AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia's premium cruise company and travel brand, commenced its Mediterranean season with a maiden voyage on June 28th, departing Galataport Istanbul (Turkey).
The flagship Aroya Manara, homeported to Turkey's largest cruise terminal, embarked on a 7-night roundtrip itinerary through the Eastern Mediterranean, visiting Athens (Piraeus), Mykonos Island, Souda Bay (Crete), and Bodrum, before returning on July 5th.
The itinerary is set to continue through mid‑September, alternating between 6- and 7-night voyages to destinations across Turkey, Greece, and Egypt, such as Marmaris, Rhodes, and Alexandria.
To the maritime record, the vessel’s repositioning from the Red Sea concluded on June 20 with docking at Galataport, where it underwent routine maintenance in preparation for the inaugural departure.
The Aroya ship, originally launched in December 2024, had already carried over 70,000 passengers in its maiden season on the Red Sea.
Ship logs relay that the amenities aboard include a main pool, theatre with nightly entertainment, wellness installations featuring a snow room and spa capabilities, and family facilities such as a zip line, water slides, and one of the largest children’s areas at sea. Culinary venues encompass twelve restaurants and seventeen lounges offering Saudi and international fare.
Statements gathered from company communications indicate that Dr Joerg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises, characterised the launch of the Mediterranean season as a pivotal moment—occurring merely six months after the brand’s first sailings—which signifies a new phase in Arabian cruising.
Observers from Galataport Istanbul, represented by board member Erdem Tavas, attributed the homeport decision to Istanbul’s appeal, seamless passenger transfer capabilities, and modern port infrastructure.
This strategic deployment aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, embedding the AROYA vessel—and its Arabian-infused hospitality—into prominent Mediterranean ports and signalling the nation’s growing ambition within global cruise operations.