What Are AROYA Cruises?
- Cruise line: AROYA Cruises
- Country: Saudi Arabia
- Cruise operator: Cruise Saudi
- Main ship: AROYA
- Cruise regions: Red Sea, Eastern Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf
- Typical itineraries: Short breaks through to seven-night cruises
- Homeport: Jeddah for Red Sea operations
AROYA was created to introduce a Saudi Arabian cruise experience while combining regional influences with the facilities and experiences travellers expect from a modern cruise holiday.
The ship underwent a major refurbishment before beginning operations under the AROYA Cruises brand.
Why Choose AROYA Cruises?
AROYA is designed to offer more than simply transportation between destinations.
A different cruise experience
- Arabian-inspired hospitality
- International dining options
- Live entertainment
- Family-friendly facilities
- Multiple accommodation options
- Destination-focused experiences
- Shorter cruise itineraries
- Access to Red Sea destinations
- Mediterranean itineraries during selected seasons
The cruise line has also been developing its onboard programming based on guest feedback, including themed voyages and destination-led experiences.
Where Does AROYA Cruise?
One of the most interesting aspects of AROYA is its changing seasonal deployment.
Depending on the time of year, itineraries can include destinations in the
Red Sea, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Turkey and Greece.
Red Sea Cruises
Red Sea itineraries are particularly relevant for travellers interested in combining a cruise with Middle Eastern and Egyptian destinations.
Depending on the sailing, destinations can include:
- Jeddah
- Yanbu
- Sharm El Sheikh
- Aqaba
- Other Red Sea ports
AROYA's Red Sea programme has included short three- to five-night cruises as well as longer itineraries.
Eastern Mediterranean Cruises
During its 2026 summer deployment, AROYA operated seven-night cruises from Istanbul visiting destinations in
Turkey, Greece and Egypt.
Ports featured across different itineraries have included:
- Istanbul
- Bodrum
- Marmaris
- Kaş
- Alexandria
- Piraeus
- Rhodes
- Mykonos
The exact itinerary depends on the sailing date.
What Can You Expect Onboard AROYA?
AROYA is designed as a full holiday experience, with accommodation, dining, entertainment and leisure facilities available onboard.
Accommodation
Travellers can choose from different types of accommodation, including:
The ship has around
1,678 cabins, while its core capacity is approximately
3,362 guests.
Dining
Food is an important part of the AROYA experience, with a variety of restaurants and dining options designed to offer different cuisines and experiences.
This makes the cruise suitable for travellers who enjoy experiencing different flavours without having to leave the ship every day.
Entertainment
AROYA features entertainment spaces including theatres and live shows.
The cruise line describes its onboard offering as combining entertainment, dining and activities with destination experiences.
Family Facilities
Families can also find dedicated facilities onboard, including children's areas and a children's swimming pool.
The ship has separate swimming facilities for adults and children and a large dedicated children's area.
AROYA Cruises for Families
Cruises can be particularly convenient for families because accommodation, dining, entertainment and transportation between destinations are combined into one holiday.
AROYA offers facilities designed for different age groups, including children's spaces and family-friendly activities.
Families can enjoy:
- Children's entertainment
- Family-friendly facilities
- Swimming pools
- Multiple dining options
- Shore excursions
- Entertainment onboard
- Different cabin categories
For families considering a Middle Eastern cruise holiday, the combination of onboard activities and destination visits can make AROYA an interesting option.
AROYA Cruises for Couples
Couples looking for a different type of holiday can also explore AROYA itineraries.
A cruise can offer a balance between relaxing onboard and exploring a new destination almost every day.
A couple's cruise could include:
- Romantic dinners
- Evening entertainment
- Relaxing sea days
- Exploring coastal destinations
- Mediterranean ports
- Red Sea experiences
- Time onboard away from the usual routine
The exact experience will depend on the itinerary, cabin category and sailing date.
AROYA Cruise Destinations for UK Travellers
For travellers from the UK, one of the attractions of AROYA is the possibility of combining a cruise with a wider holiday in the region.
For example, travellers could potentially build a holiday around:
UK → Istanbul → AROYA Cruise → Mediterranean destinations → UK
or
UK → Saudi Arabia → Red Sea Cruise → Egypt/Jordan → UK
The most suitable route will depend on the cruise schedule and flight availability.
When Is the Best Time to Take an AROYA Cruise?
There isn't one single best time for every traveller because AROYA operates different seasonal programmes.
Red Sea
The Red Sea is generally associated with AROYA's Saudi-based operations, with cruises from Jeddah covering destinations across Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan during relevant seasonal periods.
Mediterranean
AROYA's 2026 Eastern Mediterranean season included cruises from Istanbul to destinations in Turkey, Greece and Egypt, with the summer programme running into September.
Arabian Gulf
AROYA also introduced Arabian Gulf cruises in 2026, although the initial season was cut short because of regional operational considerations. The company has subsequently planned future Gulf itineraries.
Because cruise schedules can change, travellers should always check the latest itinerary before booking.
What Makes AROYA Different?
AROYA's identity is closely connected to Saudi Arabia and Arabian-inspired hospitality.
Instead of simply replicating a conventional European cruise model, the cruise line aims to combine:
- Arabian culture
- International hospitality
- Modern cruise facilities
- Regional cuisine
- Entertainment
- Family experiences
- International destinations
The cruise line has also stated that it is continuing to refine its product based on guest feedback and traveller behaviour.
Is AROYA Cruises Suitable for a First-Time Cruiser?
For travellers who have never taken a cruise before, AROYA may be worth considering if they are interested in shorter itineraries.
AROYA has operated cruises ranging from approximately
three nights to seven nights, depending on the destination and season.
A shorter itinerary can allow first-time cruisers to experience:
- Life onboard a cruise ship
- Multiple destinations
- Cruise dining
- Entertainment
- Shore excursions
- Sea days
without committing to a very long voyage.
Planning Your AROYA Cruise Holiday From the UK
Before booking, UK travellers should consider several practical factors.
Check These Before Booking
- Cruise departure port
- Cruise duration
- Complete itinerary
- Cabin category
- What's included in the fare
- Flights to and from the departure port
- Airport transfers
- Visa requirements
- Travel insurance
- Shore excursions
- Port timings
- Any itinerary changes
AROYA also provides booking and visa-related information through its official website, while requirements can vary according to nationality and itinerary.
Book Your AROYA Cruise Holiday With 7Seas Holidays
AROYA Cruises offers a different perspective on cruising, combining Saudi Arabian hospitality, modern cruise facilities and destinations across the Red Sea and Mediterranean.
Whether you're planning a family holiday, a couple's getaway or simply want to discover a new cruise experience, AROYA could provide an alternative to the more familiar cruise brands.
At
7Seas Holidays, we can help you explore cruise options and build a holiday around your chosen itinerary, including flights and other travel arrangements where appropriate.
Ready to explore AROYA Cruises? Contact 7Seas Holidays to start planning your next cruise holiday.
