Cruise Saudi celebrated the inaugural visit of the Greek cruise ship Celestyal Discovery to Saudi shores, marking a significant milestone in the Kingdom’s growing presence within the global cruise tourism sector. The event underscores the expansion of international cruise lines choosing the Kingdom as a key destination on the Red Sea, highlighting its natural beauty, cultural richness, and rapidly developing tourism infrastructure.
The ship was welcomed in a ceremonial reception attended by representatives from the tourism and maritime sectors. Guests and crew members were introduced to the diverse attractions and unique experiences the Kingdom offers to international travelers. The visit aligns with Cruise Saudi’s strategy to expand cruise routes and attract world-leading cruise operators, thereby boosting tourism flows and opening new economic opportunities.
Celestyal Discovery is known for its culturally immersive itineraries, offering guests a blend of entertainment, culinary experiences, and coastal exploration. Its programs allow passengers to discover local landmarks, historical sites, pristine islands, and modern ports equipped with advanced facilities designed to enhance the travel experience.
Organizers emphasized that the arrival of Celestyal Discovery strengthens Saudi Arabia’s position on the global cruise map, especially as more international cruise lines express interest in incorporating Saudi ports into their itineraries. They noted that collaboration with global operators contributes significantly to elevating service standards and enriching visitor experiences through knowledge exchange and diversified offerings.
Cruise Saudi highlighted that attracting renowned cruise vessels supports several sectors connected to tourism, including hospitality, transport, and logistics, while also contributing to local economic growth in coastal communities through job creation and business activity.
This inaugural visit is part of broader efforts to transform the Kingdom into a major cruise tourism hub, driven by ongoing port development, enhanced services, and innovative experiences tailored to a wide range of travelers.
