Unlike many global cruise lines, Aroya Cruises stands alone as a pioneer, celebrating the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Arab culture, while providing a way to truly unwind on a one- of-a-kind ship that offers its guests a chance to relax and unwind. Aroya Cruises’ itineraries are meticulously crafted in ways no other cruise line has before. Sailing through the Red Sea, each journey promises a rich cultural immersion that highlights Saudi Arabia’s renowned hospitality, known in Arabic as Hafawa.

We spoke with Aroya’s official spokesperson, Turky Kari, who guided us on how Aroya Cruises’ redefines Arabian cruising. He took us through the cruise’s main attractions, and looks at how Aroya Cruises creates a remarkably Arabian experience. With its unique offerings, Aroya Cruises is poised to significantly influence the cruising landscape, making Saudi Arabia a must-visit destination on the international stage. As the cruise industry in Saudi Arabia grows and develops, Aroya Cruises is set to lead the way, providing an experience that is authentic, luxurious, and unforgettable.

“Aroya Cruises embodies ‘Remarkably Arabian Experiences’ both onshore and offshore as it showcases the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage and natural beauty, and warm hospitality. Onboard, ‘remarkably Arabian experiences’ are reflected in the ship’s design, a floating resort with facilities across 18 decks, including 28 dining options, 20 venues for entertainment, a retail area, and wellness and spa facilities, each has been designed to reflect the tastes of Arabian passengers.”

Among the standout features of Aroya Cruises is Irth, the first-ever Saudi restaurant at sea. As Kari tells us, ”Irth offers rich and authentic Saudi cuisine in an atmosphere that reflects beauty and heritage, along with traditional dishes from all regions. Irth offers a variety of local products from Saudi brands, and even features a dedicated area for experiencing authentic Saudi coffee.”

If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate along the way, the Blossom Spa and Beauty Center onboard Aroya Cruises provides luxurious surroundings and calming aesthetics. Kari tells us that “Blossom Spa is carefully curated to enhance wellness experience with its luxurious surroundings and calming aesthetics, allowing guests to disconnect from the outside world and focus on self-care.

Blossom by Aroya focuses on immersion of the five senses – sound, sight, taste, aroma and touch.” Facilities include a thermal suite, snow room, relaxation room, and treatment room, along with a beauty clinic and gym.

Kari emphasizes that ten of the main commitments of Aroya Cruises is environmental sustainability. “As a regional pioneer for the cruise industry, at Cruise Saudi, we consider it our responsibility to preserve, protect, and restore the environment and communities we operate in.”

The Evac HydroTreat system has been retrofitted to treat food waste and bio-sludge in an environmentally friendly way. By adapting the ship’s engines to run on biofuel, Aroya aims to set an industry example in sustainability, reducing waste treatment-related CO2 emissions by up to 80 percent.

Looking ahead, Aroya Cruises will explore the Mediterranean Sea, covering countries like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Egypt, Morocco, and more. Starting from December 16, 2024, Aroya Cruises will begin its Red Sea exploration sailings from Jeddah. These cruises include a visit to a private island where guests can relax on pristine beaches or engage in water sports like snorkeling and diving. Following this, from December 22, 2024, guests can embark on a four- night cruise to Sharm El Sheikh.

The first seven-night Red Sea voyage departs on January 9, 2025. These sailings encompass multiple destinations such as Al Aqaba, Ain Al Sokhna, Safaga, Sharm El Sheikh, and Yanbu, offering a seamless blend of the unique cultures, natural beauty, and ancient heritage of Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan.