Cruise Saudi welcomed Silversea's ultra-luxury expedition cruise ship Silver Cloud on its inaugural visit to explore Saudi Arabia as a new and unexplored destination, full of historical, heritage, cultural and natural wonders and treasures.
The Silver Cloud, en route to Athens, made its first port call at the Islamic port of Jeddah on May 2, where it remained for five days, before sailing north through the Red Sea to call at the commercial port of Yanbu on May 7. At both ports, the traditional plaque and key exchange ceremonies were held by the Cruise Saudi team and the ship's captain and senior officers.
The extended stay in Jeddah—unlike that of other cruises calling during the season—presented a unique opportunity for Cruise Saudi's Shorex team to work closely with the crew aboard Silver Cloud to deliver a fully customized experience for the expedition's 210 guests. To ensure a comprehensive and memorable introduction to Saudi Arabia, the extended stay also gave the captain and crew the opportunity to participate in shore excursions.
During their five-day stay in Jeddah, the guests visited the Historic District of Jeddah (Al-Balad): the Hijazi-style old town and historic area of Jeddah. Known for its role as the country's main trading port and gateway to Mecca for Muslim pilgrims, the passengers were transported back in time as they wandered the ancient streets and marveled at the stunning architecture of this UNESCO World Heritage city.
After the visit to AlBalad, the passengers went to one of Jeddah's restaurants, where they were greeted with folk dances and experienced the unmistakable aroma of typical Middle Eastern cuisine, in an atmosphere of authentic Saudi tradition.
Guests also enjoyed the pristine beaches of Bayada Island, just 40 minutes from Jeddah, with its shimmering turquoise waters dotted with colorful coral reefs. Others toured the city, strolling along the waterfront and its wide promenade before shopping at Jeddah's ultramodern malls.
Flying from Jeddah, a group of travelers visited Hegra in Al-Ula, Saudi Arabia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest preserved archaeological site of the Nabataean civilization, south of Petra, Jordan. Visiting natural wonders such as Elephant Rock and the golden desert sands, and enjoying stargazing and helicopter rides, the passengers had an unforgettable experience.
One of the tours included a train visit to the Holy City of Medina, where travelers saw the Prophet's Mosque, a museum, and several mosques that are a prominent part of the history of Islam.
During a day stop at the commercial port of Yanbu, a group of guests visited the historic old town, which is another unique destination with a history dating back at least 2,500 years, when it was a stopping point on the spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt and the Mediterranean region.
Cruise Saudi also designed an excursion to visit the village of Yanbu Al Nakhl, known for its springs, farms, and mud houses, which included a camel ride. Another group opted to visit Baridi Island—one of the hundreds of secluded, pristine islands off the Saudi coast of the Red Sea—where they enjoyed the crystal-clear waters and unspoiled beaches.
The third season of Cruise Saudi is drawing to a close. With the opening of a new gateway through Dammam, on the Arabian Gulf, earlier this year, visitor numbers have increased dramatically during this season, which began in November 2022, reaching 192,714 passengers exploring Saudi Arabia on seven different international ships, sailing the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
