AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line, is set to launch its inaugural voyages in December 2024, sailing the Red Sea. The venture is part of the Vision 2030 initiative aimed at diversifying the economy and boosting tourism with its flagship vessel, previously the World Dream, accommodating over 3,300 passengers. The vessel will feature 1,678 cabins (from $150/SR558 per night), including luxury suites and villas, as well as amenities such as a 1,018-seat theatre and an extensive 1,500+ sqm children’s area.

Passengers aboard AROYA Cruises will be able to indulge in the 16 restaurants and 12 cafés and lounges offering a variety of global cuisines. Highlights include IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, serving traditional Arabian dishes alongside other dining options that span Lebanese, Italian, and Asian cuisines. 

The inaugural voyages will feature stops at Cruise Saudi’s private island and visits to prominent destinations in Egypt and Jordan, providing passengers with a unique and immersive travel experience. This strategic itinerary aims to showcase the Red Sea region’s natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. 

President of AROYA Cruises, Dr. Joerg Rudolph, spoke of the launch, saying, “The launch of our cruise line to commercial markets is an important milestone for both AROYA Cruises and for the tourism landscape in Saudi. We are thrilled that the public can now book sailings with us as we strive to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia.”