Saudi Arabia, Greece Fuel Maritime Breakthrough As AROYA Cruises Brings Middle Eastern Excellence To Europe’s Eastern Mediterranean Coastline

Published on July 15, 2025

Saudi Arabia and Greece have joined forces to mark a major milestone in regional cruise tourism as AROYA Cruises, the Arab world’s first homegrown cruise line, successfully launched its maiden Eastern Mediterranean season with inaugural port calls in Piraeus, Mykonos, and Crete. Departing from Istanbul and extending to Alexandria, this groundbreaking voyage introduces a culturally immersive, Arabian-inspired cruise experience to European waters—uniting Saudi hospitality with iconic Greek destinations to redefine Mediterranean luxury travel.

AROYA Cruises Celebrates Pioneering Mediterranean Launch with Inaugural Port Calls in Greece

AROYA Cruises has officially launched its inaugural Mediterranean season with a series of historic maiden port visits across Greece, marking a major milestone in the brand’s journey to bring a uniquely Arabian cruise experience to international waters. This launch signals the arrival of the Arab world’s first homegrown cruise line into the competitive European cruise landscape, as the newly refurbished flagship vessel Aroya sails across the Eastern Mediterranean on its first extended voyage.

The journey began from Galataport Istanbul on June 28, when Aroya departed on a 7-night itinerary that would include key stops in Greece and neighboring destinations. The ship’s first call in Greece occurred on July 2, when it docked at the bustling port of Piraeus near Athens. This arrival represented the cruise line’s official entry into the Greek market and was commemorated with a traditional maritime plaque exchange ceremony held onboard between port and ship officials. The event emphasized the significance of Aroya’s debut in Europe and strengthened ties between Greek tourism stakeholders and Cruise Saudi, the company behind the brand.

Two days later, Aroya made its much-anticipated maiden call at Mykonos, one of the most iconic islands in the Aegean Sea. The ship docked for approximately 14 hours, giving passengers ample time to explore Mykonos’s famed beaches, vibrant nightlife, and charming whitewashed architecture. Guests had the opportunity to enjoy a curated shore excursion program that highlighted both the island’s cultural heritage and modern luxury offerings.

Continuing its Greek tour, Aroya next arrived at Souda Bay Port on the island of Crete. Known for its rich history, coastal beauty, and strategic location near Chania, the port welcomed Aroya with another commemorative ceremony to mark the ship’s first visit to the Cretan harbor. The visit underscored the growing popularity of Crete as a cruise destination and the importance of AROYA Cruises’ expanding footprint across the Eastern Mediterranean.

These stops are part of a wider Eastern Mediterranean program designed to run through mid-September. The itinerary includes ports of call in Piraeus, Mykonos, Souda Bay, Rhodes, Marmaris, Bodrum, Kas, and Alexandria. These destinations were carefully selected to provide passengers with a blend of historical discovery, natural beauty, and cultural immersion, all while experiencing the onboard hospitality that defines the AROYA brand.

AROYA Cruises is owned and operated by Cruise Saudi, a company established to promote Saudi Arabia as a global cruise destination and to develop a domestic cruise sector that reflects the Kingdom’s cultural identity. The Aroya ship originally entered service in 2017 under the name World Dream. Since being acquired by Cruise Saudi, it has undergone an extensive transformation that included a complete redesign of 95 percent of its public spaces. The ship now features interiors and design elements inspired by Arabian aesthetics, with motifs, colors, and layouts that reflect regional traditions and elegance.

The vessel can accommodate up to 3,400 guests across 18 decks, offering a wide range of staterooms and suites. Notably, the onboard experience has been curated to align with the values and preferences of Middle Eastern travelers. AROYA Cruises has opted not to include alcohol or casinos as part of its entertainment options. Instead, the focus lies on family-friendly experiences, such as dedicated children’s areas, wellness facilities, quiet libraries, and a two-deck shopping complex featuring premium regional and international brands.

The dining experience also sets AROYA apart, with menus that highlight the rich culinary heritage of Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East, offering guests a chance to savor traditional flavors in a luxurious cruise setting. Several specialty restaurants and casual dining venues onboard ensure variety and inclusivity, with options for all tastes.

While the primary audience for AROYA Cruises consists of travelers from the Middle East seeking a culturally familiar vacation abroad, the cruise line extends a warm welcome to international guests. The Mediterranean itineraries offer a unique opportunity for travelers from Europe, Asia, and beyond to explore coastal gems while enjoying Saudi-inspired hospitality, art, music, and cuisine.

The debut of AROYA Cruises in the Mediterranean represents a new chapter not only for Cruise Saudi but also for the global cruise industry. By offering a distinctively Arabian cruising alternative, AROYA expands the diversity of cultural experiences available at sea and invites travelers to see the region from a fresh perspective.

Saudi Arabia and Greece are at the forefront of a new era in cruise tourism as AROYA Cruises launches its maiden Mediterranean voyage, blending Arabian luxury with iconic European destinations. The inaugural journey features first-ever port calls in Piraeus, Mykonos, and Crete, marking a powerful debut in Europe.

With its successful maiden calls in Greece and a full season of Mediterranean voyages underway, AROYA Cruises is charting a bold course for the future of culturally rooted, values-driven travel experiences on the high seas.