LONDON, 03 October 2026: AROYA Cruises has entered the UK market and outlined plans to grow to a three-ship fleet, with a second vessel planned for 2032 or 2033.
The Saudi cruise line outlined its plans during its first London media and travel trade event, held at 1 Hotel Mayfair on 2 October. Presentations covered the company’s development, opportunities in the UK market, the onboard experience and its 2026/27 Mediterranean programme.
Three-Ship Strategy Includes Newbuilds
Taha Nazer, Acting CEO of Cruise Saudi, AROYA Cruises’ parent company, confirmed that the company is working with shipyards on designs for future vessels.
“Our strategy is clear. We are planning three ships… We are working very closely with different shipyards on different designs, and we are planning to have a second ship in the market in 2032/33.”
Nazer said AROYA had reached the market more quickly by acquiring and refitting its current vessel, cutting the time to market by nearly three and a half years.
Ala Tashkandi, Commercial Executive Director of AROYA Cruises, also linked the fleet strategy to the ambitions of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund.
“We are owned by the Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia, and they are super ambitious as well. I believe that sets the strategy of having more than one Aroya ship.”
Unlike its current vessel, which was acquired and refitted, the additional ships are planned as newbuilds.
AROYA Targets UK Source Market
The London event also marked AROYA Cruises’ formal entry into the UK market.
Nazer cited Cruise Lines International Association figures showing that the UK produced 2.5 million cruise passengers, with one-third travelling to the Mediterranean.
“Now we are looking forward to welcoming the UK as one of our major source markets,” Nazer said.
Tashkandi highlighted the importance of travel advisors as AROYA develops its presence in Britain.
“Travel advisors play a big role in conversion when it comes to cruise, and that is exactly why we are here: to build a relationship with the UK market and the UK trade.”
AROYA has a dedicated resource covering the UK and Ireland and is also scheduled to exhibit at World Travel Market in London.
The company’s international development began in the Red Sea before expanding into Gulf and Arabian markets, followed by Mediterranean operations from Galataport Istanbul and entry into Germany.
Mediterranean Programme Expands in 2027
Istanbul remains AROYA Cruises’ Mediterranean homeport. Its winter programme begins on 18 October 2026 with a six-night sailing to Alexandria, including an overnight call, and Marmaris.
Seven-night departures from Istanbul between October 2026 and March 2027 include Alexandria, Marmaris and either Bodrum or Kuşadası. Alexandria also serves as an interporting port, with a six-night departure on 21 October and seven-night departures running from October 2026 to May 2027.
From April to August 2027, seven-night Istanbul itineraries call at Bodrum, Marmaris and Alexandria, with Antalya replacing Marmaris on alternate weeks from May. The 2027 Greek programme includes itineraries visiting destinations such as Rhodes, Mykonos, Piraeus, Nafplion and Souda Bay.
First 14-Night Voyages Extend West
AROYA Cruises will introduce its first 14-night itineraries in 2027, including calls in the Western Mediterranean.
A June sailing from Istanbul is scheduled to visit Kuşadası, Rhodes, Catania, Salerno, Civitavecchia, Cagliari, La Goulette, Valletta and Mykonos. A July itinerary includes Piraeus, Katakolon, Sarande, Kotor, Trieste, Zadar, Korčula, Bari and Mykonos.
Civitavecchia and Trieste will operate as interporting ports, allowing the voyages to be sold either as 14-night sailings or two seven-night segments.
Red Sea Programme Follows September Repositioning
The 2027 eight-night Grand Voyage will depart Istanbul on 11 September, calling at Bodrum and Marmaris before transiting the Suez Canal from Port Said and calling at Sharm El Sheikh en route to Jeddah.
In winter, AROYA’s Red Sea programme will offer five itinerary themes, including three-, four- and seven-night cruises from Jeddah and seven-night sailings from Sharm El Sheikh. Selected itineraries provide access to Mecca from Jeddah for Muslim passengers performing Umrah, Medina from Yanbu, Petra from Aqaba, Giza from Ain Sukhna, Luxor from Safaga and AlUla from Al Wajh.
AROYA Cruises plans to return to the Mediterranean in April 2028.
