Aroya Manara

The 2017-built (as MS World Dream) cruise ship AROYA Manara is currently owned by World Dream Company Inc, a subsidiary of Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), and operated by Cruise Saudi (PIF-owned travel brand and cruise agency, founded in 2021) via the newly established Aroya Cruises brand (launched in 2023).

MS World Dream was the second vessel of Genting Cruise Lines' premium brand Dream Cruises (a Genting Hong Kong/GHK-owned subsidiary launched in November 2015).

Ranked among the world's largest passenger liners, the 151,300-GT ship debuted in November 2017. Her fleetmates included Genting Dream (2016-built sistership), Resorts World One (1999-built as SuperStar Virgo, renamed "Explorer Dream" after transferring from Star Cruises in 2019), and the larger Global Dream/Disney Adventure (2020-built GLOBAL-class, sold to DCL-Disney in 2022).

The AROYA Manara vessel (IMO number 9733117) is currently France-flagged (MMSI 538010484) and registered in Majuro, Marshall Islands. Previously, World Dream was Bahamas-flagged (MMSI 311000318) and registered in Nassau.

Since February 2023, the ship has been operated by Cruise Saudi, a Jeddah-based tourism company established in 2023 and wholly owned by PIF (founded in 1971). PIF is currently ranked among the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds, with assets under management of approximately USD 620 billion / GBP 514 billion. The shipowner is PIF's subsidiary World Dream Company Inc (founded in 2023), while GHK previously owned the vessel via its subsidiary World Dream Ltd.

History – Construction and Ownership

GHK was a global entertainment, hospitality, and leisure company headquartered in Hong Kong. For its Dream Cruises brand, GHK commissioned two custom-built vessels targeting the Asian market, particularly China. GHK’s other cruise segments were served by its brands Crystal Cruises (ultra-luxury) and Star Cruises (contemporary).

On October 7, 2013, GHK announced a shipbuilding agreement with Meyer Werft (Papenburg, Germany) for a vessel intended for Star Cruises, scheduled for delivery in Q4 2016. A sistership was ordered on February 10, 2014, with delivery set for Q4 2017. Both ships had gross tonnage of 150,000 and double-occupancy passenger capacity of 3,364.

GHK later created the Dream Cruises brand and reallocated both vessels to it. The steel-cutting ceremony for MS Genting World (later renamed MS World Dream) was held on February 9, 2015. Her steel-cutting event took place in February 2016 at Meyer Werft Papenburg. She was floated out on August 26 and delivered on October 26, 2017, becoming the 44th cruiser built by Meyer Werft. The delivery ceremony was attended by Tim Meyer (Managing Director of Meyer Werft).

On December 1, 2022, it was announced that the 5-year-old MS World Dream would be auctioned, approximately nine months after the vessel was arrested by GHK’s creditor, KfW IPEX-Bank GmbH.

Singapore's High Court ordered the vessel to be sold via sealed tender, with bids due by December 21. At the time, World Dream's estimated value was USD 654 million. For comparison, her sistership Genting Dream was sold in 2020 to a Chinese banking consortium for USD 700 million.

Speculation arose that Resorts World Cruises (founded in May 2022 by Lim Kok Thay, GHK's former majority shareholder) would bid for the ship.

Surveyors appointed by Singapore’s High Court inspected the ship in November 2022 and reported that she was in very good condition, despite having been laid up off Singapore since April 3, 2022. The 127 onboard crew had maintained her well.

The Singapore Sheriff's Office listed the ship as sold on February 24, 2023, roughly two months after the auction.

On March 1, 2023, Cruise Saudi announced the acquisition of the vessel for USD 330 million (~EUR 310 million / ~GBP 275 million), confirmed by CEO Lars Clasen. On the same day, the vessel was renamed "MS Manara" (Arabic for "source of light") and ship management was transferred from V.Ships Leisure (part of V.Group Holdings Ltd, 1984-founded, Monaco-registered, London-based) to Columbia Cruise Services GmbH & Co KG (founded in 2014, Hamburg-based).

Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line brand, Aroya Cruises, was officially launched on June 14, 2023. Operations are managed by Ghassan Khan (Cruise Saudi’s Chief Strategy Officer). In July 2023, Aroya signed a three-year Gold Sponsorship deal with Al Nassr Football Club (Riyadh).

Cruise Saudi’s Manara shares design features with NCL ships like Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, and has gross tonnage comparable to Norwegian Epic.

Decks and Cabins

MS World Dream/AROYA Manara staterooms (1678 total) accommodate up to 3362 passengers and are served by 1620 crew, resulting in a crew-to-passenger ratio of 1:1.7—the highest among ships based in the Asia-Pacific region.

Passenger accommodations include 9x Khuzama Villas (163–392 m²), 14x Premium Suites (38–58 m²), 131x Suites (25–39 m²), 1040x Balcony Cabins (16–27 m²), 82x Seaview Cabins (15–30 m²), and 402x Interior Cabins (12–18 m²). The ship also features 32x wheelchair-accessible (ADA-certified) cabins.

All 145 suites and villas are located within the Khuzama complex.

Built in Germany, the vessel features spacious interiors. Approximately 70% of all staterooms have private step-out balconies, and more than 100 cabins are interconnecting, ideal for families. Suite guests enjoy enhanced services, exclusive privileges, and European-style butler service.

The largest accommodations are the Dream Grand Villas (224 m2 / 2410 ft2). Other Dream Suite categories include Executive Suites (56-80 m2 / 600-860 ft2) and Deluxe Suites (43 m2 / 460 ft2).

"The Palace" is a ship-within-a-ship concept—an exclusive complex with 154 premium Palace Suites (37-40 m2 / 400-430 ft2), private dining and lounge areas, butler service, and suite-only perks. The 5-star luxury enclave spans nearly 10,000 m2 (108,000 ft2) and includes The Palace Restaurant, gym, and an exclusive sundeck with a swimming pool. The all-inclusive experience features a Seafood Buffet (at The Palace Restaurant), complimentary Premium Beverage Package (valid in all onboard bars and restaurants), Captain's Welcome Cocktail Party, Crystal Life Cafe (healthy breakfast, vegetarian lunch), dedicated Kids Program (ages 2-12), "Connoisseurs Circle" enrichment program, complimentary fitness classes and shore excursions, priority services, and specialty dining across the ship.

The ship has 19 decks, 14 of which are accessible to passengers, with 10 featuring cabins.

Note: Deck 15 is labeled as "Deck 14" due to cultural beliefs—similar to Western avoidance of the number 13 and Italians skipping 17, the number 4 is considered unlucky in Chinese culture.

Shipboard Dining Options - Food and Drinks

Aroya Manara features 29 dining and beverage venues, including 5 complimentary restaurants, 10 specialty restaurants, and 13 cafes/bars/lounges. Guests can enjoy Arabian, Lebanese, Italian, Chinese, Japanese, South Asian, and international cuisine.

A 610 m / 2000 ft wraparound promenade offers a unique seaside dining and lounging experience, available from early morning to late evening across various themed venues.

In December 2024, Gebr. Heinemann SE & Co KG (a Hamburg-based retailer and distributor) opened eight boutique shops. Spread across three decks, Heinemann's premium boutiques offer over 250 brands and are staffed by approximately 30 personnel.

• (Deck 6) Aroya Souk (features Arabian brands Nua and Bateel), AROYA Merch (branded merchandise), Aroya Dukkan (convenience store with travel essentials)
• (Deck 7) Fragrances & Cosmetics Boutique (perfumes, beauty products, Bakhoor incense), Kids Boutique (toys, clothing), Sunglasses & Leather Boutique, Watches & Jewelry Boutique, Fashion & Accessories Boutique
• (Deck 16) Khuzama Boutique (private shopping, accessible by concierge appointment only)

The ship’s retail complex spans 1603 m2 / 17,255 ft2.

