Hagia Sophia in Istanbul
Saudi Arabia’s start-up cruise line AROYA Cruises has revealed its inaugural Mediterranean cruise itineraries for the summer, as it expands beyond the Red Sea to destinations popular with the Middle East home market.
Set for launch in June, 2025, AROYA Cruises’ Mediterranean itineraries will see its single vessel Aroya homeport in Istanbul at the city’s striking new Galataport Istanbul cruise terminal, visiting destinations in Turkey and Greece.
The 7-night voyages will begin on June 21st, 2025, calling in Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş, and Kuşadası, as well as Athens, Mykonos and Crete. In July, the sailings will expand to include Rhodes and İzmir, with Fethiye added in August.
One of the new itineraries will focus exclusively on Turkish coastal cities, offering an immersive experience along Turkey’s stunning shoreline, while the other sailings will combine both Turkey and Greece, with a special emphasis on Bodrum and key ports along the Turkish Riviera.
This marks a significant international expansion for AROYA Cruises, which launched in December last year with roundtrip Red Sea itineraries out of Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
Backed by the Kingdom’s PIF sovereign wealth fund, AROYA Cruises is the first homegrown cruise brand in the Arab World, catering specifically to the tastes and cultural preferences of the Middle East cruise market.
“Launching our Mediterranean season is a proud moment for AROYA Cruises, offering a new way to discover one of the world’s most iconic cruise regions through an Arabian-inspired experience,” said Dr. Jörg Rudolph, president of Aroya Cruises.
“These itineraries reflect our commitment to delivering journeys rooted in Saudi culture, shaped by its values, and shared through the warmth and generosity that define the AROYA experience,” he added.
The market response to the inaugural Mediterranean season for AROYA will likely determine its future summer season plans.
Relying principally on the Middle East fly-cruise market during the summer when temperatures make cruising in the Red Sea unfeasible, the cruise line’s selection of Turkey reflects both its proximity to the Gulf region and the popularity of Turkish destinations among Middle East travellers seeking cooler summer climates, family-friendly attractions, and culturally resonant experiences.
“It is a great honour and joy for us to witness Galataport İstanbul, the city’s main cruise port, recognised as a preferred destination by the world’s leading cruise lines,” said İlhan Sipahi, CEO of Galataport Istanbul.
“The selection of Galataport İstanbul as the homeport for Aroya Cruises, one of the newest and most substantial investments in the cruise industry, is a source of immense pride,” he added. “More importantly, we are thrilled to introduce the people of Saudi Arabia, İstanbulites, and travellers from around the world to both the unparalleled amenities of Galataport İstanbul and the rich cultural heritage of the city.”
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