AROYA Cruises has partnered with the Saudi Tourism Authority (STA) and the Spanish company Major Sports Cruises to launch a new collaboration that combines luxury cruises, football passion and Saudi hospitality, centered around the Spanish Super Cup.
The agreement, formalized during a signing ceremony at STA headquarters in Riyadh, represents an important step in Saudi Arabia's efforts to diversify its tourism offerings and strengthen its reputation as a global destination for sporting and entertainment events, in line with the Kingdom's Vision 2030.
“This alliance represents a fundamental step in connecting international audiences with Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism landscape,” stated Dr. Joerg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises. “Together with our partners, we are creating an experience that combines the excitement of Spanish football with the discovery of Saudi Arabia and the warmth of Arab hospitality,” he added.
The integrated program will allow European visitors to attend the 2026 Spanish Super Cup in Jeddah and combine it with a trip on the Red Sea aboard the Aroya, Saudi Arabia's first national cruise ship.
Guests will begin their journey in Jeddah in early January 2026, participating in customized excursions organized by the STA in collaboration with local destination management companies and European tour operators.
The excursions will include guided tours of Jeddah's historic center, the Jeddah Waterfront promenade, and attendance at the Spanish Super Cup semi-finals, which will be held on January 7 and 8.
After the matches, passengers will embark on a cruise from Jeddah to Yanbu, from January 8 to 11.
Onboard activities will include interactive FIFA video game experiences, live commentary sessions, creative workshops, and wellness programs designed to combine sport, culture, and relaxation.
The trip will return to Jeddah on January 11 for the Spanish Super Cup final, where guests will enjoy a VIP experience and the opportunity to meet football legends.
Major Sports Cruises, specializing in football-themed cruises in Europe, will play a key role in adapting the program for an international audience. With its expertise in combining luxury travel with football culture, the company will support the introduction of European-style experiential sports tourism to the Middle East.
This collaboration reinforces Saudi Arabia's ambition to simultaneously develop its cruise and sports tourism sectors.
AROYA Cruises, operated by Cruise Saudi, is a key component of the Kingdom's goal to attract 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, positioning the Red Sea as a leading global destination.
Through this partnership, AROYA Cruises, STA and Major Sports Cruises seek to showcase the evolution of the Saudi tourism landscape, offering visitors a new way to experience the fusion of modern entertainment, cultural heritage and Arab hospitality.
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