Cruise Saudi plans development of private cruise island in Red Sea for AROYA

Cruise Saudi has awarded a contract to PC Marine Services to develop a Red Sea private island for cruise tourism ahead of the December launch of its homegrown cruise line AROYA Cruises.

The formal signing ceremony between Cruise Saudi and PC Marine services took place in Jeddah at the headquarters of Cruise Saudi, which is backed by the Public Investment Fund and is responsible for the creation and development of Saudi Arabia’s cruise sector.

Cruise Saudi will turn the island into a new cruise destination in the Red Sea, with a welcome centre, dining area, and beach club including private villas and sunbeds to accommodate initially up to 2,000 guests.

“The creation of this new cruise destination in the Red Sea marks an exciting step in the development of Saudi’s cruise industry,” said Barbara Buczek, Cruise Saudi’s Chief Destination Experiences Officer. “We look forward to welcoming cruise lines and their passengers to experience authentic Saudi hospitality, culture and activities in the heart of the Red Sea.”

PC Marine Services are leaders in the marine construction industry, having overseen projects including the Obhur Waterfront Jeddah development and cruise berth improvements in Jeddah, Dammam and Yanbu.

Like its cruise line AROYA, the private island will be authentically Saudi in both design and experiences, a first of its kind offering in the Red Sea. Cruise lines will stop at the island for a day trip, where visitors can make the most of the facilities or book one of the many land and sea excursions.

The development of the private island marks a strategic step in Cruise Saudi’s efforts to grow the cruise sector in the country and position Saudi Arabia as a global cruise destination. 

In line with Vision 2030’s goals to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy, the island will be an attractive proposition for international visitors, both frequent cruisers and those new to cruise.

Although it will initially be visited by AROYA Cruises’ first vessel, Aroya, in time it will also become an attractive port of call for international cruise lines transiting the Red Sea. 

The region is currently impacted by the security crisis in Yemen, with all major cruise lines avoiding the area, but once the situation is resolved, cruise lines are expected to return, using the Suez Canal for repositioning cruises and grand voyages between East and West, and to and from the Middle East.

The island is anticipated to be ready for cruise visitors in December 2024.