Aroya Cruises Celebrates First Anniversary and Unveils 2026 Expansion Across Saudi Arabia, the Arabian Gulf, and the Mediterranean

Published on December 16, 2025

A significant milestone has been reached within the Middle East travel and tourism sector as Aroya Cruises, supported by Cruise Saudi, has completed its first full year of operations while announcing an ambitious expansion for 2026. Since its maiden voyage in December 2024, the cruise brand has steadily contributed to positioning Saudi Arabia as a growing hub for regional and international cruise tourism. Over the course of its inaugural year, strong demand has been recorded from travelers across the Kingdom, the GCC, Europe, and Central Asia, highlighting the appeal of culturally rooted maritime experiences.

Through thoughtfully designed itineraries across the Red Sea, the Mediterranean, and soon the Arabian Gulf, a uniquely regional cruising identity has been established. The emphasis has been placed on authenticity, family-friendly travel, and immersive onboard experiences aligned with Saudi heritage. As preparations are made for 2026, a broader and more diversified program has been revealed, reflecting long-term tourism ambitions under Vision 2030. With themed sailings, new regional routes, and entertainment-driven voyages planned, the next chapter of Aroya Cruises is being shaped to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s footprint on the global cruise map while offering travelers meaningful and memorable journeys.

One Year of Aroya Cruises Operations

The completion of one year since the maiden voyage of Aroya Cruises has been formally marked in December 2025. During this initial period, more than 140,000 guests have been welcomed onboard, representing a wide geographic mix that includes Saudi Arabia, neighboring GCC countries, Europe, and Central Asia.

Throughout the year, voyages across the Red Sea and the Mediterranean have been consistently operated, with itineraries designed to appeal to families as well as individual travelers. A strong resonance has been observed among guests seeking culturally inspired travel combined with modern cruise amenities. The steady growth in passenger numbers has reflected increasing interest in Saudi-origin cruise products within the global travel and tourism market.

Strengthening Saudi Arabia’s Cruise Vision

Aroya Cruises was introduced in 2023 as part of Cruise Saudi’s wider ambition to establish the Kingdom as a global cruise destination. Through this initiative, support has been extended to Saudi Arabia’s national tourism strategy, which aims to diversify the economy and increase international visitor arrivals.

The cruise line has been positioned as a strategic contributor to this vision by showcasing Saudi hospitality, heritage, and coastal destinations through curated itineraries. As a result, Saudi Arabia’s role within the global cruise industry has been steadily strengthened, particularly across the Red Sea corridor and emerging Gulf routes.

Expansion Plans for the 2026 Cruise Program

To build upon the momentum generated during its first year, an expanded and diversified cruise program has been announced for 2026. This growth strategy has been designed to broaden guest choice while introducing new themes and regional experiences.

By expanding beyond its existing deployments, Aroya Cruises has aimed to cater to evolving traveler preferences and seasonal demand patterns. These developments have been positioned as part of a long-term plan to enhance Saudi Arabia’s cruise offerings while maintaining a strong cultural identity.

Sports-Themed Sailing for Football Enthusiasts

One of the key highlights of the upcoming program is the debut of a dedicated sports-themed sailing scheduled for January 2026. This voyage has been developed in partnership with the Saudi Tourism Authority and Major Sports Cruises, aligning cruise travel with major international sporting events.

The sailing will take place from January 8 to 11, offering football fans a three-day journey from Jeddah to Yanbu following the semi-finals of the Spanish Super Cup. The experience will be enhanced by the presence of renowned football legends Iker Casillas and Patrick Kluivert, whose participation has been designed to elevate the onboard atmosphere and fan engagement.

Through this initiative, cruise travel has been combined with sports tourism, creating a niche offering that appeals to both regional and international audiences.

First Arabian Gulf Season Launching in February

A major milestone has also been announced with the launch of Aroya Cruises’ first Arabian Gulf season in February 2026. For the first time, itineraries will be operated from multiple Gulf ports, including Dammam, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha.

Both seven-night and five-night cruise options will be offered, providing flexibility for travelers seeking shorter regional escapes or extended multi-destination journeys. The introduction of Gulf itineraries has been positioned as a strategic expansion that strengthens connectivity between Saudi Arabia and neighboring countries while promoting cross-border tourism within the region.

Continued Red Sea and Mediterranean Deployments

Alongside new routes, continued operations across the Red Sea and the Mediterranean have been confirmed. These deployments will maintain itineraries that include destinations in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Greece, ensuring continuity for guests familiar with these popular cruising regions.

By sustaining a presence in these established cruise markets, Aroya Cruises has reinforced its commitment to offering a balanced mix of regional and international travel experiences. These routes have been carefully curated to highlight historical ports, coastal culture, and scenic maritime landscapes.

Cultural and Seasonal Thematic Sailings

In addition to geographic expansion, a diverse calendar of thematic cruises has been outlined. These sailings will celebrate key cultural and seasonal moments throughout the year, offering guests deeper engagement with Saudi traditions.

Special voyages have been planned around Saudi Founding Day and National Day, allowing passengers to experience cultural programming, celebrations, and themed onboard activities. Such initiatives have been designed to resonate strongly with regional travelers while providing international guests with authentic cultural exposure.

Entertainment-Led Voyages and Guest Experience Innovation

Entertainment-focused voyages have also been introduced as part of the expanded offering. These cruises will feature programs curated to align with regional tastes while remaining accessible and engaging for international audiences.

Through live performances, interactive events, and immersive entertainment concepts, onboard experiences will continue to evolve. This approach has been adopted to ensure that cruising with Aroya remains distinctive, culturally rooted, and competitive within the global cruise industry.

A Growing Role in Global Cruise Tourism

As Aroya Cruises moves into its second year and beyond, its role within the broader Saudi Arabia travel and tourism ecosystem has continued to grow. By blending regional authenticity with international cruising standards, the brand has been positioned as a bridge between Saudi culture and global travelers.

With expanded itineraries across the Arabian Gulf, sustained deployments in the Red Sea and Mediterranean, and innovative themed sailings, a strong foundation has been established for future growth. These developments collectively support Saudi Arabia’s ambition to emerge as a leading cruise destination while contributing to long-term tourism diversification under Vision 2030.