Saudi Arabia’s AROYA Cruises has completed its first full Mediterranean season, culminating in a high-profile return transit through the Suez Canal en route to relaunch Red Sea operations. The ship, originally built for Dream Cruises and acquired by AROYA in 2023, has undergone extensive refurbishment to offer a distinctly Arabian onboard experience with upgraded interiors and expanded amenities.
Following Mediterranean voyages from Istanbul—featuring Turkish coastal cities and stops in Alexandria, Mykonos, and Bodrum—the vessel sailed south, marking its transit of the Suez Canal as a milestone for the burgeoning regionally-owned cruise brand. This journey underscores AROYA’s versatility in capturing both European and Middle Eastern markets, offering immersive destination experiences tailored to Saudi guests.
The company’s Red Sea programme is expected to include expanded routes from Jeddah to Egypt, Jordan, and private island stops in Saudi Arabia, such as Jabal Al-Sabaya. The successful Mediterranean season is seen as the first phase of a broader international strategy, with AROYA leveraging the Suez Canal transit to connect passengers and itineraries seamlessly between continents.
Industry sources suggest further fleet and itinerary expansions are likely, building on strong regional engagement and AROYA’s ability to tap into both outbound and inbound tourism growth. The brand’s unique Arabian identity, combined with international standards of service, is expected to play a key role in Saudi Arabia’s cruise ambitions going forward.
