Cruise Saudi, a key player in Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 tourism goals, has proudly welcomed its first owned cruise ship, AROYA, to Jeddah’s homeport on 7 December 2024. The ship’s arrival marks a historic milestone as AROYA becomes the first-ever Arabian cruise vessel, ready to redefine cruising in the region.
The occasion was celebrated with a traditional plaque and key ceremony, attended by Captain Jan Gelinder of AROYA, Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen, AROYA Cruises President Dr Jorg Rudolph, and Chief Destination Experiences Officer Barbara Buczek.
Cruise Saudi is a Public Investment Fund (PIF) portfolio company driving the development of Saudi Arabia’s cruise sector, with a mission to position the Kingdom as a premier global cruise destination.
Following extensive refurbishment in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam, AROYA now offers a state-of-the-art cruising experience. Its interior has been reimagined with 95% of its spaces redesigned to reflect Arabian culture and preferences, setting a new standard in regional and international cruising.
World-class features onboard AROYA
AROYA boasts an impressive range of facilities, including:
- A souq-inspired shopping district, the largest retail area ever built on a cruise ship.
- A luxury spa and wellness centre.
- 29 dining options, including restaurants, lounges, and cafes.
- 20 entertainment venues and one of the largest children’s play areas at sea.
Jeddah: A gateway to the Red Sea and beyond
Docking at the Jeddah Islamic Port, AROYA benefits from upgraded facilities designed to accommodate the world’s largest cruise ships. The port serves as a gateway to the historic city of Jeddah and provides access to the Two Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah, positioning it as a key player in Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning cruise sector.
Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, remarked, “The arrival of AROYA marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cruise Saudi, and tourism in Saudi overall, in line with Saudi’s Vision 2030. Cruise Saudi was only launched in 2021 and witnessing the arrival of our first owned ship just three years later is a huge milestone. We are so grateful to the whole Cruise Saudi team for their hard work and dedication and are excited to be offering something truly unique to local, regional and international guests with the first ever Arabian cruise line.”
Maiden voyage: Red Sea adventure
AROYA’s highly anticipated maiden voyage departs on 16 December 2024, offering a three-night cruise across the Red Sea. The launch promises to deliver an unmatched blend of Arabian hospitality, cutting-edge design, and a unique cruising experience for travellers worldwide.
Read also: Cruise Saudi’s Voyage to Regional Prominence
