AROYA Cruises expands Saudi talent programme with new student training class

Cruise Saudi, the parent company of AROYA Cruises, has launched the third edition of its AROYA Cruises Ambassador Program.

The cruise line welcomed 14 Saudi Arabian university students aboard its cruise ship Aroya for a two-month onboard training programme designed to develop the Kingdom’s future hospitality workforce.

The initiative, delivered in partnership with Saudi universities, provides students with practical experience across cruise hotel operations and management while supporting the country’s wider ambitions to build a domestic cruise industry.

The latest class was selected in collaboration with the College of Tourism & Hospitality at King Abdulaziz University and the University of Prince Mugrin.

During the two-month placement, students will work across a range of onboard departments, gaining hands-on operational experience while representing AROYA Cruises’ Remarkably Arabian hospitality concept.

“Through hands-on experience across cruise hotel operations and management, the Ambassadors will gain practical industry exposure while representing the spirit of ‘Remarkably Arabian’ hospitality,” Cruise Saudi said in a statement.

“The Ambassador Program reflects Cruise Saudi’s commitment to developing Saudi talent, strengthening industry-academia collaboration and creating sustainable career pathways,” it added.

The programme forms part of Cruise Saudi’s broader strategy to develop a skilled local workforce as the Kingdom continues to invest in cruise tourism.

AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first domestic cruise line, launched operations in late 2024 and has become a key component of the country’s tourism diversification plans under Vision 2030.

The 3,500-passenger Aroya is currently operating its second consecutive summer season in the Eastern Mediterranean, sailing itineraries that include ports in Turkey, Greece, and Egypt.

The vessel arrived in Istanbul in early June and is scheduled to remain in the region until September.

Following the Mediterranean deployment, Aroya will reposition to Jeddah via the Suez Canal on an eight-night voyage featuring calls at Bodrum, Marmaris, and Sharm El Sheikh before beginning its 2026/27 Red Sea season.

From its homeport in Jeddah, the ship will operate a series of short cruises to destinations across Saudi Arabia and the wider Red Sea.

Before returning to Saudi Arabia, Aroya will also serve as a floating hotel during the 20th Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy.

The ship is scheduled to accommodate athletes and delegates from 26 countries while alongside in the Italian port between late August and early September, highlighting its expanding role beyond traditional cruise operations.

The Ambassador Program reflects Cruise Saudi’s continued focus on building the human capital required to support the Kingdom’s rapidly growing cruise sector, ensuring Saudi nationals are equipped with the skills needed for careers both onboard and ashore as the industry expands.