AROYA Cruise from Jeddah: The Complete Guide for 2026

AROYA Cruise from Jeddah: The Complete Guide for 2026

By the Marhaban Travel team — last updated May 2026

If you have been hearing the buzz around AROYA Cruises and wondering what the fuss is about, you are not alone. Since the ship rolled into Jeddah Islamic Port at the end of 2024, it has quickly become the most talked-about cruise experience in the region - and our inbox at Marhaban Travel has been filling up with questions about it every single week.

So we decided to put it all in one place. This is the honest, plain-English guide we wish more travellers had before booking their first AROYA voyage. We will walk you through what the ship is actually like, where it sails, what is included, what to expect onboard, and how to lock in the best price (including the 30% off and complimentary Wi-Fi deal we currently have running).

Grab a coffee. This one is detailed.

The short version: AROYA is the Middle East's first Arabian-themed cruise line, sailing 3, 4 and 5-night

itineraries from Jeddah across the Red Sea. The ship is enormous (1,678 cabins, 19 decks, 12 restaurants), built around halal-friendly dining, Khaliji entertainment, and a level of Arabian hospitality that no other cruise line offers. If you want to sail it with up to 30% off cabin fares plus free onboard Wi-Fi, check our exclusive Red Sea cruise package here.

What Is AROYA Cruises?

AROYA Cruises is the Middle East's first home-grown cruise line - and that is not just marketing speak. It is owned by Cruise Saudi, which is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of Saudi Arabia. In plain terms, this is a sovereign-backed brand built specifically to serve travellers from the Gulf region, with a service model that respects Arabian culture and Islamic traditions from top to bottom.

The brand uses the tagline Remarkably Arabian, and after sailing on it ourselves and sending many clients onboard, we can tell you that the Arabian-ness is not a costume. It is woven into how the ship looks, how the staff greet you, what is on the menu, the music in the lounges, and even the layout of the prayer rooms.

A few facts worth knowing:

The takeaway: this is not a tired old ship dressed up with new wallpaper. It is a serious, well-funded, Vision 2030-aligned product with real ambition

behind it.

Inside AROYA Manara — The Ship Itself

Let us talk about the ship, because honestly, it is the star of the show.

AROYA Manara is 335 metres long, 19 decks high, and can host up to 3,400 guests at full capacity. To give you a sense of scale, that is taller than the Statue of Liberty laid on its side, with enough decks that you will genuinely get lost on day one (we always tell our clients to expect that - it is part of the fun).

Here is what is packed inside:

Two things stand out the moment you step onboard. First, the design language is unmistakably Arabian - geometric mashrabiya patterns, soft sand-and-gold tones, calligraphy used as art, oud-scented public spaces. It does not feel like a cruise ship pretending to be a mall in Dubai. Second, the staff actually speak Arabic. Many crew members are Saudi or from neighbouring Gulf countries, and the level of cultural fluency is something you simply cannot get on a Caribbean or Mediterranean ship.

Where Does AROYA Cruise Go? (Itineraries from Jeddah)

This is the question we get asked most often, so let us break it down.

For its current Red Sea season, AROYA sails roundtrip from Jeddah Islamic Port, with three main itinerary lengths:

3-Night Red Sea Cruise (the most popular)

This is the entry-level option and the one we book most for first-time cruisers. It is a roundtrip from Jeddah with two full sea days - perfect if you want to test cruising without committing a full week.

This itinerary works well for weekend getaways, family celebrations, anniversaries, or simply as a "let's try something different" break. It is also the package that pairs with our exclusive Red Sea cruise deal - which we will cover in detail further down.

4-Night and 5-Night Itineraries

If you have a bit more time, the longer sailings open up more interesting ports. Depending on the season, these typically include:

Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf Seasons

It is worth knowing that AROYA does not stay in the Red Sea all year. From June to mid-September, the ship repositions to Istanbul and runs 7-night itineraries through Greece and Turkey - visiting Mykonos, Rhodes, and Alexandria. From February to April, it operates an Arabian Gulf season out of Doha, Dubai or Dammam. So if Red Sea sailings do not fit your calendar, there are usually other options. Just give us a shout on WhatsApp and we will pull the latest schedule for you.

