Cruise & Ferry
Saudi Arabia Now Set To Sail with First-Ever Cruise Ship Regulations to Power Red Sea Tourism: Know The Details
Saturday, July 12, 2025
As a thrilling and historic milestone for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the country has unveiled its first-ever cruise ship regulations that will unlock an entirely new frontier to tourism along the Red Sea coast. The new regulations, unveiled within Saudi Arabia’s broader pursuit to fast-track its tourism sector, are designed to create cruise tourism, build sustainability, and provide unforgettable encounters to tourists from around the world.
For decades, the Red Sea was an almost unexploited jewel, renowned for its pure blue sea, stunning coral reefs, and ancient history. However, as part of its Vision 2030 plan, Saudi Arabia is going large to diversify its economy and attract millions of international tourists to the region. Following a spate of other initiatives to make the country one of the world’s top tourist destinations, this new cruise ship law mirrors the country’s renewed focus on facilitating tourism while maintaining its strong protection and sustainability track record.
A Vision For Tourism: Saudi Arabia’s push to revitalize its travel scene
Saudi Vision 2030 plan, which was initiated by Saudi Arabia back in 2016, aims to diversify the economy of the Kingdom by shifting from its excess reliance on crude oil and developing new regions, and tourism features highly on that list. The plan views Saudi Arabia’s cultural attractions, archaeological sites, and stunning landscapes as able to attract international tourists. Specifically, the Red Sea region, manifested by its stunning beaches, historic monuments, and unspoiled nature, has been identified to be further developed.
The adoption of the nation’s first regulations on cruise vessels is a clear indication that Saudi Arabia not only invests and construct tourism infrastructure, but actively takes steps to ensure that its tourism industry expansion aligns with sustainable development goals. By regulating Red Sea cruises, Saudi Arabia establishes a model of responsible travel that will attract cruise lines and tourists, while insulating the Red Sea’s unique marine ecosystems.
The change comes at a timely moment for international tourists, who are still recovering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the global travel market. The requirement to travel safely and new interesting destinations on vacation has received immense traction, and Saudi Arabia answers that call by announcing an entirely new cruise experience.
The New Rules: What Will They Bring to Cruise Ships and Travelers
The new regulations of Saudi Arabia prescribe definite norms of operations to Red Sea cruise ships, emphasizing environmental friendliness, customer protection, and quality tourism. The overall framework of regulations takes up every possible detail, from fuel and garbage disposal to customer health and safety norms. The nation thus dictates that Red Sea cruise tourism takes a responsible approach, which should favor the local ecosystem and the economy.
One of the most striking characteristics among the regulations is that the cruise vessels will have to employ green technology. Saudi Arabia is well aware of the fine balance that must come into play to protect the Red Sea’s rich marine life, its stunning coral formations, and its distinct sea creatures. Therefore, the cruise vessels will have to comply with strict environmental standards, such as burning low-sulfur fuels and installing state-of-the-art garbage treatment plants to minimize their environmental impact.
The regulations additionally place a strong emphasis on the health and safety of tourists, and therefore there are obligatory health checks and emergency response plans to ensure a fun and safe experience for tourists. Given the current global emphasis on travel health and safety, since the pandemic, such protocols will provide tourists and cruise companies alike with much-needed comfort and relief.
With these efforts, the new law provides clear regulations on shore excursions so that tourists are certain to have properly planned and rewarding visits to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. The excursions will focus on showcasing the features of the region while respecting local culture and preserving the ecosystem.
Sustainable Travel: Conserving the Red Sea’s Unspoilt Ecological System
Sustainability lies at the heart of Saudi’s tourism strategy, and the new cruise regulations are no exception. The Red Sea was among the world’s marine regions that are most ecologically diverse, supporting vibrant coral reefs, diverse marine life, and rich ecological communities. As Saudi aims to receive a rise in tourists to the region, making sure that such growth does not deplete the country’s scarce natural resources stands paramount.
The new law will require cruise ships to incorporate green technology, like using greener fuel and advanced garbage-disposal systems, on their ships. These requirements align within Saudi Arabia’s broader environmental targets, like carbon-emission reduction, marine-biodiversity conservation, and supporting sustainable-tourism policies.
