As a first-time cruiser with AROYA Cruises, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect but the experience proved unlike any vacation I’ve taken. It felt like stepping into a new chapter of Red Sea travel while enjoying the comforts of a world-class getaway. More than a typical holiday, it felt like being part of something fresh, exciting, and meaningful from the very beginning.
Even before boarding AROYA, during check-in at the Khuzama Lounge, it was clear this wasn’t another cruise line replicating the familiar Mediterranean or Caribbean formula. From the design details to the hospitality style, everything felt thoughtfully rooted in Saudi culture while remaining modern and globally appealing.
Aroya and Its History
AROYA Cruises, launched in 2023, is the first Arabian cruise line and part of Saudi Arabia’s broader tourism push under Vision 2030. Operating under Cruise Saudi, a Public Investment Fund-backed company, the brand aims to position the Kingdom as a premier cruise destination while delivering an experience tailored to regional preferences.
The name “AROYA” (“Ar” for Arabian and “Roya,” meaning vision) reflects authenticity and heritage, a spirit that carries throughout the onboard journey. The cruise line’s Remarkably Arabian concept blends family-oriented entertainment, culturally mindful dining, and itineraries showcasing the Red Sea’s emerging destinations and beyond.
My Onboard Experience
The ship is spacious and beautifully renovated, merging contemporary luxury with Arabian-inspired touches. Across 19 decks, AROYA offers a wide range of experiences spanning entertainment, dining, wellness, retail, and relaxation. The vessel features 1,678 cabins and suites accommodating up to 3,362 guests. I joined one of AROYA’s Red Sea Experience sailings from Jeddah to Safaga (Hurghada), Egypt, and back—a 5-day, 4-night journey.
During the voyage, I experienced AROYA’s signature VIP offering, Khuzama, an elevated sanctuary at sea. This exclusive enclave includes 145 elegant suites and nine expansive villas—among them one Royal Villa and two Presidential Villas. Guests enjoy panoramic ocean views, dedicated butler service, private dining, and exclusive spa and lounge access, all designed for a seamless and discreet escape.
Beyond Khuzama Restaurant and Lounge, guests can explore 12 onboard restaurants and 17 lounges and cafés. Complimentary venues such as Amwaj Buffet, Amwaj Terrace, and Al Waha sit alongside specialty concepts including Irth (Saudi), La Tavola (Italian), Bamboo Kitchen (Asian), Space Diner (American) and more. Live entertainment at the Lebanese restaurant Layalina added an extra layer of atmosphere, while casual stops like the Creperie, Blend Bar, Coral Creamery, Choco Bar, and Boba Bay kept indulgences close at hand.
Entertainment struck a lively yet balanced note. Live music, theatrical productions, and family-friendly programming created a warm, energetic atmosphere without overwhelming the experience. Unlike some cruises that lean heavily into nightlife, AROYA feels more community-centered and relaxed. Highlights included the welcome festivities, Phil Knight Concert, Arabian Nights, and Ho Yamal, all staged in the ship’s impressive theater.
For quieter moments, AROYA’s wellness and sports facilities offer welcome retreat. The Blossom Spa features an extensive menu of revitalizing treatments and holistic therapies, alongside advanced aesthetic services. I even had an introduction to acupuncture. The thermal suite is equally impressive, with an infrared sauna, steam room, and multiple pools and tubs designed for full-body relaxation.
One of the most memorable moments, however, was wonderfully simple: standing on my suite balcony as the sun dipped below the horizon, the Red Sea stretching endlessly ahead. In that stillness, time seemed to slow.
Exploring the Shores
Shore excursions (or Shorex) were another standout. Thoughtfully curated and culturally immersive, each experience felt genuinely connected to its destination.
While the itinerary included relaxing beach options in Safaga and Hurghada, I chose the longer overland journey to Luxor. Visiting the cradle of ancient civilization had long been a dream, and AROYA made the experience seamless. Despite the three-hour drive, the journey was comfortable, and arriving in Luxor felt surreal—like stepping into living history.
In four remarkable hours, I explored the vast Karnak Temple, stood before the majestic Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut, and wandered through the legendary Valley of the Kings. Each site carried a profound sense of wonder, with monumental columns, intricate carvings, and stories spanning millennia.
The experience was intense, inspiring, and deeply memorable. What began as a cruise excursion became the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.
What Makes Aroya Unique
What stands out most about AROYA is its strong sense of identity. This isn’t simply a cruise line operating in the region—it’s one designed for it. The hospitality feels personal, and the service attentive without excess formality.
While deeply rooted in Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea, AROYA Cruises is already expanding across the Arabian Gulf and Eastern Mediterranean, broadening its reach while staying true to its regional DNA.
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