MSC Cruises ship MSC Bellissima will sail 21 voyages from Jeddah between late July and November as Saudi Arabia looks to raise its profile as a cruise destination.
The Meraviglia-class vessel (pictured), which launched in 2019, will offer three and four-night cruises to Safaga, Egypt, or Aqaba, Jordan.
The sailings will be added to the line’s previously published winter 2021/22 Red Sea programme, which is due to start in November. MSC Magnifica and MSC Virtuosa are also operating itineraries in the Middle East from November.
Earlier this year, MSC signed a deal with investment fund-owned business Cruise Saudi to enable it to offer cruises in Saudi Arabia.
The firm was set up to find alternative revenue sources for the country other than oil.
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Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises executive chairman, said: “As the tourism industry of Saudi Arabia grows progressively for its own residents and international visitors, we at MSC Cruises are looking forward to make a positive and lasting contribution as more people explore and discover the rich heritage and incredible cultural attractions it has to offer.
“In the Red Sea we are committed to serve holidaymakers with the very best cruise experiences. This, we believe, will accelerate the attractiveness of holidays at sea in the region and significantly help in the growth of tourism.”
MSC Bellissima features a Mediterranean-style promenade with an 80-metre LED sky screen and a shopping gallery.