The Kingdom has also committed to work closely with marine conservation societies to monitor the health of the coral reefs and other crucial ecosystems on the shore. Coordinating closely with experts, Saudi Arabia aims to find the right balance between appealing to international tourists and preserving the area’s unique biodiversity for future generations.
Key Places on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea Coast
The Red Sea coast stretches to over 2,000 kilometers, and offers many destinations to receive tourists. The new law offers promising prospects for cruise tourism, and there are several essential ports and destinations to receive international tourists within the coming years. Some of the most notable destinations on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast include:
Jeddah – As one of the cosmopolitan cities in the Kingdom, Jeddah has a strong hold on culture, commerce, and tourism. As one gateway to sea travelers, the city offers a mix of ancient sites, luxury shopping malls, and scenic beaches. Tourists to Jeddah will have a chance to see the UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district among other attractions and experience world-class restaurants and performances.
Al Wajh – It’s a picturesque coastal town which has wonderful beaches and undiminished nature. It’s ideal for nature and adventure lovers and provides attractions like snorkeling, diving, and local architecture exploration.
Yanbu – Yanbu is north of Jeddah and a diver and snorkeler’s paradise, boasting one of the Red Sea’s best coral reefs. The city has a long industrial history and plays a significant port facility to Saudi Arabian shipments of crude oil.
Farasan Islands – An offshore haven off Jizan coast, the Farasan Islands are every eco-tourist’s paradise. The islands have clear waters, vibrant coral reefs, and rich birdlife, and are just the perfect retreat for those who want to experience solitude and seclusion in an unspoiled place.
Saudi Arabian Cruise Sector: An Emerging Industry
Due to the new cruise regulations, Saudi hopes to take a prominent role within the global cruise tourism market. As international cruises seek to identify new places to venture into, the warm Red Sea, abundance of marine life, and vibrant culture within its confines make this an increasingly intriguing destination.
The Kingdom is further developing new port installations and tourist infrastructure to sustain the flow of tourists. This will involve construction of luxury resort complexes, waterfront developments, and new transport networks that will facilitate and improve travel within the Red Sea region.
The Saudi’s venture into its cruise ship industry forms a large part of its broader plan to diversify its economy and reduce its reliance on exporting its crude oil. The nation hopes to create employment, stimulate economic activity, and strengthen its global credibility as an open country to tourists from all corners of the globe through tourism.
Conclusion: Setting Sail Towards a Bright Future
As Saudi Arabia embarks on its first cruise ship regulations, the nation is writing a new page on its tourism story. The Red Sea will become one among the destinations that one should not miss on a cruise journey, offering an intriguing mix of nature, culture, and eco-tour travel experience.
As an alternative yet eco-friendly method to experience the nation, Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea offers much that won’t be forgotten anytime too soon. As the Kingdom plots its way to further develop its tourism, its new cruise policy stands to mirror Saudi Arabia’s commitment to adopt sustainable tourism and its goal to offer tourists an original, unforgettable, and environmentally friendly experience. For those waiting to explore the grand Red Sea coast, Saudi Arabia’s cruise tourism policy marks the beginning of a new journey,—one that will lure tourists from every nook and corner of the globe to experience the beauty of the coastlines of the Kingdom.
On July 16, 2025, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an official report of the 18th outbreak to happen on a cruise ship this year.
Navigator of the Seas disembarked guests on July 11, which is the same day the crew sent the report of a gastrointestinal illness outbreak to the Vessel Sanitation Program (VSP).
The 7-night round-trip voyage departed out of Los Angeles on July 4 and called on ports in Cabo, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta in Mexico.
It is unclear when exactly the outbreak began, but the number of reported cases was high enough by the end of the cruise that the crew was required to report it to the VSP.
The rules state clearly that all outbreaks must be reported to the CDC when at least 3% of the crew or guests have any highly contagious symptoms.
As is pretty typical, the larger percentage of individuals on this sailing with gastrointestinal illness were the guests, not the crew.
