Aroya Cruises is Saudi Arabia's first homegrown cruise line, officially launched in June 2023 as a separate business unit of Cruise Saudi, which is fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). The brand is designed to offer a "Remarkably Arabian" cruise experience, blending authentic Arabian hospitality and culture with world-class facilities. It primarily targets Saudi and GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nationals and residents, with ambitions to expand to a broader international audience, particularly from the broader Arab world and global markets. Aroya Cruises aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 to develop tourism and position the Kingdom as a premier global cruise destination.
Fleet and Design:
Aroya Cruises currently operates one flagship vessel, the AROYA (formerly MS World Dream). This ship, originally built in 2017, underwent an extensive, large-scale refurbishment to be tailored to the Arabian market's tastes and preferences.
Key features of the AROYA include:
- Size: A 151,000-gross-ton vessel with 19 decks.
- Capacity: Accommodates over 3,300 guests at lower berth occupancy, with a full capacity of over 4,500 guests across 1,678 cabins. This includes a variety of accommodations from interior cabins to balcony cabins, premium suites, and exclusive villas in the "Khuzama" section.
- Tailored Design: The refurbishment focused on incorporating elements of Saudi and Arabian identity throughout the ship. This includes the introduction of separate prayer rooms for men and women, amenities catering to local culture, and specific dining concepts.
Destinations (2025-2026):
Aroya Cruises offers varied itineraries, with a strategic expansion beyond its initial Red Sea focus.
- Red Sea: Initial operations launched in December 2024 with short (three-night and four-night) itineraries in the Red Sea, homeporting in Jeddah. Destinations include Saudi Arabia's private island, Jabal Al-Sabaya, as well as ports in Egypt (Safaga, Sharm el-Sheikh, Ain Sokhna) and Jordan (Aqaba).
- Mediterranean: In June 2025, Aroya Cruises commenced its maiden Mediterranean season, homeporting from Galataport Istanbul, Turkey. The summer program features alternating six- and seven-night itineraries visiting:
- Greece: Mykonos, Rhodes, Piraeus (Athens), Souda Bay.
- Turkey: Bodrum, Marmaris, Kas, Kusadasi.
- Egypt: Alexandria.
- Arabian Gulf: By winter 2025, the ship is expected to reposition to the Arabian Gulf, with Dammam, Saudi Arabia, as a potential homeport.
The focus is on providing a mix of iconic destinations and unique cultural experiences, leveraging the ship's ability to offer varied weekly rotations.
Onboard Experience & Inclusions:
The onboard experience with Aroya Cruises is designed around "Remarkably Arabian" hospitality, combining modern cruise amenities with cultural authenticity. It is positioned as a world-class experience tailored to regional preferences.
Key aspects of the onboard experience include:
- Dining: A diverse culinary offering with 12 restaurants and numerous lounges/cafes. This includes 5 complimentary dining options (e.g., Amwaj Buffet, Al Waha Dining, Dallah Café offering Saudi and international dishes) and 10 specialty restaurants (e.g., Meast Steakhouse, La Tavola Italian, Bamboo Kitchen Asian, The Fish Market, Layalina, Space Diner, and the unique Irth Culinary Boutique & Cafe for authentic Saudi cuisine).
- Entertainment: Over 20 entertainment venues, including a 1,018-seater AROYA Theatre featuring vibrant live performances. Other options include a VR Zone, arcade lounge, e-sports lounge, and live music.
- Family-Friendly Features: A large kids' zone (1,858 sqm) with clubs for children (3-12 yrs) and teens (13-17 yrs), along with an AQUA ZONE Water Park featuring 5 slides and a splash zone. Family activities like trivia, workshops, and mini-golf are available.
- Wellness & Relaxation: An extensive Blossom Wellness Centre (1,818 sqm) offering spa treatments, a beauty clinic, gym, thermal suites (which may include a snow room), and dedicated female-only areas for pools, gym, and thermal spa hours.
- Shopping: A 1,603 sqm retail area featuring over 100 local and international brands.
- Exclusive Areas: Dedicated adults-only areas like the Sky Pool (Deck 18), Al Matal Lounge (Deck 19), and specific lounges/nightclubs.
- Cultural Enrichment: Workshops like calligraphy and henna, storytelling circles, cooking shows highlighting regional dishes, and craft corners (pottery, mosaic making). The ship integrates prayer rooms for men and women.
- Accommodation Amenities: Cabins are fitted with amenities catering to Saudi Arabian culture. Suites and villas in the Khuzama section offer elevated service, including butler service (24-hour for villas, operational hours for other suites), premium drink packages, and dedicated venues.
- Wi-Fi: Available onboard (potentially for a surcharge or included in higher categories).
- Gratuities: Policies regarding gratuities and specific inclusions can vary, so it's advisable to check the specific fare terms.
Aroya Cruises aims to redefine holidays in Arabia by offering a unique, culturally rich, and modern cruise experience, reflecting the warm hospitality and heritage of the region.
Exported from Firebase on 2025-08-02T14:17:19.895Z
