AROYA Cruises unveils football-themed Red Sea voyage for Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah

AROYA Cruises has joined forces with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and Spain-based Major Sports Cruises to launch a new collaboration integrating luxury cruising, football heritage, and Saudi hospitality centred on the Spanish Super Cup.

Formalised at a signing ceremony at the STA headquarters in Riyadh, the agreement marks a significant step in Saudi Arabia’s efforts to diversify its tourism offering and strengthen its growing reputation as a global sports and events destination under Vision 2030.

“This partnership represents a major step in connecting international audiences with Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape,” said Dr Joerg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises.

“Together with our partners, we are creating a journey that unites the excitement of Spanish football with the discovery of Saudi Arabia and the warmth of Arabian hospitality,” he added.

The integrated programme will allow visitors from Europe to combine attendance at the 2026 Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah with a Red Sea voyage onboard Aroya, Saudi Arabia’s first domestic cruise ship. 

Guests will begin their journey in Jeddah in early January 2026, taking part in curated excursions arranged by STA in collaboration with local destination management companies and European tour operators.

Excursions include guided visits to Historic Jeddah, the Jeddah Waterfront, and attendance at the Spanish Super Cup semifinals on January 7th and 8th. Following the matches, guests will embark on a cruise from Jeddah to Yanbu between January 8th and 11th. 

Onboard activities will include interactive FIFA gaming experiences, live commentary sessions, creative workshops, and wellness programmes designed to blend sport, culture, and relaxation.

The voyage will return to Jeddah on January 11th for the Spanish Super Cup Final, where guests will enjoy a VIP experience and the opportunity to meet football legends.

Major Sports Cruises, which specialises in themed football cruises across Europe, will play a central role in tailoring the programme for international audiences. 

By integrating its expertise in combining luxury travel with football culture, the company will support the introduction of European-style experiential sports tourism in the Middle East.

The collaboration reinforces Saudi Arabia’s ambition to develop its cruise and sports tourism sectors simultaneously. AROYA Cruises, operated by Cruise Saudi, is a key component of the Kingdom’s wider goal to attract 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, positioning the Red Sea as a leading global destination.

Through this partnership, AROYA Cruises, STA, and Major Sports Cruises aim to showcase the country’s evolving tourism landscape while offering visitors a new way to experience Saudi Arabia’s blend of modern entertainment, heritage, and hospitality.