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From Egypt and Israel to Jordan, a Red Sea cruise is an opportunity to journey to the very heart of a region with a fascinating range of cultural and natural heritage to offer. The pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings, the temples of Petra, Nazareth…millennia-old sites of major historical significance abound amidst a natural environment replete with contrasts. The desert finds its reflection in the gentle undulations of the Dead Sea, and the fertile banks of the Nile are mirrored by the underwater world of the seabed around Eilat. Delight and enchantment lay at every turn.

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Ancient Splendours of Greece & Egypt

Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.

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reasons to set sail on a cruise in the Red Sea

UNESCO World Heritage sites, remnants of legendary civilisations, biodiverse waters... A cruise in the Red Sea offers the perfect balance between culture and relaxation.

Red Sea - Unmissable experiences

Egypt, Israel, Jordan ... Cruising the Red Sea is a chance to visit three very different countries. However, they all share a rich history and a variety of fascinating archaeological sites. A voyage on the Red Sea lets you immerse yourself in the culture and traditions of the area. We have put together a list of unmissable experiences for you to peruse.

Explore Red Sea

The Red Sea: a colourful history

3 reasons to set sail on a cruise in the Red Sea

To discover ancient civilisations

From Egypt to Jordan by way of Israel, the countries surrounding the Red Sea are rich in history and perfectly preserved monuments . The pyramids and the Sphinx of Giza, the temples of Karnak and Luxor, and the treasures on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo all bear witness to the splendours of the Pharaonic era . The traces left by the Romans let travellers follow in the footsteps of this legendary Empire. As for Petra, it is a testament to the power and refinement of the Nabataeans.

To enjoy a moment of relaxation

In the two northern gulfs of the Red Sea, the resorts of Ain Sokhna , Egypt, and Eilat , Israel, offer travellers a relaxed atmosphere and large sandy beaches. Thanks to their calm waters, these destinations are ideal for swimming or nautical activities such as kayaking and pedalo outings. The salt water baths of the Dead Sea are a great spot to recharge your batteries.

For navigation and engineering enthusiasts, sailing the Suez Canal is a unique opportunity to sit back and take in your surroundings.

To swim through rich waters

Scuba diving and snorkelling are popular activities in the coastal towns surrounding the Red Sea, from Eilat and Aqaba to Hurghada and Safaga. The waters are home to many varieties of coral, moray eels, reef sharks, and parrotfish. If you're lucky, you might even spot a pod of dolphins or a few hammerhead sharks. Come on in, the water's lovely!

Sail the Suez Canal - Egypt

A monumental feat of engineering, the Suez Canal measures over 200 kilometres, connecting the Mediterranean to the Red Sea. A cherished dream since ancient times, this waterway was first proposed by the pharaohs back in the 13th century BC. However, it was under the leadership of Frenchman Ferdinand de Lesseps that these plans finally came to fruition in 1869. The Suez Canal is a passage between two continents and two civilisations: a truly unique nautical adventure.

Discover Ancient Egypt

The powerful civilisation of ancient Egypt dominated the region for several millennia, and many of its most splendid monuments can still be seen today. In Giza, the pyramids of Khufu, Khafre, and Menkaure have stood as a testament to the pharaohs for around 5,000 years. Keeping guard over the pyramids, the imposing figure of the Sphinx sits 73.5 metres tall. Nearby, the Egyptian Museum boasts the largest collection of ancient Egyptian antiquities, including the magnificent treasure of Tutankhamun .

Swim in the Dead Sea - Israel

Enjoy a swim like no other! known for its high concentration of salt, the Dead Sea is one of Israel's must-visit destinations. Thanks to the water's mineral content, a dip in the sea can offer a range of therapeutic benefits. Its salinity will also keep you bobbing on the surface.

Visit the Masada fortress - Israel

The Masada fortress towers over the Judean Desert , perched on cliffs ranging from 100-450 metres in height. As it is nearly impossible to access on foot, visitors can take a cable car to explore the sanctuary that sheltered many Jewish families from 66 to 70 BC during the reign of Herod. Now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the ruins of the palace with its mosaics and columns, the imposing walls, the synagogue, the baths and the water cisterns all reflect the ingenuity and beauty of the area and its people.

Take in the magic of Petra - Jordan

At the bend of a gorge, surrounded by the rocky walls of the Jabal al-Khubtha massif, lies the ancient city of Petra . Dug into the rock itself—in varying shades of ochre and red—the tombs, theatre, walls, gardens, temples, and monuments symbolise the city's importance during the reign of the Nabataeans, around the sixth century BC. Built on the main caravan route , Petra is located at the crossroads between East and West. Incense, spices, silk, precious stones, and medicinal plants all passed through this bustling city. However, Petra's importance decreased over the centuries, and the city eventually fell into oblivion before being rediscovered in 1812.

