Story perspectives

Saudi Launches Luxury LGBTQ Cruise, Faces Human Rights Scrutiny

7/14/2026

Summary

Story summary

Saudi Arabia announced Vacaya’s “Arabian Nights” cruise from Jeddah to Ain Sokhna in spring 2027 for LGBTQ-friendly tourism.
Cabins cost US$9,900 (S$12,800) to US$57,000.
Lawyer Tariq Aziz, jailed in 2021-2022 for promoting homosexuality, says the cruise shows a split between foreigners and Saudi citizens.
Amnesty International says homosexuality is criminalised and can carry the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, while observers note authorities ignore private same-sex relationships.

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Story summary

Saudi Arabia announced Vacaya’s “Arabian Nights” cruise from Jeddah to Ain Sokhna in spring 2027 for LGBTQ-friendly tourism.
Cabins cost US$9,900 (S$12,800) to US$57,000.
Lawyer Tariq Aziz, jailed in 2021-2022 for promoting homosexuality, says the cruise shows a split between foreigners and Saudi citizens.
Amnesty International says homosexuality is criminalised and can carry the death penalty in Saudi Arabia, while observers note authorities ignore private same-sex relationships.