AROYA Cruises presents details of its inaugural season in the Arabian Gulf, which will begin in February 2026, marking the entry of the region's first Arabian cruise line into Gulf itineraries.
Presented by AROYA, a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund, the program represents a significant expansion of Saudi Arabia's ambitions in the cruise sector, beyond the Red Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The season will run from February 21 to May 8, 2026, offering a wide range of itineraries from two to seven nights, and the program combines established cruise ports with destinations that have had more limited exposure to cruise tourism.
The voyages will depart from multiple ports along the Arabian Gulf, allowing passengers to embark and disembark at various points in the region. Ports of call during the season include Dubai, Dammam, Doha, and Abu Dhabi, as well as Muscat in Oman and the natural landscapes of Khasab and Sir Bani Yas Island.
The itineraries are designed to appeal to both regional and international markets, with a focus on short and medium-length cruises connecting major Gulf cities with more remote coastal destinations.
“The launch of our Arabian Gulf season is a key milestone in our commitment to developing a robust cruise ecosystem in the region,” said Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi and interim chairman of AROYA Cruises. “This season marks a turning point, positioning AROYA Cruises as the first cruise line to unite the Red Sea, the Eastern Mediterranean, and the Arabian Gulf under one unique and authentically Arabian experience.”.
“This strategic expansion reinforces Saudi Arabia’s position as a pioneering and emerging global hub for the cruise industry, while highlighting the Arabian Gulf as a must-see destination,” he added. “Beyond introducing new itineraries, we are sharing Saudi Arabia’s unique culture, warmth, and hospitality with new audiences and destinations.”.
“By offering multiple embarkation points, we make it easier than ever for guests to explore the treasures of the region aboard a cruise line that is authentically Arabian at its core.”.
The first seven-night voyage of the season is scheduled to set sail on February 21, 2026, departing from Dubai and stopping in Khasab, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Doha, before concluding on Sir Bani Yas Island.
Throughout the season, additional itineraries of varying durations will be introduced, with port combinations designed to suit diverse preferences and travel times.
Onboard, AROYA Cruises positions its product around Saudi cultural references and traditions of hospitality. A central element of this approach is Hafawa, a Saudi philosophy of hospitality that emphasizes personalized attention and proactive service.
The ship's program includes regional entertainment and dining options, along with international dining and leisure activities. A premium accommodation category, Khuzama VIP, offers suites and villas with exclusive dining spaces and personalized butler service.
The deployment in the Arabian Gulf represents AROYA Cruises' second sustained operation outside the Red Sea, following its season in the Eastern Mediterranean during the summer, and is part of a broader strategy to establish a distinctly regional cruise brand with international reach.
The closing of the season in May 2026 will coincide with seasonal changes in Gulf cruises and will lay the groundwork for future operations in neighboring regions.
Follow cruise news at Cruisesnews.es
