Regional Cruises & Coastal Road Trips in Saudi Arabia: Where the Coastline Tells Its Own Story

When you think of Saudi Arabia, your mind might jump to vast deserts and towering dunes, am I right? But follow the coast, and you will discover a completely different side of this Kingdom. Like from Red Sea Cruises that glide past coral island to road trips that hug the shoreline, this is where sea breeze meets sand and modern escapes meet ancient ports.

If you prefer luxury on the water or freedom of the open road, then Saudi’s coastal routes always welcome you. Slow down, take it all in, and experience the rhythm of life by the sea. One cruise, one cup of tea, and one golden sunset at a time. Or if you want to experience cruises around the world then this may help you find the best luxury cruise lines around the world. Here are 10 incredible ways to explore the Kingdom: 5 cruises and 5 road trips that blend nature, culture, and coast.

🛳️Sail the New Arabian Horizon: Regional Cruises

Saudi Arabia is quickly becoming a rising star in the world of cruise travel, and it’s not hard to see. Because from start to end, regional cruises here allow us to explore the Kingdom from an entirely new perspective- by sea. 

And modern cruise ports like Jeddah Islamic Port and Yanbu now welcome luxury liners that take you to heritage sites, snorkeling spots, and historic coastal towns. So let’s dive into the top 5 regional cruises from Saudi Arabia that make the journey just as beautiful as the destination.

1. Red Sea Island Explorer Cruise

Route: Jeddah → Umluj → NEOM

Hello, are you craving a travel experience that gives luxury, adventure and a peek into the future, this cruise is perfect for you. Setting sail from Jeddah, the gateway to the Red Sea, you will cruise north along one of the most beautiful and unspoiled coastlines in the world and heading toward NEOM, Saudi Arabia’s boldest new destination, like entering into Saudi Arabia's vision for the future. And along the way, the sea stays calm, the sunsets are golden. 

Operator: Aroya Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first home‑grown cruise line onboard the Aroya.

2. Pearl of the Red Sea: Yanbu Heritage & Diving Cruise

Route: Jeddah → Yanbu → Umluj

Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Red Sea,” Yanbu is one of Saudi Arabia’s most charming coastal cities and this cruise brings out the best of it. The Yanbu Heritage & Diving Cruise takes you on a journey where history meets the deep sea. And wander through the Old Town’s coral stone buildings and sip Arabic coffee by the harbor. After that drive into Red Sea’s crystal clear waters, which is famous for colorful reefs, WWII-era shipwrecks, and thriving marine life. 

Operator: MSC Cruises, sailing Red Sea itineraries that include Yanbu al Bahr — ideal for heritage tours and diving excursions

3. Arabian Gateway Cruise

Route: Jeddah → Aqaba (Jordan) → Safaga (Egypt)

Embark on a Red Sea sailing adventure honouring ancient marvels with a contemporary flavour of coastal port character. Arabia Gate Cruises will shine you from the restoring port of historical Jeddah to the resplendent shores of Jordan and Egypt, take in fantastic sites such as Petra and the Pyramids of Giza. Above all, relax on deck, taking in immaculate views of the sea, you will be offered curated cultural experiences and the chance to experience three cultures, one amazing journey!

Operator: MSC Cruises — operates multi‑country Red Sea and Gulf itineraries, including Jordan and Egypt stops

4. Gulf Coast City Lights Cruise

Route: Dammam → Manama (Bahrain) → Doha (Qatar) → Dubai (UAE)

Do you love sleek skylines, luxury shopping and sea vibes? Then this one’s for you, that takes you along the shimmering Arabian Gulf from Dammam to Manama, Doha and Dubai for beautiful cities, having their own specialty. Think waterfront souqs, cutting-edge architecture, beach clubs and golden sunsets all in one trip. 

