AROYA Cruises’ vessel Aroya will serve as a floating athletes’ village during the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Italy.

The ship will accommodate approximately 3,500 competitors from across the region while moored in Taranto throughout the Games, which are scheduled to take place between August and September 2026 and will welcome athletes from 26 Mediterranean nations.

According to organisers, the ship will provide accommodation, dining facilities, and social spaces for athletes during the event, with all competitors staying in double-occupancy cabins.

In addition to accommodation, Aroya will serve as a central hub for meals, meetings, entertainment, and athlete gatherings throughout the competition.

The vessel was selected following a prolonged procurement process that reportedly saw several previous tenders fail before organisers reached an agreement with Aroya Cruises.

Italian media reports have valued the contract at approximately €17 million.

A second ship capable of housing a further 1,200 guests is also expected to be secured, with details due to be announced in the coming months.

Rather than constructing a traditional athletes’ village, organisers opted to use cruise ships as a temporary accommodation solution, citing budget considerations, time constraints, and the ability to combine lodging, hospitality, and support services in a single location.

Aroya will be berthed at the Italian Navy’s Chiapparo naval base in Taranto, where infrastructure upgrades are currently being carried out to support athletes, volunteers, and event staff during the Games.

The ship, the former Dream Cruises vessel World Dream was acquired and refurbished for Saudi Arabian cruise operator Aroya Cruises in 2023. At approximately 150,000 gross tons, it is one of the largest cruise ships operating in the Middle East market.

The deployment represents an unusual role for a modern cruise ship, although vessels have previously been used as temporary accommodation during major sporting events, international summits, and large-scale infrastructure projects.

For Aroya Cruises, the agreement provides an opportunity to showcase the vessel outside its normal cruise operations. The ship recently resumed service in the Red Sea after spending several weeks delayed in the Arabian Gulf during regional disruptions earlier this year.

The Mediterranean Games, held every four years, bring together athletes from countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea and are regarded as one of the largest multi-sport events outside the Olympic Games.

Taranto was awarded hosting rights for the 2026 edition after the event was relocated from its original host city.