Dive into the Red Sea

As one of the warmest seas in the world, the Red Sea is home to a huge variety of underwater flora and fauna. Divers can expect to encounter colourful corals, shimmering schools of fish, butterflyfish, clownfish, parrotfish, angelfish, barracudas, moray eels, rays, dolphins, and whale sharks.

• Ain Sukhna (Egypt)
• Aqaba (Jordan)
• Athens (Greece)
• Crossing the Suez Canal (Egypt)
• Nafplion (Greece)
• Patmos (Greece)
• Rhodes (Greece)

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Red Sea cruises

Discover the extraordinary beauty of the Red Sea, where ancient monuments and breathtaking marine life await.

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A world of adventure

Discover the red sea.

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Featured Itineraries

The Secrets of the Red Sea

Discover the Red Sea by luxury yacht

Ancient Wonders of Israel, Egypt & Jordan

Holy Land & Pyramids with Suez Canal

Discover Ancient Wonders of the Mediterranean & Red Sea

Explore the Mediterranean by luxury yacht

Why cruise with Emerald Cruises?

At Emerald Cruises, your enjoyment comes first. Sail with the small cruise ship experts and benefit from our attentive service, as you dock in the heart of exciting destinations across the Red Sea that larger vessels simply cannot reach.

Small yacht cruising expertise

Emerald Cruises specializes in providing the small yacht cruise experience . You’ll notice how a limited number of guests, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, and the purpose-driven design and layout of our luxury yachts offer you a comfortable and luxurious Red Sea cruise experience.

Our award-winning luxury yachts

Our ocean-going yachts are your home away from home, boutique floating hotels that provide guests with luxurious surroundings, a wealth of amenities, and unique innovations such as the Marina Platform for swimming in the sea and the Sky Bar for enjoying an evening drink as the sun sets.

Contemporary suites & staterooms

Escape to your private sanctuary of serenity. With our range of suites and staterooms , there’s an option to suit all preferences and budgets, whether you need plenty of space to stretch out, or you’re longing for a cozier accommodation.

EmeraldDISCOVERY

Emerald DISCOVERY is designed to take you far beyond the standard tourist experience, with a variety of exciting excursions . You’ll enjoy an included excursion nearly every day and have the option to join our Emerald PLUS , Emerald ACTIVE , and extra-special Discover MORE excursions^ to explore each destination in even greater depth.

A wealth of generous inclusions

Your Red Sea cruise should also provide complete peace of mind. This is why we cover all port charges, provide all meals on board and with accompanying beverages , offer complimentary Wi-Fi, and cover all gratuities on board and onshore. You’ll also benefit from a first-class English-speaking crew , and enjoy tours led by knowledgeable, local guides.

Where we travel

Uncover the perfect blend of beauty and exploration while cruising the red sea  .

Your guide to luxury yacht cruising

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Red Sea Cruise

Discover the Red Sea on a cruise

Find here our itineraries along the red sea.

Find all the cruises on the Red Sea with CroisiEurope! Sail on board the beautiful Adriatic, the first maritime ship of our company, between Egypt and Jordan along the Sinai Peninsula, a real gradation of red and ochre colors.

Discover the cradle of civilization and the three great monotheistic religions in the midst of a breathtaking landscape. From Aqaba (Jordan), cross the desert of Wadi Rum , the famous shooting place of Lawrence of Arabia, visit Petra , one of the greatest wonders ever erected by Man or let yourself be surprised by the seabed of Naama Bay . Finally, discover the capital of the Pharaohs, the Valley of the Kings and the Karnak temple , one of the most important sites of ancient Egypt, more than 4000 years old.

With CroisiEurope, get off the beaten track and let yourself be carried away on an unforgettable journey to the heart of the wonders of the Red Sea.

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Itinerary: Dubai, Khasab, Muscat, Salalah, Aqaba, Heraklion, Valletta, Palma de Majorca

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Our mission.

Our mission is to act as agents of change, by partnering with the world's greatest minds to spearhead new innovations that reimagine the boundaries of our sector and create a better world for people and planet.

Our vision is to become the world’s most responsible developer, by trailblazing new global standards which see built environments become enablers for social and ecological transformation.

