Through thoughtfully designed itineraries across the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and soon the Arabian Gulf, a uniquely regional cruising identity has been established. The emphasis has been placed on authenticity, family-friendly travel, and immersive onboard experiences aligned with Saudi heritage. As preparations are made for 2026, a broader and more diversified program has been revealed, reflecting long-term tourism ambitions under Vision 2030. With themed sailings, new regional routes, and entertainment-driven voyages planned, the next chapter of Aroya Cruises is being shaped to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s footprint on the global cruise map while offering travelers meaningful and memorable journeys.
One Year of Aroya Cruises Operations
The completion
of one year since the maiden voyage of Aroya Cruises has been formally marked
in December 2025. During this initial period, more
than 140,000 guests have been welcomed onboard,
representing a wide geographic mix that includes Saudi Arabia, neighboring GCC countries, Europe, and Central Asia.
Throughout the
year, voyages across the Red Sea and
the Mediterranean have been consistently operated,
with itineraries designed to appeal to families as well as individual
travelers. A strong resonance has been observed among guests seeking culturally
inspired travel combined with modern cruise amenities. The steady growth in
passenger numbers has reflected increasing interest in Saudi-origin cruise
products within the global travel and tourism market.
Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Cruise Vision
Aroya Cruises
was introduced in 2023 as part of Cruise Saudi’s wider ambition to establish the
Kingdom as a global cruise destination. Through this initiative, support has
been extended to Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy, which aims to
diversify the economy and increase international visitor arrivals.
The cruise line has been positioned as a strategic contributor to this vision by showcasing Saudi hospitality, heritage, and coastal destinations through curated itineraries. As a result, Saudi Arabia’s role within the global cruise industry has been steadily strengthened, particularly across the Red Sea corridor and emerging Gulf routes.
Expansion Plans for the 2026 Cruise Program
To build upon
the momentum generated during its first year, an expanded and diversified
cruise program has been announced for 2026. This growth
strategy has been designed to broaden guest choice while introducing new themes
and regional experiences.
By expanding beyond its existing deployments, Aroya
Cruises has aimed to cater to evolving traveler preferences and seasonal demand
patterns. These developments have been positioned as part of a long-term plan
to enhance Saudi Arabia’s cruise offerings while maintaining a strong cultural
identity.
Sports-Themed Sailing for Football Enthusiasts
One of the key
highlights of the upcoming program is the debut of a dedicated sports-themed sailing scheduled for January 2026. This voyage has been developed in
partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority and Major Sports Cruises, aligning cruise travel with major
international sporting events.
The sailing will
take place from January 8 to 11, offering football
fans a three-day journey from Jeddah to Yanbu following the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup. The experience will be enhanced by
the presence of renowned football legends Iker Casillas and Patrick Kluivert, whose participation has been designed
to elevate the onboard atmosphere and fan engagement.
Through this initiative, cruise travel has been
combined with sports tourism, creating a niche offering that appeals to both
regional and international audiences.
First Arabian Gulf Season Launching in February
A major milestone
has also been announced with the launch of Aroya Cruises’ first Arabian Gulf season in February 2026. For the first time, itineraries will be
operated from multiple Gulf ports, including Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.
Both seven-night and five-night cruise
options will be offered, providing flexibility for travelers seeking shorter
regional escapes or extended multi-destination journeys. The introduction of
Gulf itineraries has been positioned as a strategic expansion that strengthens
connectivity between Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries while promoting
cross-border tourism within the region.
Continued Red Sea and Mediterranean Deployments
Alongside new
routes, continued operations across the Red Sea and
the Mediterranean have been confirmed. These
deployments will maintain itineraries that include destinations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece, ensuring
continuity for guests familiar with these popular cruising regions.
By sustaining a presence in these established cruise
markets, Aroya Cruises has reinforced its commitment to offering a balanced mix
of regional and international travel experiences. These routes have been
carefully curated to highlight historical ports, coastal culture, and scenic
maritime landscapes.
Cultural and Seasonal Thematic Sailings
In addition to
geographic expansion, a diverse calendar of thematic cruises has
been outlined. These sailings will celebrate key cultural and seasonal moments
throughout the year, offering guests deeper engagement with Saudi traditions.
Special voyages
have been planned around Saudi Founding Day and National Day, allowing passengers to experience
cultural programming, celebrations, and themed onboard activities. Such
initiatives have been designed to resonate strongly with regional travelers
while providing international guests with authentic cultural exposure.
Entertainment-Led Voyages and Guest Experience Innovation
Entertainment-focused voyages have also been
introduced as part of the expanded offering. These cruises will feature
programs curated to align with regional tastes while remaining accessible and
engaging for international audiences.
Through live performances, interactive events, and
immersive entertainment concepts, onboard experiences will continue to evolve.
This approach has been adopted to ensure that cruising with Aroya remains
distinctive, culturally rooted, and competitive within the global cruise
industry.
A Growing Role in Global Cruise Tourism
As Aroya Cruises
moves into its second year and beyond, its role within the broader Saudi Arabia travel and tourism ecosystem has
continued to grow. By blending regional authenticity with international
cruising standards, the brand has been positioned as a bridge between Saudi
culture and global travelers.
With expanded
itineraries across the Arabian Gulf,
sustained deployments in the Red Sea and Mediterranean, and innovative themed sailings, a strong
foundation has been established for future growth. These developments
collectively support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to emerge as a leading cruise
destination while contributing to long-term tourism diversification under Vision 2030.
Tags: Arabian Gulf, Red Sea The Mediterranean, Aroya Cruises
