Cruise Saudi makes environmental pledge with sign-up to UN Global Compact

Cruise Saudi has announced its participation in the United Nations Global Compact, promoting sustainable and socially responsible business practices.

The parent company of AROYA Cruises, the first homegrown cruise line in the Arab world, said it will integrate the global compact’s Ten Principles covering human rights, labour, environment and anti-corruption into its strategy, culture and operations.

The company, which is backed by the Saudi Arabian sovereign wealth fund PIF to develop the cruise industry in the country, joins 20,000 other companies who are part of the compact.

“By joining the UN Global Compact, Cruise Saudi demonstrates its commitment to our global society and the environment that we rely upon,” said Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi. 

“We are delighted to join over 20,000 companies worldwide who share the same vision as us, and we hope this movement can drive positive change,” he added.

Cruise Saudi will also participate in collaborative projects supporting the United Nations’ broader development goals, especially its 17 Sustainable Development Goals aimed at addressing climate change and eliminating poverty.

Launched in July 2000, the United Nations Global Compact is a voluntary initiative encouraging businesses worldwide to adopt and report on sustainable and socially responsible policies.

AROYA Cruises will sail its first passenger voyage on December 16th, a 3-night roundtrip itinerary from Jeddah to a private island in the Sarrayn chain off the coast of Makkah, around 100 nautical miles south of Jeddah.

These cruises take in the arts, culture and heritage of Jeddah itself, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city, as well as the diverse landscapes of Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast, and the turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs of its islands.

From January, 2025, 4-night roundtrip voyages to Aqaba in Jordan and the Lost City of Petrawill also be on offer, as well as longer 6- and 7-night itineraries visiting Sharm el Sheikh, and Aqaba, or these ports and Ain Sokhna for Cairo, Egypt.

AROYA purchased the former World Dream and sent her to Europe for a technical refit and bow-to-stern refurbishment in 2021. The 335-metre vessel will be able to accommodate 3,362 passengers across 18 decks, in 1,678 cabins. 

Passengers will be able to book a range of categories, including outside (sea view through window or porthole), balcony cabins, suites, and even ‘villas’ with sweeping balconies and separate sleeping, dining and lounge areas.

With all the bars that were previously available aboard the World Dream having been stripped out during the refurbishment, Aroya will instead feature a plethora of entertainment venues, from cinemas and karaoke bars to shisha lounges and escape rooms.