white ship on sea during sunset

Photo by Alonso Reyes on Unsplash

Saudi Crown Prince MBS Launches Lavish Aroya Cruises

June 12, 2024

Expanding his ambitious vision beyond land and air, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is venturing into the maritime world with the launch of Aroya Cruises. This new luxury cruise line, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF), promises to set new standards for sea travel with a flagship vessel larger than a U.S. aircraft carrier.

The crown jewel of Aroya Cruises is an impressive 1,100-foot-long ship, featuring 18 decks and 1,678 cabins. This floating palace is designed to accommodate over 3,362 passengers and boasts an array of luxurious amenities. Among these are balcony cabins with stunning sea views, opulent suites, and villas that provide a truly grand experience at sea.

Aroya Cruises aims to offer an authentic Arabian experience, both at sea and on land. The ship is packed with entertainment and leisure options, including 20 entertainment venues, a sprawling waterpark, and a 1,018-seat theater. Dining is a highlight, with five complimentary restaurants, 11 specialty dining venues, and 12 cafés and lounges, ensuring guests have a diverse range of culinary options.


The pinnacle of luxury aboard the Aroya ship is the “Khuzama by Aroya” suite and villa category, which includes 154 ultra-luxe VIP suites and villas. These accommodations range from the 38-58-square-meter Premium Suites to the expansive 96-392-square-meter villas, such as the Signature Suite, Presidential Villa, and Royal Villa. Guests in these elite accommodations enjoy butler service, premium drink packages, exclusive venues, and priority boarding and disembarkation.

Bookings are now open, inviting travelers to be part of this extraordinary journey. The launch of Aroya Cruises underscores Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to transforming Saudi Arabia into a premier global tourist destination, featuring everything from amusement parks and luxury resorts to high-speed rail networks and, now, a world-class cruise line.

Set to launch in December 2024 from Jeddah, Aroya Cruises will debut with three unique itineraries: a three-night Red Sea voyage and two four-night sailings to Egypt or Aqaba (Petra). Future routes will expand to include destinations in the Arabian Gulf and the Mediterranean, offering passengers a variety of luxurious travel experiences.


Recent News