AROYA Cruises has confirmed it will return to Turkey for an extended deployment in the Eastern Mediterranean during the 2026/27 season, following a successful debut in the region this summer.
The Saudi Arabian cruise brand, the world’s first Arabian cruise line, launched operations in 2024 and is currently wrapping up its maiden Mediterranean season, during which the 2017-built Aroya has offered 7-night cruises to Greece, Egypt and Turkey from Galataport Istanbul.
Ports of call include Mykonos, Souda Bay, Alexandria, Kaş, and Bodrum. The season runs through mid-September and is being supported by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA).
According to the company, nearly 20,000 guests have joined the programme since June, with high satisfaction ratings recorded across its core source markets. The results, AROYA said, demonstrate the brand’s ability to appeal to an international audience while retaining a distinctly Arabian identity on board.
The 151,000-gross-ton vessel, formerly known as World Dream, was acquired in 2023 and extensively refurbished, with more than 95 per cent of the interiors rebuilt.
The ship features a wide array of dining, entertainment and leisure facilities designed to blend international amenities with Saudi-inspired hospitality. AROYA has emphasised that the onboard product highlights Arabian culture, food and design, catering to both regional and international guests.
Once the Mediterranean season concludes, Aroya will reposition to Jeddah for a winter 2025 programme of 3- to 5-night Red Sea sailings. Departures from September 20th will call at regional ports in Saudi Arabia and neighbouring countries, continuing the brand’s strategy of building year-round deployment across both the Middle East and Europe.
Looking further ahead, AROYA’s return to the Eastern Mediterranean in 2026/27 will see expanded itineraries and additional departures. The line said the move reflects confidence in Turkey as a source and destination market, as well as the broader appeal of the Eastern Mediterranean for international guests.
Prior to returning to the Mediterranean, Aroya will also sail a winter season in the Arabian Gulf, homeporting in Dammam, Saudi Arabia and calling at Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sir Bani Yas Island, and Doha.
The dual deployment plan in the Middle East and Mediterranean illustrates AROYA Cruises’ ambition to cement its role as a bridge between the Arabian Gulf and established cruise markets, while contributing to Saudi Arabia’s wider tourism diversification goals.
Categories: Cruise News, Middle East Cruise News
