Jeddah, 20 April 2025 (22 Shawwal 1446H)

Aroya Cruises, the first Arab company specializing in cruise tourism and a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi, which is owned by the Public Investment Fund, has announced the launch of its first Mediterranean voyages starting 21 June, a strategic expansion move following the success of its Red Sea sailings.

The new voyages will depart from Galataport in Istanbul, which will serve as the main home port for the route. Destinations include some of the most beautiful coastal cities in Turkey and Greece: Bodrum, Marmaris, Kas, Kusadasi, Athens, Mykonos, Crete, Rhodes, Izmir and Fethiye. The seven-night voyages will offer a full maritime experience reflecting Arab hospitality and the Kingdom's rich culture.

From the Red Sea to the World

The announcement follows the success of Aroya Cruises' first Red Sea season, which concluded in December 2024 to strong demand, offering a refined tourism experience with a Saudi character that combined entertainment with authentic hospitality, cementing the company's position as a key player in the region's cruise industry.

Saudi Arabia on the Global Tourism Map

Dr. Jorg Rudolf, CEO of Aroya Cruises, expressed pride in the expansion, noting that the Mediterranean voyages extend the company's vision of offering a global Arab tourism model that reflects Saudi hospitality culture and meets the expectations of travelers seeking luxury and cultural diversity.

A Strategic Partnership with Istanbul

Ilhan Sipahi, CEO of Galataport, welcomed the port's selection as Aroya Cruises' main launch point, saying the partnership marks a significant boost for Turkey's cruise sector and strengthens tourism and economic ties between the Kingdom and the region.

Toward a Globally Recognized Arab Maritime Tourism Identity

The move reflects the Kingdom's ambition to become a global hub for maritime tourism by offering luxury experiences inspired by Saudi heritage, as part of the Saudi Vision 2030 strategy to grow the tourism sector and diversify income sources.