MSC Bellissima drops Safaga, adds KAEC to Jeddah itinerary

The seven-night program begins Nov. 6.

Egypt currently high-risk for many source markets

Safaga, Egypt, has been canceled as many countries where MSC Cruises sources passengers for the Red Sea cruises have Egypt currently listed as a high risk destination due to the pandemic and for their return home they would have to quarantine.

Yanbu overnight

MSC Bellissima will now stay overnight at Yanbu so passengers can visit AlUla, one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula and home to Hegra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Other opportunities include visiting a secluded island, coral reef snorkeling or a desert camp under the stars excursion. Yanbu is known as the diving capital of Saudi Arabia and snorkeling is available at Iona Coral Reef to see fish, marine flora and the sunken wreck of the British ship Iona. Or, a secluded spot on Baridi Island is available for relaxing and sunbathing.

Medina from KAEC

The KAEC stop will include a sightseeing tour of the holy city of Medina or a day at Pure Beach or Yam Beach. KAEC’s construction began in 2005 and the modern metropolis is set to become a popular tourist destination.

At Aqaba, passengers can visit the ancient Nabatean city of Petra, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the middle of the Jordanian desert. Another option is Wadi Rum, a tour to rolling sand dunes in a beautiful valley.