Luxury ship Scenic Eclipse is to sail in the Red Sea with departures from the Saudi Arabian port city of Jeddah this summer.

The Scenic Group’s first purpose-built ocean cruise vessel will be positioned in Saudi waters from July 17 until December 9.

Selected sailings from October to December will be open to international passengers.

The 228-passenger vessel, launched in 2019, will homeport in Jeddah offering tailor-made sailings as well as pre-planned itineraries.

Destinations include Yanbu, the diving capital of Saudi Arabia.

Internationally, Scenic Eclipse will also have the possibility of visiting Aqaba in Jordan and Port Ghalib Marina, a short distance from Luxor in Egypt.

Scenic Group chairman Glen Moroney said: “Saudi Arabia will be one of the hottest tourist destinations in coming years and we’re very glad our guests will get to experience it in six-star comfort on board Scenic Eclipse.

“As a business we continue to raise the bar in ultra-luxury cruising and we are confident that this new season will mark the start of a long relationship with the destination and hope to be able to offer more sailings in the region in the coming years.”

Scenic Eclipse features an on-board submarine, two helicopters, a fleet of Zodiacs, a specialist discovery team and ten dining options.

The Australian company plans a further four custom-built vessels.