MSC Cruises has unveiled its brand-new MSC Magnifica itinerary in the Red Sea for fall and winter 2021-2022. These first-time cruises include numerous calls at destinations in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt.
Homeporting in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, MSC Magnifica will offer seven-night cruises, starting 13NOV, 2022 through MAR 2022. From Jeddah, the ship will call at Aqaba for Petra in Jordan, Safaga for Luxor in Egypt, and then the Saudi ports of AlWajh and Yanbu before returning to Jeddah.
“As an international cruise line renowned for offering guests unique opportunities to explore and discover the world, it is only natural that we are now making more accessible for our guests yet another brand-new destination. The introduction of Saudi Arabia to our winter program is a one-of-a-kind itinerary as it also offers Egypt and Jordan in an unparalleled combination of sun, beach, tradition and culture. Our guests can discover the untouched beauty of this region to its fullest and go ashore and explore plenty of undiscovered destinations," said Gianni Onorato, CEO, MSC Cruises.
Sales for the Red Sea itineraries open on 01MAY for all future guests. MSC Voyagers Club members will benefit from an additional 5 per cent discount for a period of 10 days, on top of their usual 5 per cent discount.
“The landmark partnership with MSC Cruises is a perfect starting point on our journey, and aligns with our vision to develop mainstream cruising along the Saudi coastlines with Jeddah as the key homeport that offers a wide variety of pre- and post-cruise stay options. Jeddah benefits from its proximity to Europe and is easily reachable by plane within five hours from most major cities on the continent. Due to its warm weather, Saudi Arabia is an ideal destination for winter holidays and has the potential for year-round cruising,” said Mark Robinson, Chief Commercial and Operations Officer, Cruise Saudi.
Eight Days of Discovery
MSC Magnifica highlights include:
- JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – Homeporting in this vibrant city, guests have their pick of sites to visit. AlBalad, the old town of Jeddah, dates back to the 7th century, boasts beautiful buildings, an ancient souk and a cultural melting-pot, and is one of the UNESCO World Heritage sites in Saudi Arabia. Jeddah is also known for its waterfront and modern shopping malls, with entertainment and activities for visitors.
- RAS AL-ABYAD, SAUDI ARABIA – Known as ‘Coastal White Head,’ this port city offers azure coral seas and beaches where guests can enjoy fresh seafood. With numerous scuba-diving and swimming options, guests can also enjoy their final stop relaxing on the private Oryx Beach.
- AQABA FOR PETRA, JORDAN – This city rests on the Red Sea coast and is ideal for divers and history buffs alike. From snorkeling in the Aqaba Marine Park to Mamluk Castle and the Aqaba Archaeological Museum, this destination can satisfy every interest. Aqaba's proximity to Petra offers guests a chance to travel to this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- SAFAGA FOR LUXOR, EGYPT – A short distance up the Nile River is the small city of Safaga which is the gateway to Luxor. Guests can visit the ruins of the Luxor and Karnak temples as well as Necropolis where guests can find the Valley of Kings and the Valley of Queens.
- AL WAJH, SAUDI ARABIA – Framed by turquoise seas and 62 miles of immaculate beaches on either side, the Red Sea coastal city of AlWajh once served as one of the region’s central shipping ports. It now serves as a coastal gateway to AlUla, home to Al-Hijr Archaeological Site (Madain Salih), Saudi Arabia’s cultural centrepiece and its first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- YANBU AL BAHR, SAUDI ARABIA – This Red Sea port is the final stop on this 7-night cruise. The old town of Yanbu, located within walking-distance from the port, dates back 2,500 years and offers one of the oldest souks, where traders would come from places as far as Africa to sell their goods. The city is known as “the diving capital of Saudi Arabia” and has become an increasingly attractive tourist destination due to its white sand shores.
To find out more about MSC Magnifica visit here.
MSC Virtuosa Adds Calls to Saudi Arabia for Winter 2021 Program In The Gulf
MSC Virtuosa will also be making her debut in Saudi Arabia as her winter 2021 program in the Arabian Gulf has been enriched with calls in the port of Dammam. MSC Virtuosa will spend her first winter season homeporting in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From there, the ship will sail to the nearby modern metropolis of Abu Dhabi, and then to Sir Bani Yas Island. The ship also calls at Doha, the futuristic capital of Qatar, before returning to Dubai with for overnight stay.
To find out more about MSC Virtuosa visit here.
