Published on
September 11, 2025
Aroya Cruises has successfully completed its inaugural season in the Eastern Mediterranean, offering seven-night voyages to some of the most iconic destinations in Greece, Türkiye, and Egypt. Debuting in late June 2025, the cruise line, part of the Arabian travel brand, introduced its flagship ship, the Aroya, to the region, marking a significant milestone for tourism in these Mediterranean countries. As the season concludes, Aroya Cruises prepares to reposition the vessel for a new journey to Saudi Arabia in September 2025, solidifying its growing presence in global tourism and travel.
Aroya’s Mediterranean Journey: Connecting Iconic Destinations
During its debut season, the Aroya sailed from Istanbul’s Galataport Cruise Terminal every weekend, taking guests on an unforgettable journey through the stunning landscapes of the Greek Isles, Egypt, and Türkiye. The seven-night itineraries included popular stops such as Mykonos, Rhodes, Piraeus, Kaş, Marmaris, Alexandria, and Bodrum. The cruise line’s unique offering, centered around Saudi hospitality, culture, and design, attracted over twenty thousand guests from across the globe, providing a glimpse into the fusion of Arabian influences and Mediterranean charm.
For tourists, the Aroya Cruises’ maiden season provided a fresh, luxury experience on the Mediterranean, with an emphasis on comfort, cultural immersion, and world-class service. The ship’s itinerary showcased Greece’s coastal beauty, Türkiye’s vibrant port cities, and Egypt’s historical sites, all while emphasizing the rich cultural ties between these regions and the Arabian Peninsula.
Aroya Cruises Set to Transition to Saudi Arabia
As Aroya Cruises wraps up its Mediterranean season, the Aroya will embark on an eight-night repositioning voyage to Saudi Arabia on September 12, 2025. The journey will take passengers through the Suez Canal, visiting destinations such as Kuşadası, Bodrum, Port Suez, and Sharm El Sheikh, before finally arriving in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. This move highlights the growing demand for luxury cruises in the Middle East and aligns with the company’s goal to further integrate itself into the regional tourism landscape.
The upcoming Saudi Arabian debut will mark a new chapter for Aroya Cruises, which plans to offer even more Middle Eastern tourism experiences with a focus on the region’s cultural heritage, hospitality, and modern developments. Jeddah, being a key city for tourism in Saudi Arabia, will benefit greatly from this new influx of luxury travelers arriving from the Mediterranean and beyond.
Aroya’s Return to the Mediterranean in 2026 and 2027
Looking ahead, Aroya Cruises plans to return to the Mediterranean in 2026. The vessel will begin operations in Istanbul in early June, following a repositioning voyage from Jeddah. The itinerary will feature visits to Sharm El Sheikh, Port Sokhna, Antalya, and Bodrum, bringing even more tourists to Türkiye and Egypt. The return of the Aroya to these iconic tourism destinations signals the cruise line’s long-term commitment to the region and the growing demand for high-end Mediterranean cruises.
In 2027, the cruise line will further expand its presence in Türkiye with an extended season, offering more frequent departures and new experiences for tourists. This continued growth reflects the increasing popularity of cruise tourism in the Eastern Mediterranean, with destinations like Greece, Egypt, and Türkiye drawing millions of international visitors each year.
Aroya’s Refurbishment: A Luxury Cruise Experience for Global Travelers
The Aroya, a 2017-built vessel, underwent a comprehensive refurbishment before its debut in 2024. This extensive overhaul included the redesign of ninety-five percent of the ship’s public areas and staterooms, ensuring that passengers would experience a modern, luxurious atmosphere during their cruise. The vessel’s updated facilities include spacious cabins, refined dining options, and sophisticated public spaces that reflect the modern design and cultural influences of the Arabian Peninsula.
For tourists seeking luxury cruising in the Mediterranean and the Middle East, Aroya Cruises offers an exceptional experience that combines comfort, world-class service, and the ability to explore some of the most sought-after destinations in the world. With its expanding fleet and global itinerary, Aroya Cruises is set to become a prominent player in the cruise tourism market, connecting travelers to iconic cities and unexplored gems across the Mediterranean and Middle East.
A Growing Force in Global Tourism
As Aroya Cruises completes its inaugural Mediterranean season, the company’s expansion into new tourism marketsdemonstrates the growing appeal of luxury expedition cruising. With plans to return to the Mediterranean in 2026 and extend its operations in Saudi Arabia, Aroya Cruises is set to make a significant impact on global tourism. Whether sailing to Greece, Egypt, Türkiye, or Saudi Arabia, passengers are invited to explore these destinations in style and comfort, with a focus on cultural immersion, exceptional service, and the luxury of modern cruising.
Image Credit: AROYA Cruises
