AROYA Cruises has announced details of its inaugural Arabian Gulf season, set to begin in February 2026, marking the entry of the region’s first Arabian cruise line into Gulf itineraries.
Introduced by AROYA, a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi, a wholly owned company of the Public Investment Fund, the programme represents a significant expansion of Saudi Arabia’s cruise ambitions beyond the Red Sea and Eastern Mediterranean.
The season will operate from February 21st through May 8th, 2026, offering a broad range of itineraries spanning two to seven nights.
Voyages will depart from multiple ports across the Arabian Gulf, enabling passengers to embark and disembark at different points throughout the region.
The itineraries are designed to appeal to both regional and international markets, with a focus on short-to-medium-length cruises that connect major Gulf cities with more remote coastal destinations.
Ports of call during the season include Dubai, Dammam, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, alongside Muscat in Oman and the natural landscapes of Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island.
The programme combines established cruise ports with destinations that have seen more limited cruise exposure, reflecting a wider effort to diversify regional itineraries and encourage repeat visitation.
AROYA Cruises will operate an interporting model, allowing guests to join voyages from a range of departure ports rather than a single homeport.
This approach is intended to provide greater flexibility and improve accessibility for travellers from different markets, while also supporting the development of cruise infrastructure across multiple Gulf destinations.
“The launch of our Arabian Gulf season is a pivotal milestone in our commitment to developing a robust cruise ecosystem in the region,” said Lars Clasen, Cruise Saudi CEO and Interim President of AROYA Cruises. “This season marks a defining moment, positioning AROYA Cruises as the first cruise line to unite the Red Sea, Eastern Mediterranean, and Arabian Gulf under a single, authentically Arabian experience.”
“This strategic expansion reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a pioneer and emerging global hub in the cruise industry, while highlighting the Arabian Gulf as a must-visit destination,” he added. “Beyond introducing new itineraries, we are sharing Saudi Arabia’s unique culture, warmth, and hospitality with new audiences and destinations.
“By offering multiple embarkation points, we are making it easier than ever for guests to explore the region’s treasures aboard a cruise line that is authentically Arabian at its core.”
The first seven-night voyage of the season is scheduled to depart on February 21st, 2026, sailing from Dubai and calling at Khasab, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Doha, before concluding at Sir Bani Yas Island.
Additional itineraries of varying lengths will be introduced across the season, with combinations of ports designed to accommodate different travel durations and preferences.
Onboard, AROYA Cruises positions its product around Saudi cultural references and hospitality traditions.
Central to this approach is Hafawa, a Saudi philosophy of hospitality that emphasises attentiveness and anticipatory service.
The ship’s programme includes regional entertainment and culinary offerings, alongside international dining and leisure options. A premium accommodation category, Khuzama VIP, offers suites and villas with dedicated dining spaces and personalised butler service.
The Arabian Gulf deployment represents AROYA Cruises’ second sustained operation outside the Red Sea, after its Eastern Mediterranean season during the summer, and forms part of a broader strategy to establish a distinctly regional cruise brand with international reach.
The season’s conclusion in May 2026 will align with seasonal shifts in Gulf cruising and set the stage for future deployments across neighbouring regions.
Categories: Cruise News, Middle East Cruise News
