AROYA Cruises, the first Saudi Arabian cruise line is officially resuming its Red Sea operations from Jeddah next month.
Starting May 14, 2026, AROYA will relaunch its cruising operations on the Red Sea. This relaunch serves as a pivotal step in reinforcing Jeddah’s positioning as a global gateway for marine tourism, whilst also directly contributing to the objectives of the Kingdom's Vision 2030 project. AROYA, the 335-metre cruise ship is currently returning to its home port of Jeddah, as it prepares for a diverse schedule of three-, four-, and five-night itineraries designed to meet a growing demand for short-break, high-luxury travel within the region.
Red Sea Season - May
AROYA's Red Sea season will begin from May 14 until the end of the month, providing guests with a selection of multi-country itineraries that capitalise on the strategic geography Jeddah as its home port.
Key ports of call for this phase of the AROYA cruising season are slated to include Yanbu in Saudi Arabia, Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, and Aqaba in Jordan. A notable highlight of the season is a specialised five-night voyage departing on May 24, 2026, specifically timed to coincide with the Eid Al Adha holiday. This comprehensive itinerary combines visits to Sharm El-Sheikh and Aqaba, providing guests with a curated tourism experience that bridges the natural beauty of the Sinai Peninsula with the historic desert gateways of Jordan.
AROYA’s return to the Red Sea builds on a year of record-breaking momentum, having already welcomed over 140,000 guests during its standout debut season. Sture Myrmell, President of AROYA Cruises, emphasised the importance of flexibility in the modern travel market: "Our return to the Red Sea reflects the strong response we have seen across our first two seasons in the region. It also highlights the strength of our offering, which combines highly sought-after destinations with Arabian hospitality and an onboard experience designed for a broad mix of travellers. This return also leads into our Mediterranean season this summer, an exciting part of AROYA’s year-round offering."
Myrmell further noted that the company remains committed to offering a "comprehensive experience inspired by Arab culture and tailored to the needs of different generations," highlighting the brand's unique position as the world's first halal-certified cruise line.
Mediterranean Season - June to September
AROYA will then transition to the Mediterranean for its second season, the cruise liner will be positioned here from June until mid September.
Using the port city of Galata in Istanbul as its primary departure hub for this part of the cruising season, AROYA will offer seven-night itineraries that have been carefully designed to invite guests to explore the Eastern Mediterranean. These 7-night cruises will call to major ports in Turkey, the Greek islands — including Rhodes and Mykonos — and Alexandria in Egypt. This dual-season strategy ensures a year-round presence for the brand, allowing it to serve the distinct seasonal preferences of both regional and international guests.
About AROYA
The AROYA vessel is a sprawling 19-deck "floating resort", which has been designed to accommodate up to 3,400 guests at any one time. The interiors have been curated to create a setting that prioritises regional authenticity and embraces Saudi Arabian culture. At the heart of AROYA's premium offering is the Khuzama Experience, an elite VIP tier that provides travellers with exclusive access to private suites and highly personalised services.
The cruise liner also offers guests the opportunity to dine at 15 distinct venues, most notably IRTH, the first authentic Saudi restaurant at sea, in addition to a 24/7 buffet dedicated to international cuisine and regional Halal dishes. The ship also has 20 entertainment venues, where guests can navigate traditional souks, attend live performances in the 1,018-seat AROYA Theatre, or enjoy impromptu oud recitals by Saudi musicians.
For relaxation, the Blossom Spa integrates heritage wellness practices through a traditional hammam and sauna, while family-centric amenities, including a multi-level kids’ zone and an expansive water park, ensure a multigenerational appeal.
