AROYA marks its inaugural voyage

AROYA Cruises has celebrated the inaugural sailing of its flagship vessel, AROYA, departing from Jeddah earlier this week. Designed to offer guests a “Remarkably Arabian” experience, the voyage features exclusive performances at sea from renowned Saudi artists Abadi Al Johar and Zaina Emad, showcasing the cultural richness of the region at the 1,018-seat AROYA Theatre.

Joerg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises, expressed pride in reaching this momentous milestone, which supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 tourism goals, saying, “We are incredibly proud to see AROYA embark on its first commercial voyage from Jeddah after two years of hard work and dedication. This is an important moment for AROYA Cruises and a major step forward in developing Saudi’s overall tourism offering as part of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals. We are thrilled to welcome passengers on board for the first time.”

Homeported in Jeddah, AROYA is set to redefine cruising in the region with its focus on Arabian preferences and world-class amenities. The ship boasts a luxury spa, one of the largest kids’ zones on a cruise ship, and an expansive souq-inspired shopping district, a variety of family-friendly entertainment options, and a host of dining venues, including the first Saudi restaurant at sea, Irth.

Saudi Red Sea Authority has ‘No Limits’

The Saudi Red Sea Authority (SRSA) launched its “No Limits” campaign, coinciding with the maiden voyage of Aroya, Saudi’s first cruise ship. With the aim is to encourage coastal tourism activities in the area by promoting activities like yachting, diving, snorkelling, and beach recreation, the campaign highlights the Red Sea’s coral reefs, golden sands, and warm climate. SRSA has introduced licenses and regulations to enhance coastal tourism infrastructure, aligning with Saudi Vision 2030 to attract investments and ensure safe, high-quality marine experiences for tourists and operators.

Celestyal celebrated its maiden call in Dubai in style

Celestyal celebrated its maiden call in Dubai on December 9 with a dhow escort, a plaque exchange ceremony, and a star-studded party. Traditional dhows guided the flagship, Celestyal Journey, into port, symbolizing the blend of tradition and new beginnings in the region. The event featured entertainment from renowned DJ Tinie (formerly Tinie Tempah) and DJ Charlesy, and was attended by local dignitaries, influencers, and partners.

The call marked the start of Celestyal Journey’s seven-day “Desert Days” itinerary, sailing roundtrip from Dubai and visiting Khasab, Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Bahrain. This marks the beginning of Celestyal’s inaugural Arabian Gulf season, which will run until March 2025, with plans to return in November 2025. By late 2025, Celestyal Discovery will join the fleet, offering additional cruises from Abu Dhabi. Lee Haslett, Chief Commercial Officer, emphasized Dubai’s significance as an iconic destination for guests, combining culture and immersive experiences.

Meanwhile, to help travel agents and consultants during the busy season, the cruise company has launched a new trade portal, The Celestyal Compass, which features “Celestyal Campus,” a learning platform offering training modules on brand overview, onboard experiences, itineraries, shore excursions, and sales growth tips. The learning program enables agents to earn stars as they complete modules, to then unlock exclusive benefits. The portal also serves as a hub for marketing assets, offers, and campaigns.

Celestyal has also launched its new consumer-facing website to further enhance its digital presence and improve its partnership with the trade. The site offers a more user-friendly experience with better educational resources and personalised features. Tim Locke, Director of E-Commerce, emphasised that the new tools will empower agents, or “Celestyal Navigators,” with essential information to boost sales during the key wave period.

Finally, agents can look forward to the opportunity of embarking on a complimentary sailing with Celestyal Cruises when booking three double-occupancy staterooms on eligible sailings at published rates. Bookings must be made by the same agent and deposited by the incentive deadline (28 Februay 2025). Up to three staterooms can be earned, subject to approval and availability. Fees for port charges, service fees, and extras apply. Terms and condition apply and the offer is subject to change or withdrawal at any time.