Cruise Saudi Celebrates First Visit of Celestyal Discovery, Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Position in Cruise Tourism and Driving Long-Term Economic Growth

Published on December 7, 2025

In a major milestone for Saudi Arabia’s cruise tourism industry, Cruise Saudi welcomed the Celestyal Discovery vessel to Jeddah Islamic Port on December 5, 2025. This visit marks Saudi Arabia’s strengthening position as an emerging hub for Red Sea cruise tourism, with this being the first international arrival of the vessel. The LNG-powered vessel arrived for a series of chartered cruises, reflecting the growing popularity of Saudi ports and an expanding role in the global cruise industry.

The visit was marked by an exchange of commemorative plaques between officials from Celestyal Cruises, Cruise Saudi, and the maritime sector, in recognition of cooperation between the private sector, tourism authorities, and international cruise lines. In fact, the partnership indicated Saudi Arabia’s determination to enhance the country’s cruise sector and include it within the larger tourism strategy of the country under Vision 2030.

The Growing Impact of Cruise Tourism on Saudi Arabia’s Economy

The introduction of Celestyal Discovery to Saudi ports reflects a broader trend of growing interest in Red Sea cruises, which is having a significant economic impact on the Kingdom. Cruise tourism has become an important contributor to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, with tourism-related revenues from international cruise visitors driving economic activity in key coastal regions like Jeddah and Salalah. These cruise arrivals bring increased demand for hotels, restaurants, transportation, and local tourism services, which benefit small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and provide employment opportunities in the hospitality and tourism sectors.

Cruise Saudi continues to foster these economic benefits by managing port operations, berth infrastructure, and supporting cruise ship logistics, ensuring that Saudi Arabia remains an attractive and competitive tourism destination for global cruise lines. With an increasing number of international ships calling on Saudi ports, the Kingdom is positioning itself as a vibrant cruise destination, driving tourism spending and supporting local economies along the Red Sea coast.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Regional Role in Cruise Tourism

The resumption of direct cruise routes to Saudi Arabia represents a strategic move in regional tourism development. As a growing tourism hub, Saudi Arabia benefits from its central location along the Red Sea, serving as a key stop for international cruise itineraries traveling between the Mediterranean and Indian Ocean. The increasing regional connectivity through Saudi ports has enhanced the country’s role in the broader Middle East cruise tourism market, strengthening its position in the global tourism economy.

Saudi Arabia’s efforts to position itself as a leading cruise tourism destination in the Red Sea align with its goals of enhancing regional connectivity and increasing tourism arrivals through strategic investments in port infrastructure, high-end cruise services, and sustainable tourism initiatives. This shift reflects the growing importance of cruise tourism in the Kingdom’s broader economic diversification plan, as it moves toward a future of sustainable tourism growth and international tourism prominence.

Cruise Tourism and the Future of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030

The growth of cruise tourism in Saudi Arabia is central to Vision 2030, which emphasizes the development of tourism as a diversified economic pillar. By enhancing its cruise tourism infrastructure and welcoming international cruise operators, Saudi Arabia is working toward increasing its tourism revenues and attracting international tourists to experience the Kingdom’s historical sites, cultural experiences, and luxury offerings.

Looking ahead, Cruise Saudi and its partners are expected to expand cruise offerings with more itineraries, vessel calls, and tourism products that cater to luxury travelers and those seeking unique, immersive experiences in the Red Sea region. This future tourism impact is anticipated to contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s overall tourism strategy, with continued growth in the cruise industry, job creation, and tourism development that align with the goals of Vision 2030.

The Long-Term Impact of Cruise Tourism in Saudi Arabia

The arrival of Celestyal Discovery into Jeddah marks an important milestone in the development of Saudi Arabia’s cruise tourism sector, testifying to the fast-growing appeal of the Kingdom as a Red Sea cruise hub. With ongoing tourism infrastructure investments, international cruise line collaborations, and a focus on sustainability, Saudi Arabia has all it takes to lead the way in luxury cruise tourism within the region.

In the long run, cruise tourism will continue to boost local economies, improve regional connectivity, and help achieve the goals of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. By establishing itself as a major destination for luxury cruises and experiential travel, Saudi Arabia is opening long-term opportunities for economic diversification, cultural exchange, and job creation within the tourism sector. As confidence in Saudi Arabia’s cruise sector grows, the Kingdom is poised to maintain its position as a key player within the global cruise tourism market for many years to come.