According to the report done by the CDC, 134 of the 3,914 guests onboard the ship — which is 3.4% — experienced symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
On the other hand, only seven out of the 1,266 crew onboard (0.6%) had these same symptoms.
The outbreak may have been reported on disembarkation day, but the numbers are accumulated throughout the voyage.
That being said, the crew on Navigator of the Seas did take immediate action in response to the outbreak, beginning with increasing the cleaning and disinfecting procedures outlined in their outbreak and prevention response plan.
Beyond that, those who were ill were isolated and had specimens collected to help confirm the cause of the outbreak.
The crew also worked and consulted with the VSP to inform them of sanitation cleaning procedures and the reporting of cases of illness.
While the final verdict on the causative agent for the outbreak has yet to be confirmed, but the CDC has hinted that it is likely to be Norovirus.
There is a chance that it could remain unknown, as two other outbreaks on cruises have been unable to identify a causative agent since funding was cut to this branch of the CDC.
Despite the outbreak, Navigator of the Seas is currently wrapping up yet another 7-night voyage that has had no indications of a subsequent gastro illness outbreak.
Have Other Royal Caribbean Ships Had Outbreaks in 2025?
While there have been countless outbreaks this year, Royal Caribbean has only seen one other outbreak, and it was back in February.
Radiance of the Seas was just days into its 7-night voyage when an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness was reported to the VSP.
With 89 of the 2,164 guests onboard becoming ill, which was 4.1%, the report was again mandatory.
This outbreak caused the subsequent sailing to have delayed embarkation to allow extra time for the crew to perform a deep clean of the ship.
Like Radiance of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas also delayed embarkation for the subsequent sailing after the outbreak by several hours to allow the ship to be properly cleaned.
Read Also: 10 Reasons Why Cruise Ships Are Not Floating Petri Dishes
Guests on the July 11 voyage were informed only two days ahead of time of the expected delay for embarkation.
Despite the delay, it seems as though this sailing went on without issue and is set to disembark guests in Los Angeles on July 18, having completed the same itinerary as the cruise the week before.
However, its next several sailings will be shorter 3- and 4-night cruises with stops in Ensenada, Mexico, as well as Catalina Island.
While it may seem like there are more outbreaks than ever, cruisers should not stress too much, as sanitation protocols are improving all the time on cruise ships!
Handicraft mothers ready for cruise ship return Vanuatu Daily Post
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Cruise & Ferry
Holland America Unifies with American Cruise Line, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Margaritaville at Sea in Alluring More US and Canada Tourists with New Innovative Tours, This is For Your Next Trip Planning
Friday, July 18, 2025
Cruise travel in North America is experiencing a vibrant new wave, and it’s reshaping how U.S. and Canadian tourists plan their next great escape. Holland America Line is now part of a powerful collective movement alongside American Cruise Lines, Carnival, Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, and Margaritaville at Sea—each unveiling fresh, innovative tours that offer more immersive and personalized experiences than ever before.
From serene river journeys through American heartlands to themed mega-ship voyages packed with entertainment, these cruise lines are capturing the imagination of modern travelers seeking connection, comfort, and discovery.
Whether you dream of gliding past Alaska’s glaciers, exploring the charm of New York’s Hudson River towns, or indulging in pet-friendly island getaways, this new era of cruising speaks directly to evolving tastes. As borders reopen and curiosity returns stronger than ever, these next-generation tours are not just trips—they’re tailor-made stories waiting to unfold. This is your invitation to set sail, differently.
A Rare Glimpse Behind the Curtain Returns to Cruising
After a five-year pause, Holland America Line has officially brought back one of its most unique and immersive guest experiences—behind-the-scenes ship tours. Once sidelined due to health restrictions in early 2020, these fascinating explorations have now made their long-awaited return, offering cruise guests something truly rare: access to the inner workings of their floating resort.
This isn’t just a tour. It’s a journey deep into the operational heart of a cruise ship—where technology, coordination, and hospitality merge into seamless magic. And now, guests can once again walk those hidden corridors, meet key crew, and see how thousands of details come together to create a flawless cruise experience.
