Saudi’s Aroya Cruises tops 140,000 passengers in debut year

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Aroya Cruises made its debut in December 2024

Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises has welcomed more than 140,000 passengers in its debut year of operations, marking a milestone for the kingdom’s homegrown cruise line since its maiden voyage in December 2024.

Developed by Cruise Saudi, Aroya Cruises is the first line designed specifically for the Arab market. In its first year, it attracted travellers from Saudi Arabia, the GCC, Europe and Central Asia, appealing to both families and solo guests with itineraries spanning regional and European routes.

Operating year-round, Aroya sails the Red Sea in winter and the Mediterranean in summer, calling at destinations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey and Greece. The ship, which holds the world’s first halal certification for a cruise line, blends modern cruising with authentic regional hospitality.

Building on a successful first year, Aroya is now preparing to expand its programme in 2026 with a diverse calendar of themed voyages and a new Arabian Gulf season launching in February.

aroya cruises saba jeddah island destination

Aroya visiting Jabal Al-Sabaya Island, Cruise Saudi's private island destination in the Red Sea

From 8–11 January, Aroya will operate a sports-themed cruise in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority and Major Sports Cruises. Timed to coincide with the Spanish Super Cup, the three-night sailing from Jeddah to Yanbu will feature football legends Iker Casillas and Patrick Kluivert, combining sport, culture and entertainment at sea.

The cruise line’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season will follow in February with five- and seven-night itineraries from Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha. Guests can expect Aroya’s signature Arabian hospitality, alongside shoreside experiences in destinations such as Abu Dhabi’s Sir Bani Yas Island and Khasab in Oman, known as the ‘Norway of Arabia’ for its dramatic inlets.

Cruise Saudi to develop 10 destinations by 2030

Aroya Cruises and Saudi Tourism launch football-themed land and sea package

At the end of the season, Aroya will reposition from Dammam to Jeddah on a nine-night voyage before resuming Red Sea sailings. Its spring and summer programme features itineraries to Sharm El Sheikh and Ain Sokhna in Egypt, as well as routes spanning Turkey and Greece. A calendar of themed cruises linked to Saudi Founding Day, National Day and cultural events will further enhance guest choice in 2026.

Commenting on the one-year milestone, Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said: “Our authenticity and commitment to delivering a uniquely Arabian experience at every touchpoint are reflected in the overwhelmingly positive guest response. As we look ahead, we are expanding our offering to diversify guest choice and strengthen Saudi Arabia’s position on the global cruise map in alignment with Vision 2030.”

Aroya features 19 decks and 1,678 cabins

Aroya accommodates up to 3,400 guests across 19 decks, offering 1,678 cabins, including over 1,000 balcony cabins and premium Khuzama suites. Onboard experiences include spas, a multi-level kids’ zone, a theatre, immersive VR attractions and 12 restaurants. Highlights include IRTH — the first Saudi restaurant at sea — as well as speciality venues serving Italian, Lebanese and seafood cuisine, plus a signature Sea Shisha experience.

Saudi Arabia is driving regional cruise tourism growth through Cruise Saudi’s wider plans to attract more than 1.33 million passengers by 2037 and develop 10 destinations, including the recently opened Saba Beach on Jabal AlSabaya and a second island north of Jeddah now under development.

The region’s cruise sector continues to gather momentum, with more lines adding Middle East ports to their itineraries. Growth will be further accelerated by Connections Cruise Arabia, the annual event that launched in 2025. The next edition, set for September 2026, will bring together 300 global cruise leaders and stakeholders to shape the sector’s future in the region.

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