Below is the full list of World Dream restaurants and food venues:

• World Dining Room (300 seats) – Complimentary, Chinese and vegetarian options, open for breakfast (7–10 am), lunch (12–2 pm), and dinner (5–8 pm)
• Dream Dining Room (428 seats) – Complimentary, similar hours and offerings
• The Lido (554 seats) – Buffet, made-to-order breakfast and lunch, international and Asian entrees, salad bar, desserts
• Silk Road & Cabaret – Chinese specialty restaurant (148 seats), transforms into a cabaret lounge after 11 pm
• BISTRO by Mark Best – À la carte, international dishes, open for all meals, reservations required
• BISTRO Chef's Table – VIP dining for groups of 8+, with wine pairings
• BISTRO Grill Outdoor – Lunch and dinner-only, by reservation
• Umi Uma – Japanese cuisine, dinner-only, reservation required
• Umi Uma Tepanyaki – Live cooking, dinner-only
• Umi Uma Sushi Bar – Sushi and Sake, lunch and dinner
• Lobby Bar – Drinks served 7 am–1 am
• BreadBox – Bakery/snack bar with gourmet bread and coffee, 10 am–8 pm
• Lobby Cafe – Southeast Asian takeaway, 7 am–8 pm
• Bar 360 – Premium bourbons and cocktails
• Blue Lagoon – 24-hour à la carte dining with live cooking stations
• Red Lion Pub – 24-hour English pub with full menu and draft beers
• Johnnie Walker House – Whisky bar
• Wine Vault – Wine bar with sommelier-led tastings, 11 am–12 midnight
• BAR CITY (341 seats) – Includes The Whisky House, Mixt, Bubbles
• The Whisky House – Whisky tastings with gourmet pairings, reservations required
• Mixt – Cocktail bar with snack menu
• Bubbles – Premium Champagne bar, 11 am–12 midnight
• Boba Cha – Non-alcoholic drinks, 10 am–6 pm
• Gelateria – Ice cream and frozen desserts, 10 am–6 pm
• Hot Pot – Outdoor dinner-only restaurant, reservations required
• Crystal Life Cuisine – Healthy dining, gym-user focused, by reservation
• World Club – Exclusive to Dream Mansion guests, premium wine list, reservation required
• World Grill – Outdoor complimentary venue, serves pool deck with snacks
• Penfolds Wine Vault – Premium wine bar and restaurant, food pairings, reservations required
• Pool Deck Bar – Serves 380 seats and 330 sunbeds with drinks, 7 am–6 pm
• The Living Room – Exclusive lounge for Dream Mansion guests, butler service
• Dream Mansion Lounge – Exclusive lounge for Dream Mansion guests, complimentary drinks
• World Club Restaurant & Lounge – Premium wines and beverages, Dream Mansion exclusive
• Sun Deck Bar Portside/Starboard – Refreshments, 38 seats each, 7 am–6 pm
• Dream Mansion Cafe – Exclusive snack and drinks venue, 7 am–1 am
• The Market – Outdoor venue with non-alcoholic beverages
• Palm Court – Premium bar with Afternoon Tea (2:30–5 pm)

In December 2017, MS World Dream introduced Asia's first "Tiffany" boutique at sea, offering an exclusive Tiffany Afternoon Tea service at the Seafood Grill (Mondays, Thursdays, Saturdays).

Also in 2017, Dream Cruises debuted the world’s first-at-sea "Dior Jewelry and Watches" shop. The ship features "Scents and Spirits" (perfume and drink sampling) and a Make-Up Bar for beauty product trials.

In July 2020, Dream Cruises introduced "Flexi-Feast"—a customizable dining concept with vouchers and onboard credits usable at restaurants, bars, and for room service.

The Irth Culinary Boutique & Cafe serves traditional Saudi dishes. Staff are certified by the Culinary Arts Commission, which promotes Saudi cuisine globally.

The Fish Market offers fresh local seafood, Gueridon and silver service, and interactive activities for children.

The Space Diner serves American-style fast food like Astro Burger Sliders and milkshakes.

Bamboo Kitchen features Asian cuisine from China, Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia with live cooking shows.

Khuzama Lounge is a 24-hour venue with live music and local/international light bites.

Al Matal Lounge has floor-to-ceiling windows, specialty teas, fresh pastries, and shishas.

Legends Sports Lounge shows live sports on large screens and serves quick bites and shishas.

