the port. A similar range of conveniently scheduled return flights is available for Saturday morning departures, offering passengers maximum comfort and peace of mind to fully enjoy their vacation.
