Aroya Cruises opens bookings for debut Arabian Gulf sailings

Sign up to our newsletters

Stay informed with the
latest news and analysis

REGISTER

عربي

You are viewing 1 of your 2 free articles

Saudi's Aroya Cruises is expanding to its third region

Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises has opened bookings for its debut Arabian Gulf sailings, with five- and seven-night itineraries set to visit leading ports in the UAE, Qatar and Oman throughout the winter 2025-2026 season.

This marks a third region for the kingdom’s first cruise line, which launched in December 2024, having completed its Red Sea debut and is now sailing its Mediterranean season.

Aroya’s entrance into the Arabian Gulf joins Celestyal in offering regular regional sailings, with Celestyal set to expand its presence next season by deploying two ships for back-to-back itineraries across Gulf ports, a sign of growing momentum in Middle Eastern cruise tourism.

Aroya’s upcoming Arabian Gulf season on board the 3,400-passenger Aroya launches with four consecutive week-long roundtrip journeys from Dubai between 21 February and 14 March, 2026.

On these sailings, guests will discover the heritage and highlights of Muscat and Khasab in Oman, plus enjoy stops in Doha in Qatar, UAE capital Abu Dhabi and Sir Bani Yas island, famed for its wildlife reserves and pristine beaches.

Later in March, the vessel shifts base to Dammam in Saudi, where it will offer five-night cruises through 30 April, calling at key cities including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sir Bani Yas, Muscat and Khasab, which is widely regarded as the ’Norway of Arabia’ due to its dramatic fjord-like inlets.

Khasab in Oman

As the season draws to a close, Aroya will set off on a nine-night repositioning cruise from Dammam to Jeddah, pausing in Dubai as well as stops in Oman’s Khasab, Muscat and Salalah, the southern coastal city renowned for its lush landscapes and lovely beaches.

From Jeddah, the itinerary expands with two five-night roundtrip voyages to Egypt’s famed resort of Sharm El Sheikh and Ain Sokhna, the bustling gateway for excursions to Cairo.

Onboard, the experience is distinctly crafted for Middle Eastern lifestyles. Aroya comfortably accommodates up to 3,400 guests across 19 decks, offering 1,678 cabins, including more than 1,000 balcony cabins and luxury Khuzama suites.

Celestyal unveils Arabian Gulf sailings for 2027/2028

Groundbreaking new event to drive cruise growth in Gulf region

Onboard amenities include spas, a multi-level kids’ zone, entertainment options including a theatre and immersive VR attractions, and 12 diverse restaurants. Dining highlights include authentic Saudi fare at IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, plus speciality venues serving Italian, Lebanese and seafood cuisine, and a unique Sea Shisha experience.

Saudi Arabia is driving cruise tourism growth through Cruise Saudi’s plans to open 10 destinations and attract more than attract 1.33 million passengers by 2037. Saba Beach on Jabal AlSabaya in the Red Sea is already open, with a second island north of Jeddah currently in development.

More cruise lines are adding Middle East ports to their itineraries as cruise tourism in the region is on the rise and set to be further accelerated by Connections Cruise Arabia. The game-changing annual event, launching 18 September 2025, will bring together senior cruise leaders and stakeholders to shape the future of the sector in the region.

For more information, visit aroya.com and for all the latest cruise news, bookmark www.connectingtravel.com/cruise