A third of cruise passengers were international and represented more than 80 nationalities.
Totalling 70 calls to the country were MSC Cruises, Scenic Group, Viking and Silversea, with MSC Bellissima and Scenic Eclipse both home porting in Jeddah through summer and winter.
Lars Clasen ‘humbled’ by successes
The winter season itinerary saw the region collaborate to develop three-, four-, or seven-night itineraries which included ports of call in Jordan, as well as around the Saudi coastline. Said Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen, ‘The successes achieved in such a short span of time, from developing the necessary infrastructure for the cruise industry to partnering with government entities and international cruise lines and welcoming passengers from all across the world, have left us humbled.
‘Cruise Saudi’s aim is to catalyse the development of the local cruise industry by promoting Saudi as a premier cruising destination and establishing the sector as a new pillar to Saudi’s growing tourism industry in line with the Saudi leadership’s transformation blueprint – and this is just the beginning for us.’
Two of Saudi’s six UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Hegra in AlUla and historic Jeddah, the gateway to Makkah – were among the attractions available to cruise passengers as part of 14 different tour programs. Jeddah, King Abdullah Economic City and Yanbu were among the ports of call; a fourth port in Dammam on the Arabian Gulf is preparing to receive cruise ships.
Training
So far, 58 students have participated in specialised programs equipping young Saudis with the skills to work within the cruise and tourism industry. Initiated by Cruise Saudi, onboard hospitality training programs have been conducted in collaboration with King Abdulaziz University and Prince Mugrin University, as well as the Culinary Arts Commission to nurture local chefs onboard vessels plus develop culinary tour guides introducing tourists to authentic Saudi flavours.
A tour guide training program, in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Saudi Tourist Guide Association, was also launched to create the first generation of cruise-specific tour guides.
Cruise Saudi endeavours to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035.
Copyright © 2024. All rights reserved. Seatrade, a trading name of Informa Markets (UK) Limited.
Add Seatrade Cruise News to your Google News feed.  |
