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‘ 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.”
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
Persian Gulf, Also Known As the Arabian Gulf
- Dammam
- Dubai
- Muscat
- Salalah
Red Sea
- Jeddah
- Safaga
- Ain Al Sokhna
- Al Aqaba
Mediterranean Sea
- Spain
- France
- Italy
- Greece
- Turkey
- Egypt
- Morocco