If there’s one thing the past year proved, it’s that cruising can feel deeply personal, cultural, and unmistakably regional. AROYA Cruises, the first Arabian cruise line, has officially marked one year since its maiden voyag, and it’s been a year defined by momentum, curiosity, and a fresh way of seeing the sea. Since setting sail in December 2024, AROYA Cruises has been reintroducing travelers to cruising through a distinctly Arabian lens, where hospitality, heritage, and discovery come together onboard.
A First Year That Made Waves
In just 12 months, AROYA Cruises welcomed more than 140,000 guests from Saudi Arabia, the GCC, Europe, and Central Asia. Families, solo travelers, and curious explorers alike boarded voyages across the Red Sea and the Mediterranean, drawn by itineraries that felt both familiar and excitingly new. The appeal? Journeys that balance comfort and culture, with experiences that feel grounded in place rather than generic at sea.
Sports, Sea, and Serious Fan Energy
Looking ahead, AROYA Cruises is turning up the excitement in 2026 with a lineup that goes beyond traditional sailings. One standout moment arrives in January with a sports-themed cruise created in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority and Major Sports Cruises. Timed with the Spanish Super Cup, the three-day voyage from Jeddah to Yanbu blends football fever with leisure at sea, made even more iconic with football legends Iker Casillas and Patrick Kluivert onboard. For fans, it’s football, travel, and culture all in one smooth sailing.
Hello, Arabian Gulf
February 2026 marks another major milestone as AROYA Cruises launches its very first Arabian Gulf Season. With departures from Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, guests can choose between five- and seven-night itineraries designed to showcase the region from a whole new angle. Expect the signature warmth of AROYA Cruises, paired with vibrant Gulf destinations, rich traditions, and an easygoing rhythm that makes sea travel feel refreshingly close to home.
Still Sailing the Red Sea and Beyond
While new routes are on the horizon, AROYA Cruises isn’t slowing down its Red Sea and Mediterranean journeys. Sailings across Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece remain part of the lineup, alongside a growing calendar of themed cruises. From Saudi Founding Day to National Day celebrations, these voyages invite guests to connect more deeply with culture, history, and seasonal moments, without ever unpacking twice.
Entertainment with an Arabian Pulse
Adding another layer to the experience, AROYA Cruises is also introducing entertainment-led voyages. These curated sailings are designed to resonate with regional travelers while giving international guests an authentic taste of Arabian creativity, storytelling, and celebration. It’s all part of the cruise line’s commitment to making every journey feel alive, relevant, and unmistakably local.
A Vision Bigger Than the Horizon
Introduced in 2023 under Cruise Saudi’s vision, AROYA Cruises plays a key role in positioning Saudi Arabia as a global cruise destination. As CEO Lars Clasen notes, the overwhelmingly positive guest response reflects the power of authenticity, and the appetite for experiences that feel meaningful. One year in, AROYA Cruises isn’t just celebrating an anniversary; it’s celebrating a growing community of travelers and a future shaped by Vision 2030.
As AROYA Cruises charts its course into 2026 and beyond, one thing is clear: this is only the beginning of a very Arabian journey at sea.
