AROYA Cruises ends Arabian Gulf season early amid regional operational constraints

AROYA Cruises has confirmed that it will not operate its remaining sailings in the Arabian Gulf for the current winter season, bringing its regional programme to an early conclusion after suspending operations earlier this month.

The Saudi-based cruise line said the decision was taken following ongoing operational assessments and coordination with maritime and national authorities in the region.

“Due to ongoing regional operational considerations and in coordination with the relevant maritime and national authorities, AROYA Cruises will not proceed with the remaining sailings scheduled in the Arabian Gulf for the current season,” said AROYA Cruises.

The company confirmed that all passengers travelling aboard Aroya had completed disembarkation procedures in Dubai on March 7th.

Guests had remained onboard while travel arrangements were coordinated with airline partners and authorities.

“All guests were safely disembarked in Dubai on 7 March, with the safety, security and wellbeing of our guests and crew guiding this process,” the cruise line said.

AROYA Cruises added that teams are continuing to assist passengers as they arrange onward travel following the end of the voyage.

“We are supporting our guests as they arrange their onward travel and providing guidance and assistance throughout this process,” the company explained.

The ship had been operating a programme of seven-night itineraries linking ports in the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar during its inaugural season in the region. Ports scheduled to feature in the itinerary included Khasab and Muscat in Oman, as well as Abu Dhabi, Doha and Sir Bani Yas Island.

The vessel remained alongside in Dubai after regional developments prompted cruise operators to suspend departures while authorities assessed conditions affecting maritime operations in the area.

AROYA Cruises had introduced the ship to the Gulf market earlier this year, launching its first season of sailings designed to connect key ports across the region during the winter travel period.

The early conclusion of the programme follows similar operational adjustments by other cruise operators that had deployed ships to the Gulf this season.

Several vessels remained docked in ports across the United Arab Emirates and Qatar while companies coordinated passenger travel arrangements and reviewed future sailings.

Cruise lines typically operate winter itineraries in the Arabian Gulf between November and April, taking advantage of milder seasonal weather and linking ports across the UAE, Qatar, Oman and neighbouring destinations.

AROYA Cruises indicated that the wellbeing of passengers and crew remains the primary factor guiding operational decisions as the company reviews its next steps following the conclusion of the regional season.

“The safety, security and comfort of our guests and crew remain our highest priority and continue to guide every operational decision we make,” said AROYA Cruises.

The company has not yet announced the next deployment for the vessel following the end of the Gulf programme.