Cruise Saudi, a 100 per cent Public Investment Fund (PIF) owned business, and a pioneering force in the development of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry, announced the launch of its owned cruise line, AROYA Cruises.
AROYA Cruises hosted an exclusive event for its trade partners to celebrate achieving a new milestone, and the anticipated date to set sail in December 2024.
The event, held in Riyadh, brought together key partners and influential figures from the travel and tourism industry to celebrate this significant milestone for AROYA Cruises.
"By launching the first Arabian Cruise line that leads the way in elevating joyful and memorable experiences for guests at sea and onshore, commercially and sustainably, we aim to reinvent the meaning of holidays in Arabia," said Dr Joerg Rudolph, AROYA Cruises president, speaking at its partners launch program in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Rudolph told Arab News: "This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi, in line with Vision 2030.”
Combining the words “Arabian” and “Roya” (meaning vision or dream), AROYA Cruises will offer Saudi nationals, expatriates, and regional guests a unique opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia’s stunning coastlines from the sea.
With a commitment to showcasing Arabian experiences, AROYA Cruises will reflect the country's rich cultural heritage, natural beauty, and warm hospitality, providing an immersive journey, designed and tailored to reflect its brand values of inspiration, enrichment, generosity and respect.
AROYA Cruises is committed to offering passengers an exceptional experience with the highest standard of service, premium facilities, and shore excursions culminating in a unique offering in the region.
AROYA Cruises will be operating as an autonomous brand within the Cruise Saudi portfolio, aiming to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences.
While AROYA Cruises operates within the Cruise Saudi portfolio, it runs as a separate business unit with an independent operational and management team based in Jeddah. The cruise line supports Cruise Saudi’s broader objectives, including welcoming 1.3 million cruise visitors annually by 2035, creating 50,000 direct and indirect jobs in Saudi’s tourism sector, and contributing to the growth of Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry in line with Vision 2030.
Scheduled to embark on its maiden voyage in the Red Sea on December 16, 2024, AROYA Cruises will offer itineraries departing from Jeddah, with destinations including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. Future voyages will expand to the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean Sea, providing guests with the opportunity to explore a variety of breathtaking locations across the region.
One of AROYA Cruises’ distinctive offerings is the Khuzama experience, a luxurious onboard concept designed to immerse travelers in the elegance and serenity of Arabian hospitality. Khuzama will feature tranquil, high-end facilities where comfort and relaxation take center stage, offering a unique blend of modern luxury and deep-rooted cultural experiences.
"With pride, we introduce Khuzama, where you will experience Arabian luxury at the heart of the sea," said Ala Tashkandi, Sales Director at AROYA Cruises, during the partner launch event.
While AROYA Cruises operates as an independent entity, Cruise Saudi is the leading entity for the development of Saudi Arabia’s cruise industry.
Since its inception, Cruise Saudi has successfully welcomed over 300,000 passengers as part of its efforts to position Saudi Arabia as a global cruise destination. With a focus on building both onshore and offshore infrastructure, Cruise Saudi is working closely with regulatory authorities and international partners to ensure a seamless cruise experience.
Cruise Saudi’s ongoing efforts include the development of state-of-the-art cruise terminals in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam, along with the creation of premium shore excursions. These efforts aim to attract international cruise lines to include Saudi Arabia as a port of call, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage, history, and natural wonders.