About us - Our values

• We take responsibility for the natural environment, aiming to preserve, protect, and enhance it
• We help in increasing opportunities, both within the communities where we operate and across Saudi Arabia
• We are proud to be at the forefront of the responsible tourism industry
• We communicate, share knowledge and work together in multi- diverse cultural environment. We work hand in hand with our stakeholders and partners to succeed
• We embrace opportunities to learn and develop skills from our colleagues
• We believe that by coming together as a team, we can achieve the best outcomes for our company and the country
• We affiliate with like-minded partners and suppliers to achieve Red Sea Global’s ambitious goals
• We are passionate about achieving results with excellence
• We continually go beyond what is expected of us, to achieve the best outcomes
• We strive every day to achieve the ambitious targets of our company
• We are passionate about Saudi Arabia and the opportunity to showcase the culture of warm hospitality to the world
• Respect is at the center of everything we do and is the beating heart of our values
• We treat all of our colleagues with respect and embrace different backgrounds and perspectives
• We have a deep respect for the natural environment and are committed to protecting it for future generations
• We respect the culture and heritage of Saudi Arabia

Vision 2030 is a bold blueprint intended to build the best future for Saudi Arabia. It is designed to harness and showcase the nation’s greatest strengths, build upon its leading role at the heart of Arab and Islamic worlds, and help to create a more sustainable economy by forging new and stronger cultural business connections with the world Mr. John Pagano CEO

Sustainable Construction Organization of the Year at Big 5 Global Impact Awards

We're honored to be recognized for our holistic approach to development for people and planet at the 2023 Big 5 Global Impact Awards. Our win as Sustainable Construction Organization of the Year reflects our unwavering commitment to regeneration and innovation.

We'd also like to congratulate our partners Grankraft for winning Prefabrication & Modular Construction Project of the Year for their incredible work at Shebara resort.

Our Talent Aquisition team wins EMEA Recruitment Team of the Year

Our incredible Talent Acquisition team are crowned EMEA Recruitment Team of the Year by HRO Today Association. Since 2018, the dynamic team of Saudi and global professionals have successfully hired and onboarded thousands of talented Red Sea'ers from around the world. Their incredible efforts have transformed our company from a startup to a thriving 5,200-strong family, working together for people and planet.

Our net-zero 5G network wins Climate Action Initiative of the Year

Our pioneering telecom network at The Red Sea, the world's first net-zero 5G network created in partnership with Zain KSA, has been awarded Climate Action Initiative of the Year at the 2023 Glotels Awards. We're proud that our efforts to minimize environmental impact while delivering exceptional connectivity experiences have been recognized. We're setting new benchmarks for the telecom industry for people and planet.

RSI wins World's Leading New Airport 2023

Soaring to new heights, Red Sea International Airport is honored as the World's Leading New Airport 2023, adding to our accolades from the World Travel Awards, including Middle East's Best New Airport and two wins for our smart luggage system. We're proud to be recognized for redefining aviation for people and planet since launching domestic flights earlier this year.

Shebara resort wins Project of the Future

Our groundbreaking Shebara resort, in collaboration with Killa Design, has been awarded Project of the Future at the Identity Design Awards 2023! 

Each unit was constructed and equipped offshore before being seamlessly integrated into the resort's solar-powered infrastructure. This light-touch approach preserves the island's pristine natural environment, its vibrant coral reefs, and diverse wildlife. 

We’re proud that our LEED Platinum resort is recognized as revolutionizing architecture in the Middle East for people and planet.

Design & Engineering team celebrates triple win at Landscape Middle East Sustainability Awards

Our Group Head of Design and Engineering, Scott Henshaw, has earned the Lifetime Achievement Award, and our Director of Landscape Architecture, Fahad Alhabili, has been honored with the Prominent Professional Award for their innovative work in sustainable landscape design.

Our Landscape Nursery received the Tourism & Retail award.

Talent Acquisition Team of The Year 2023

Our incredible Talent Acquisition Team won the 2023 HRO Today Talent Acquisition Team of the Year Award! 

From a startup to a powerhouse, they've transformed our hiring process and reached a milestone in November 2023: 5,000 employees from 78 countries hired across our company, brands, and subsidiaries

ISO 20400:2017 Certification for Sustainable Procurement

Red Sea Global has achieved the ISO 20400:2017 certification for sustainable procurement. This certification highlights our commitment to incorporating sustainable purchasing practices and a range of holistic factors, such as environmental footprint, social responsibility, long-term economic sustainability, and cost efficiency. 

As we continue to work to reduce our operational impact on the environment, this certification is proof of our dedication to ethical and sustainable practices.

World Travel Awards 2023

Red Sea International Airport shone at the World Travel Awards 2023 with three wins – the World’s Best Smart Hospitality Project, the Middle East’s Best Smart Airport Project, and the Middle East's Leading Tourism Development Project – for our incredible smart luggage management system. 

A special thanks to the Technology, Smart Destination, and Digital Experience teams for making this possible.

