Cruise Saudi's travel brand AROYA Cruises has finalized plans for its inaugural Arabian Gulf season, slated to sail from February 21st through May 8th, 2026.
Aroya ship'ss deployment will mark the first time the region’s homegrown brand operates a sustained series of Persian Gulf itineraries, extending its maritime presence beyond the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean to the wider Arabian seascape.
The program’s structure includes voyages of varying lengths, from short regional passages to 7-night cruises that link multiple Gulf ports, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Muscat, as well as coastal destinations including Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island. These calls are intended to provide access to both well-established cruise hubs and destinations that have previously seen limited ship visits.
AROYA’s Gulf season will feature interporting, enabling passengers to embark or disembark at different ports along the route rather than relying on a single homeport. This arrangement is designed to enhance flexibility for travellers from across the region while supporting the ongoing development of cruise infrastructure at multiple Gulf harbours.
The first 7-night sailing of the season is planned to depart from Dubai and proceed through Khasab, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Doha, before concluding at Sir Bani Yas Island. Additional voyages of varied durations will be offered throughout the season, with combinations of Gulf destinations scheduled to accommodate different travel preferences.
Onboard the vessel, the cruise line will integrate elements reflective of the region’s cultural identity and hospitality traditions alongside international amenities, and premium categories will provide enhanced accommodation options.
The Arabian Gulf deployment represents a key phase in AROYA’s broader strategy of establishing a regional cruise brand with global reach, following its earlier seasons in the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.