TARANTO, Italy, 16 August 2026: AROYA has docked at the Taranto Naval Base ahead of the 20th Mediterranean Games, where the cruise ship will help provide accommodation for athletes and delegations as part of the event’s floating Mediterranean Village.
The ship is scheduled to begin welcoming participants from 18 August, according to the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games. The ICMG says AROYA has capacity for nearly 4,200 beds, while Romantika, which is scheduled to arrive at the naval base on 17 August, can accommodate around 1,300 guests.
Floating Mediterranean Village
Together, the two vessels will provide accommodation for participants during the Mediterranean Games, which are scheduled to take place in Taranto and other locations across Puglia from 21 August to 3 September 2026.
The accommodation arrangements have been developed through cooperation between the Taranto 2026 Organising Committee and the Italian Navy, with the vessels berthed at the Taranto Naval Base as part of the Mediterranean Village.
AROYA Cruises separately confirmed that the ship had been selected to form part of the Athletes’ Village in Taranto. Cruise Saudi also confirmed AROYA’s role in the accommodation arrangements.
AROYA Cruises said the Games reflected “a spirit of connection that also lies at the heart of every AROYA voyage.”
Onboard services for participants
The Taranto 2026 Organising Committee said AROYA will provide a range of onboard facilities and services for athletes and delegations during the event. These include restaurants, gyms, wellness and relaxation areas, medical services and entertainment spaces.
Games begin on 21 August
The 20th Mediterranean Games are scheduled to run from 21 August to 3 September 2026. The Opening Ceremony will take place on 21 August, with the Closing Ceremony scheduled for 3 September. The International Committee of the Mediterranean Games has said that 3,854 athletes representing 26 National Olympic Committees will compete at Taranto 2026.
AROYA arrived at the Taranto Naval Base on 16 August, ahead of the planned start of welcoming athletes and delegations on 18 August. The ship will provide accommodation and onboard services for athletes and delegations during the Games.
Source: Official annoucement by Aroya Cruises and Cruise Saudi on their respective LinkedIn company page along with official Press Releases from Taranto 2026 Organising Committee and
International Committee of the Mediterranean Games on 16 August 2026.
