FAQ – SAUDI ARABIA & RED SEA CRUISES – WINTER 2021/2022
Planning to sail with us soon? Click here to find out more about our enhanced Health & Safety measures and our new, even safer onboard experience..
Our brand-new Saudi Arabia and Red Sea seasonal itinerary promises to be the very best way to discover this fascinating part of the Middle East. Guests will find the MSC Cruises’ world-class entertainment, fine international dining, award-winning family programs and a rich offer of excursions to discover the authentic beauties of this region. It will be also enriched with extra features to welcome and accommodate local guests in respect of local culture and values.
Which is the list of shore excursions for these Red Sea cruises?
A spectacular shore excursions program will be finalized in mid-June and bookable on our channels.
Is there a specific dress code for shore excursions in Saudi Arabia?
All our guests – male and female – will have to respect local customs and traditions, something that we and our guests are used to with our sailings in the Gulf region where clothing needs to be modest and appropriate. Local customs in Saudi Arabia require men and women to dress modestly, with their shoulders and knees covered in public areas, and they should avoid wearing tight-fitting clothing or clothes with profane language or images.
During shore excursions beach visits in Saudi Arabia, will women be allowed to wear bathing costumes?
The guest profile for MSC Magnifica’s sailings will be 50 per cent international and 50 per cent from Saudi Arabia. Mixed beaches and female-only beaches will be available which is common throughout the whole Middle East and non-Saudi women will be allowed to wear bathing costumes, again something that is widespread in the region.
Will there be restrictions during the excursions to destinations in Saudi Arabia?
There are no general restrictions currently but some local restrictions may apply for some mosques or areas of religious worship, according to the Saudi Arabian authorities. It is forbidden to photograph Saudi residents ashore without their permission.
– Food on board
Will you serve halal food on board?
Yes, halal food will be served in all dining outlets throughout the ship.
– Onboard Languages
Similarly as onboard all our ships, public announcements and printed materials onboard MSC Magnifica will be available in our regular six international languages (English, Italian, German, French, Spanish and Portuguese).
In addition and in order to also address the best service and experience to our local guests, Arabic will also be used for public announcements and we will have a number of Arabic-speaking staff on board all of MSC Magnifica’s sailings throughout the season.
– Mixed venues and women-only venues
Both mixed venues and women-only venues will be available within the ship’s public areas, in order to accommodate our local guests in respect of their culture and practices.