Risk & Continuity Management Award at The Annual CISO Conclave

We are thrilled to announce that our Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) team won the Annual CISO Conclave award for their excellent efforts in Enterprise Risk Management and Business Continuity Management (ERM & BCM), underlining our commitment to robust risk and resilience management practices.

Turtle Bay Villas and Townhouses win LEED Homes Award

Red Sea Global has won the LEED Homes Award in Outstanding Developer category for our Turtle Bay Villas and Townhouses, which achieved Platinum LEED Homes certification in 2022.

We’re honored to be recognized as a green building leader by the US Green Building Council and LEED professionals. 

Turtle Bay Hotel wins Offsite Project of the Year

Our Turtle Bay Hotel has won the prestigious Offsite Project of the Year award at the Construction Technology Awards 2023.

We’re proud to be recognized as a best-in-class project in the sustainable construction environment as we continue creating beautiful destinations for people and planet. 

Best Health & Wellbeing Program

Red Sea Global received the CIPD Middle East award for Best Health and Wellbeing Program in recognition of our efforts to promote a healthy lifestyle for our employees. Our corporate wellbeing program is a strategic enabler of our business objectives, which brings to life the vision of His Royal Highness and the strategic priorities of Vision 2030

BCI Global Resilience Award

We're delighted to announce that RSG received the ‘Collaboration in Resilience’ award at the Business Continuity Institute’s Global Resilience Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions of business continuity, risk and emergency management excellence across the world.

The prestigious Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Risk Champions Award

Our Risk and Resilience team has won the prestigious Business Continuity Management (BCM) and Risk Champions Award at the 7th GCC Security Symposium! They have redefined the way we view "Resilience" and made it an integral part of our strategy, strengthening our community, society, and environment #ForPeopleAndPlanet. Congratulations to our outstanding team! #RedSeaGlobal

RSG Becomes First Saudi Company to Achieve Standard for Good Governance

Red Sea Global has become the first company in Saudi Arabia to achieve the ISO 37000 for good governance. Developed by the British Standards Institution, it recognizes businesses that go beyond practicing good governance in siloed singular departments, by operating ethically and effectively at an enterprise-wide level to fulfil its purpose as a business

International Standard for Business Resilience ISO Award

We're proud to have been recognized by The Major International Standard for Business Resilience Award. The ISO22301:2019 certification acknowledges the success of the Covid-19 HSE plans initiated at our projects.

Environmental Management Standard ISO Award

We're delighted to have been awarded the Environmental Management Standard ISO14001:2015 by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Information Security Management ISO Award

We're delighted to announce that we've been awarded the prestigious ISO 270001:2013 certification by world-leading testing, inspection and certification company SGS for our esteemed information security management system and compliance with national and international standards.

Construction Week awards

We're delighted to have won Masterplan Project of The Year, Health & Safety Initiative of the Year and Sustainability Initiative of the Year awards for The Red Sea Project at the Construction Week KSA Awards.

BIM Project Kitemark world first

We're proud to announce that The Red Sea Development Company is the first asset owner in the world to achieve the prestigious BIM Project Kitemark for our digital project delivery and adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) aligned to ISO19650, awarded by the British Standards Institution (BSI).

Another ISO first

We're proud to announce that we're one of the first development companies in the Middle East to achieve ISO 9001:2015 certification for quality management of the design and construction of assets at The Red Sea.

BIM Project of the Year

We’re proud to have won the BIM Implementation of the Year award at the Construction Technology Awards 2021

Exceptional assessment

We're pleased to announce that The Red Sea Development Company has achieved an exceptional overall score of 84/100 in our first ever ESG assessment and benchmark exercise by Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark.

Driving Growth in KSA

We're proud to learn that we ranked as the highest ranking giga-project in Construction Week Middle East's independent review of 'The Top 50 Construction Firms Driving Growth in Saudi Arabia’.

Cityscape MENA intelligence award 2021

We're honored to have won in the KSA hospitality and tourism category of the cityscape MENA intelligence 2021 awards for the awe-inspiring Coral Bloom designs for our hub island at The Red Sea Project.

ISO certification award

We're proud to be awarded ISO31000:2018 certification, the highest available standard in risk management with zero non-conformities. This recognizes our organized and process-driven approach to risk management.

LEED Platinum Certification

We are proud to have completed the first stage of the LEED for Cities (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) platinum certification in the ‘Plan & Design’ criteria for The Red Sea Project.

Developer of the Year

We're delighted to have won "The Developer of the Year" and "Excellence in Health & Employee Safety" awards at the Big Project Middle East Awards 2020. This recognizes the exceptional progress we've made in setting new standards in sustainable development and worker welfare at The Red Sea.

VISION 2030

Red sea global on social media.

