With the cruise season heating up in the Middle East, AROYA Cruises is gearing up for her much-anticipated maiden voyage come 16 December. And everyone is waiting with baited breath!

To help prepare agents and travellers for promises to be a revolutionary cruise experience, Executive Director of Marketing at Cruise Saudi, Turky Kari, shared some exclusive insights with Rihlat Travel News, along with his top tips for cruise-goers, new and seasoned.

With almost 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, Kari has been instrumental in building Cruise Saudi’s brand and marketing strategy, and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy, while managing external relationships with government entities and private sector partners. He was also responsible for spearheading various marketing initiatives leading to AROYA’s inaugural launch, including the sponsorship of Al-Nassr FC to increase brand awareness and reach a wider audience.

AROYA’s concept

What inspired the concept of Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line?

TK: AROYA Cruises, the first cruise line tailored to the Arabian market, was launched to expand Saudi’s tourism offering, and aspires to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia.

By merging local authenticity with the global standards of premium cruising, we blend Saudi’s rich cultural heritage with exceptional experiences and hospitality at sea.

AROYA Cruises offers guests a unique gateway to explore the beauty of the Red Sea and surrounding destinations, providing exclusive access to the region’s most iconic coastal sites.

While AROYA is targeting a regional audience at this stage, are there any plans to attract international travellers?

TK: AROYA Cruises offers a ‘Remarkably Arabian’ experience that reflects preferences of the regional market. However, everyone is invited to experience AROYA and the exciting itineraries we have created.

We are seeing a strong trend towards experiential travel, with travellers seeking more immersive and authentic experiences, and AROYA Cruises welcomes guests to experience Saudi’s famous ‘Hafawa’ on-board.

What sets AROYA apart from other cruise ships?

TK: Every element of AROYA has been designed with Arabian preferences in mind. Guests can enjoy authentic Arabian cuisine, unique entertainment and immersive cultural activities that celebrate the warmth and essence of Arabian hospitality.

AROYA also has designated women-only hours at the swimming pool as well as prayer rooms located across the ship.

Onboard experiences and services

What can guests expect in terms of services, dining options and amenities? 

TK: On-board AROYA, our guests will find 29 restaurants, lounges and cafes (12 restaurants and 17 lounges/cafes), including the first Saudi restaurant at sea, IRTH. The ship has also been fitted with 20 entertainment venues, including a 1,000-seater theatre that provides live shows, movies and performances.

AROYA has been designed with the whole family in mind. There are two pools on-board – one for families and one which is adults-only. The kids’ zone on AROYA is one of the largest in the industry and even has a splash area equipped with water slides to maximise the experience for the young ones.

AROYA’s Blossom Spa includes state-of-the-art facilities such as a thermal suite, snow room, relaxation room, hot tubs, saunas and a steam room, along with various treatment rooms. This is in addition to a beauty salon exclusively for women, a men’s barber and a gym. There are special areas and dedicated hours for only female guests.

The Khuzama Experience is AROYA’s VIP experience and features spacious living areas, private balconies, and personalized services; the options range from the 38sqm Premium Suites to the expansive 400sqm Royal Villa.

Guests who enjoy shopping will be happy to hear the ship has been fitted with a souq-inspired retail area – the largest of any cruise ship in the world – comprising more than 250 local and international brands.

Market potential and growth

What potential do you see for cruise in the region, and how will AROYA capitalise on this trend?

TK: There has never been an Arabian cruise offering, and we are excited to fill this gap and offer a new way to explore Saudi and the Red Sea.

Cruises are a top choice for multi-generational traveling with the whole family is very common in Saudi, and AROYA specifically caters to families by offering great facilities for adults as well as children.

Cruising, although a popular holiday for millions worldwide, is still a new concept in the region, so we are proud to bring this exciting form of holiday to an untapped market, as the first mainstream cruise line tailored to Arabian preferences.

Also read: Cruise Saudi charts course for growth with AROYA launch

How is AROYA collaborating with travel agencies, tour operators, and other stakeholders to promote the cruise?

TK: AROYA Cruises has signed strategic agreements with leading travel and tourism companies to spread awareness of the cruise and make it easy for passengers to book. We understand the importance of working with the trade and plan to implement more trade activity, such as FAM trips, so our partners have the first-hand knowledge to be able to sell AROYA Cruises effectively.

On-the-ground, we have worked closely with our destination partners to ensure we are offering our guests the very best experiences at each location, which will match the quality and ethos of authenticity they can expect on-board the ship.

What expansion plans or future itineraries are envisioned for AROYA?

TK: Starting from its home port in Jeddah, AROYA intends to launch voyages in the Red Sea, with future expansions to the Arabian Gulf. In the summer of 2025, AROYA Cruises will also take guests to explore the wonders of the Mediterranean Sea with its picturesque coastal towns and enchanting beaches – these sailings will cover many countries, including Turkey and Greece.

Preparing to cruise

What should cruise passengers never miss on the AROYA experience?

TK: One of the many highlights guests can expect on these upcoming voyages is the unique souq-inspired retail district which features over 250 local and international brands. Passengers should also check out IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, where an array of tasty delicacies are available for all to enjoy.

What is your top tip for first time cruise-goers on ensuring they enjoy their time on-board and on shore?

TK: Be flexible, and don’t try to do too much at once. AROYA is a delight for all the senses, so first-time cruisers may be tempted to cram as much as possible into a short space of time, but it is important they take their time. Guests will have plenty of time to experience all the facilities on-board, so we implore them to savour every moment and take in the wonders of Saudi’s first cruise line.

Also read: Cruise Saudi’s new Red Sea private island and Mediterranean venture