AROYA Cruises targets Indian market with appointment of preferred sales agent

AROYA Cruises, a unit of Cruise Saudi and Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown cruise line, has moved to strengthen its presence in the Indian market with the appointment of Griffon Cruises as its International Preferred Sales Agent.

The appointment, confirmed on December 12th, will see Griffon Cruises responsible for marketing, promoting, and selling AROYA Cruises’ itineraries across India, as the Saudi-based operator looks to tap into one of the world’s fastest-growing outbound travel markets.

The strategic partnership follows a strong first year of operations for AROYA Cruises. Since launching in December 2024, the cruise line has welcomed more than 140,000 passengers, establishing itself as an emerging player within the regional and global cruise sectors.

The debut of the brand marked a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia’s tourism and maritime ambitions, reinforcing the Kingdom’s goal of positioning itself as a leading cruise destination in the Middle East.

AROYA Cruises was developed by Cruise Saudi as part of a broader national strategy to expand the country’s tourism offering and diversify its economy. The line’s concept blends modern cruising with what it describes as authentic Arabian hospitality, with a strong emphasis on serving families and multi-generational travellers.

The company’s flagship vessel features 19 decks and can accommodate up to 4,700 passengers. Its onboard design places particular focus on family travel, with approximately 200 connecting cabins and 20 adjoining cabins created specifically for families travelling with children and grandparents.

The ship does not serve alcohol or feature casino, aligning with Saudi cultural preferences, but offers a wide range of facilities that span entertainment, dining, shopping, and leisure, alongside dedicated spaces for relaxation and wellness.

AROYA Cruises’ operational model reflects its ambition to serve both regional and international markets throughout the year. The vessel sails year-round, with seasonal deployment across three major regions.

During January, February, September, October, and November, the ship operates in the Red Sea from Jeddah, supporting Saudi Arabia’s development of its western coastline as a cruise hub.

From March through May, operations shift to the Arabian Gulf, with sailings from Dubai aimed at both Gulf residents and international visitors.

Over the northern summer months of June, July, and August, the ship is positioned in the Aegean Sea and Eastern Mediterranean, operating itineraries from Istanbul.

By appointing Griffon Cruises as its preferred sales agent in India, AROYA Cruises is seeking to build awareness and drive demand within a market that has seen rising interest in cruise holidays, particularly among families and premium leisure travellers.

The partnership is expected to focus on introducing Indian consumers to AROYA’s distinctive product offering and expanding the cruise line’s distribution network in the subcontinent.