The Onboard Experience (What You Actually Do All Day)

Cruise marketing is full of fluffy words like "world-class" and "unforgettable." Let us be more concrete. Here is what an actual day onboard AROYA looks like, broken down by category.

Dining - and Yes, IRTH Lives Up to the Hype

You can choose from 12 distinct restaurants, plus a 24/7 international buffet that also serves regional halal dishes around the clock. The crown jewel is IRTH, marketed as the first authentic Saudi restaurant ever built at sea. The menu pulls heavily from Hijazi, Najdi and Hejazi cooking traditions - think slow-cooked mandi, kabsa, jareesh, and fresh sayadiyah served with cardamom rice. We always recommend booking IRTH for at least one dinner during your sailing.

Beyond IRTH, expect a strong line-up of international restaurants - Italian, Asian fusion, contemporary grill, seafood - plus pool-deck casual options, cafés, and an all-day buffet that genuinely covers everything from Khaliji breakfast classics to international comfort food.

A quick note that matters to many of our clients: everything onboard is halal-certified. AROYA was the world's first halal-certified cruise line, which means there is no pork served anywhere on the ship, and no alcohol. If that lifestyle alignment matters to you, this is one of very few cruise products on Earth where you do not have to compromise.

Entertainment - Khaliji Nights, Live Music, and the AROYA Theatre

This is where AROYA genuinely shines. The 1,018-seat AROYA Theatre runs nightly shows that range from international productions to traditional Saudi performances. During the maiden voyage, well-known Saudi artists like Abadi al-Johar and Zaina Emad performed live and AROYA continues this tradition with regular celebrity bookings.

Beyond the main theatre, you have:

Wellness - Blossom by AROYA

The spa is huge. Blossom by AROYA spans multiple decks and includes a traditional Arabian hammam, a sauna, thermal pools, treatment rooms, a beauty clinic, and a separate ladies-only thermal spa zone. Treatments use minerals sourced from the Red Sea itself, which is a nice authentic touch.

If you sail Khuzama (the VIP experience), spa access and treatments are typically rolled in as complimentary add-ons.

For Families - Kids Zone & Water Park

Travelling with children? AROYA has one of the largest kids' zones at sea a multi-level play complex plus an outdoor water park with six waterslides (five for adults and older kids, one specifically for younger children). There is also a splash zone, free play areas, and supervised activities. We have sent multi-generational families on AROYA where grandparents, parents and kids each spent the day doing completely different things and met up only for dinner. That is how the ship is designed.

AROYA Souq - Yes, It Is a Real Souq

Most cruise ships have a small duty-free arcade. AROYA built an entire souq. The retail district takes up a significant chunk of the ship and includes a perfume and cosmetics boutique, a watches and jewellery boutique, a kids' boutique, a sunglasses and leather goods shop, a fashion boutique, and the AROYA Souq itself for unique gifts, premium tobacco, gourmet treats and souvenirs. If you enjoy shopping, you will not run out of things to browse.

Cabin Categories - Which One Should You Pick?

Cabin choice has the biggest single impact on your cruise budget, so let us be practical here. AROYA offers four broad categories:

Through Marhaban Travel, the 30% discount applies to Balcony, Balcony Superior, and Suite cabins. So if you were going to stretch for a balcony anyway, the deal effectively pulls a balcony into ocean-view price territory, and a suite into balcony price territory. That is what makes our package a genuinely good deal - not a fluffy "save 5%" gimmick.

What Makes AROYA Genuinely Different

Cruise lines all promise the same things - luxury, food, entertainment. So what actually sets AROYA apart? Five things, in our experience:

If you are a Muslim family from the UK, the Gulf, or anywhere else looking for a luxury cruise that respects your values without watering down the experience, AROYA is currently the best option in the world. Full stop.

