21 October 2026: AROYA Cruises has begun its first Mediterranean winter season, with AROYA departing Galataport Istanbul on 18 October for a programme of six-, seven- and eight-night voyages.
The winter deployment links Istanbul and Alexandria, with itineraries combining ports across Türkiye and Egypt as AROYA continues its wider Mediterranean programme through September 2027.
Istanbul and Alexandria anchor winter programme
The season includes calls at Turkish destinations such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Kuşadası, while Alexandria provides an additional embarkation and disembarkation point on selected voyages.
AROYA’s first overnight calls in Alexandria are also included, giving guests additional time in the Egyptian port. The wider Mediterranean programme also lists calls in Greece, Montenegro, Albania and Malta, including Nafplion, Mykonos, Kotor, Sarandë and Valletta.
Ala Tashkandi, Commercial Executive Director at AROYA Cruises, said:
“Our first winter season in the Mediterranean is an important step in building a year-round presence in the region. Türkiye and Egypt offer a wealth of cultural experiences that make them compelling destinations for a winter cruise. Selected departures from Alexandria make our voyages more accessible to guests from Egypt, while giving international travellers the opportunity to combine their cruise with a longer stay in the country.”
Alexandria adds second embarkation option
Selected sailings allow guests to begin or end their voyage in Alexandria rather than Istanbul. The arrangement expands the embarkation options available during the Mediterranean season while also supporting longer stays in Egypt before or after a cruise.
The winter programme is aimed at couples, groups, families and guests considering a cruise holiday for the first time. AROYA also provides dedicated facilities for children and teenagers, alongside dining, entertainment and wellness facilities onboard.
Mediterranean deployment continues into 2027
The winter season follows AROYA Cruises’ Mediterranean sailings during summer 2026 and forms part of a broader programme continuing through September 2027. The programme will include the cruise line’s first two 14-night Mediterranean voyages in June and July 2027.
AROYA’s website also lists Eastern Mediterranean voyages from Istanbul across the 2026-27 deployment, with itineraries covering destinations in Türkiye, Greece and Egypt.
Khuzama available during Mediterranean sailings
Guests booking AROYA’s Khuzama experience have access to suites and villas, dedicated butler service and selected private spaces and privileges onboard.
The Mediterranean winter season follows AROYA’s October repositioning from Jeddah to Istanbul, which marked the ship’s transition from its Red Sea programme into the new regional deployment.
Sources: AROYA Cruises official website; supplemental itinerary and programme details reported by trade publications, 21 October 2026
