AROYA Cruises, launched in late 2024 as Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown cruise line, is concluding its inaugural Mediterranean season while preparing for further expansion into the Caribbean, Northern Europe, and Asia. The brand operates a single flagship, Aroya, which was acquired in 2023 and underwent extensive refurbishment to align with the line’s requirement for Arabian cultural sensibilities and premium standards.
The vessel is 335 metres in length, with gross tonnage of about 150,695 GT, and 1,678 cabins distributed over 18–19 decks. She accommodates over 3,300 guests under more modest occupancy, rising toward full capacity in peak operation. Her onboard public spaces and amenities reflect both international luxury and regionally specific design, including separate prayer facilities, women-only spa hours, a variety of dining options (including a Saudi restaurant and several specialty venues), extensive entertainment offerings, and family-oriented zones.
During her maiden Mediterranean season she has sailed from Istanbul’s Galataport, operating 7-night itineraries calling at ports in Greece, Turkey and Egypt, such as Mykonos, Rhodes, Piraeus, Bodrum, Kaş, and Alexandria. In the Red Sea, she has operated shorter 3-night and 4-night cruises from Jeddah visiting Saudi Arabia’s private island Jabal Al-Sabaya, Egypt’s Safaga and Sharm El Sheikh, and Jordan’s Aqaba. Over the course of her first summer and early operations she has carried approximately 20,000 guests, drawn both from the Middle East and from the international market.
The Aroya vessel offers several tiers of accommodation, including a premium “Khuzama” experience with suites and villas, some with elevated service amenities. The refurbishment reduced cabin count slightly from the original layout, in order to accommodate larger premium accommodation and upgraded public spaces. The ship’s facilities include an 1,018-seat theatre, multiple pools (including areas reserved for women at specified hours), a variety of dining venues, spa and wellness centre, entertainment venues, children’s facilities, and substantial retail areas.
The operation aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 objectives—to grow its tourism sector, diversify the economy, and establish itself as a competitive global cruise destination. The plan is to widen source markets beyond the GCC and Middle East and to enhance the Kingdom’s cruise infrastructure.