Cruise Saudi has welcomed Aroya Cruises’ inaugural ship, AROYA, to Jeddah, with the vessel now ready to call the Saudi Arabian hub its homeport.

The occasion was celebrated with a traditional plaque and key ceremony, attended by AROYA’s captain, Jan Gelinder; Cruise Saudi’s CEO, Lars Clasen; the President of AROYA Cruises, Dr Jorg Rudolph; and the Chief Destination Experiences Offices, Barbara Buczek.

Following months of dry-docking and design innovation in Bremerhaven and Rotterdam, the former World Dream now offers an exceptional cruising experience featuring a fully reimagined interior. Almost all (95%) of the ship’s spaces have been completely redesigned to reflect Arabian heritage and preferences.

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The ship is equipped with an array of world-class facilities, such as a souq-inspired shopping district – the largest retail area ever built on a cruise ship – luxury spa facilities, a wellness centre, 29 restaurants, lounges and cafes, 20 entertainment venues, and one of the largest children’s play areas at sea.

Jeddah is the principal gateway to the Two Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah. Cruise terminal facilities have been upgraded to accommodate the largest cruise ships.

Clasen commented: “The arrival of AROYA marks the beginning of a new chapter for Cruise Saudi, and tourism in Saudi overall, in line with Saudi’s Vision 2030.

“Cruise Saudi was only launched in 2021 and witnessing the arrival of our first owned ship just three years later is a huge milestone.”

“We are so grateful to the whole Cruise Saudi team for their hard work and dedication and are excited to be offering something truly unique to local, regional and international guests with the first-ever Arabian cruise line.”

AROYA’s maiden voyage will depart Jeddah on 16 December taking passengers on a three-night journey across the Red Sea.

Traditionally, Cruise Saudi has chartered numerous ships for deployments in the Red Sea.