When you think of a cruise vacation, you probably imagine sailing the tropical waters of the Caribbean, or navigating around the Greek islands. Your brain likely isn’t conjuring images of the sandswept deserts of Saudi Arabia. But Saudi Arabia strives to make itself more attractive for international tourism — making the process of getting a visa very easy, and establishing tourism-specific destinations like NEOM and AlUla. And thanks to its efforts, it’s become a desirable new destination for Red Sea cruises. Since the first cruise to Saudi Arabia in January 2022, sailings to the kingdom have multiplied. Right now Jeddah is the country’s main cruise port, though as tourism development continues throughout the region, more ports are likely to open. Whether you’re a cruise enthusiast or a newbie, now’s the time to consider a Saudi Arabia cruise.
MSC Cruises to develop Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve to enhance guest experience and marine conservation
27.11.2023 - 09:40 / traveldailynews.com / Vicky Karantzavelou / Cruises
Development includes additional amenities for passengers, new staff accommodation, new environmental infrastructure and MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Centre.
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND – MSC Cruises announced a new infrastructure development program for Ocean Cay MSC Marine Reserve in The Bahamas. The heads of agreement was signed at a ceremony in Bimini attended by the country’s Prime Minister The Honorable Philip Davis, The Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation Honorable Chester Cooper, along with other government officials.
The cruise line’s further investment to the island stays true to the original vision, which was to create a positive long-term impact to the environment and the local communities. The development will see a significant benefit for the Bahamian economy and will generate jobs both for the construction work as well as the long-term jobs on the island.
Enhancements will be made to the island with additional amenities for MSC Cruises’ guests who visit the destination, as well as new amenities and accommodation for staff, environmental infrastructure, and operational and technical improvements.
Guest facilities will be enhanced with the introduction of excursion centers to support watersport activities and island tours, as well as a sea dive and snorkel center, and additional food and beverage outlets, among other facilities.
The MSC Foundation’s Marine Conservation Centre will be built as a base for biologists, coral reef experts and students. It will house interactive pavilions, a lecture hall and coral exhibition tanks, providing educational opportunities to guests on the importance of the marine ecosystem and the need to protect the world’s oceans.
The island is home to the MSC Foundation’s Super Coral Program, which is considered a critical contribution in the contemporary understanding of coral reef resilience throughout the region.
The MSC Foundation supports graduate student programs designed to address and mitigate changes in thermal resilience of coral reefs throughout the tropical Western Atlantic. The coral nurseries at Ocean Cay are thriving with young and healthy – yet critically endangered species of endemic – reef building corals, representing hope in restoring these fragile ecosystems.
The development will also see a third solar farm installed as part MSC Cruises’ aim to achieve zero greenhouse gas emissions for Ocean Cay, an advanced wastewater treatment plant, a landscaping plan to further diversify and develop the sustainable environment on the island with native and adaptive trees, grasses, and shrubs to provide erosion control, improve vegetation and support ecosystem health.
New accommodation buildings will provide new amenities
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Inspired by World Ocean’s Day and Environment Day
World Ocean’s Day and Environment Day are a chance to celebrate wonderful marine life and exceptional natural beauty, whilst also providing an opportunity to educate visitors on the best ways to care for oceans and protect the world we live in where they visit. Belize is a destination that demonstrates a deep care for the ocean and the wider environment, as it has committed to protecting 30 percent of its marine territory, more than 10,000 square kilometers. By holding responsible tourism at the core of its value systems, Belize has developed projects that encourage travellers to engage with the country’s rainforests, reefs, and unique culture in a truly sustainable and responsible manner. In line with other initiatives, such as a complete ban on single-use plastic, this has made Belize a leader in conservation in the Caribbean and even globally.