AROYA Cruises reveals Arabic stand-up comedy, Halal dining for Med season

As AROYA Cruises gears up for its first fly-cruise season in the Mediterranean for Saudi and wider Middle Eastern cruise markets, the cruise line has revealed the onboard experience available as it homeports in Istanbul, where Europe and Asia meet.

The Saudi Arabian cruise line, the first homegrown Arabian cruise line in the world, has revealed that few changes will be made to its onboard product, with Halal dining and a ‘dry’ ship (no alcohol), still the norm.

The cruise line is working closely with Saudia, Saudi Arabia’s national airline, as well as low-cost airlines such as Flyadeal, to ensure seamless connectivity for Saudi Arabian passengers booking a Mediterranean fly-cruise.

Although AROYA continues to primarily target the Middle East cruise source market, it hopes to offer a unique cruise experience in the Med to European and North American passengers as well.

“Our primary target will always be Arabia,” Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing, Cruise Saudi, told Seatrade Cruise News. “But we want to welcome people from all over Europe, the US and Asia to try our remarkably Arabian experience.”

“Nothing will change in terms of food and beverage,” Kari added, confirming that alcohol will remain prohibited on board, but entertainment will be delivered in Arabic and English, including, for the first time, its stand-up comedy.

AROYA Cruises is hoping to attract experienced European and North American cruise passengers looking for “a different way of sailing”, according to Kari. The cruise line emphasises cultural and personal enrichment over booze cruises.

The cruise line’s ship, Aroya, will sail her first roundtrip Istanbul itinerary on June 28^th, offering longer cruises that its Red Sea circuit due to the fly-cruise market it is primarily aimed at. The cruise line will offer passengers more time to discover the region.

Aroya will sail from Galataport Istanbul with six- and seven-night itineraries across Turkey, Greece and Egypt. Destinations include Bodrum, Kaş and Marmaris in Turkey; Mykonos, Rhodes, Crete and Athens in Greece; and Alexandria in Egypt.

The Galataport Istanbul cruise terminal has revitalised the historic Karaköy waterfront, transforming it into a modern gateway to the city. From there, passengers can explore the iconic Hagia Sophia and wander through vibrant local markets.

In Bodrum, once home to the ancient Tomb of Mausolus, travellers can explore historical sites, admire whitewashed buildings and enjoy the lively marina. Kaş offers snorkelling and diving along dramatic cliffs, while Marmaris features sandy beaches and a bustling promenade.

Greek ports include Athens for the Acropolis and Parthenon, Crete for Minoan ruins and mountain villages, Mykonos for vibrant nightlife, and Rhodes for its medieval Old Town. In Alexandria, guests can visit the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and Citadel of Qaitbay.

Aroya will wrap up its Mediterranean season in September, returning to the Red Sea ahead of the resumption of her 3-, 4-, and 7-night roundtrip Jeddah itineraries through the Middle Eastern spring and winter.

In the Red Sea, Aroya cruises to destinations such as Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, Aqaba (Petra) in Jordan, and Saba Beach on Jabal AlSabaya, a private island owned by the cruise line.