AROYA Cruises is the first cruise line designed from the ground up around Saudi and wider Arabian preferences, created by Cruise Saudi as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 tourism ambitions. The brand launched commercially in December 2024 with the 150,695‑GT AROYA, a 2017-built former World Dream ship extensively refurbished to offer contemporary resort-style facilities and Arabic-led service on Red Sea itineraries from Jeddah. Aroya Manara’s extensive refurbishment created 15 dining venues, a 1,858 m² children’s zone, and the exclusive Khuzama VIP area, catering specifically to Middle Eastern family travel preferences.

The concept blends international cruise hardware—multiple restaurants, theatres, pools, kids’ spaces and a large retail footprint—with Saudi cultural cues and “hafawa” hospitality. Onboard experiences emphasise Arabic and international cuisine, prayer spaces, family cabins and dry or family-oriented zones alongside more conventional bars and lounges, aiming to feel familiar to first-time regional cruisers while still appealing to international guests.

Operationally, AROYA has moved quickly beyond a Jeddah-only footprint. After its debut Red Sea season, the ship added a Mediterranean deployment from Galataport Istanbul in 2025, with plans to homeport in Gulf ports such as Doha, Dubai and Dammam from 2026 onwards. With itineraries ranging from 3–5-night Red Sea getaways to longer Red Sea–Mediterranean combinations, the line is positioning itself as both a regional cruise gateway and a bridge between Middle Eastern and European holiday markets.