Cruise Saudi officially launches AROYA cruise line brand, re-develops website

Cruise Saudi, a part of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), and the owner of the Arab world’s first-ever homegrown domestic cruise line, has officially announced the launch of AROYA Cruises.

The launch of the brand, which has been undergoing a soft launch for much of the year, also coincided with the re-launch of its all-new website, where guests can now book cruises and explore the line’s first ship, Aroya.

AROYA Cruises hosted an exclusive event for its trade partners in Riyadh to celebrate the milestone, where it re-committed to sailing its first cruises in the Red Sea in December this year.

“By launching the first Arabian Cruise line that leads the way in elevating joyful and memorable experiences for guests at sea and onshore, commercially and sustainably, we aim to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia,” said Dr Joerg Rudolph, president, AROYA Cruises.

“This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi, in line with Vision 2030,” he added.

AROYA Cruises will offer Saudi nationals, expatriates, and regional guests a unique opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s stunning coastlines from the sea, with an onboard cruise experience that is specifically tailored to the cultural and religious tastes and preferences of Saudi and GCC guests.

These include onboard prayer rooms for men and women, gender-segregated entertainment and pool areas, announcements in both Arabic and English, as well as Saudi-inspired cuisine such as the first Saudi Arabian restaurant at sea.

Then there’s the Khuzama experience, a luxurious onboard ship-within-a-ship concept designed to immerse travellers in the elegance and serenity of Arabian hospitality. 

Khuzama will feature tranquil, high-end facilities where comfort and relaxation take centre stage, offering a unique blend of modern luxury and deep-rooted cultural experiences, according to a press release.

AROYA Cruises is owned by Cruise Saudi but will be operating as an autonomous brand within its portfolio with an independent operational and management team based in Jeddah. 

The cruise line supports Cruise Saudi’s broader objectives, including welcoming 1.3 million cruise visitors annually by 2035, creating 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in Saudi’s tourism sector, and contributing to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry in line with Vision 2030.

The cruise line’s first ship Aroya will depart on its maiden voyage in the Red Sea from Jeddah on December 16th, 2024, with destinations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Future voyages will expand to the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea, with the cruise line already considering expanding its fleet.