Cruise Passengers Step Into the Heart of the Ship
These nearly three-hour behind-the-scenes experiences allow guests to explore areas that are typically off-limits. From the ship’s navigational bridge to the bustling galley and the powerful engine control room, the tour pulls back the curtain on daily operations that most travelers never get to witness.
Each stop is led by a dedicated shipboard team member who explains how their department functions and contributes to the overall voyage. Guests visit the main laundry, where thousands of linens are cleaned daily; the recycling center, where sustainability efforts come to life; and even the World Stage dressing rooms, where performers prepare behind the scenes.
It’s a full backstage pass to the cruise ship experience—and one that redefines what it means to “know your ship.”
Personal Connections and Priceless Souvenirs
Beyond the machinery and logistics, these tours offer something even more meaningful: real human connections. Guests meet senior officers and hardworking crew members who power the ship behind closed doors. These moments inspire deep respect and admiration, turning an ordinary vacation into something unforgettable.
Each participant also receives a collection of unique keepsakes, including a ship-specific lanyard, a souvenir photo, and a commemorative certificate to mark the rare experience. For many travelers, these tokens become cherished memories of a deeper cruise connection.
At a current cost of $179 per person, this experience is more than just a tour—it’s an exclusive journey into the ship’s core, reserved for those who want to go beyond the surface.
Fleetwide Rollout Underway by End of the Month
Although currently available on select ships, Holland America Line has confirmed that these behind-the-scenes tours will be rolled out fleetwide by the end of the month. This expansion reflects strong guest demand and a broader return to onboard enrichment experiences across the cruise industry.
With travel returning in full force and cruisers craving deeper, more meaningful journeys, this initiative arrives at the perfect moment. Guests are no longer content with surface-level luxury—they want engagement, education, and connection.
This trend aligns with broader movements in travel, where immersive and hands-on experiences now top the priority list. From culinary lessons to cultural excursions and now ship operations, travelers are hungry for moments that add value and story to their journeys.
Cruising America’s Coasts and Rivers in 2025: The Ultimate Insider’s Guide to the Most Exciting New Cruise Experiences
From iconic rivers to Caribbean waters, cruise lines across the United States are rewriting the rulebook in 2025. Whether you’re a seasoned ocean explorer or a curious newcomer seeking something more intimate, this year’s line-up of new itineraries and ship experiences is designed to surprise and inspire. What’s emerging is not only a deeper, more personalized kind of cruising—but a reimagined way to experience America’s coasts and waterways.
Here’s your definitive guide to the most captivating, innovative, and traveler-savvy cruise experiences happening right now in the U.S.
Rediscovering America’s Waterways with American Cruise Lines
There’s a quiet revolution underway on the rivers of the U.S., and it’s being led by American Cruise Lines. Known for its small-ship experiences, ACL is doubling down in 2025 with a landmark expansion of its domestic itineraries.
For the first time ever, travelers can enjoy Hudson River Summer Classics, a full-season extension beyond the traditional fall foliage cruises. These week-long trips take guests from New York City to Troy, stopping at cultural touchpoints like Albany, West Point, and Sleepy Hollow. It’s a deep dive into the heart of Americana, perfect for travelers looking for beauty, history, and intimacy in one seamless journey.
Perhaps the most headline-grabbing launch is the 51-day U.S. river cruise, now the longest domestic itinerary on offer. It traverses the Mississippi and connects with the Ohio and Tennessee Rivers—an odyssey through 20+ states and countless small towns rarely seen by mass tourism. With a fleet of 21 U.S.-built riverboats and small ships, ACL gives guests space, heritage, and a front-row seat to American storytelling.
Carnival’s Innovation Itineraries: Where Fun Meets Forward-Thinking
Carnival Cruise Line is known for its festive atmosphere—but don’t mistake the fun for lack of strategy. In 2025, Carnival rolled out its “Innovation Itinerary” concept: a bold combination of fleet enhancements, new ports, and themed experiences tailored for today’s multi-generational traveler.
New ships like Carnival Firenze blend Italian elegance with the line’s signature energy, offering guests the option to explore routes from Long Beach to Baja California. Meanwhile, short cruises to the Bahamas and longer journeys to the Southern Caribbean are being refreshed with immersive shore excursions and pop-up onboard activations—think tequila tastings in Cozumel or art shows in Grand Turk.
