AROYA Cruises Sets Sail for the Red Sea: 2025-2026 Season Announcement

The Aroya ship is set to return to the Red Sea for its 2025-2026 season following a successful inaugural summer season in the Mediterranean. This deployment strategy aims to enhance the brand’s presence in both regional and international waters, marking a pivotal expansion beyond its original routes since launching in 2023.

During the summer, Aroya operated from Galataport Istanbul, successfully transporting over 20,000 passengers on routes that linked Turkey, the Greek Isles, and Alexandria. The Mediterranean season ends on September 12 with an 8-night repositioning journey from Istanbul to Jeddah, stopping at various ports including Kusadası, Bodrum, the Suez Canal, and Sharm El Sheikh. Once in Jeddah, the ship will start a new series of cruises in the Red Sea.

Commencing on September 20 and continuing throughout the shoulder months of 2026, Aroya’s new Red Sea campaign will feature cruises lasting 3, 4, and 5 nights. Ports included in the itineraries will be the private Jabal Al Sabaya Island, Egypt’s Safaga—designated a secondary homeport—Sharm El Sheikh, and for the first time, Marsa Alam, introducing more embarkation options directly from Egypt.

Additionally, the schedule includes 7-night roundtrips from new homeports in Doha (Qatar), Dubai (UAE), and Dammam (Saudi Arabia), targeting both regional passengers looking for quick getaways and international travelers eager to explore the Red Sea.

Dr. Joerg Rudolph, the president of AROYA, highlighted the Mediterranean season as a major milestone, attracting guests from various regions. He anticipates that the upcoming Red Sea voyages will be enriched by local cultures, landscapes, and Arabian hospitality, promising memorable experiences for both new and returning passengers.

AROYA Cruises, a part of Cruise Saudi under Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, was established in June 2023 as a facet of the Vision 2030 tourism diversification initiative. The Aroya ship has been tailored to cater to regional preferences with 1,678 cabins, Arabic services, halal dining, and family-friendly amenities, reflecting a commitment to Arabian hospitality.

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