Aroya Cruises Unveils Exciting Mediterranean Holidays from Turkey with New Destinations Across Europe in 2027

Aroya Cruises reopens Istanbul for its first Mediterranean winter season. Returning to the vibrant city of Istanbul, Turkey, to take its first winter season in the Mediterranean with 7-night cruises, the 3400-passenger cruise ship will connect Turkish ports with Egypt, opening up new winter holiday options for international visitors. It will also sail to Greek islands, Italian and Adriatic ports in 2027.

Aroya Cruises Launches First Mediterranean Winter Sailings from Istanbul

Aroya Cruises begins its new Mediterranean season. The vessel has been cruising through the Red Sea, including a brief autumn programme, before reaching Istanbul in the beginning of October 2026.

The cruise line has extended its program and will now offer seven night Eastern Mediterranean cruises, to be sailed until May 2027. The cruises will combine Turkish coastal destination, with longer visits to Egypt.

The highlight of the tour is the start of your holiday in one of Turkey’s most famous cities and visiting countries in the region.

This winter programme is a significant step forward for the Aroya Cruises. In addition to the resort-focused Red Sea programme, the company plans to unveil Mediterranean cruise breaks in the colder months.

The 150,000-tonne ship can carry up to 3,400 passengers. The new ship’s introduction will offer tourists an additional way to visit a number of locations without having to change hotels over and over again.

Turkey and Egypt Take Centre Stage in Seven-Night Mediterranean Cruises

The winter itineraries will feature Marmaris, Kusadasi and Alexandria, connecting coastal tourism destinations across Turkey and Egypt.

Marmaris offers access to turquoise bays, scenic harbours and the Turkish Riviera. Visitors can explore its waterfront, discover local markets or enjoy coastal excursions.

Kusadasi provides a gateway to the ancient city of Ephesus, one of Turkey’s most celebrated archaeological attractions. Travellers can explore Roman-era monuments and experience the region’s cultural heritage.

In Egypt, Aroya will schedule two-day calls at Alexandria. The longer port stay will give passengers additional time to explore the city and consider excursions elsewhere in Egypt.

Alexandria combines Mediterranean scenery with historic attractions, including the Bibliotheca Alexandrina and the Citadel of Qaitbay.

Passengers should check excursion durations carefully, particularly when planning trips beyond Alexandria. Travel times, port schedules and immigration requirements can affect the amount of sightseeing time available.

Alexandria Embarkation Creates More Flexible Cruise Holiday Options

Aroya Cruises will also allow passengers to board the ship in Alexandria, alongside its Istanbul embarkation arrangements.

This interporting approach creates additional flexibility for travellers who prefer to begin their Mediterranean holiday in Egypt rather than Turkey.

For international visitors, the arrangement may influence flight planning and pre-cruise accommodation choices. Travellers can compare air connections to Istanbul and Alexandria before selecting their departure port.

Passengers should confirm whether their chosen sailing supports embarkation at their preferred terminal. They should also check passport validity, visa requirements and the cruise line’s boarding instructions before travelling.

The extended Alexandria calls offer opportunities for cultural tourism, although passengers should book longer excursions only when they fit the ship’s confirmed timetable.

Summer 2027 Brings New Cruises Across Turkey and Greece

From May 2027, Aroya will expand its Mediterranean itineraries to include Bodrum, Antalya, Kas, Chania, Rhodes and Nafplion.

These additions will introduce more opportunities for beach holidays, archaeological excursions and island sightseeing.

Bodrum attracts visitors with its marina and historic castle, while Antalya offers Mediterranean beaches and ancient landmarks. Greek destinations such as Rhodes and Chania will add distinctive island experiences.

The expanded programme will appeal to travellers seeking longer Mediterranean holidays with several cultural and coastal stops.

Western Mediterranean and Adriatic Cruises Expand Travel Choices

Aroya Cruises has scheduled a pair of 14-night roundtrip cruises leaving from Istanbul in June and July 2027.

The first route will link Turkey, Greece, Italy, Tunisia and Malta. Planned ports of call are Catania, Salerno, Civitavecchia, Cagliari, La Goulette, Mykonos and Valletta.

The second journey will look in the Adriatic, travelling to Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Italy and Croatia.

Ports of call are scheduled at Katakolon, Sarandë, Bar, Trieste, Zadar, Korčula and Bari. These routes will take explorers to historic cities, along stunning coastlines and through a variety of Mediterranean cultures.

Essential Travel Guide for Aroya Mediterranean Cruise Passengers

Travellers planning an Aroya cruise should consider departure ports, seasonal conditions and documentation requirements before booking.

• Cruise duration: Choose seven-night winter voyages or 14-night summer itineraries.
• Departure ports: Check Istanbul and Alexandria embarkation availability.
• Travel documents: Verify visa and entry rules for every destination.
• Shore excursions: Reserve popular archaeological and cultural tours early.
• Weather: Pack layers for cooler Mediterranean winter conditions.
• Travel costs: Compare cruise fares, flights, transfers, gratuities and excursion charges.
• https://aroya.com.tr/

Travellers should also confirm the latest sailing schedules directly with the cruise operator, as operational changes can affect port calls.

Aroya Plans September 2027 Return to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea

Aroya’s Mediterranean cruise will end around early September 2027 after about an 11-month deployment.

Next, the vessel will reposition to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and continue with shorter Red Sea sailings until December.

Its scheduled itineraries will include stops in Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Egypt, providing an additional cruise season in the region following the Mediterranean.