Sponsored By

Bookings open for Aroya’s first ever voyages

Bookings have opened for Cruise Saudi’s Aroya Cruises - the first cruise line in Saudi Arabia.

Holly Payne, Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

May 15, 2024

2 Min Read
Credit: Seatrade Cruise News

Voyages are available to purchase via the Aroya Cruises website from SAR 558 per person, per night. These include shorter three- and four-night Red Sea voyages roundtrip from Jeddah, taking in the arts, culture and heritage of Jeddah itself, a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city. The shorter journey involves a trip to a private island where passengers can observe fertile lands and mountains before swimming in turquoise waters to see vibrant coral reefs. 

Longer sailings from Jeddah are also available: The six-night ‘The Legacy of the Desert and the Waves’ itinerary includes Sharm el Sheikh, Egypt and Aqaba for Petra, Jordan. The seven-night ‘From the Shores to a World of Wonders’ itinerary includes these destinations, plus Ain Sokhna for Cairo, Egypt. 

The inaugural sailings are scheduled in the Red Sea for December. The vessel – the former World Dream of Genting Hong Kongtemporarily renamed Manara – is currently undergoing an upgrade at Bredo Dry Docks in Bremerhaven, Germany.

‘The launch of our cruise line to commercial markets is an important milestone for both Aroya Cruises and for the tourism landscape in Saudi,’ said Joerg Rudolph, president, Aroya Cruises. ‘We are thrilled that the public can now book sailings with us as we strive to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia.’ 

He added, ‘We have been steadfast in our mission to create a remarkably Arabian cruise line offering for guests at sea and onshore, commercially, and sustainably, and we look forward to sharing this with our passengers.’ 

Aroya’s first ship

The vessel, measuring 335 m in length, can accommodate 3,362 passengers, comprising 1,678 cabins, including balcony and sea view cabins, suites, and villas. 

The ship has 20 entertainment venues over 18 decks that will bring passengers an array of experiences, from shopping in the Souq Aroya retail area to performances in the 1,018-seater Aroya Theatre, which will feature headline entertainment, movies and dedicated shows for children. 

Families can connect in the atrium area which will host gathering hubs and variety acts; the 1,858 sqm kids zone has a splash area equipped with water slides. 

Dining

Five complimentary restaurants, 11 speciality restaurants, and 12 cafés and lounges can be found on board. A wide variety of food and beverage options from across the globe will be offered, including Lebanese, Italian and Asian. Amongst these dining outlets is IRTH, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, featuring traditional Arabian dining.

Wellness

The ‘Blossom by Aroya’ spa will focus on immersion of the five senses - sound, sight, taste, aroma and touch. Facilities include a thermal suite, snow room, relaxation room and treatment room, as well as a beauty clinic, beauty salon, men’s barbers and gym.

For an elevated offering, the Aroya VIP package provides exclusive designated areas for a premium experience, with spacious accommodation, outdoor lounges and exceptional dining and superior amenities and services. 

Read more about:

Aroya Cruises

About the Author

Holly Payne

Editor Video Production and Deputy Editor

Holly is Deputy Editor, Seatrade Cruise Review & Seatrade Cruise News and has experience managing a range of highly successful international business and consumer titles. With a flair for video reporting and a history of overseas work documenting people and places of diverse cultures, Holly brings a variety of skills to the Seatrade Cruise portfolio.

Holly’s academic credentials include oral and written Arabic language skills (intermediate-advanced), an MA Multimedia Journalism with NCTJ accreditation, and a BA (Hons) Degree in Classical and Archaeological Studies with English and American Literature.

 

The latest cruise news, analysis and more straight to your inbox
Get the free newsletter read by industry experts

You May Also Like