Author: Jay Taylor

Cruises From Mediterranean Sea Persian Gulf Red Sea
Tags: Arabian Gulf, Cruises from Persian Gulf, Cruises from Red Sea, Cruises Mediterranean Sea, Cruises Persian Gulf, Cruises Red Sea, Mediterranean Sea, Persian Gulf, Red Sea

The first ship of AROYA Cruises, a new line operated by Cruise Saudi, will look familiar to Norwegian Cruise Line passengers.

While the vessel is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, it is part of Norwegian Cruise Line’s Breakaway class.

AROYA Cruises Reveals First Ship

AROYA Cruises in Arabic,
Aroya Cruises in English newest ship has been unveiled, boasting a length of 335 meters (1,099 feet) and 19 decks with 1,682 staterooms.

The ship’s new name for AROYA Cruises has not been officially announced, but shipyard data indicates the name is Aroya Manara. Cruise Saudi purchased the vessel in early 2023 and is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment at Meyer Werft in Bremerhaven, Germany.

To redefine Arabian holidays and bring luxury cruising to the region, the ship is currently undergoing a refit for Arabian tastes and preferences.

“We are delighted to welcome the new year with the unveiling of our first AROYA Cruises ship,” Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said. Creating a world-class cruise industry in Saudi, as well as offering new ways to holiday for locals, is a significant milestone for Cruise Saudi. We look forward to welcoming the first passengers on board.”

AROYA Cruises Reveals First Ship Continued

Among the ship’s dining options will be an “eclectic” range as well as “a truly Arabian hospitality experience that reflects the warm and welcoming values of Saudi culture.”

If booked at double occupancy, the new ship can accommodate 3,364 guests as well as 1,600 crew. In addition to world-class spa facilities and karaoke rooms, the ship also features a large shopping mall with high-end international brands, an “Amazing Sailors Zone” for young cruisers, and a pool for adults and children.

The Aroya cruise ship will include 17 restaurants as well as a water park with five slides, a splash zone for kids, and exclusive spaces for women including a pool, gym, thermal spa, and separate prayer room.

Two onboard theaters are of particular interest, one for world-class production shows and another for unique dinner shows. For guests to learn more about the phenomenal cruise ship, the “Bridge Simulation Experience” is sure to be a fun activity.

In the months leading up to her inaugural voyage, additional details about the ship will be revealed.

When Will Aroya Cruises Set Sail?

Aroya Manara has not officially announced its debut date, but it has confirmed that it will launch sometime in 2024. According to the cruise line’s website, August 26, 2024, is listed as a “refurbishment date” and may indicate that the ship has been delivered to the line, that the refurbishment has been completed, or that it will be sailing for the first time.

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, is the first port for the ship. Despite not being confirmed, itineraries are expected to include outstanding ports in the region, such as Yanbu and Dammam, which Cruise Saudi manages and promotes for tourism. There may also be additional destinations in the Arabian Gulf, the Red Sea, and the Mediterranean included in other itineraries.

The very name of the cruise line – AROYA – combines the words “Arabian” and “roya” which means vision or dream, combining the best of Arabian culture and hospitality with the dream of providing an incredible cruise experience for every traveler that reflects the values of inspiration, enrichment, generosity, and respect.

Aroya Cruises Destinations

Discover the Red Sea: A Premier Cruise Destination

The Red Sea is a breathtaking waterway of the Indian Ocean, uniquely positioned as a natural border between the continents of Africa and Asia. More than just a line on a map, it’s a vibrant destination filled with history, unparalleled natural beauty, and adventure. A Red Sea cruise offers one of the most remarkable ways to explore this legendary region, providing access to diverse cultures and some of the most spectacular underwater ecosystems on the planet. For those planning ahead, Red Sea cruises 2026 are already promising itineraries that blend relaxation, exploration, and unforgettable experiences.

A Geographic & Geological Marvel

The Red Sea occupies a special place on the globe, connected to the wider ocean in the south via the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden. To its north, it famously links to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, one of the world’s most critical maritime passages.

• Bordering Nations: The sea’s waters touch upon a fascinating collection of countries.
  • African Coast: Egypt, Sudan, and Eritrea.
  • Asian Coast: Saudi Arabia and Yemen.
  • Northern Gulf of Aqaba: Extends the sea’s reach to the coastlines of Israel and Jordan.
• A Sea in the Making: The Red Sea is a geologically young and dynamic body of water. It lies within the Red Sea Rift, an active part of the Great Rift Valley where the African and Arabian tectonic plates are slowly pulling apart. This ongoing separation process is what gives the sea its incredible underwater topography of deep trenches and volcanic sea mounts, creating a perfect environment for marine life to flourish.

An Unrivaled Underwater Paradise

When you cruise Red Sea waters, you are sailing over one of the world’s richest marine treasures. Its high levels of salinity and consistently warm temperatures have fostered an ecosystem of incredible diversity and resilience.

• Vibrant Coral Reefs: The Red Sea is home to extensive coral reef systems stretching for thousands of kilometers. These reefs are renowned for their health and vibrancy, hosting over 200 species of both hard and soft corals.
• Exceptional Biodiversity: It is a diver’s dream destination, with over 1,200 recorded species of fish, of which nearly 20% are endemic, meaning they can be found nowhere else on Earth. It’s common to spot dolphins, sea turtles, and a dazzling array of colorful reef fish.
• World-Class Diving and Snorkeling: The geological features create legendary dive sites, many of which are accessible on Red Sea cruises. The clear, warm water provides exceptional visibility, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced divers.

A Rich Tapestry of History and Culture

The Red Sea has been a vital artery for commerce and cultural exchange for thousands of years, linking ancient civilizations and serving as a key route for the spice trade. From the pharaonic expeditions of ancient Egypt to its prominent role in biblical narratives, the region is steeped in a history that continues to fascinate travelers and historians alike. Exploring this area is truly a journey back in time.