| MSC signs with Saudi

MSC Cruises has signed a landmark agreement with Cruise Saudi to bring its ships to Saudi Arabia.

The cruise line will deploy MSC Magnifica and MSC Virtuosa to the Red Sea in the coming northern winter, with the move to officially launch Cruise Saudi’s ambitions in the sector (CW 02 Feb).

Under the terms of the agreement, MSC Magnifica will homeport in Jeddah, the commercial hub of Saudi Arabia, and the second-largest port in the Middle East.

Operating seven-day Red Sea cruises from Nov 2021 to Mar 2022, Magnifica will visit a selection of ports in the region, including three Saudi stops.

Flagship Virtuosa will see her winter 2021 program in the Arabian Gulf enriched with calls in the port of Dammam, visiting Al-Ahsa on weekly calls from Dec 2021 to Mar 2022.

The agreement is expected to bring a total of up to 170,000 guests to Saudi Arabia during the upcoming winter.

Thanks to a partnership with airline Saudia, flights will have their schedules modified to fit cruise departure and arrival times to ensure smooth connections for international travellers.

Saudi residents will also get the opportunity to spend their holidays in their home country and discover its wonders from a cruise ship.

“We are delighted to work with MSC Cruises and are keen to forge a long-term partnership,” said Cruise Saudi Managing Director Fawaz Farooqui.

“We look forward to exploring opportunities to increase the number and size of vessels operating on Saudi routes in the future,” he said.

“Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer visitors, and the new collaboration will open doors for intrepid travellers from across the globe to be amongst the first to experience the rich Saudi heritage and warm hospitality.”

Farooqui noted welcoming international tourists to Saudi Arabia’s emerging destinations will create new sources of income for the communities.

MSC Cruises Executive Chairman Pierfrancesco Vago said he was impressed with Saudi Arabia’s ability to preserve its traditions and culture, and make them available for the world to see.

“I am delighted that MSC Cruises will be in a position to contribute to the Kingdom’s opening to international visitors through becoming a premier cruise destination and I look forward to helping tourists from all over the world as well as from the Kingdom discover the incredible wonders that this country has to offer, including the untouched beauty of its coast line and historical sites,” he added.