Making the most of Al Wajh
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Currently, Al Wajh is served only by tender; the intention is to build a pier able to accommodate large ships.
Saudi Arabia has introduced an eVisa for cruise visitors departing from the country or arriving at one of its ports. It costs about 130 Euro.
Saudi Arabia do's and dont's
Alcohol and drugs are completely prohibited in the country, where Sharia, or Islamic law, is rigorously enforced. Once a ship is 12 nautical miles off the Saudi coast, its bars open and restaurants serve alcohol.
Bring a doctor's prescription for any medication. Men and women should dress modestly in public, with shoulders and knees covered and without tight clothing or garments carrying profane language or images. Female tourists no longer need head coverings while out and about, but must cover their heads in places of worship.
Holding hands in the street and other public displays of affection are not acceptable.
Homosexual or extra-marital sexual relations, including adultery, are illegal and may incur severe penalties; being transgender is also illegal. If discovered by the authorities, transgender travellers to Saudi Arabia are likely to encounter serious difficulties and risks. MSC Cruises is still deciding its approach, but has confirmed that gay cruisers are not barred from entering the Kingdom and sailing.
Do not connect an iPhone to a Bluetooth speaker and play it in a public place.
Sharia law bans public observance of religions other than Islam, so check your jewellery. Jewish visitors may enter the Kingdom, unless they hold an Israeli passport or have a stamp from a visit to Israel.
Do not take photographs or record video without permission.
Al Wajh is a Red Sea coastal city, known for its pristine beaches.
The city has many mosques, each noted for striking architecture, and also contains Al Wajh Castle, a fort built in the 1870s. It first protected Tabuk, then served as government headquarters; now fully restored as a museum, it tells the town's history and offers views across the port from the museum's top floor.
Nearby places
Hegra and Al-Ula, a UNESCO World Heritage site, are a three-hour drive from this coastal city. Hegra is an ancient, forgotten city concealed in plain sight: UNESCO recognised its remarkable preservation, and it appears lost among sand dunes dating back centuries, when it formed one element of the wider Nabatean civilization.
Continue to the ancient city of AlUla, whose citadel dates to the 10th century. Its old town contains 900+ brick houses, 400 shops and many alleyways to explore.
Food and shopping
From Saturday to Tuesday, shopping malls open from 10:00 AM until 12:00 AM. Their Wednesday & Thursday hours are from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM.
Money
Saudi Arabia uses the Saudi riyal (SAR).
Staying connected
Arabic is Saudi Arabia's official language, although English is widely understood.
Internet access is available in malls and cafes.