Cruise Saudi, the Islamic Port of Jeddah and the Commercial Port of Yanbu welcomed MSC Splendida on its inaugural visit to Saudi ports, as part of Cruise Saudi's third cruise season, which runs from November 2022 to May 2023.
Following global cruise traditions for celebrating a ship's inaugural port visit, plaque and key exchange ceremonies were held. The first took place at the Islamic Port of Jeddah on Wednesday, November 23, in the presence of the Captain of the MSC Splendida, Cruise Saudi's Director of Legal and Government Affairs, Dr. Hani Gharbawi, and officials from the Saudi Arabian Port Authority (MAWANI). The second ceremony was held at the Commercial Port of Yanbu on Thursday, November 24. Throughout the season, the ship will make weekly calls at the ports of Jeddah and Yanbu on 3-, 4-, and 7-day cruise itineraries that also include Egypt and Jordan.
The visits align with Cruise Saudi and Mawani's objectives to establish a fully integrated, world-class cruise sector in Saudi Arabia and transform the country into a premier global cruise destination. This season marks Cruise Saudi's third official season and will welcome more than 75 scheduled port calls from ships of five cruise lines.
With a capacity of 4,300 passengers and more than 1,000 crew members, the MSC Splendida has activities and facilities available to guests, including four swimming pools, a jogging track, a squash court and a gym, as well as the MSC Aurea Spa and a sun deck offering sea views.
Dr. Hani Gharbawi commented on the ship's arrival: “We are delighted to welcome MSC Splendida to Saudi Arabia. We look forward to welcoming more cruise ships and passengers to discover and experience Saudi Arabia.”.
Cruise Saudi has already welcomed three other MSC cruise ships to Saudi waters: MSC Orchestra, MSC Virtuosa, and MSC Bellissima. In addition to MSC Splendida, the following ships are scheduled to call at Saudi ports this season: MSC Orchestra, MSC Sinfonia, Silversea Silver Spirit, Residences at Sea's The World, Viking Neptune, Silversea Silver Cloud, and Fred. Olsen Bolette.
