Introduction
A brand-new name is about to appear on departure boards across the Eastern Mediterranean: Aroya Cruises. The Saudi-backed cruise line has just sailed its 3,400-passenger flagship, Aroya, into Istanbul for a short round of maintenance before welcoming its first paying guests later this month.
Who Is Aroya Cruises?
Launched under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, Aroya Cruises is part of the kingdom’s ambitious strategy to diversify its tourism sector. Until now, the line has focused on sailings out of Jeddah along the Red Sea. Crossing the Suez Canal and repositioning to Turkey marks its first foray into the broader international cruise market.
The Ship at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Passenger Capacity | 3,400 |
| Crew | ~1,400 |
| Tonnage | 115,000 GT |
| Notable Amenities | Waterpark, dual-level spa, panoramic aft pool, Arabic-inspired specialty dining |
Why the Eastern Mediterranean?
The Eastern Med has bounced back quickly since pandemic shutdowns. Ports such as Istanbul, Kusadasi, Mykonos, and Santorini have reported double-digit growth in cruise calls for 2024. Aroya’s arrival taps into that resurgence while introducing a Middle Eastern brand to predominantly European itineraries.
Planned Itineraries
- 7-Night "Turquoise Coast" – Istanbul, Mykonos, Rhodes, Antalya, Kusadasi, Istanbul
- 10-Night "Holy Lands" – Istanbul, Limassol, Haifa (for Jerusalem), Alexandria, Kusadasi, Istanbul
- Weekend "Bosphorus Getaway" – Istanbul overnight stay, Black Sea cruising, return
Aroya is also courting regional travelers with Arabic-language entertainment and halal-certified cuisine, a first for many Eastern Med sailings.
Competitive Landscape
While giants like MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean already dominate the area, Aroya’s niche—Middle Eastern hospitality coupled with modern hardware—could carve out loyal repeat guests. The move also hints at heightened competition for port slots in Istanbul, which recently expanded Galataport to accommodate mega-ships.
Tips for Prospective Passengers
- Expect shoulder-season bargains. As a newcomer, Aroya will likely offer promotional pricing to build awareness.
- Check visa rules. Turkish e-visas are straightforward, but Greek islands and Israel each have separate requirements.
- Pack for variable weather. Spring and fall itineraries can swing from 60°F evenings in Istanbul to 80°F afternoons in Rhodes.
What This Means for the Cruise Industry
Aroya’s Mediterranean debut signals growing south-to-north traffic—ships home-ported in the Gulf venturing into Europe rather than the traditional reverse. Industry analysts see it as a step toward a truly year-round Red Sea–Mediterranean circuit, boosting tourism revenue for ports on both ends.
Looking Ahead
After the summer, the Aroya is expected to reposition back to Jeddah, offering winter Red Sea cruises. Success in the Mediterranean could accelerate plans for additional ships, rumored to be under negotiation with European shipyards.
Source: Cruise Industry News
