Aroya Cruises represents a significant milestone for both Saudi Arabia and the Gulf region. The Red Sea’s azure waters will serve as the stage for this spectacle of luxury, with sailings set to commence in December 2024 for the new cruise line.

Saudi Arabia’s new Aroya Cruises is preparing to whisk away regional tourists on an unforgettable journey through the Red Sea.

This new cruise line, a venture wholly owned by Cruise Saudi and backed by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), marks a historic first for the Arabian world – offering the world’s first luxury cruise line tailored to Arabian preferences.

With bookings now open, Aroya Cruises offers more than just a trip on its Aroya ship; it’s an experience rooted in Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, designed to immerse travellers in unparalleled opulence, warmth, and hospitality.

Born from Cruise Saudi’s ambitious vision to revolutionise Arabian holidays, Aroya is poised to be a shining jewel in the kingdom’s tourism ambitions. Launched as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which seeks to position the country as a global tourism hotspot, Aroya Cruises represents a significant milestone for both the nation and the Gulf region. The Red Sea’s azure waters will serve as the stage for this spectacle of luxury, with itineraries set to commence in December 2024.

Turky Kari, Executive Director, Aroya Cruises, said: “Aroya represents the Arabian Roya, or the Arabian dream, the Arabian vision. So, it’s a combination of two words, Arabian and Roya.”

As the world’s first Arabian cruise line, Aroya Cruises will offer unique and authentic experiences for guests at sea and onshore, reflecting Arabian generosity and Saudi Arabia’s famous Hafawa (hospitality).

Revealing the name of the ship, Kari said: “Our first ship is going to be called Aroya, we’re going to keep the name as is to make it simpler for people. In our strategy, we’re planning to have three ships in the long term.”

A Floating Masterpiece of Arabian Design

Spanning 18 resplendent decks, Aroya presents an astonishing array of world-class amenities. The sheer scale of offerings rivals some of the finest resorts on land, with 15 exquisite restaurants, 20 entertainment venues, a sophisticated retail area, and indulgent wellness and spa facilities.

The ship itself is a marvel, stretching 335 metres in length and accommodating up to 3,362 passengers. With 1,678 cabins – ranging from cozy Interior Cabins to opulent Balcony and Sea View Cabins, Suites, and even exclusive Villas – there’s something for every type of traveller. The pinnacle of luxury is Aroya’s VIP package, which grants access to private lounges, refined dining, and exceptional personal services that elevate the experience to another level of extravagance.

Dining aboard Aroya is nothing short of a culinary odyssey. Guests can savour flavours from around the world, with five complimentary restaurants, 11 specialty dining options, and 12 chic cafés and lounges. The menu is global in reach, offering everything from Lebanese delicacies to Italian classics and Asian-inspired delights. At the heart of the culinary offering is Irth, a first-of-its-kind Saudi restaurant at sea, showcasing traditional Arabian dishes infused with bold, modern twists.

Entertainment for Every Taste

Entertainment on Aroya is just as diverse and spectacular. Guests can revel in world-class performances at the Aroya Theatre, an expansive 1,018-seat venue hosting everything from headline entertainment to children’s shows. The Souq Aroya, a bustling onboard marketplace, offers an unparalleled shopping experience thanks to a partnership with Heinemann, one of the world’s foremost duty-free retailers. Families can make lifelong memories together in the Atrium Area, a lively hub of activity with gathering spaces, variety acts, and a ‘kids zone’ that spans an impressive 1,858 sq m, complete with waterslides and splash areas.

In addition, land excursions will be handled by Cruise Saudi offering a similar experience beyond the seas.

Wellness Meets Opulence

For those seeking relaxation, the Blossom by Aroya Spa is a tranquil oasis at sea. Here, guests can indulge in treatments that rejuvenate both body and soul, with amenities designed to stimulate all five senses. The spa’s thermal suite, snow room, relaxation lounges, and treatment rooms promise to transport guests to a state of bliss. The onboard wellness offerings extend to a beauty clinic, salon, barber services, and a fully equipped gym to ensure guests feel and look their best throughout their voyage.

What sets Aroya Cruises apart is its meticulous attention to Arabian cultural preferences. This sensitivity is exemplified by the design of the ship’s facilities, such as the inclusion of two swimming pools, with designated female-only hours to ensure privacy. Even the smallest details, like onboard cabin toilets equipped with wet facilities, have been carefully considered to align with cultural norms, ensuring passengers feel at home at sea.

Charting an Unforgettable Course

The debut of Aroya Cruises will see itineraries along the enchanting Red Sea, a region steeped in history and natural beauty. From serene stops at Cruise Saudi’s private island to visits to iconic destinations in Egypt and Jordan, each voyage promises a blend of exploration and relaxation. Whether guests embark on a short, three-night adventure exploring the “Sea of Charm” or a longer, seven-night journey along the Red Sea shores, every trip offers curated experiences that highlight the region’s rich culture and breathtaking landscapes.

The cruise liner’s website currently offers five cruise options: Exploring the Red Sea’s Charm – three nights; A World of Discoveries to the City of Peace – four nights; Ancient Cultures for the Depths of the Sea – four nights; An Exceptional Voyage Along the Shores of the Red Sea – seven nights; and A Magical Journey Along the Seas and the Sands – six nights. All itineraries depart from and return to Jeddah, with voyages beginning in December.

A Vision Realised

As the world’s first Arabian cruise line, Aroya Cruises encapsulates the dream of a new kind of vacation – a celebration of Arabian culture, elegance, and adventure. It represents a pivotal step in Saudi Arabia’s transformation into a global tourism leader.

Dr Joerg Rudolph President of Aroya Cruises, said: “The launch of our cruise line to commercial markets is an important milestone for both Aroya Cruises, and for the tourism landscape in Saudi Arabia. We are thrilled that the public can now book sailings with us as we strive to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia. We have been steadfast in our mission to create a remarkably Arabian cruise line offering for guests at sea and onshore, commercially, and sustainably, and we look forward to sharing this with our passengers.”