In a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's cruise tourism, Cruise
Saudi, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), celebrated the
historic arrival of the MS Amadea cruise ship in Jeddah. This momentous
occasion marks the first time ever that the MS Amadea has graced Saudi
waters, showcasing the country's potential as an emerging cruise
destination.
Operated by the renowned German-based travel agency Phoenix Reisen,
the MS Amadea embarked on a 150-day global itinerary, culminating in its
final port of call in Nice. Among its stops, Jeddah played a pivotal
role, offering over 400 international passengers the opportunity to
explore Saudi Arabia.
The Cruise Saudi team and the captain of MS Amadea participated in a special plaque and key exchange ceremony during the ship's first visit to Jeddah.
The maiden call to Jeddah was commemorated with a special plaque and
key exchange ceremony, attended by the Cruise Saudi team and the captain
of the MS Amadea. This symbolic gesture highlighted the growing
partnership between Cruise Saudi and global cruise liners, travel
agents, and tour operators, as they work together to unlock Saudi
Arabia’s cruise tourism potential.
Serafin Blazquez, director of port, terminal & asset Operations
at Cruise Saudi, expressed his excitement about the collaboration with
MS Amadea, emphasizing the pivotal role it plays in showcasing Saudi
Arabia as a premier tourism destination. Building strong relationships
with industry stakeholders is a crucial strategy in positioning Saudi
Arabia as a sought-after cruise market.
Launched in 2021, Cruise Saudi is dedicated to developing the
necessary infrastructure and services to kickstart the cruise industry
in Saudi Arabia. This includes the establishment and operation of cruise
berths and terminals, acting as gateways to key Saudi destinations.
Cruise Saudi's comprehensive approach encompasses marketing initiatives,
shore excursion coordination, and vessel operations, ensuring a
seamless and memorable cruise experience.