On Saudi Arabia's Foundation Day 2023, Cruise Saudi achieved a remarkable first by welcoming nearly 9,000 tourists who visited key Saudi Arabian destinations on three cruise calls at two ports.
The day marked the arrival of the MSC Splendida, with over 3,000 passengers, and the ultra-luxury private residential vessel The World, from Residences at Sea, with over 80 residents and guests, at the Islamic port of Jeddah. Simultaneously, the King Abdulaziz Port of Dammam welcomed the MSC World Europa with over 5,600 passengers.
In Jeddah, with the collaboration of all relevant authorities and local partners, tourists were welcomed at the passenger terminal with traditional Foundation Day activities, including cultural gifts, Saudi coffee, dates, and folk dances.
The tourists, of various nationalities (the top five were British, Spanish, Italian, French, and Russian), witnessed and participated in the vibrant Saudi Foundation Day festivities on their various excursions to both Jeddah and the Eastern Province via the port of Dammam.
In Jeddah, excursions included a flight to visit Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a pleasant stroll along Jeddah's waterfront (Corniche), and a journey through centuries of culture and traditions with a visit to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Jeddah's Historic District (Al-Balad), filled with vibrant artwork, exotic aromas, traditional markets (souks), and authentic Hijazi architecture, unique to the region. Muslim passengers and crew enjoyed a unique experience, as Cruise Saudi facilitated their visit to Mecca and the performance of Umrah.
From Dammam, excursions included the third Saudi Arabian UNESCO World Heritage Site accessible by cruise ship, the Al Asha Oasis, an exploration of Qara Mountain, the Princess School, and the Al Qaisariyah Souk. Other excursions offered a getaway to the sandy beach on the calm waters of the Arabian Gulf or a city tour with a visit to Dammam's distinctive Love Market.
The current Cruise Saudi cruise season - from November 2022 to May 2023 - will host more than 75 scheduled port calls from ships of various international cruise lines sailing the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
