The inaugural non-commercial voyage of AROYA Cruises, Saudi Arabia’s first-ever cruise line, set sail on Dec. 11, embarking on a three-night journey across the Red Sea with no fixed destination.

Offering a remarkable home-at-sea experience where luxury, comfort, and adventure seamlessly combine, AROYA offers a gateway to a world of discovery, blending Arabian hospitality with modern luxury.

This exclusive experience provided guests, including Saudi media representatives and social media influencers, with the unique opportunity to explore what it truly means to sail on Saudi Arabia’s first-ever cruise line.

Turky Kari, executive director of marketing and corporate communications at AROYA, said: “Generosity and hospitality are core to our values. We want families to leave with memories of warmth, care, and the unique Arabian ‘kefa’ (generosity) that defines AROYA Cruises.”

“Part of Vision 2030 is to build a robust tourism industry, both domestic and international. AROYA Cruises is a reflection of that vision — Saudi Arabia’s first cruise line, designed to offer a uniquely Arabian experience,” Kari added.

With 19 decks, AROYA offers a luxury floating resort. The ship spans more than 330 meters and accommodates 1,678 cabins. Guests are treated to world-class dining, immersive entertainment, and exceptional concierge services. The ship is served by a crew of more than 1,500 individuals who manage all aspects of the vessel, from wings and engines to hotel operations, hospitality and restaurants, ensuring daily services. A meticulously scheduled full-day program for guests is planned, ensuring that no minute of their stay is wasted. The daily itinerary includes a variety of activities catering to all age groups and tastes.

The cruise features a variety of accommodations, ranging from thoughtfully curated cabins to the elite Khuzama suites, offering guests the pinnacle of luxury. Khuzama’s offerings include 145 suites, including Royal Villas, which is among the largest in the cruise industry spanning across six bedrooms, as well as two Presidential Villas and Senior Suites.

The remaining 1,524 cabins are diverse, including interior cabins, sea-view cabins with windows overlooking the sea, and balcony cabins, with approximately 1,000 of these cabins featuring private balconies.

The experience aboard AROYA is a celebration of Saudi culture and its regions. Walking through the corridors, guests are surrounded by 2,589 artworks, 60 percent of which are created by Saudi artists, reflecting the diversity and beauty of the Kingdom’s rich cultural heritage.

“Everything we provide, from the ship’s design to food, entertainment, and programming, is inspired by modern Arabian culture and tailored to the tastes of Arabian families,” Kari said.

The cruise also offers specially designed cabins for guests with disabilities, featuring a range of accommodations with varying dimensions and unique features to ensure both comfort and safety. These accessible cabins are equipped with wider doors, lower furniture, and adjustable features to cater to the specific needs of individuals with mobility challenges.

AROYA offers a diverse culinary experience with 12 restaurants and 17 lounges, catering to every taste. Among these is IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, offering authentic local cuisine. The ship also includes specialty restaurants serving seafood, Italian, and Lebanese dishes, along with a unique “Sea Shisha” offering.

The ship features 20 entertainment venues, including The Atrium, Challenge Chambers, and Glitch VR. AROYA Theatre hosts a variety of performances, including Broadway productions, comedy shows, and international dance performances. The cruise also showcases regional traditions, such as Saudi Arabia’s Ardah dance performance, recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

AROYA Cruises offers a variety of itineraries, including exclusive trips around the Red Sea. Guests can embark on a three-night voyage departing from Jeddah, with prices starting at SR1,672 ($445).

“Starting Dec. 16, we offer exclusive itineraries, including private island trips and journeys to Egypt and Jordan. Special thematic cruises, such as the six-night Founding Day celebration in February, will bring fresh and unique experiences for our guests throughout the year,” Kari said.

Additionally, starting on Dec. 22, AROYA will set sail to Sharm Al-Sheikh, with future destinations including the Mediterranean and the Arabian Gulf by 2025.

“By 2025, we’ll take our remarkable Arabian experience to the Mediterranean, offering a unique East Mediterranean journey. We will soon cruise in the Mediterranean and stop by Türkiye and Greece,” Kari added.

AROYA Cruises is committed to preserving the natural beauty of the Red Sea. “We are continuously exploring ways to preserve the Red Sea and its coral reefs, working with the relevant authorities to ensure we operate sustainably,” Kari said.

Launched in June 2023 as a part of Cruise Saudi, AROYA Cruises embodies the Kingdom’s ambitious Vision 2030. The cruise line represents the Kingdom’s commitment to diversifying its economy and developing its tourism sector.

AROYA Cruises aims to become a leading player in the global tourism industry. By 2025, the cruise line will expand its itineraries, offering new routes in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and beyond.