AROYA Cruises, a new Arabian cruise line operated by Cruise Saudi, has unveiled its very first ship. The ship is an impressive 1,099 feet long, with 18 decks and 1,682 staterooms. Norwegian Cruise Line fans will recognize it as the popular Breakaway class cruise ship.
The ship is the former World Dream from the now bankrupt Genting Cruises. The ship was part of the cruise line’s liquidation proceedings and was purchased by Cruise Saudi earlier this year. The vessel is currently undergoing an extensive refurbishment at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Bremerhaven, Germany. She is being tailored for Arabian passenger’s tastes and preferences.
Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi said, “We are delighted to sail into the new year with the unveiling of our first AROYA Cruises ship. This marks an exciting milestone for Cruise Saudi in creating a world-class cruise industry in Saudi, whilst offering a new way to holiday in the Kingdom for locals. We look forward to welcoming the first passengers on-board.”
The ship will be able to welcome 3,364 guests at double occupancy with 1,600 crew members ready to make guests’ cruise the most memorable. Once onboard, guests will find world class spa facilities, one swimming pool for adults with another for children, an “Amazing Sailors’ Hangout” dedicated to young cruisers, one theater for production shows and another for dinner shows, and a spacious mall with high-end international brands for all ages.
The vessel features 15 restaurants, 20 venues, a water park with five water slides and a kids splash zone, as well as exclusive spaces and hours for women including the pool, gym, spa and a separate prayer room.
The ship will offer “exceptional onboard service, an eclectic culinary offering, and a sensational activities program, guests aboard AROYA Cruises’ will enjoy a unique remarkably Arabian hospitality experience that reflects the warm and welcoming values of Saudi culture.”
No official debut date has been announced for the new cruise ship, but it is expected sometime in 2024 and the ship will first homeport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea. According to the cruise line’s website, itineraries will include the “Sea of Richness” trip along the shores of the Arabian Gulf to Dubai, Dammam and Bahrain; the “Red Coral Secrets” trip through countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan; and an unnamed itinerary along the Mediterranean Sea.