Shipboard Entertainment Options - Fun and Sport

Recreation facilities include two pools, six waterslides, a ropes course, playrooms, card and mahjong rooms, a bowling alley, and duty-free shopping.

Health and wellness amenities (1818 m2 / 19,570 ft2) include a state-of-the-art spa, Thermal Suite, Beauty Clinic, Zodiac Theatre (1018 seats), health club, salon, and barbershop. Activities also include inspirational talks and wine tastings.

Below is the full list of World Dream entertainment venues (20 total):

• Zodiac Theatre – 1018-seat venue for shows and musicals
• Tributes – Lounge and bar (170 indoor/40 outdoor seats), themed events, 10 am–11:30 pm
• Zouk – Disco and sports bar with bowling and pool, 8 pm–2 am, reservations required
• Zouk Beach Club – Cabana seating, pool, LED screen, private event space
• Karaoke – 5 luxurious rooms, 24-hour service, premium alcohol, gourmet snacks
• Star Club, Star Club II, Premium Club, Humidor (cigar lounge), Mahjong Room
• Blossom by Aroya – Spa, wellness, and fitness complex
• Le Salon – Beauty salon for hair and nails
• The Gentlemen's Barber – Barbershop
• Boardwalk / Promenade – 610 m wraparound deck with seating
• Little Pandas Club – Kids club with themed activities
• VR Zone – Virtual reality gaming
• Sun Deck – Lounging area
• Rock Climbing Wall – 7 m high, free to use
• Ropes Course – Includes a 35 m Zip Line for adults and "Walk the Plank" for kids
• Mini-Golf Course – 9-hole putting green
• Sportsplex – Multipurpose court for basketball, volleyball, soccer

The Dream Boutiques duty-free arcade (1585 m2 / 17,060 ft2) features 100+ brands and concierge shopping for VIP guests.

The Kids Zone Water Park (1858 m2 / 20,000 ft2) has six waterslides (five adult-only, one for kids), splash area, and free access. Slides start on Deck 20 aft.

Female-exclusive venues and hours include a pool, gym, thermal spa, and multifaith prayer room.

AROYA CRUISES Itineraries

AROYA's official inauguration was the Maiden Voyage on December 16, 2024 (3-night roundtrip from Jeddah). Khuzama Suite fares started at SAR 1535 (USD 409) per person/night. The inaugural cruise featured Saudi artists Abadi al-Johar and Zaina Emad performing at the AROYA Theatre.

AROYA’s Red Sea program operates roundtrips from Jeddah with 3- to 7-night itineraries to Jabal Al-Sabaya, Egypt (Sharm El Sheik), and Jordan (Aqaba-Petra).

Future expansions include the Arabian Gulf, Orient, and Europe/Mediterranean (2025).

From June to September 2025, the ship is homeported in Istanbul for 7-day roundtrips to Greece (Piraeus, Chania, Mykonos, Rhodes) and Turkey (Kusadasi, Antalya).

World Dream Itineraries (DREAM CRUISES)

MS World Dream operated roundtrips from Hong Kong and Guangzhou, including fly-cruises to Vietnam and the Philippines.

5-night cruises visited Manila and Boracay (Nov 2017–Mar 2018), and Saigon and Nha Trang (Dec 2017–Oct 2018). Weekend 2-night cruises from Hong Kong were also available, with B2B (back-to-back) 12-night packages.

In October 2017, Singapore became a new homeport, with fly-cruise deals from China.

In 2018, 5-night itineraries to Japan included Naha and Miyakojima. Each concluded with "Dream Night"—a laser and fireworks show at sea.

In 2019, the "One Day Greater Bay Cruise" launched, linking Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Prices started from RMB 500 (USD 64). During the promo (March–June 2019), each passenger received a HKD 100 (USD 13) OBC voucher.

From Nov 6, 2020, to Jun 27, 2021, "Super Seacation" cruises from Singapore were offered, including two themed voyages:

1. "Rhythm of Korea" (Feb–Mar 2021): Hanbok shows, games, Korean films, K-pop dance classes, beauty talks, language classes, and cooking demos.
2. "Amazing Thailand" (Mar–May 2021): Thai films, music, boxing, Sepak Takraw, spa promos, and street food markets.

