AROYA Cruises Red Sea Season 2025 marks a new chapter for Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line. Destination KSA sat down with Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing at Cruise Saudi, aboard AROYA Cruises to talk about the company’s journey so far and what’s next. From the Red Sea to the Mediterranean and soon the Arabian Gulf, here’s a look at the exciting plans ahead.
A Successful Start At Sea
AROYA Cruises has quickly made a name for itself as the first Saudi Arabian cruise line. After officially launching in December 2024, the company welcomed more than 95,000 guests during its debut Red Sea season. This was followed by an exciting summer in the Mediterranean, where over 20,000 travelers from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf, Europe, Turkey, and even Asia joined in from Jeddah to Istanbul and beyond. The total updated number for both seasons is over 105,000 guests.
Now, AROYA Cruises is back in Jeddah, and kicked off its second Red Sea Season on September 20, 2025, with National Day celebrations and themed cruises of three and five nights.
New Destination in the Red Sea
This season brings exciting additions for guests. For the first time, AROYA Cruises is sailing to Marsa Alam in Egypt. Guests can also look forward to interporting, which means boarding from multiple ports, not only Jeddah, but also Safaga (gateway to Hurghada) in Egypt.
Another highlight is reaching Africa for the very first time. Guests can now embark from Safaga Port, with itineraries offering interporting and onward sailing to Jeddah. More Red Sea destinations are being considered, such as Sharm El Sheikh and Ain Sokhna. This season runs until February 2026, before shifting to the Arabian Gulf.
Looking Ahead to the Arabian Gulf
After wrapping up in the Red Sea, AROYA Cruises will begin its Arabian Gulf season in February 2026, offering embarkation from key ports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Dammam. Planned destinations include Muscat and Khasab (Oman), Sir Bani Yas (UAE), giving Gulf travelers a fresh way to experience cruising closer to home.
What Makes AROYA Cruises Different
As the first Saudi cruise line, AROYA takes pride in offering a truly Arabic experience at sea. The company focuses on families, especially those from Saudi Arabia and the wider Gulf, with hospitality rooted in regional traditions.
Some unique touches include:
- One of the largest kids’ areas at sea
- Women-only hours for pools, gyms, and spas
- Saudi-inspired art and décor throughout the ship
- Onboard shopping with international and Saudi-designed products
- Irth, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture and the Culinary Arts Authority
- Additional dining options including a Lebanese restaurant, seafood specialties, and Gulf-inspired menus
Entertainment also reflects the spirit of the Kingdom, with performances and exhibitions by Saudi, Arab, and international artists.
Jeddah as a Hub and Destination
Jeddah plays a central role in AROYA’s operations. Thanks to a new cruise terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, the city now serves as both a home port and a destination. Guests can explore Historic Jeddah (AlBalad), take trips to Makkah, Taif, or Madinah, or enjoy desert safaris and sea adventures. For Umrah travelers, smooth 8-hour excursions to Makkah are also available, making cruising a convenient option for spiritual and leisure journeys alike.
Overcoming Challenges
Launching a new cruise line in a region unfamiliar with cruising comes with its challenges. Many people in the Arab world are still learning what a cruise really offers. AROYA explains it simply: think of it as a moving hotel, where you wake up in a new city every day without the hassle of packing, unpacking, or catching flights. With 19 decks filled with restaurants, shows, and activities, and with meals and entertainment included, it’s a stress-free way to travel, often at a lower cost than visiting multiple cities by land and air.
Expansion Plans
For now, AROYA Cruises is focusing on its three core regions: the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and the Arabian Gulf. These destinations reflect the company’s mission to highlight the beauty of the region while offering authentic Arabic hospitality at sea.
Check out the schedule on AROYA Cruises website and plan your next trip!
