Category Archives: Cruises

The 100% PIF-owned company Cruise Saudi has announced that it has appointed VIKAND, the global leader in maritime healthcare, to provide a comprehensive and full-scale medical management solution for AROYA Cruises, the first cruise line to be designed with Arabian preferences at its heart. The engagement spans from pre-launch support services, biomedical device specification and procurement as well as formulary supply, to ongoing maritime healthcare support through VIKAND’s all-inclusive, proactive medical management services. AROYA Cruises will provide guests with authentic Arabian experiences that celebrate Saudi’s rich cultural heritage and signature hospitality, while ensuring consistent high safety and quality standards supported by VIKAND. The ship is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to tailor all amenities to the highest standard in line with the taste of Arabian passengers. With 19 decks and 1,682 elegant cabins, this grand ship will redefine Arabian holidays and will set sail from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2024. The partnership agreement was formalized with a signing ceremony, during which Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said, “We are delighted to be collaborating with VIKAND. Our clients expect a premium service, and we were impressed with their experience in delivering proactive health and wellness to guests and crew. It is important that our AROYA Cruises guests feel safe and can turn to trusted medical professionals should they feel unwell during a voyage.” VIKAND medical management is an all-inclusive, proactive and modular approach to onboard health and wellness inspired by the company’s deeply held values. It begins with a pre-launch analysis of biomedical equipment and onboard facilities to ensure the vessel meets all flag state and American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) requirements. VIKAND has deep experience in launching vessels, …

Madinat Jumeirah is welcoming THE ICON, An invite-only experience, the yacht can be experienced with a luxury cruise from the D-Marin Marsa Al Arab Marina, exclusively for residents staying in the Malakiya Villas at Jumeirah Dar Al Masyaf, the Presidential or Royal suites at the resort’s four hotels, or Jumeirah One members. a spectacular 13.5 metre, 100 percent sustainable watercraft that has been brought to life by Design by Designworks, a subsidiary of the BMW Group, and German tech start-up, TYDE. The arrival of THE ICON is the latest in Madinat Jumeirah’s environmental initiatives, which also include the cherished Dubai Turtle Rehabilitation Project, an educational and environmental initiative in which turtles are nurtured back to good health and reintroduced to the wild. The world’s first inaugural battery-powered, emissions-free yacht, THE ICON emits zero noise or pollution. Its chic, cutting-edge design offers an immersive experience with 360-views of the ocean from a twenty-one square meter lounge-like interior, adorned with blue and gold, reinforcing Jumeirah’s reputation for creating ultra-luxurious, one-of-a-kind experiences. Using leading technology to combine climate-friendly mobility, the vessel operates with up to 80 percent energy savings compared to conventional yachts, while maintaining a luxurious ride experience. A true display of innovation and craftsmanship, despite reaching a top speed of 30 knots (55 km/h), 50 nautical miles range (>90 km) at 24 knots (46 km/h), the yacht glides silently over the water. THE ICON’s only output is an orchestrated suite of ambient sounds and music, composed by Grammy and Academy Award-winning composer, Hanz Zimmer. THE ICON arrives at Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab, the state-of-the-art luxury marina operated by D-Marin, which is home to 82 yacht berths and offers spectacular views of …

Reinforcing Dubai’s status as a hub for cruise tourism, Emirates has renewed its partnership with TUI Cruises for the upcoming two cruise seasons. The renewed partnership with TUI Cruises was signed to underscore the airline’s commitment to working with like-minded partners to offer seamless travel experiences, both in the air and on the ground through its dedicated cruise terminal check-in areas and with the collaborative support of its partners in Dubai. Emirates will closely work with TUI Cruises to offer dedicated flight options that closely align with upcoming cruise schedules, ensuring a smooth transition from air to sea for its customers. The airline will also explore enhanced transportation solutions between Dubai International (DXB) and Port Rashid, leverage insights to improve services on the ground, and provide dedicated support teams for cruise passengers. Currently, the port’s Hamdan bin Mohammed Cruise Terminal, the world’s largest single covered cruise terminal facility, is capable of handling 14,000 passengers a day. In addition to coordinated operations and exploring marketing synergies, the partnership will focus on developing exclusive luxury packages and experiences that showcase the best of Dubai and the region’s TUI Cruise programmes. The MoU with TUI Cruises was signed by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline; and Wybcke Meier, CEO of TUI Cruises. Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline said: “Emirates is proud to play a vital role in supporting Dubai’s status as one of the world’s best cruise destinations. This is a result of many years of work to build a maritime infrastructure that is second to none, outstanding tourist attractions and landmarks, and unparalleled air connectivity coupled with streamlined on ground customs and handling facilities …

