Jeddah– On Saudi Founding Day 2023, Cruise Saudi, a company 100% owned by the Public Investment Fund and established to develop the cruising sector, achieved a remarkable record for the first time by welcoming nearly 9,000 tourists who visited key Saudi destinations through three cruise ship calls in two ports.
The day marked the arrival of three cruise ships; MSC Splendida with over 3,000 passengers, Residences at Sea’s ultra-luxury private residential ship the World with over 80 residents and guests, and MSC World Europa with over 5,600 passengers, in Jeddah Islamic Port and King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam.
In Jeddah, tourists were welcomed at the passengers’ terminal with Founding Day traditional activities, including cultural gifts, Saudi coffee, dates, and folklore dances, in collaboration with all relevant authorities and local partners.
The tourists, representing different nationalities, the top five being English, Spanish, Italian, French, and Russian, witnessed and engaged in the vibrant Saudi Founding Day festivities in their different excursions in both Jeddah and the Eastern Province through Dammam Port.
The well-designed excursions in Jeddah included a flight to visit AlUla, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, an enjoyable walk at Jeddah’s Waterfront (Corniche), as well as a journey back in time through centuries of culture and traditions by visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Jeddah Historical District (Al Balad), filled with vibrant artwork, exotic scents, traditional markets, and authentic Hijazi architecture unique to the region.
From Dammam, the excursions included Saudi’s third UNESCO World Heritage site accessible via cruising, Al Asha Oasis, exploring the Qara Mountain, Princes’ School, and AlQaisariyah Souq. Other excursions provided an escape to the sandy beach on the tranquil waters of the Arabian Gulf or a city drive with a visit to Dammam’s distinctive Love Market.
Cruise Saudi’s ongoing cruising season, from November 2022 until May 2023, is set to welcome over 75 scheduled calls by ships from several global cruise lines sailing the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf.
Source: Saudi Press Agency