MSC signs 5-year commitment with Cruise Saudi...

[Stockjock]

Looks like MSC will be sailing from the Middle East for awhile.
https://www.cruiseindustrynews.com/cruise-news/25569-msc-signs-five-year-deal-with-cruise-saudi.html

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Interestingly, over on the Persian Gulf side of Saudi Arabia, my December cruise on MSC Virtuosa included a stop in Bahrain but that has been dropped in favor of Dammam, Saudi Arabia.

Edited July 30, 2021 by KINGBOBOFTHENORTH

[zekekelso]

Now the Saudis need to make it easy for cruise passengers to visit. 

[sverigecruiser]

 

I assume that they won't serve any alcohol on the ship.

[8420PR]

MSC has a specific FAQ section for the MSC Magnifica cruises from Saudi Arabia.  It confirms alcohol will be available, except when in port.

 

https://www.msccruises.co.uk/faq/info-red-sea

 

How will MSC Magnifica guests obtain travel visas for Saudi Arabia, as well as for Egypt and Jordan?
Guests who purchase our fly & cruise package will have a visa for Saudi Arabia valued at £30 per person included in the overall cost. For guests who opt to buy a cruise only they will be responsible to obtain their visa. All guests from countries within the Gulf Cooperation Council countries will not require visas.
Visas to visit Jordan and Egypt on one of our shore excursions will be included in the guest’s holiday package, whether it be fly & cruise or cruise only.

 

 

With MSC Magnifica and MSC Virtuosa's itineraries set to call in ports in Saudi Arabia, will you serve alcohol on board?
Yes, alcohol will be available for our guests on board during the winter season in the Red Sea. 

 

Will you serve alcohol only when MSC Magnifica and MSC Virtuosa are at sea or will it be available when each ship is at berth at a Saudi port?
In respect to the Saudi Law, alcoholic drinks will not be served during the stays in Saudi Arabian ports. Our long list of non-alcoholic drinks will be enriched to offer even more tastier drinking choices when the ship stays in Saudi Arabian ports.

Edited July 30, 2021 by 8420PR

[sealynx]

With no alcohol while in port, I do hope they won't plan any late stays. Because with my dinner I do enjoy a glass or two of fermented grape juice.

Question: Will the red sea be served by MSC year round, or just during the winter months when less capacity is needed in the Med? So far it's been the latter.

[welshy74]

4 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

If you remember your first post, I wasn't bothered at all...in fact I tried to *help* you.

 

But the mods obviously didn't like the thread anymore so instead of leaving it alone, you decided to make a new thread.

 

Let's leave this board for people who want information on how to sail MSC, *not* for political agendas of *any* type.

Look at my first post, it asks a question?  Which is what these boards are for.  Others are asking about alcohol which is against the law, I am asking about lgbt.  You really are unnecessarily triggered by this..  don’t know why.  

[welshy74]

7 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

So you *don't* post about Russia?

 

And I already answered in the other thread how MSC will protect you...obey local laws and customs. No PDA regardless of orientation.

 

That answer wasn't good enough for you?

The post was taken down.. I did not see your reply!!!!  

[alyssamma]

Just now, welshy74 said:

The post was taken down.. I did not see your reply!!!!  

OK, so now you've seen it...are we good?

[welshy74]

2 minutes ago, alyssamma said:

OK, so now you've seen it...are we good?

If it means you leaving me alone then yes, we are good.  Your aggression in reply to my question is somewhat disturbing.  But thank you, I do not need any further ‘advice’ from you.  

[alyssamma]

Just now, welshy74 said:

If it means you leaving me alone then yes, we are good.  Your aggression in reply to my question is somewhat disturbing.  But thank you, I do not need any further ‘advice’ from you.  

I answered your Q. I then asked if it was good enough or you wanted more. Not sure why you are taking a threatening tone with me.

 

No one else gave you an answer.

[perakcruiser]

And today is the big day. The Bellissima should go for the first time on this route:

 

Hope we will get something to hear from premiere cruisers. 

[BermudaBound2014]

Saudi Arabia is definitely a strong upcoming market. Let us not forget they bought up 8.2% of CCL back at the start of the pandemic and considering CCL owns the lions share of the entire industry I'd say they came to play.