The Mediterranean has become a key destination for Aroya Cruises, serving as a strategic growth platform for the Cruise Saudi-backed brand.

After debuting in the region in 2025, the Aroya returned to Istanbul in early June, kicking off a series of seven-night cruises to destinations in Turkey, Greece and Egypt.

The 3,500-passenger ship is now nearing the end of the deployment, which will be followed by a charter operation in Italy.

According to Ala Tashkandi, commercial executive director, Aroya’s second season in the Mediterranean was a success.

He said that the operations in the region have multiple purposes, extending beyond a traditional supply-demand scenario.

“Success this season was not simply about being present in the Mediterranean. It was about demonstrating Aroya’s commercial relevance in a competitive cruise market, strengthening established distribution channels and continuing to build demand among a broader international guest base,” Tashkandi told Cruise Industry News.

“What has encouraged us most is that guests are responding to the full Aroya experience, not only the destinations, but also the hospitality, family appeal, dining and premium spaces such as Khuzama,” he added.

The season also marked the launch of Aroya’s first interporting operations, with select cruises allowing guests to start their cruises in Alexandria, Egypt.

Tashkandi said that the initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance access to the company’s sailings.

“Alexandria was a natural addition to the Mediterranean program this season. It strengthened the overall itinerary, created another embarkation gateway and enabled us to serve demand from Egypt and surrounding markets more effectively,” he said.

Attracting a larger number of international passengers while sailing in the region, the Aroya offers an adapted product during the season.

According to Hotel Director Marco de Oliveira, the changes include the addition of more languages to onboard programming, entertainment customization and other adjustments.

“But we still maintain our origins. For example, we still have the spa with ladies’ hours regardless of how many Saudis we have onboard,” he explained.

De Oliveira said that the vessel itself serves as an ambassador of Saudi culture, showcasing the Kingdom’s traditions to the world.

“It’s the message that we give to the guests, bringing the essence of Arabia. Even the decoration around the ship is all about the essence of Saudi culture and transmitting it to the world,” he added.

When sailing in the Mediterranean, the ship also keeps its halal food and beverage operations, with alcoholic beverages not allowed onboard.

This serves as a key differentiator for the Aroya, according to Restaurant & Bar Operations Manager Dino Imamovic.

“Since we are alcohol-free, we don’t have problems that you might have on other cruise lines. Here our guests come really to relax, to enjoy, and experience beautiful ports and beautiful food as well,” he said, highlighting the ship’s restaurants.

“We serve food that you would not be able to taste on any other cruise line,” Imamovic continued, noting that the Aroya offers 12 food venues.

Chef Mohamed Ashour said that, while sailing in the Mediterranean, the ship offers a dynamic experience based on itineraries.

“For example, when we are in the Red Sea, we have a slightly different menu rather than what we serve here in the Mediterranean to match the guest profile,” he explained.

The biggest selling point of the product, however, is its Arabian character and the uniqueness that extends beyond the galleys, Ashour added.

“It’s unique in each and every aspect, starting from the concept of being the first Arabian cruise line in the world. From the interior design, restaurant concepts, food menus and general culture, all are different from any other cruise line that you can find.”

Captain Roland Polic told Cruise Industry News that operating in the Mediterranean brings a unique set of challenges, including windy conditions in the Greek Islands and full-speed transits to Egypt.

The region, however, allows for varied itineraries that offer a series of highlights for passengers, he added.

“The history, the sea, the color of the sea and the warmth. You have so many different nice ports very nearby, so you don’t have to sail a lot to see a completely different story, like Turkey, Greece and Egypt. It’s amazing. The Med is really one of my favorite areas,” Polic noted.