Lars Clasen

Cruise Saudi is currently pursuing the development of a world-leading cruise sector in Saudi Arabia with state-of-the-art facilities and a unique and compelling offering of onshore experiences.

What potential do you see for the growth of cruising in the region, and what unique opportunities does Saudi Arabia offer to cruise operators?

Saudi is a country of huge potential, particularly when it comes to tourism, and it is unlike any other country in the Middle East. Until recently, it has been closed to all but religious pilgrims and business travelers. The country started welcoming international visitors with the issuing of tourist visas at the end of 2019, which places Cruise Saudi in the unique position of being able to offer cruise lines a new destination that was previously unavailable to them. From the abundant natural wonders, including six UNESCO World Heritage Sites, to historic architecture that reveals the country’s rich heritage, as well as an innovative eye to the future as part of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has so much to offer cruise lines and passengers alike. In terms of the expansion of cruising in the region, the exponential growth and success we have seen over the course of our three seasons, in which we have welcomed over 300,000 passengers to our three existing Saudi cruise ports since 2021, demonstrates the appetite for people to explore this unique region. The cruise industry in Saudi will grow to reflect this increasing appetite.

What specific markets or segments are you looking at when promoting Cruise Saudi?

Cruise Saudi’s pioneering Shorex program is crucial to creating unique experiences and is designed to ensure that passengers experience the best of Saudi. The dynamic offering of excursions available includes snorkeling in the Red Sea coral reef, discovering secluded islands in Yanbu, and exploring the thriving city metropolis of Dammam. Cruise Saudi works closely with local businesses and tour guides to put tourists at the heart of the program to tailor experiences and adventures to the specific needs of the visiting passengers and therefore creating experiences that are unique. One example is the Cruise Saudi Lives of Saudi Women tour, developed earlier this year, which was exclusive to female cruise passengers and offered a glimpse into the real lives of Saudi women. This onshore excursion is one of the many perception-changing and innovative opportunities available to passengers visiting Saudi by sea. International markets are also crucial to Cruise Saudi, and we have an attractive proposition for cruise lines, not just with our compelling Shorex program, but also through the initiatives we have put in place to ensure a smooth experience for visiting cruise lines. The introduction of our pioneering owned cruise line, AROYA Cruises, the first Arabian cruise line designed with Arabian preferences in mind, has meant that we are also looking to attract domestic passengers closer to home. This is a complete visionary product, the likes of which have never been seen before in the local or regional marketplace and is a significant step in providing new holiday options for Saudi-nationals, expats, and our neighbors. Our target market has also been expanded further through the launch of Aman at Sea, a purpose-built ultra-luxury superyacht designed to the renowned luxury standard of the Aman Resorts and Hotels brand offering guests an unrivalled holistic resort experience in a private setting, opening Cruise Saudi product to the ultra-luxury markets.

Are there any infrastructure projects in progress or planned to support the Saudi cruise industry?

Cruise Saudi is continually looking to develop and improve the local infrastructure to support a thriving and world-leading cruise industry. One example of this continued expansion is the recent MoU signing between Cruise Saudi and Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, with the shared objective to develop the accessibility and the experiences in Saudi’s Southern Region on a local, regional, and international level, expanding on the existing number of cruising ports in Saudi. Beyond the ports, our Shore Excursion department is constantly scouting destinations and activities to offer new and exciting experiences for cruise guests by identifying tour operators and partners on the ground to activate destinations and promote high-quality touristic activities around Saudi.