How to Book AROYA Cruises (And Get the Best Deal)

Here is the straight answer: you can book AROYA directly through their website, through any cruise agency, or through us at Marhaban Travel. The price you see on the AROYA website is the standard fare. Booking through a partner like us almost always works out better, because we get access to negotiated trade rates.

Right now, our exclusive Red Sea cruise package includes:

Because we book volume with AROYA, we can usually also help with:

Or, if you prefer to chat directly, message us on WhatsApp and one of our travel consultants will reply within minutes:

Practical Tips Before You Sail

A few things our clients always tell us they wish they had known:

AROYA Cruise FAQs

Is AROYA Cruise halal?

Yes. AROYA is the world's first fully halal-certified cruise line. All food onboard is halal, no pork is served anywhere, and no alcohol is sold or available on the ship. Multi-faith prayer rooms are open 24/7 with Qibla-oriented prayer mats provided.

Where does AROYA Cruise depart from?

The ship sails roundtrip from Jeddah Islamic Port in Saudi Arabia for the Red Sea season (currently from May 2026 onwards). It also operates seasonally from Istanbul (Mediterranean) and Doha, Dubai or Dammam (Arabian Gulf).

How long is an AROYA cruise?

AROYA currently offers 3, 4 and 5-night itineraries from Jeddah. The 3-night roundtrip is the most popular and the one most of our clients book. Longer Mediterranean itineraries from Istanbul are 7 nights.

How much does an AROYA cruise cost?

Pricing varies by cabin category, season and itinerary length. Suite-tier Khuzama cabins started at around USD 409 per person per night during the maiden voyage. With Marhaban Travel's exclusive 30% off package on Balcony, Balcony Superior and Suite cabins, the entry point becomes considerably more accessible. Get a personalised quote here.

Is AROYA Cruise good for families?

Excellent for families. The ship has one of the largest kids' zones at sea, a multi-level water park with six slides, a dedicated Kids Boutique, family-friendly dining, and a layout that makes multi-generational travel easy. Children's clubs are supervised and free.

Do I need a visa to cruise from Jeddah?

Most international travellers will need a Saudi visa to embark in Jeddah. UK and many other passport holders can apply for an eVisa online. If your itinerary includes ports in Egypt or Jordan, additional port-entry rules may apply. We handle the full visa briefing as part of your booking.

Is AROYA Cruise good for honeymooners?

Yes - the Khuzama Suite tier in particular is designed for couples seeking privacy and luxury. Private balconies, butler service, in-suite dining, and the Blossom Spa make it an ideal honeymoon destination. Just let us know it is a special occasion when you book and we will arrange the right touches.

Can I combine an AROYA cruise with Umrah?

Absolutely, and we do this for clients regularly. Jeddah is the gateway to Mecca, so it is easy to add a few days of Umrah before or after your sailing. We can arrange the full package - visas, transfers, hotels, mutawif (guide) services so the whole journey is seamless.

What is the dress code on AROYA?

Smart casual in main dining venues, swimwear at the pool, and modest cover-ups in public spaces. Friday Jummah and special evenings often see guests in traditional Arabian attire. There is no strict formal night, but dressing up is appreciated.

Is Wi-Fi included onboard?

A complimentary AROYA Net Browse Wi-Fi package for up to 2 guests per cabin is included as part of our exclusive package. Standard AROYA bookings typically charge separately for connectivity.

Ready to Sail?

If you have read this far, you are seriously considering it and we genuinely think you will love it. AROYA is the most exciting thing to happen in Middle Eastern travel in years, and sailing it from Jeddah on a 3-night Red Sea cruise is a perfect entry point. Whether you are planning a family holiday, an anniversary, a multi-generational gathering, or combining it with Umrah, we will build the trip around what matters to you.

Cabins for the upcoming sailings are filling up fast, especially Balcony and Suite categories. Get in touch and let us hold your preferred cabin while you decide.

📧 Or email us at info@marhabantravel.com and one of our cruise specialists will get back to you the same day.

Marhaban Travel is a UK-registered travel agency specialising in Hajj, Umrah, and bespoke Middle Eastern travel. Based at 128 City Road, London ECIV 2NX.