Jeddah, November 8, 2024 – AROYA Cruises, a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi and fully owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), has officially announced the launch of its inaugural cruise, set to depart on December 16, 2024. The highly anticipated three-night voyage will set sail from Jeddah Port, offering guests an exclusive travel experience to a Red Sea island designed specifically for cruise passengers. This marks a significant milestone for the Kingdom’s burgeoning cruise tourism sector, positioning AROYA Cruises as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s broader vision to develop a world-class tourism industry.
As the first Arab cruise line, AROYA Cruises aims to redefine the cruising experience by offering an authentic Arabian holiday experience, deeply inspired by Saudi Arabia’s rich heritage and culture. With a focus on providing an immersive, culturally rich environment, AROYA seeks to provide travelers with more than just a typical cruise—it promises an exploration of the region’s history, traditions, and customs in a way that caters specifically to Arab preferences and tastes.
The upcoming inaugural voyage will be a testament to this vision, as the cruise will take passengers on a journey that emphasizes luxury, comfort, and authentic regional experiences. The exclusive Red Sea island, which serves as the destination for this first sailing, will offer a unique environment designed for cruise passengers, combining natural beauty with elements of Saudi culture. The island promises a blend of relaxation, adventure, and cultural immersion, making it an ideal destination for Arab families and tourists seeking an unforgettable vacation.
AROYA Cruises is not only setting a new standard for luxury and cultural authenticity but is also expected to contribute significantly to the Kingdom’s efforts to diversify its tourism offerings. As part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, the development of cruise tourism is seen as an important step toward transforming the Kingdom into a global tourist hub. By tapping into the growing regional and global demand for unique and high-quality travel experiences, AROYA Cruises is positioning itself as a key player in this new era of Saudi tourism.
The company’s focus on catering to Arab tastes and preferences marks a departure from traditional cruise models, which are often designed primarily for international tourists. AROYA Cruises plans to offer tailored services and experiences, including Arabic cuisine, entertainment, and cultural activities, ensuring that guests feel at home while exploring new destinations. This focus on Arab identity and heritage is central to the brand’s promise of delivering a distinctly Arabian cruise experience.
With the backing of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Cruise Saudi, AROYA Cruises is well-positioned to become a trailblazer in the region’s cruise industry. The launch of this inaugural voyage is just the beginning, as the company plans to expand its fleet and itineraries in the coming years, opening up new opportunities for tourists to explore the beauty of Saudi Arabia and the wider Arabian Peninsula by sea.
This new venture is part of a broader strategic vision to enhance the Kingdom’s tourism infrastructure and diversify its economy. By offering a unique, culturally rich alternative to traditional cruising experiences, AROYA Cruises is poised to play a key role in realizing Saudi Arabia’s ambitions to become a major player in the global tourism market. The inaugural voyage on December 16 marks a promising new chapter in the Kingdom’s tourism development and signals the beginning of an exciting era for regional cruise tourism.