The maritime and tourism authorities of Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Oman have formalised the Cruise Arabia alliance – a strategic regional partnership that will promote the Arabian Gulf as a cruise ship destination globally. An official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by the stakeholders at the Internationale Tourismus-Börse Berlin (ITB Berlin) travel trade convention. Key objectives of the Cruise Arabia alliance include collaboration to enhance the cruise experience for passengers, attract more cruise liners to the region, improve infrastructure at ports and drive economic growth in the regional cruise tourism sector. The partners will also work together on enhancing the regional cruise ecosystem, improving key stakeholder relations, and conducting joint marketing efforts both regionally and internationally. Dubai has been a significant player in the Cruise Arabia alliance, working closely with its partners to create interconnected and integrated regional cruise services. Previously, Dubai and the neighbouring countries have participated in international trade exhibitions as a single grouping under the banner of the Cruise Arabia alliance. His Excellency Issam Kazim, CEO, Dubai Corporation for Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), said: “The Cruise Arabia alliance will further reinforce Dubai’s position as the cruise hub of the region, aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, launched by our visionary leadership, to further consolidate Dubai’s status as one of the top three global cities for business and leisure. The growth of our cruise tourism has been largely shaped by the continuous support of our stakeholders and partners, and this alliance will result in more cruise operators seeking to anchor in Dubai, capitalising on its strategic location and promoting the city’s diverse offerings, world-class infrastructure and superior air and sea connectivity. Dubai and its …

Solidifying Dubai’s place as a major maritime tourism hub, Emirates and AIDA Cruises have renewed their partnership for a further two seasons. The renewed partnership was signed on the sidelines of the first day of ITB Berlin and is in line with Dubai’s efforts to significant grow its cruise capacity. Dubai continues to attract the biggest players in the industry through offering a seamlessly integrated maritime hub, with state-of-the-art handling facilities supported with unrivalled air connectivity. Emirates will explore a number of opportunities with AIDA Cruises for joint marketing, operational alignment and strategic planning around flight schedules from across its network, in addition to enhanced transportation solutions between Dubai International Airport and Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. The partnership will continue to focus on sharing relevant data and insights to improve service delivery, providing dedicated support teams for cruise passengers, and facilitating a smooth check-in process at Dubai Harbour Cruise Terminal. The airline will also dedicate capacity for the next two seasons to ensure continued momentum to meet the demand for cruise packages to Dubai. The MoU was signed by Adnan Kazim, Deputy President and Chief Commercial Officer, Emirates Airline; and Felix Eichhorn, President of AIDA Cruises. Adnan Kazim commented on the renewed partnership: “We’re proud of AIDA Cruises’ long-standing commitment to Dubai, when they were one of the first cruise liners to home port in 2006. We are readying the business for another robust cruise season in Dubai, and through the support of partners like AIDA Cruises anchoring in our home city and hub, we’ll continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as an attractive gateway for winter cruising.” “The Arabian Gulf is one of our most popular winter destinations due to its …

Cruise Saudi and Al Madinah Region Development Authority signed an MoU to foster economic development in historic Al Madinah Region. This will develop the region and expand facilities to accommodate an increased number of tourists, with a focus on social impact both locally and across Saudi, in line with Vision 2030. Both Al Madinah Region Development Authority and Cruise Saudi share the vision to advance and aid access to Al Madinah, developing the region and expanding facilities to accommodate an increased number of tourists. As part of the agreement, both parties will utilize their capabilities and experiences to achieve their shared vision. The MoU signing took place at this year’s Saudi Tourism Forum in Riyadh, the annual event which promotes Saudi as a tourist destination, and which provided the perfect backdrop for both parties to mark their intent to enhance the tourism offering in the region of Al Madinah. Madinah is the second holiest city in Islam, with beautiful architecture in abundance, such as the vast Al-Masjid an-Nabawi mosque with its striking green dome dominating the skyline, sites of historic interest such as the The Ghars Well (also known as Bir Ghars) and Mount Uhud which was the site of the second battle between the Islamic prophet Muhammad and the polytheists of his tribe of Quraysh, and impressive natural landmarks of farms and valleys. The Al Madinah region has a multitude of historic wonders to explore, as well as modern sights including the coastal city of Yanbu. Cruise Saudi will facilitate cruise passengers’ visits to the region via the Red Sea. Mashhoor Baeshen, Executive Director, Destinations Development & Management at Cruise Saudi said “Unique in history and culture, Al Madinah …

AROYA Cruises unveiled the first cruise ship in its fleet. With 19 decks and 1,682 elegant cabins, this grand ship will redefine Arabian holidays. The 335-metre-long ship is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment to tailor the ship to the highest standard in line with the taste of Arabian passengers. AROYA Cruises, the new Arabian cruise line operated by Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund Owned company responsible for the development of Saudi’s cruise industry. With exceptional on-board service, an eclectic culinary offering, and a sensational activities program, guests aboard AROYA Cruises’ will enjoy a unique remarkably Arabian hospitality experience that reflects the warm and welcoming values of Saudi culture. Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “We are delighted to sail into the new year with the unveiling of our first AROYA Cruises ship. This marks an exciting milestone for Cruise Saudi in creating a world-class cruise industry in Saudi, whilst offering a new way to holiday in the Kingdom for locals. We look forward to welcoming the first passengers on-board.” AROYA Cruises will set sail from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia in 2024.