Beach-cleaning robot at The Red Sea

@redseaglobal Feb 8

'Athar - East to West’ hand-cycle journey

The official opening of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort

Saudi Green Initiative

@redseaglobal Jan 11

Landscape Nursery

For People and Planet

Dessert Rock

New Year 2024

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Carnival Corporation reroutes 12 ships due to Red Sea situation

The world's largest cruise shipowner Carnival Corporation & plc prioritizes the safety and security of its guests and crew, actively monitoring developments in the Red Sea region.

After careful consideration and consultation with global security experts and government authorities, Carnival has chosen to change/reroute itineraries for 12 ships across its 7 brands, originally slated to cross the Red Sea until May 2024. This adjustment is anticipated to impact adjusted earnings per share by US$0.07 to US$0.08 for the full year 2024, primarily concentrated in the second quarter.

Despite this rerouting decision, booking trends remain unaffected, and there are no scheduled Red Sea/ Suez Canal transits until November 2024.

Carnival Corporation & plc reports a strong start to the wave season, surpassing expectations with record-high booking volumes since November. For 2024, the company maintains its best booked position to date, with pricing (in constant currency) and occupancy significantly higher compared to 2023 levels. Nearly all slots for the first half of 2024 are already reserved. The company anticipates that sustained robust bookings will offset the impact of the Red Sea rerouting throughout the year.

Furthermore, the company has announced the redemption of the outstanding US$571 million, 9.875% second-priority senior secured notes due 2027, effectively eliminating all remaining second lien debt. This redemption aligns with previous guidance from December and underscores the company's commitment to utilizing its cash flow strength to reduce interest expenses and leverage, as it progresses towards achieving investment grade credit metrics.

Jeddah is the commercial centre of Saudi – a cultural crossroads and a vibrant hub combining…

Dammam is home to numerous historical and cultural sites including the UNESCO World Heritage Site,…

Yanbu’s history dates back at least 2,500 years, when it was a staging point on the spice and…

A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY

An unexplored destination.

Saudi has an incredibly rich and diverse cultural heritage. It is filled with historical wonders, natural landscapes, and pristine waters as well as modern architecture and cities which are all underpinned by the quintessential Saudi hospitality, generosity, and vibrancy. 

With significant investment in the growing tourism industry in Saudi, there is a range of activities that visitors can explore. From experiencing the culture and heritage to discovering the vast entertainment and adventure offerings and appreciating the varied landscapes of the region, there is something for every visitor.

It is a unique and unmissable destination. With cruise-ready ports located on the coastlines of the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf, tourists can now explore Saudi from the sea. Cruise Saudi invites the world to experience everything that makes Saudi unforgettable. 

A GATEWAY TO SAUDI

Cruise Saudi is both the architect and the driver of the cruise industry in Saudi. As a conduit between land and sea, Cruise Saudi is a strategic facilitator and a trusted partner to international and local entities that oversees the development of services and infrastructure – including cruise berths, state-of-the-art passenger terminals, training of ground services, and the creation of shore excursions –     that will transform the country’s coastlines into premier global cruise destinations.

Cruise Saudi aspires to provide a seamless, comfortable, and memorable journey for guests, from arrival to departure.

DESTINATIONS

Jeddah is the commercial centre of Saudi – a cultural crossroads and a vibrant hub combining heritage and modernity. With a population of about 4.8 million, Jeddah is the second largest city in Saudi.

Visitors can travel back in time walking through the streets of the Historical AlBalad District - Jeddah’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognised for its Hijazi style old town, or enjoy the modern landmarks of the city, strolling down the waterfront corniche and taking time to admire the world’s tallest fountain of its kind.

Jeddah is also the principal gateway to Makkah, the holiest city in Islam, located just 65 km to the East; while Madinah, the second holiest city is located 360km to the north, making it an important access point for Muslim pilgrims.

With cruise passenger facilities in place at Jeddah Islamic Port, the city is well positioned as a regional hub to welcome international visitors to come and experience Saudi by sea, and for cruise lines to consider Jeddah as a Home Port, Port of Call or Turnaround Port.

Dammam is famously the location where oil was first discovered in Saudi. However, the history of the area dates back more than 2,000 years with many tombs and dwellings discovered in the area.

Over a span of a little more than half a century, the area has developed from small fishing communities into a thriving hub of industry, commerce and science and is home to more than half a million people.

Dammam boasts endless views of the tranquil Arabian Gulf and is known for its airy waterfronts and sandy beaches. The modern city is a metropolis that thrives on its coastal location and has a growing reputation as an arts, sports and entertainment destination.

Dammam is also home to a number of historical and cultural sites including the UNESCO World Heritage Site, AlAhsa Oasis, Qara Mountain with its intriguing caves, King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture (Ithra), souqs and more.

