AROYA Cruises reveals additional details about first ship at ATM 2024

Saudi Arabia’s start-up cruise line, the first homegrown cruise brand in the Arab world, has revealed more details about its first cruise ship ahead of Arabian Travel Market 2024.

Taking place from May 6th to 9th, the Arabian Travel Market brings together industry leaders, pioneers, and professionals from across the globe to network and discuss the latest trends, opportunities and challenges impacting the travel sector.

During the four-day event, AROYA Cruises will be taking part alongside other cruise industry heavy weights such as Royal Caribbean Arabia, the Middle East arm of the world’s second-largest cruise company.

“We are excited to be bringing AROYA Cruises to ATM, a crucial event in the trade industry’s calendar,” said Joerg Rudoph, President, AROYA Cruises. 

“It is such an exciting time for the business, as we launch our first cruise ship to commercial markets and we look forward to showcasing the exceptional facilities, quality design and authentic Arabian experiences onboard AROYA Cruises to those at ATM,” he added. 

AROYA Cruises will showcase Saudi Arabia’s newly launched cruise brand, a homegrown and unique addition to the global cruise fleet.

AROYA Cruises is distinctive in its offering and design, as it is the first cruise line ever to cater specifically to Arabian preferences. 

On the first day of the event, AROYA Cruises revealed that its first ship will be a floating resort with facilities across 18 decks, including 28 dining options, 20 entertainment venues, a retail area, and wellness and spa facilities.

Every aspect of the vessel will celebrate Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage and signature Hafawa (hospitality), the cruise line said in a press release.

As new brand in the competitive global market, AROYA Cruises will also be using ATM 2024 as an opportunity to give visitors and potential future passengers a taste of the onboard offering.

Visitors to the AROYA Cruises booth at ATM will have the chance to sample life on board a future cruise, as the booth will be influenced by some of the on-ship experiences and designs. 

With interactive display screens and ship and cabin model displays, the booth will offer an exclusive first insight into AROYA. 

The cruise line was meant to launch later this year, but those plans have been pushed back amid supply chain constraints in the shipyard sector, and the ongoing Red Sea security crisis, which is severely impacting the primary region in which AROYA intends to sail.

The cruise line’s first ship, Manara, is currently undergoing a bow-to-stern refit and refurbishment in Europe. The 150,000-gross ton ship, capable of carrying up to 5,000 passengers, previously sailed as World Dream for Dream Cruises, part of the now-defunt Genting Hong Kong group.

AROYA purchased the vessel in 2019 when plans for the new cruise line were first announced. The brand is 100% owned by Cruise Saudi, a government agency tasked with growing the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia, but will be run by an independent operational and management team based in Jeddah.

Launched in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2023 and the Kingdom’s plan to become one of the top global tourism destinations by 2030, AROYA Cruises aims to provide year-round itineraries out of Jeddah and other Middle East ports, tailored to Saudi Arabian and GCC nationals and residents.