Saudi Arabia has made a significant move in its tourism industry with the launch of Aroya Cruises, a new cruise line brand introduced by Cruise Saudi, a subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF).
The name Aroya, derived from "Arabian" and "roya," meaning vision or dream, reflects the aspirations of the Saudi Arabian tourism sector.
The first ship in Aroya Cruises' fleet will be the former World Dream of the now defunct Dream Cruises, which is undergoing an upgrade at Bredo Dry Docks in Bremerhaven. The upgrade, expected to be completed in 2024, includes interior revamps, structural work, refurbishment of the main engines, and other undisclosed works.
The cruise line plans to curate and refine its shore excursion programme to showcase inspiring destinations and ports, enabling guests to experience the Arabian culture. The main source market for Aroya Cruises will be Saudi nationals, supplemented by expatriates and regional visitors.
The development of the cruising sector aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, which seeks to transform the country into a global tourist destination and generate employment opportunities.
Aroya Cruises, although a part of Cruise Saudi, will function as an independent business unit. The CEO of Cruise Saudi, Lars Clasen, considers this launch a significant step towards realising the vision of establishing Saudi Arabia as an international cruise destination.
Cruise Saudi's strategic goals include reaching an annual capacity of approximately 1.3 million cruise tourists by 2035 and generating around 50,000 direct and indirect jobs.