Yanbu’s history dates back at least 2,500 years, when it was a staging point on the spice and incense route from Yemen to Egypt and the Mediterranean Region. The city was built around its port, where most of its people made their living.

Modern Yanbu is a major industrial city, known for its oil refineries and petrochemical plants, home to a unique cultural mix of people, with many of its 220,000 expatriate residents from around the world.

Adventure and nature-oriented travellers can experience the beauty of untouched coral reefs, teaming with colorful fish to the Iona shipwreck.

With this fusion of history and modernity, along with its proximity to major cities in the country, Yanbu offers an ideal port of call on the Red Sea. Currently, it is the coastal access point of UNESCO World Heritage Site Hegra, AlUla.

International Industry Memberships

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is the world's largest cruise industry trade association, providing a unified voice and leading authority of the global cruise community.

The World Travel & Tourism Council is the global authority on the economic and social contribution of travel & tourism.

The Association of Mediterranean Cruise Ports promotes the cruise industry and unites the ports of ‘Mare Nostrum’ and its adjoining seas.

Cruise And Ferry

Carnival confirms Red Sea diversions for 12 cruise ships

US-listed cruise giant says diversions will impact its financial performance for the 2024 full year

Carnival Corp has confirmed it will be diverting a number of its cruise ships around the Cape of Good Hope due to the deteriorating security situation in the Red Sea.

“Carnival is committed to the safety and well-being of its guests and crew and has been actively monitoring the situation in the Red Sea and surrounding region,” the company said.

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Watch CBS News

"Big Nude Boat" offers a trip to "bare-adise" on a naked cruise from Florida

By Li Cohen

Updated on: May 2, 2024 / 8:20 AM EDT / CBS News

Like to travel light? One cruise ship soon to set sail from Florida is making sure all you need is the bare necessities – no shoes, no clothes but plenty of service. 

" The Big Nude Boat " will take travelers from Miami to the Caribbean on "an 11-day adventure back to Bare-adise," the website says. Setting sail from Feb. 3 through Valentine's Day 2025, the trip offers a "stress-free, clothes-free experience" during which up to 2,300 passengers can roam the ship in the nude while out at sea. 

"It's our pleasure to provide you with the luxury of deciding what NOT to wear," Bare Necessities Tour and Travel says. 

@cbsmornings Would you dare to set sail on a nude cruise? 🚢 Cruisebare's upcoming full-ship nude cruise, departing from Miami in February next year, is making waves. Even #TonyDokoupil is down to go. 🌊 #cruises #vacation #experience #miami #sail ♬ original sound - CBS Mornings

Passengers won't be allowed to be naked when the ship is docked, but can ditch their usual attire once they are anchored or out on the water. And when clothing is optional, standard nudist etiquette must be abided by, the website says. When sitting, nude passengers must either wear a thong or sit on a towel or some kind of fabric. And while the self-serve buffet on the pool deck is a clothes-free area, passengers must be dressed for all dining room meals – and no, bathrobes don't count. 

Photos and videos will also not be permitted unless all individuals being documented give consent. 

"The Big Nude Boat" is just one of the cruises offered by Bare Necessities, which says on its website that the company has been "working to break down the barriers against social nudity and make clothing-optional vacationing a viable and acceptable option for all." 

"Social nudity is not a sexual activity, and we strive to dispel the misconception that it is anything but natural and beautiful," the company says. "We have made strides in the acceptance of nude vacationing and our wide range of cruise charters are a testament to our success."

• Cruise Ship

Li Cohen is a social media producer and trending content writer for CBS News.

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Royal Caribbean recruiting up to 10K workers in 2024 to meet record cruise demand

R oyal Caribbean is looking to recruit as many as 10,000 workers worldwide this year to staff its ships and private destinations as demand for ocean cruises hits fresh records.

The number of people taking cruises hit an all-time high in 2023, and with the surge in demand and larger vessels, labor needs are growing.

Tourism boards and port operators from around the world said Royal Caribbean — which already has a workforce of close to 100,000 — is looking to hire worldwide.

The company confirmed to Reuters that it’s anticipating hiring around 10,000 workers this year.

According to the company’s annual filing, its sea-based workforce last year — which comprises of staffers on its cruise ships — totaled about 88,700 employees, 6% lower than the year prior.

The giant’s land-based workforce, meanwhile — which is comprised primarily of port operations and corporate office roles — including at its private destinations consisted of approximately 9,500 full-time employees in 2023, up 17% from the year prior.

“The recruiting strategy follows the business strategy of moderate capacity growth,” a company spokesperson told Reuters.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) in April was reportedly approached by Royal Caribbean in regards to recruitment and hiring, a request it hadn’t received in the past, said Natasha Chalwell, BVI Port Authority marketing director.