World Dream's final cruise under GHK ended on March 2, 2022, after which the ship was seized by KfW IPEX-Bank.

On January 10, 2017, the vessel's keel-laying ceremony was held at Meyer Werft GmbH's Meyer Neptun yard in Papenburg, Germany, marking the official start of its physical construction and assembly. The event was attended by Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay (Chairman and CEO of Genting Hong Kong) and Thatcher Brown (President of Dream Cruises). During the ceremony, block 3 (one of 92 construction blocks) was lowered into the building dock, formally initiating the ship's assembly. Traditional "lucky coins" were placed under the keel block to symbolize good fortune.

The vessel (Meyer Neptun yard/hull number S711) has a gross tonnage of 150,695 GT, a deadweight of 15,370 tons, a maximum width of 44 meters (including bridge wings), and a max draught of 8.6 meters. The powerplant consists of MAN B&W marine diesel engines (model 14V48/60B) delivering a total output of 62.4 MW (83,680 hp).

Before Cruise Saudi’s acquisition, the registered owner was WORLD DREAM LTD, the operator was GENTING CRUISE LINES, and the management company was V.SHIPS LEISURE S.A.M.

The vessel was launched (floated out from drydock) on August 26, 2017, at the Papenburg Shipyard. After being moved from the covered drydock hall, she was berthed at the outfitting pier for final works. On September 17, 2017, the vessel navigated the Ems River to Eemshaven, Netherlands, for testing, followed by sea trials in the North Sea near Bremerhaven, Germany.

The ship was christened on November 17, 2017, at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Terminal. The godmother was Mrs. Puan Sri Cecilia Lim, wife of Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay. The naming ceremony was attended by over 1,000 VIP guests, including Chinese government officials, GHK business partners, and media representatives.

In September 2017, ahead of her inauguration, Dream Cruises launched a promotional campaign to build the world’s largest LEGO cruise ship. The replica of World Dream measured 8.44 meters (27.7 ft) and was officially recognized by Guinness World Records. The inaugural itineraries featured two departures—from Hong Kong (November 17) and Nansha-Guangzhou (November 19)—with a 5-night voyage calling at Boracay and Manila (Philippines), and Saigon and Nha Trang (Vietnam).

Wärtsilä Funa supplied the vessel's "Dynamic Exterior Lighting" system, which offers impressive visual effects (color, movement, video) using custom-designed, individually controlled LED RGBW lighting units. Wärtsilä Funa specializes in AV and lighting systems for large venues and cruise ships.

MS World Dream featured the world’s first permanent eSports facility at sea, part of the "VR Center" gaming complex with the ESC Experience Lab. The 158 m² (1700 ft²) venue accommodates 80 spectators and 10 players, with live-streamed events shown across onboard screens, staterooms, Zodiac Theatre, and Zouk Beach Club. eSports became a medal event at the 2022 Asian Games and was under review for inclusion in the 2024 Summer Olympics.

In 2018, MS World Dream became the first cruise ship to offer Matcha-themed cruises. From April 29 through June 14, passengers on 2- and 5-night sailings enjoyed an authentic Japanese experience through a partnership with Nakamura Tokichi Honten, a prestigious Japanese tea house. Highlights included kimono classes, tea workshops, tasting sessions, Kabuki quiz games, celebrity meet-and-greets, and traditional Okinawan cuisine and drinks.

From June through November 2018, the ship hosted "Taste the Dream – Wine and Dine at Sea", a collaboration with six Michelin-starred Asian celebrity chefs. Guests in "The Palace Suites" enjoyed exclusive four-hand tasting menus, interactive cooking workshops, and chef-led “Chef’s Table” events. The chefs were Alvin Leung, Chan Kwok Keung, Christian Yang, Martin Yan, Vicky Cheng, and Wan Tat Kong.

The ship’s first Master was Captain Robert Bodin.

In December 2020, MS World Dream became the Asia Pacific region's first Halal-certified cruise ship, accredited by both the UNWHD (United World Halal Development, Singapore) and GVCS (Global Vegetarian Certification Services, Chennai, India).

