AROYA Cruises to screen FIFA World Cup matches during Mediterranean season

Guests aboard AROYA Cruises will be able to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup while sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean.

The cruise line plans to broadcast matches from the tournament across a range of public venues on the 3,400-guest vessel, as well as on in-stateroom televisions. Dedicated fan zones and themed programming will also be offered throughout the competition.

The move coincides with AROYA’s second season in the Eastern Mediterranean, which began earlier this month after the ship repositioned from the Red Sea.

The 150,000-ton vessel is sailing seven-night itineraries from its summer homeport of Istanbul to destinations in Turkey, Egypt, and Greece.

Matches from the tournament will be shown in selected public spaces, including the Legends Lounge, Beats Lounge, and Dallah, allowing guests to follow the competition while continuing their cruise itineraries.

In addition to screenings, the cruise line will offer football-themed activities and family-oriented programming aimed at passengers travelling with children. The onboard schedule is designed to allow guests to watch matches while participating in other activities and shore excursions.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is taking place between June 11th and July 19th across Mexico, Canada, and the United States. It marks the first time the tournament has been hosted by three nations and is expected to attract a global television audience throughout its five-week run.

AROYA’s Mediterranean deployment places the vessel in operation throughout the tournament period, with cruises calling at several destinations in the eastern part of the region.

The season represents a significant expansion of the Saudi cruise line’s geographical reach following its launch in the Red Sea market.

The ship’s Mediterranean programme is scheduled to continue until mid-September, when Aroya, the cruise line only vessel, is due to undertake an eight-night repositioning voyage back to Saudi Arabia.

The one-way sailing from Istanbul includes calls in Turkey and Egypt before concluding in Jeddah, where the vessel will resume operations in the Red Sea.

Following its return, Aroya will offer itineraries from Jeddah to destinations around the northern Red Sea. The programme includes calls in Jordan, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, as well as visits to Cruise Saudi’s private island destination, Jabal Al-Sabaya.