The 3362-passenger ship Aroya introduces several features designed specifically for families and Arabian travelers, including the first Saudi restaurant at sea, prayer rooms, and an expanded children's club.
Originally constructed by Meyer Werft and launched in 2017 as "World Dream" for Dream Cruises, the vessel was repurposed for the Arabian market by Aroya Cruises after the collapse of Genting Hong Kong in 2022.
Aroya underwent a comprehensive refurbishment, marking the largest cruise renovation project to date, according to Dr. Jorg Rudolph, president of Aroya Cruises, a business unit of Cruise Saudi, wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund.
The extensive refit, carried out by De Wave Group and MJM Marine with design led by London-based SMC Design and Hamburg’s Partnership Ship Design, reduced the ship’s original 1686 cabins to 1678 to accommodate new premium suites and villas as part of the elevated Khuzama Experience, with suites ranging from 38 m2 (410 ft2) to a 400 m2 (4310 ft2) Royal Villa.
The redesign incorporates elements of Saudi landscapes, Islamic architecture, and traditional Arabic craftsmanship, offering an immersive experience tailored to the Arabian market. The ship features 18 decks with amenities such as 25 dining options, including the first Saudi restaurant at sea, Irth, wellness facilities, and a 1,018-seat theater. The vessel will offer 3- to 7-night itineraries, homeporting in Jeddah and calling at destinations around the Red Sea, including a private Saudi island, Aqaba, and Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh and Ain Sokhna.
Aroya represents a strategic move by Cruise Saudi to build the region's cruise ecosystem, with the company having welcomed 370,000+ passengers by the close of its third season.