Operator: Typically run by large global lines like MSC Cruises, Royal Caribbean, Costa, Ponant, and Explore Journeys, active in Arabian‑Gulf routes

5. Coral Coast Nature Cruise

Route: Jeddah → Ras Al Sheikh Hameed → Al Wajh

Where silence speaks in the sea breeze and reef shimmer. And what makes this cruise special? Let me tell you, you will find peace. With no crowded, no flashy ports here. You'll see dolphins, colorful coral gardens, and the most peaceful and serene stops where you can snorkel, paddleboard, or just sit there and watch the sun kiss the horizon.

Operator: Likely MSC Cruises, which includes Al Wajh in 2025 itineraries, and possibly Aroya Cruises via customized tours.

🚘Hit the Coastal Roads: Road Tripping the Saudi Shoreline

Prefer four wheels over waves? Saudi Arabia’s coastal highways give a different kind of freedom — the kind where the windows are down, the playlist is on, and the views keep changing.

From Jeddah to Umluj, to Umluj to NEOM serves up scenic drives with stops at fishing villages, hidden beaches, and ancient ruins. It’s where raw nature meets Bedouin hospitality — and the seafood is as fresh as the sea breeze.

1. The Red Sea Road: Jeddah to Umluj

Route: Jeddah → Rabigh → Yanbu → Umluj

If there is a road trip that feels like a postcard brought to life, this is it. You start in bustling Jeddah, where old meets new along the Red Sea, and head north to Umluj — which is often called the “Saudi Maldives” for good reason.

Traveling along the coast, you will pass through sleepy little towns like Rabigh and Yanbu, where coral homes and fishing boats look like they have plenty of stories older than the highways. And when you finally get to Umluj? White islands, snorkeling at crystal-clear waters, and time flies with boat rides.

2. The Gulf Glide: Dammam to Salwa

Route: Dammam → Al Khobar → Jubail → Salwa

The Gulf coast seems to invite you to roll down the windows and let the salty air envelop you, it's a drive meant for lazy mornings, seafood lunches, and sunset breaks along the Corniche. 

Whether you're driving, the rhythm of the waves, or simply enjoying the beach lifestyle — this trip gently reminds us that often the best views have no deadlines.

3. The Quiet Coast: Al Lith to Al Birk

Route: Al Lith → Al Qunfudhah → Al Birk

Hey.., looking to escape the noise and slow down by the sea? Then there was the drive to Al Birk from Al Lith - one of the best-kept secrets in Saudi Arabia. An unspoiled coastal stretch with the Red Sea softly humming beside you. The road winds along sleepy fishing communities, pristine beaches, and peaceful induced mangroves. Always as fresh as the moment. Don’t miss it — this is slow travel at its best.

4. The Island Hopper Drive: Jizan to Farasan

Route: Jizan → Farasan Islands (via ferry)

This is for slow travelers and sea lovers, it’s about where the road takes you. It is one of Saudi Arabia’s best kept secrets. Full of coral stone houses, ancient ruins, and wild deer wandering freely. It's warm air, with clear water, moving just slow enough you can let your shoulders drop and your soul finally breathe.

5. The Northern Coastline Loop: Umluj to NEOM

Route: Umluj → Duba → Sharma → NEOM

One of the best parts of this trip is how peaceful and untouched it feels — but that also means you won’t find many gas stations or snack stops along the way. Once you leave Umluj or Duba, it’s just you, the open road, and nature. So, top up your tank, grab some snacks, and bring plenty of water — because out here, the silence is beautiful, but it doesn’t come with a convenience store.

Let’s be honest — Saudi Arabia probably wasn’t on your coastal getaway bingo card. But between floating across the Red Sea like royalty and driving through beach towns where goats might outnumber cars, this place knows how to surprise you. There's a coastal adventure with your name on it. So why wait?  Bring a waterproof camera. And get ready to tell everyone, “I had no idea Saudi Arabia could look like this.”😅 Go ahead, book that flight — your sea breeze moment is calling.