Aroya Cruise officially set sail on its inaugural voyage on December 16, 2024, departing from the Port of Jeddah on a three-night Red Sea itinerary, and ever since it has become a go-to vacation option for Saudis and cruise enthusiasts from around the world.

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Earlier this summer I joined the cruise as it departed Istanbul’s storied port, before charting a seven-night course through the Mediterranean. This inaugural voyage into the Mediterranean blended the warmth of Arabic hospitality with the timeless allure of Europe, calling on four iconic stops: Athens, Mykonos, Chania and Bodrum, before returning to Istanbul for our final farewell.

Built to accommodate more than 4,000 guests, the ship spans 18 decks and houses 1,600 cabins. Each deck is thoughtfully designed to balance comfort and entertainment: an adult-only infinity pool crowns Deck 18, while a curated selection of upscale restaurants, cafés, boutique shops and sports facilities occupies the decks below. It’s a fully realised floating resort where every detail speaks to refined, Arab-inspired luxury.

The Itinerary

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Aroya Cruises launched its first Mediterranean season cruise on June 28, 2025. Departing from Galataport Istanbul aboard its flagship Aroya Manara vessel, this seven-night itinerary marked the Saudi cruise line’s debut in European waters, following a successful Red Sea season earlier in the year.

Athens

Our first port of call immerses passengers in mythology and history. A morning ascent of the Acropolis rewards with sweeping views of the Aegean-tinged city, followed by a wander through the winding alleys of Plaka. We paused for traditional Greek coffee before capping the day with gyros at Yeros—Athens’s answer to shawarma.

Mykonos

By sunrise we disembarked on Mykonos’s ivory-white shores, where aquamarine waves lap against sugar-cube houses. Strolling its narrow lanes and vibrant markets, we soaked in the island’s bohemian spirit and snapped photos at every turn.

Chania

Next, we crossed to western Crete’s Chania, a place of Venetian-era charm. Its Venetian harbor and cobbled streets blend simplicity with elegance, while nearby beaches rank among the world’s finest.

Bodrum

Our final stop was Turkey’s Bodrum, a seaside town that marries Mediterranean light with Anatolian flair. From its bustling bazaars to its lively marinas, Bodrum proved the perfect finale before we sailed back to Istanbul.

The Cabins

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With eleven distinct suite and villa categories, from the 38 square metre Dream Executive Suites and 43 square metre Palace Deluxe Suites, to colossal 163 square metre two-storey Khuzama Villas, alongside eight traditional cabin types (Interior, Seaview, Balcony and their ADA or Deluxe variants) the ship offers 1,678 staterooms ranging from interior sanctuaries to balcony cabins, and sprawling duplex villas.

Each cabin is well equipped with smart TVs, premium amenities and, in the Khuzama collection, guests will have access to a dedicated 24-hour butler service.

The Guests

Though 80% of guests hailed from abroad and just 20% from Saudi Arabia, Aroya’s interiors, music, menus and entertainment resonate with a distinctly Saudi soul. This harmonious blend of cultures showcases the Kingdom’s vision for world-class, culturally rooted tourism.

The Dining

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With 15 venues on board, Aroya Cruise delivers a dining portfolio that marries international flair with Saudi authenticity, ensuring every palate and craving is satisfied.

Irth, the first Saudi restaurant and cafe at sea, celebrates heritage dishes. Here you'll be able to indulge in authentic Saudi cuisine from jareesh, haneeth and saleeg, to fresh breads, and at the cafe you'll find Saudi coffee and mint-lemon juice to enjoy as you gaze across the Mediterranean.

Steak enthusiasts gravitate to Meast Steakhouse for dry-aged cuts, while The Fish Market lets you hand-pick local catches like najel, hamour or shaour from its ice display, served table-side in silver-service style. La Tavola transports you to an Italian trattoria with handmade pastas and herbs plucked from its onboard hydroponic garden, and Bamboo Kitchen stages live teppanyaki with dishes spanning across Asia, bringing the flavours of the Far East, straight to your plate. For families, Space Diner adds a playful twist to American-style dining, with “astro-burger” sliders, “meteorite” mac & cheese and galaxy-themed milkshakes inspired by Saudi’s space ambitions. Whilst Layalina brings Levantine warmth to life on board the cruiseliner, through mezzes, manakish and nightly oud performances.

Casual options are abundant: Amwaj Buffet & Terrace offers global spreads at breakfast and dinner, Al Matal Lounge pairs panoramic sea vistas with Saudi, Moroccan and English teas, and Legends Sports Lounge streams live games over mezze. Fourteen cafés and kiosks — think Blend Café’s specialty coffees, Aroya Creperie’s sweet crêpes and the Choco Bar’s artisanal chocolates — ensure every palate is catered to.

And exclusive to Khuzama guests, the Khuzama Restaurant fuses Saudi and French cuisine in a rotating, seven-day menu, while the private Khuzama Lounge delivers light bites and pastries around the clock, all set to live music for a truly VIP experience.

Wellness & Relaxation

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From the moment you step onto the expansive 18th deck, where an infinity pool frames uninterrupted sea vistas, Aroya invites you to surrender to pure leisure and renewal.

After an early-morning swim to start your day on the right foot, I recommend heading to the fully equipped fitness centre, with an exception selection of cardio and strength machines, free weights and a yoga pavilion overlooking the water, this will be a sanctuary for anyone like me who always incorporates the gym into their daily routine. If you're looking for some pampering, there is an the onboard barber, in addition to a beauty salon and aesthetics clinic standing ready to make sure you feel and look your best before your next port.

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For an ultra relaxing experience the signature spa beckons with a menu that spans from deep-tissue massages, reflexology to bespoke wellness rituals. Each treatment harnesses the essence of local ingredients, sea-mineral salt wraps, date-seed exfoliations and citrus-infused body oils, so that every ritual feels rooted in the both Saudi and the Mediterranean’s natural bounty.

Throughout the ship, hidden alcoves and reading nooks, in addition to private cabanas by the pool offer guests peaceful retreats for quiet reflection, letting you simply watch the horizon glide by as you relax and recharge.

An Ideal Family Escape

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Designed for families seeking variety and hassle-free travel around Europe, Aroya Cruises is a great option. Transforming every day into an adventure by docking at a new port, there is plenty to keep the entire family entertained and interested.

The kids can experience a wide variety of vibrant play zones, splash in the family pool and dive into water activities, while parents unwind in relaxing lounges and cafes, or into the evening enjoy enthralling entertainment in the form of live shows and musical performances. Each activity and destination will craft unforgettable memories for all ages, that will last a lifetime.

With a selection of suites and villas that allow for large family living, in addition to connected cabins, there are plenty of options that will

Looking Ahead

After its Mediterranean season wraps, the Aroya Manara will return to the Red Sea in mid-September. The Saudi Arabian cruise line has already unveiled ambitious and exciting plans to expand its fleet and introduce longer itineraries, including an incredible 30-day voyage that will take guests from Jeddah's Red Sea through to the sparkling aquamarine waters of the Maldives and Indonesia.

However, this summer, there are two weekly Mediterranean routes which invite travellers to hop aboard. Choose between the Greek Islands tour (Schengen visa required) or the Turkish Coast & Alexandria (which is visa-free for Saudis). Prices start at SAR 2,499 for the Greek itinerary and SAR 1,999 for the Turkey & Alexandria voyage.

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