Saudi Arabia’s homegrown cruise line AROYA Cruises is picking up strong momentum across the region, buoyed by full-ship sailings and dedicated cultural itineraries. Speaking on the sidelines of WTM Spotlight Riyadh, the cruise operator reported robust passenger demand heading into the cooler months.
TTN’s Publishing Director Kim Thomson caught up with Ala Tashkandi, Commercial Executive Director of AROYA Cruises, at WTM Spotlight Riyadh to hear how the current season is progressing, what lies ahead for the line, and how key itineraries are performing.
“The Mediterranean sailing was a fantastic season, which is still ongoing. Our Grand Voyage started on 12 September, with an eight-night voyage departing from Istanbul to Jeddah. This is becoming a fantastic itinerary, with different stops along the way, including the Suez Canal passage and Sharm El Sheikh, before ending in Jeddah. It’s coming back with a full ship.
“We also have three fantastic sailings in the Red Sea out of Jeddah, including a two-night sailing to ‘nowhere’, where the ship itself is the destination.
“On 22 September, we held our Saudi National Day celebration sailing. This is a very unique itinerary and one that is very close to the hearts of all Saudis—a five-night voyage calling at Sharm El Sheikh and Aqaba, where the whole ship was activated around the National Day celebration, sharing our culture and heritage with all our passengers.
“Following that, we have a sailing to Sharm El Sheikh on 27 September as a continuation of the celebrations. Then, we are repeating our Grand Voyage, but this time in reverse, sailing from Jeddah back to Istanbul. “October 10 will mark the official start of our winter season,” concluded Tashkandi.