Embarkation and departure of MSC Bellissima begins new era at Jeddah Islamic Port
Red Sea Gateway Terminal (RSGT) in partnership with Cruise Saudi entered the cruise industry with the departure of the cruise ship MSC Bellissima from the terminal’s new dedicated cruise line berthing facilities. The 4,500-passenger vessel is operated by MSC Cruises.
The berthing and cruise passenger facilities are part of the ongoing expansion and upgrade of RSGT and Jeddah Islamic Port.
“This is another proud and important moment for RSGT and Jeddah Islamic Port as we witness the launch of the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia ahead of the departure of the very first cruise ship from our newly expanded terminal,” stated RSGT CEO Jens Floe.
The vessel berthing and passenger embarkation will be conducted at RSGT’s expanded facility, part of the new 30-year concession agreement signed last year.
RSGT and Jeddah Islamic Port will serve as the home port for MSC Bellissima for the 2021-2022 cruise season.
The ship will sail 21 Red Sea voyages from Jeddah between the end of July and late October with 3- and 4-night cruises to Safaga for Luxor, Egypt or Aqaba for Petra, Jordan before returning to her Saudi homeport.
“This event marks a great milestone for Cruise Saudi, and indeed for the tourism industry in Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030,” commented Mark Robinson, Chief Operations & Commercial Officer, Cruise Saudi.
