Cruise Saudi marks Viking’s inaugural...

Viking Star is the fifth ship to sail Saudi Arabia’s waters

Cruise Saudi welcomed the Viking Star cruise ship for its inaugural visit on 30 March 2022. The ship called at Jeddah Islamic Port where a plaque and key exchange ceremony took place before sailing on to Yanbu Port at Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea.

With a capacity of 930 guests, the Viking Star has a Nordic theme present in the Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s gourmet deli, as well as the ship’s award-winning spa, designed to reflect the holistic wellness philosophies of Scandinavia.

SIGN UP NOW: GET THE CONNECTING TRAVEL DAILY NEWSLETTER

Based in Jeddah, Cruise Saudi was formed to develop the infrastructure and services required to foster a full-scale cruise sector in Saudi Arabia.

Seeking to create 50,000 jobs in the cruise industry in Saudi by 2035, the entity works in collaboration with ministries and regulatory authorities to develop the offshore and onshore cruise ecosystem with the aim of positioning the country as a premier global cruise destination.

Situated in close proximity to Europe, Asia and Africa, Cruise Saudi’s ports and routes along the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf provide a base for cruise passengers to discover destinations in the Middle East and beyond.

Commenting on Viking Star’s visit, Cruise Saudi’s new chief executive officer Lars Clasen said: “Viking Star’s visit is an important milestone for Cruise Saudi in welcoming a new cruise line to Saudi. We are proud to have hosted ships from some of the biggest and most renowned international cruise lines, now including Viking.

“We are excited to offer tourists a new and exciting opportunity to discover all that Saudi has to offer from pristine islands and beaches of the Red Sea to unique culture and heritage – all underpinned by the quintessential Saudi hospitality.

“We aim to be recognised as a world-class one-stop-shop maritime operator and to develop the cruise industry in Saudi as an important economic pillar of tourism in line with Vision 2030. Our ultimate goal is to establish the Red Sea and Saudi as a cruising hub, echoing the history of the region as a maritime hub.”

For more information, visit www.cruisesaudi.com