But the cruise giant isn’t only focused on the Caribbean: The company also approached West Africa’s Gambia Tourism Board in April with an interest in hiring more workers, a spokesperson said.

For reference, Royal Caribbean currently employs about 700 workers from the nation, which is the smallest on mainland Africa.

Royal Caribbean’s influx in hiring comes at a time when it’s adding three new ships to its fleet, the company rep added.

Earlier this year, the company debuted the world’s largest cruise ship, dubbed Icon of the Seas .

The $2 billion behemoth reportedly  lived up to the over-the-top  hype surrounding its launch, which included buzz that it spans 20 stories and boasts eight distinct neighborhoods.

Icon of the Seas can accommodate nearly 10,000 passengers and crew at full capacity, who are invited to enjoy a 17,000-square-foot on-board water park or book an upscale reservation at the 38-seat Empire Supper Club, an eight-course dinner complete with cocktail pairings and live jazz. 

All the while, the gargantuan ship is sailing on week-long itinteraries from Miami to Caribbean destinations like Puerto Rico, St. Kitts and Nevis and Cozumel, Mexico, among others.

Come July, Utopia of the Seas is scheduled to sail every Friday and Monday from Port Canaveral, Fla., to Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas. 

The forthcoming ship can accommodate 5,668 guests at capacity and offers 21 dining options, five pools, a zip line, ice-skating rink, basketball court and two rock-climbing walls.

Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas, meanwhile, is anticipated to set sail in the summer of 2025.

The company’s website touts the ship as having “over 40 ways to dine and drink,” plus “six record-breaking waterslides” and “seven splashy pools.”

Royal Caribbean said its bookings hit a record in the first quarter of 2024, boosting quarterly revenue to $3.73 billion, up 29%.

At the same time, the Miami-based company’s stock price has doubled over the past year to hit a new record.

Nude cruise and a Taylor Swift cruise: 8 themed ships leaving Florida ports in 2024 and 2025

From swinging to Swifties, there's truly a themed cruise for everything nowadays.

Seasoned cruisers know you can take your travel up a level by boarding a themed cruise, exploring the seas with those with the same passions and interests as you.

Whether you adore the cheesy Christmas movies that come out every year or you're a hip-hop fanatic, here are some of the top-themed cruises sailing out of Florida over the next year.

Big Nude Boat

The " Big Nude Boat " cruise is an 11-day adventure set for 2025 on the Norwegian Pearl, departing from the Port of Miami on Feb. 3 and returns to the same port on Feb. 14 (just in time for Valentine's Day).

"Bare Necessities’ newest nude cruise is a private island double-dip with a brand new travel partner," the company wrote on its website .

The itinerary includes stops at the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, St. Maarten, Dominica, Martinique and St. Lucia. Rates for an inside cabin start at $2,000 per person and go to up to $33,000 for a top room.

Guests are encouraged to park their bare behinds on towels provided on board in areas including the pool deck and the buffet area, according to the website.

"Passengers can easily follow our rule on nudist etiquette by always placing a towel down before sitting," it reads. "Remember to pack a swimsuit; not all excursions are clothing optional."

In My Cruise Era

The “ In My Cruise Era … ” is a  Taylor Swift-themed cruise  that is set to launch from Port of Miami on Oct. 21,

The cruise, on a Royal Caribbean ship, leaves for the Bahamas the day after Swift's final show of her three-day stop in Miami. According to the website, the cruise fare includes stateroom accommodations, dinner in the main dining room nightly as well as additional buffet and a la carte options around the ship. It also includes entertainment.

All aboard the Taylor Swift ship! Popstar-themed cruise sets sail in Florida next year

"This cruise is for all fans, so bring your besties, your moms and dads, your baby fans, and if you need someone to room with, post on our page and ask," the organizers wrote on the  website .

The itinerary, though not finalized and "subject to change," includes:

• " We can’t make any promises now can we babe, but you can make me a drink " Welcome Cocktail Party
• " Make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it " Friendship Bracelet Swapping
• " I don't wanna dance if I'm not dancing with you " ThemedDance Party
• " Heartbreak is the national anthem, we sing it proudly " Themed Karaoke
• " Can I ask you a question? " Taylor Trivia
• "Lately she’s been dressing for revenge " Nightly eras outfit themes

Halloween on the High Seas on the Disney Cruise Line

Looking for a more family-friendly option? The Disney Cruise line has you covered.

The Disney Cruise Line will offer its " Halloween on the High Seas " cruises in September and October. Patrons can choose from sailings ranging from 3-7 days, most of which travel to the Bahamas or the Caribbean islands. The Halloween-themed cruise is offered on four of the Disney cruise ships, including the Disney Magic, Disney Wish, Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.