Carnival is betting big on experience layering—the idea that travelers want to build custom journeys with entertainment, wellness, and dining choices designed around their personality. And it’s working. With strong forward bookings and growing appeal among Gen Z and Millennial families, Carnival’s evolution is one to watch.
Princess Cruises: Modern Luxury with Expansive Reach
Princess Cruises is keeping its loyal cruisers intrigued while attracting a new wave of experience-driven travelers. The line’s 2025–2026 season brings new routes across Japan, Alaska, and Europe, along with refined offerings out of West Coast ports.
New itineraries from Monterey, California, offer travelers front-row access to the Pacific coastline’s raw beauty. These routes are matched with enriched onboard programs, including local culinary experiences and guest speakers ranging from marine biologists to cultural historians.
Princess is also enhancing its OceanMedallion™ technology, allowing for seamless check-ins, custom concierge services, and even AI-powered recommendations onboard. The tech-meets-tranquility approach reflects a growing cruise trend: giving guests freedom and personalization without sacrificing relaxation.
Celebrity Cruises: Ocean Sophistication Meets River Expansion
One of the biggest headlines of 2025 is Celebrity Cruises’ announcement of its upcoming river cruise line, set to debut in 2027. While that’s a couple of years away, the buzz has already begun. The line will offer elegant, design-forward ships on rivers like the Rhine, Danube, and Seine—marking Celebrity’s bold entry into the luxury river market.
Back at sea, Celebrity continues to dazzle with the upcoming Celebrity Xcel, which will feature overnight port stays in over 25 cities starting in late 2025. Destinations like Ibiza, Istanbul, and Mykonos will become immersive hubs instead of quick pit stops, with passengers able to enjoy authentic nightlife, dining, and cultural moments that aren’t possible on daytime-only visits.
For travelers seeking style, slow luxury, and a global passport of destinations, Celebrity is the thinking traveler’s brand of choice.
Royal Caribbean & MSC: Bigger Ships, Bolder Experiences
Royal Caribbean is going big—literally—with the debut of Star of the Seas in August 2025. This floating city of 5,610 guests offers everything from the largest waterpark at sea to next-generation dining, rooftop bars, and a stunning Crown’s Edge skywalk. Departing from Port Canaveral, this ship is the centerpiece of Royal Caribbean’s evolution into full-blown vacation experiences at sea.
Not to be outdone, MSC Cruises introduces MSC World America in April 2025, sailing from PortMiami. It’s the first MSC ship tailored specifically for the American market, combining European service with uniquely U.S. tastes. Highlights include the only Eataly restaurant at sea, immersive art exhibits, and green energy systems that make this one of the most sustainable megaships afloat.
These lines are staking their claim in the “mega-leisure” segment, where ships are not just a mode of transportation—they’re the destination themselves.
A Strategic Move in a Competitive Cruise Landscape
Bringing back behind-the-scenes tours is also a smart competitive move. As cruise lines continue to expand offerings to attract discerning travelers, exclusive access experiences become a powerful differentiator. Holland America Line is strategically positioning itself as a brand that not only delivers refined luxury but also invites guests into the heart of the operation.
It’s a message of transparency, trust, and storytelling. And in a post-pandemic travel world, those values matter more than ever.
As the cruise industry surges forward into 2026 and beyond, initiatives like these aren’t just feel-good extras—they’re the future of high-impact travel.
A New Chapter of Cruise Discovery Begins
With its behind-the-scenes ship tours back in full swing, Holland America Line is once again showing why it remains one of the most trusted names in premium cruising. These tours transform every guest into a storyteller—someone who didn’t just sail, but saw, learned, and connected.
This is more than a return to normal—it’s a return to extraordinary.
Whether it’s walking the bridge, seeing the galley hustle, or learning how a floating city operates flawlessly, guests leave with a fresh appreciation for the people and systems behind their vacation.
In a world craving meaningful experiences, Holland America Line just reopened the door to one of its most unforgettable.
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