AROYA Cruises, the first homegrown cruise line in the Arab world, has departed Jeddah on its inaugural repositioning voyage to Istanbul, where its sole vessel Aroya will be based for the summer.

The ship sailed from Jeddah on June 12th for a 9-night cruise to Turkey, with calls in Port Said (Egypt), Kaş and Bodrum (Turkey), before arriving in Istanbul — the iconic gateway between Europe and Asia.

AROYA’s deployment to the Eastern Mediterranean reflects a strategic move to escape the Red Sea’s intense summer heat, and serves as a key test of the cruise line’s broader appeal beyond its home market.

Backed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, AROYA Cruises is tailored for Middle East travellers. The ship is dry, offering no alcohol, bars, or nightclubs. All food and beverage options are Halal-certified, and some onboard areas operate gender-segregated hours.

By selecting Istanbul as a summer homeport, AROYA maintains a culturally aligned experience while offering cooler destinations across the Muslim world.

“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, in April when the Mediterranean season was announced.

“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.

Launched in December 2024, AROYA Cruises has reported strong interest from Saudi and wider GCC markets. Its summer Mediterranean season — including ports such as Kuşadası, Mykonos, Athens, and Rhodes — will test the viability of a fly-cruise model for the region.

The ship features 1,600 cabins and extensive onboard facilities, including 12 restaurants, 17 shisha lounges and cafés, a theatre, spa, zip line, children’s play areas, and a water park.

AROYA’s Mediterranean itineraries

From its summer base in Istanbul, Aroya will offer roundtrip cruises to a mix of Turkish and Greek ports. Highlights include the Aegean resort towns of Bodrum, Kaş, and Kuşadası, as well as iconic Greek destinations such as Mykonos, Rhodes, and Athens (via the port of Piraeus). 

Itineraries range from 3 to 7 nights, catering to both first-time cruisers and seasoned travellers seeking culturally familiar, Halal-certified experiences. With a focus on shorter, accessible routes, AROYA aims to attract Middle East passengers interested in fly-cruise holidays without compromising on regional values or comfort.