RIYADH, 29 June 2007 — A training program has been launched here for travel industry executives in the Kingdom to promote luxury cruise package tours.
“A 12-day package cruise covering Venice to Barcelona costs only $2,190 per head,” Dr.Akram Masri, technical director, Inter Media, announced at a press conference held here recently. He said an Arabic brochure has been produced for the regional market. Khaled Al-Gari, chairman, Amera Travel Network, and Rasheed Kakkat, marketing manager, Princess Cruises-Middle East, were also present.
Pointing out that luxury cruise passenger traffic from the Kingdom has been doubling every year, Masri said 1,500 Saudis had a floating holiday last year. Families and honeymooners joined the cruise, which also provided arrangements for baby-sitting.
“This year we have come up with a brand new ship, Emerald Princess, with a capacity of 3,080 passengers and 1,200 crew members,” Masri said. Facilities on board include five-star accommodation, 24-hour room and food service as well as sporting activities, fitness center, enrichment programs, Broadway-style entertainments, access to piano bars, lounges, supervised children’s program and chance to visit more than 10 cities.
The cruise itinerary ranges from seven to 14 days, covering all sectors like Europe, Alaska, Caribbean, Canada and New England, Asia, Panama Canal, Australia and New Zealand, Mexican Riviera, South Pacific & Hawaii /Tahiti and South America, Kakkat said. Plans are under way to reduce the fares even further for short-haul cruise.
Onboard activities include, among others, ice cream bar, theater, cigar bar, swimming pools, spa, gym, golf, jogging track, Internet café, and boutiques.