Saudi Arabia to Host LGBTQ+ Cruise for the First Time in History

Saudi Arabia will, for the first time in history, serve as the starting point for a specialized LGBTQ+ cruise. The American travel company VACAYA has announced a 10-day “Arabian Nights” journey through the Red Sea, set to begin in the spring of 2027.

As reported on the company’s official website, the cruise will take place aboard the superyacht Emerald Kaia. The journey will kick off on March 28, 2027, in the Saudi city of Jeddah. Following an overnight stay in the port, the yacht will sail to another Saudi city, Yanbu. The route will then pass through the ports of Egypt (Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh), Israel (Eilat), and Jordan (Aqaba), concluding on April 7 in the Egyptian city of Ain Sokhna.

Organizers note that Saudi Arabia, in preparation for hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup, is seeking to diversify its economy and improve its international image. Because of this, the country is now ready to welcome travelers of all identities, provided they observe local customs.

Participation in the tour starts at $20,000 for a double cabin. Arab queer activists and artists were involved in developing the cultural program for the cruise. Additionally, the project supports the Alwan Foundation, an organization advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in the Arabian Peninsula. The foundation was established by Dr. Nas Mohamed, the first Qatari to publicly come out. VACAYA has promised to match passenger donations to the foundation up to $50,000.

Saudi Arabia’s legal system is based on Sharia law. Same-sex sexual acts, as well as any intimate relationships outside of heterosexual marriage, are officially considered crimes and can be punished by death, as well as imprisonment and corporal punishment.

Earlier this year, another LGBTQ+ cruise operator, Atlantis Events, faced difficulties in the region. Authorities in Turkey and Egypt refused to allow their Scarlet Lady liner to enter their ports. Unlike Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Turkey are secular states where homosexuality is not punishable by death; however, queer people in both countries face systematic rights restrictions from the authorities.