From November 6, 2020, to November 8, 2021, the ship hosted over 200,000 Singaporeans on 150+ "Super Seacation" cruise-to-nowhere voyages from homeport Singapore.

Dream Cruises ships feature unique underwater excursions using two mini-submarines, each carrying one pilot and up to four guests. The vessel also carries a motorboat available for shore excursions.

Cruise Saudi AROYA Manara Refurbishments 2023–2024

Cruise Saudi’s first drydock for MS Manara took place from June to August 2023 at Bredo Dry Docks GmbH in Bremerhaven, Germany. The repositioning voyage to the shipyard included a stop for bunkering off Valletta Harbour, Malta.

The second drydocking occurred at DSR/Damen Shiprepair in Rotterdam, Netherlands, where the vessel arrived on June 19, 2024.

The extensive renovation was one of the most significant cruise ship refurbishments to date. It was led by SMC Design (London) and Partnership Ship Design (Hamburg), with work carried out by De Wave Group and MJM Marine. About 95% of the ship's interiors were redesigned, incorporating Saudi landscapes, Islamic architecture, and traditional Arabic motifs.

All public areas and staterooms were fully refurbished. The original 1686 staterooms were reduced to 1678 to accommodate new premium suites and villas, including a 400 m² (4310 ft²) Royal Villa.

The former Casino Lounge was replaced with shopping arcades. New features include 15 dining venues (5 complimentary and 10 specialty), 13 bars and cafes, women-only spaces (sundeck and prayer room), a redesigned 1820 m² wellness complex, a 1605 m² retail zone, and a VIP area. The ship also received a new Arabian-themed hull design.

In September 2023, Cruise Saudi contracted MJM Marine Ltd (1983-founded) and De Wave Group (2014-founded) for the full-scale (98%) refurbishment. Part of the work was done in Rotterdam, with additional updates completed in Bremerhaven.

Following the refit, AROYA Manara departed Bremerhaven on November 25, 2024, and made an overnight stop in Limassol, Cyprus (December 3–4) before transiting the Suez Canal (December 4–5) en route to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. She arrived on December 6, ahead of her inaugural 3-night itinerary departing December 16.

MJM Group upgraded all cabins, constructed new venues (dining, wellness, shopping), performed steelworks, and modernized electrical and mechanical systems. They also installed furniture, finishes, and ceiling fixtures. De Wave Group outfitted the upper decks and added new suites.

In November 2023, DL Services (2004-founded marine catering architecture firm) was contracted to redesign the ship’s galley and catering areas. The firm partnered with COLUMBIA signature (2021-founded hospitality consultancy) to overhaul the existing layouts and supply new galley equipment.

ALMACO Group was subcontracted to install two new galleys, a dedicated kids’ cooking school, and to upgrade the main galley. They also added four new F&B venues and refurbished 800 m² of public spaces. A total of 38 tons of new catering equipment (from 112 suppliers) was installed.

World Dream Refurbishment 2020 Review

The ship’s first drydock began on March 25, 2020, at DSR/Damen Shiprepair Rotterdam. At the time, no public details were announced regarding the duration, scope, or cost of the project.

World Dream LEGO Model

In April 2018, Dream Cruises completed a LEGO replica of MS World Dream using over 2.5 million bricks. Weighing 2.8 tons, it measures 8.44 m (27.7 ft) long, 1.33 m (4.4 ft) wide, and 1.53 m (5 ft) high.

The project was led by Andy Hung, China’s first LEGO-certified professional, with over 1,000 participants. After two months of work, the model was unveiled at Kai Tak Terminal (Hong Kong) and officially recognized by Guinness World Records.

Inaugural Itineraries 2017

After the official handover on October 26, 2017, the ship sailed from Gibraltar through the Mediterranean and Suez Canal and across the Indian Ocean to her dual homeports: Hong Kong (November 17) and Nansha-Guangzhou (November 19).

In October 2017, Dream Cruises announced Singapore (Marina Bay Terminal) as a new homeport. The inaugural 5-night sailing from Singapore departed on November 26, 2017, visiting Penang and Phuket (Thailand), and MacLeod Island (Myanmar). Singapore sailings were marketed as fly-cruise packages targeting Asia’s luxury travel segment.