Travel & Stay

A private island unveiled as a stop for Saudi's first cruise liner

The exclusive island destination in the Red Sea will be available to AROYA passengers only, and will feature a beach club with private villas and sunbeds to accommodate thousands of guests

BY /
10 October 24
A private island unveiled as a stop for Saudi's first cruise liner

Saudi's first cruise line will set sail in December, and just this week it was announced that passengers will be able to visit an exclusive, private island in the Red Sea.

Aroya Cruise Ship
Aroya Cruise Ship
2024-05%2FAroya+Cruises+Saudi+Cruise

The yet-to-be-named private island is under construction, and will be the first of its kind in the Kingdom. With ample berths and large piers to accommodate colossal cruise vessels, the island will offer a range of exciting land and sea excursions for visitors to enjoy during their day-long stopovers. 

Both the AROYA cruise-liner and the new private island are scheduled to launch in tandem this December, marking a significant milestone for Saudi Arabia's tourism industry, and a new foray into cruising. Supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), under Cruise Saudi, this development and project aligns with the government's ambitious goal of attracting 1.3 million cruise ship passengers by 2035, creating 50,000 jobs in the sector.

Clear Water in Jazan-Farasan-Saudi Tourism Authority

The private island destination in the Red Sea will include a welcome centre, and have a central dining area with plenty of options, in addition to a luxury beach club with private day-villas, and sunbeds. The island and its amenities will be able to accommodate up to 2,000 guests at once. 

Commenting on the launch of the island, Barbara Buczek, Cruise Saudi’s Chief Destination Experiences Officer, said: “The creation of this new cruise destination in the Red Sea marks an exciting step in the development of Saudi’s cruise industry. We look forward to welcoming cruise lines and their passengers to experience authentic Saudi hospitality, culture and activities in the heart of the Red Sea."

AROYA Cruises' maiden voyage set to depart in December

In just a few weeks, on December 16, the maiden voyage of Saudi Arabia's new line AROYA Cruises is set to depart from Jeddah on an itinerary that includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan.

Leaving port in Jeddah, scheduled December itineraries include 'Exploring the Red Sea's Charm', a three night tour of the Red Sea including a stop on the AROYA Cruises private island. And the 'A World of Discoveries' tour will take guests on a four day trip on the Red Sea, with a stop in Egypt's Sharm el Sheikh beach resort area.

Future routes will expand into the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea, with guests enjoying the Khuzama experience — an exclusive hotel-style luxury concept with high-end, tranquil spaces focused on relaxation and luxury.

With a name that combines the words "Arabian" and "Roya" (meaning vision or dream), AROYA Cruises aims to offer Saudi nationals, expats and regional guests the opportunity to explore the Kingdom's sparkling coastlines by sea.

The cruise line is dedicated to showcasing local experiences, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage, natural landscapes and renowned hospitality.


Prices start from SAR 1055 pp,
Book your trip here

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