Saudi Arabia’s upcoming cruise ship enters dry dock ahead of debut in Red Sea

Saudi Arabia’s first ever cruise ship, the upcoming Manara, has entered dry dock in Germany ahead of her December debut in Jeddah, where she will sail roundtrip cruises in the Red Sea.

Manara, the former World Dream, was acquired by AROYA Cruises in 2023 following the collapse of the Dream Cruises brand when its parent company Genting Hong Kong filed for bankruptcy. 

The ship has since been in Germany undergoing a major bow-to-stern refit and refurbishment to introduce the AROYA livery, brand decor and the many new features and amenities that will be available aboard the vessel.

The ship’s maiden voyage with AROYA is scheduled for December 16th, 2024 out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Manara’s move into dry dock signals the beginning of the move intensive refurbishment work on the vessel, the total capital outlay on the work has not been revealed, but the ship was purchased for a reported US $300 million, with a further US $200 million reportedly being spent on the refit.

AROYA Cruises is owned by Cruise Saudi, which is in turn owned by Saudi Arabia’s PIF soverign wealth fund. The brand revealed this year that is has plans to introduce two further vessels in the coming years, both of which will be newbuilds to an entirely new design.

Manara is based on Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway-class vessels. Because AROYA Cruises is a Saudi Arabian cruise brand, and the first in the Arab world, it will not offer casinos and bars, meaning much of the ship’s public space can be re-utilised for other means.

AROYA has said that its onboard experience will be uniquely Arabian, exclusively targetting the Middle Eastern cruise source market, offering a cruise holiday catered to the unique tastes of the region.

That goes beyond offering the first-ever Saudi Arabian restaurant at sea, to include amenities such as onboard prayer rooms, and the absence of any alcohol. The primary languages on AROYA Cruises will be both Arabic and English, however, and the cruise line has emphasised that although it is primarily catering to the Middle East market, all passengers are welcome.

The 151,000 gross ton ship can carry up to 5,000 passengers and when it is delivered to AROYA later this year it will feature 15 restaurants (five of which will be complimentary), as well as 13 lounges, 20 entertainment experiences, including two theatres, and a water park.

Manara will also feature the cruise industry’s first-ever women’s only public spaces, including ladies only pool, gym and thermal spa. The ship will also boast one of the largest kids zones in the industry, with baby sitting services available for parents looking to unwind and relax. 

Khuzama Experience

Like MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and others, AROYA Cruises will also offer a ‘ship-within-a-ship’ luxury enclave where guests can experience Arabian luxury with glamourous suites and villas. 

This area includes butlers, complimentary WiFi, priority boarding and disembarkation, and an exclusive VIP lounge and bar. AROYA says its Khuzuma enclave will compete with the best international resorts.