While on board the Halloween on the High Seas cruise, AAA writes guests will enjoy magical, spooktacular entertainment every day, such as:

• Meet and greets with your favorite Disney characters, all decked out in their own Halloween costumes.
• Halloween parties with Mickey, Minnie and the whole gang.
• Ghoulish menus at every meal.

Hallmark Christmas Cruise

In case Halloween isn't your preferred holiday to spend on the seas, why not pretend you're in your own made-for-TV Christmas movie?

The Hallmark Channel, holiday season film factory, will host a Christmas Cruise that will embark on a four-night sailing on Nov. 5 from Miami. According to USA Today, passengers will be able to experience holiday cheer on the high seas, complete with cookie making, “carol-oke,” photo ops with network stars, and an exclusive movie premiere of one of the famed Countdown to Christmas films.

The Christmas cruise will take place aboard the Norwegian Gem Cruise Ship, a 965-foot Jewel-class ship.

The company announced that the cruise has already sold out, sharing to USA TODAY via email last year: "Christmas cheer filled every tier, and now the first ever Hallmark Channel Christmas Cruise is SOLD OUT."

Rock the Bells Cruise

Hip Hop Hooray! The Rock the Bells Cruise: A Hip-Hop Experience is a four-day jam session founded by LL Cool J back in 2023. After seeing major success last year, the cruise is returning for 2024.

MCs, DJs, and producers will lead nonstop parties and live performances on the Norwegian Gem from Nov. 13 through 17. The cruise leaves from Miami to Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau.

Some of the acts lined up for the cruise include Busta Rhymes, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Method Man & Redman, Scarface, Kid Capri and more.

Comic-Con: The Cruise

Get ready to join the CCU (Cruise Cinematic Universe). San Diego Comic-Con and Entertainment Cruise Productions have team up for Comic-Con: The Cruise . It will run from Feb. 5 through 9 of 2025.

Sailing on Royal Caribbean's  Serenade of the Seas  from Tampa to Cozumel, participants will interact with Comic-Con icons and attend nonstop activities on board, such as cosplay events, trivia, parties and more

Some of the stars who are slated to be on board include:

• George Takei
• Robb Pearlman
• Mary McDonnell

Star Trek - The Cruise

Live long and prosper! Trekkies can geek out with one another on best cruise experience in the galaxy, according to U.S. News .

Sailing on Royal Caribbean International's Explorer of the Seas, the Star Trek cruise will sail from Miami on Feb. 23-through March 2 of 2025. Passengers will head to Costa Maya, Cozumel and Belize.

"Each night of the cruise celebrates a different dimension of the Star Trek experience and, since the cruise's debut in 2017, guests have knocked it out of the park with show-stopping costumes," U.S. News writes.

Norwegian: Ultimate Disco Cruise

Dig out those old bell-bottom pants and practice your dance moves while you have time!

Norwegian Cruise Line Ultimate Disco Cruise leaves from Miami on Feb. 19 through 24, 2025. During this groovy cruise, you will travel aboard the Norwegian Pearl to ports of call such as Cozumel and Costa Maya. Awhile attending the hottest disco parties along the high seas.

AAA notes these are some of the performers and guests that are going to be on board alongside you:

• Kool & The Gang
• Original Stone City Band
• The Spinners
• Shalamar featuring Howard Hewett, Carolyn Griffey and Jeffrey Daniel

When is the best time to cruise?

Here are AAA’s trend forecasts for the best times to cruise in 2024, according to the kind of cruise you choose:

• The Caribbean  is popular year-round, but spring and summer are the most popular sailing times. 
• Alaska cruise  season runs from May to September. Because this is an abbreviated period, there’s more competition for availability.  
• Weekend cruises  have gained popularity in recent years. Weekend warriors have realized the value an all-inclusive cruise compared to a weekend getaway in a big city resort. Cruise lines have recognized this growing trend and are making weekend cruises more of a priority in 2024, by mobilizing some of their newest ships to accessible ports for weekend excursions. 
• European river cruising  is now operational year-round. Because European travel is most popular during the summer, travelers can avoid the crowds and find lower priced cruises and airfares in the early and later parts of the year.

Maersk says Red Sea disruption could cut Asia-Europe capacity by 20%

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• Red Sea attacks moving further out to sea
• Detour around Africa adds 40% to fuel cost
• Disruption has ripple-effects on other routes
• Sailing faster, leasing more containers

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Reporting by Louise Breusch Rasmussen and Stine Jacobsen in Copenhagen; Additional reporting by Gus Trompiz in Paris; Editing by Terje Solsvik, Kirsten Donovan and Alexander Smith

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