AROYA Cruises’ first ship Aroya docks in Jeddah for first time ahead of Red Sea season

The Saudi Arabian cruise line AROYA Cruises has made its grand debut in Jeddah, its new homeport, with its first ship Aroya docking for the first time in the kingdom this week.

AROYA Cruises welcomed its first cruise ship to its new homeport on Saturday, with a a traditional plaque and key ceremony.

The event was attended by AROYA’s captain, Jan Gelinder, and Cruise Saudi’s CEO, Lars Clasen, and the President of AROYA Cruises, Dr Jorg Rudolph, and the Chief Destination Experiences Offices, Barbara Buczek.

Following a months-long dry-dock in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam, Aroya is now ready to welcome passengers for the first time under her new ownership.

The vessel, which previously sailed for Genting Hong Kong as the World Dream, has undergone a full refit, with 95% of the ship’s spaces completely redesigned to reflect Arabian heritage and preferences.

Aroya now features a souq-inspired shopping district – the largest retail area ever built on a cruise ship – luxury spa facilities, a wellness centre, 29 restaurants, lounges and cafes, 20 entertainment venues, and one of the largest children’s play areas at sea.

She will sail her maiden passenger voyage from Jeddah on December 16th, a three day Red Sea itinerary featuring a call to a private island.

Jeddah Islamic Port offers all services to handle international and local guests, as well as logistics services to cruise vessels. The port has long been a principal gateway to the Two Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. 

Cruise terminal facilities have been upgraded to accommodate the largest cruise ships, and new bollards and fenders have been installed to serve cruise vessels.

“The arrival of Aroya marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cruise Saudi, and tourism in Saudi overall, in line with Saudi’s Vision 2030,” said Lars Clasen, CEO, Cruise Saudi. 

“Cruise Saudi was only launched in 2021 and witnessing the arrival of our first owned ship just three years later is a huge milestone,” he added. “We are so grateful to the whole Cruise Saudi team for their hard work and dedication and are excited to be offering something truly unique to local, regional and international guests with the first ever Arabian cruise line.”