The Norwegian Dawn cruise ship arrived at Doha Port with a ceremony by Qatar Tourism, as part of the 2023/24 cruise season that opened in late-October in Qatar. The welcome ceremony featured a traditional Ardah performance, henna, dhow souvenirs, Arabic calligraphy art, sadu weaving, and net making for disembarking passengers. The cruise ship can accommodate up to 2,340 passengers, and has an operating crew of 1, 032 members. It will be anchored for two nights, allowing passengers to explore nearby sites in Doha which include the Mina District, Souq Waqif, National Museum of Qatar, and more. Speaking on the arrival of the cruise ship, His Excellency, Mr. Saad Bin Ali Al Kharji, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, stated, “The pioneering arrival of the Norwegian Dawn and its regional debut is a significant milestone for Qatar’s growing cruise tourism sector and marks Qatar’s international appeal as a cruise destination. Qatar Tourism is keen to create new partnerships and agreements with leading cruise lines and extend the opportunity to international passengers to explore Qatar’s abundant events calendar as well as its world-class museums, attractions, and cultural hotspots.” Captain Abdulla Mohamed Al-Khanji, CEO of Mwani Qatar, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Norwegian Cruise Line maiden voyage to the shores of Qatar and the Gulf region. This important event reflects the growing interest of cruise operators to dock at Doha’s Old Port and depart from it to other cruise terminals in the region. Qatar has rapidly evolved within the cruise tourism industry, emerging as a prominent global destination in this expanding sector. Its captivating attractions and ideal geographical location have been strongly recognised and have made Qatar a highly sought-after destination by both …

Once again, ‘blue tourism’ will be taking centre stage at the International Tourism Trade Fair, FITUR, organised by IFEMA MADRID from 24 to 28 January 2024. The FITUR Cruises section will convert Hall 4 into the epicentre of the cruise industry, with destinations and major companies showcasing a wide range of experiences through a full programme of activities, conferences and stands. Over the five days of the 44th edition of FITUR, this section will become the maritime enclave of reference where industry professionals and the general public can enjoy networking sessions, practical talks, dynamic events for all ages and meet-ups with the aim of promoting a deeper understanding of this holiday offer for travel agents and passengers alike. Noteworthy participants of FITUR Cruises With an impressive stand space, the iconic Disney Cruise Line will be bringing the magical experience of its cruises and dream-like destinations. Celebrity Cruises and Azamara will also be present at FITUR on their own stands, as will the renowned cruise line Costa Cruceros, with a double stand in front of the FITUR Cruises auditorium that will recreate the deck of a ship and showcase the new features of its itineraries for 2024 and 2025. As a new addition, the Turkish company specialising in cruises around the Greek islands and Eastern Mediterranean, Miray Cruises, will be participating for the first time at FITUR and will be presenting its programme for 2024. Among the tourist destinations, it is worth highlighting the presence of Ceuta, which will be revealing the wonders that cruise passengers can enjoy when disembarking at its Mediterranean port and which is presented as one of the undiscovered jewels of this coast. The non-profit organisation Mercy …

Cruise Saudi announced its partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission to showcase authentic Saudi cuisine onboard AROYA Cruises through the Irth Culinary Boutique & Café. This collaboration forms part of AROYA Cruises’ vision to offer exceptional and creative experiences to its passengers. AROYA Cruises is the first cruise ship of its kind to be tailored exclusively to Arabian tastes, and resembling it is Irth, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, which will offer a variety of locally sourced Saudi foods and drinks and high-quality products. In addition to its rich heritage and glorious history, Saudi is also renowned for its authentic hospitality, which will be embodied in the services provided at Irth, with all restaurant staff being trained by the Culinary Arts Commission to ensure a deluxe and genuine experience for passengers. Founded in 2020, the Culinary Arts Commission seeks to promote the unique Saudi culinary traditions on both a local and global scale and position the Kingdom as a leading destination for culinary arts. The goals and ambitions of the Culinary Arts Commission align perfectly with those of AROYA Cruise, which aims to provide exceptional experiences that cater to the tastes and preferences of Arabian people while seeking inspiration from the authentic Saudi culture. Lars Clasen, CEO at Cruise Saudi, commented on the partnership, “We’re proud to be partnering with the Culinary Arts Commission. Launching Irth Culinary Boutique & Café onboard AROYA Cruises represents a key step in exhibiting the Kingdom’s authenticity and offering the best of services to our guests”. Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, said, “Irth Culinary Boutique & Café will showcase the authenticity of Saudi cuisine and its rich culture, and this partnership …