MSC Cruises has announced plans to open its first office in Saudi Arabia this November, in a move set to boost the kingdom’s burgeoning tourism sector.
The announcement was made by Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman of the Cruise Division of the MSC Group, during his participation in the UNWTO World Tourism Day conference held in Riyadh this week.
The new Jeddah-based office will serve as the central hub for commercial, sales, and marketing activities for both MSC Cruises and its sister company, Explora Journeys, a luxury cruise brand that embarked on its maiden voyages in July this year. In 2024, Explora will sail from Dubai, visiting Jeddah to enable its passengers to visit the city as well as Al Ula and Hegra.
Accommodation on Explora I comprises suites, penthouses and residences. All are ocean front and feature private terrace and large floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as comfortable daybeds and an alfresco dining area, to present a “luxurious, spacious and private home at sea whilst onboard”. The Owner’s Residence, with a total suite area of 280 sq m, features a signature lounge and dining area with a fireplace, a private steam room, a panoramic ocean-front terrace covering the full ship’s width with a private outdoor spacious whirlpool, and dedicated butler services.
In partnership with Cruise Saudi, which is fully owned by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, MSC Cruises for its part is on the cusp of commencing its third season of Red Sea voyages hailing from Jeddah, offering a fresh sailing itinerary designed to cater to international travellers as well as those based in Saudi Arabia. To wit, it is reported that the company expects to bring 200,000 passengers to Saudi Arabia this year.
The impressive MSC Orchestra, measuring 294m in length and boasting 16 decks with the capacity to accommodate up to 2,550 passengers, will operate from Jeddah for a six-month period. It will present a total of 20 seven-night sailings, encompassing visits to Aqaba in Jordan, where the ancient marvel of Petra awaits, and three captivating destinations in Egypt: Sharm El-Sheikh, Sokhna Port for Cairo, and Safaga for Luxor.
In 2021, the company etched its name in history as the first cruise line to embark on sailings from Saudi Arabia, ushering in a new era for cruising in the region. Jeddah, a city seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, serves as the launchpad for these remarkable journeys. Travellers will have the opportunity to delve into the storied past of Jeddah’s old town, Al-Balad, a historic gem dating back to the 7th century, renowned for its timeless architecture and bustling souk.
A highlight of MSC Cruises’ itinerary is an excursion to AlUla, home to Hegra, Saudi Arabia’s inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site. AlUla’s landscape is adorned with over 110 tombs intricately carved into colossal rock formations, alongside ancient sites dating back to the 1st millennium BC.
