Cruise Saudi is pushing ahead with its ultra-luxury offerings, confirming that its highly anticipated joint venture with AMAN Resorts is on schedule for launch in the first half of 2027.
CEO Lars Clasen, speaking to Arabian Business during FII in Riyadh, revealed that the vessel, currently under construction in Italy, will cater to the ultra-luxury segment with a capacity for just 100 guests.
“We have a joint venture with AMAN – an ultra-luxury hotel and resort group,” Clasen explained. “Unlike AROYA, which is for more than 3,000 guests, the AMAN ship is for just 100 guests. This is really, truly ultra, ultra-luxury.”
The vessel is being constructed at a specialised luxury cruise shipbuilding shipyard in Italy. “The cruise industry works with long lead times. If you build a ship, it usually takes three to four years,” Clasen noted.
“The ship is under construction, and we are very much looking forward to introducing it to the market in 2027.”
This development aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to develop high-end tourism offerings across various segments. The AMAN vessel will complement other luxury developments in the kingdom, including the recently launched Sindalah Island.
“We basically complement each other. AMALA, Sindalah, and all the wonderful projects Red Sea Global is introducing are aiming at shore-based tourism,” Clasen explained. “Many of the cruise guests will also go to shore-based resorts, stay a week there, and then do a week cruise. So we are complementing each other.”
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