Cruise Saudi recently announced the beginning of the third edition of the Aroya Cruises Ambassador Program.

According to a LinkedIn post, the initiative was created in partnership with Saudi universities to develop a new generation of hospitality professionals.

As part of the new class, 14 Saudi students have embarked on the Aroya for a two-month immersive onboard training program.

Cruise Saudi said that the students were chosen in collaboration with the College of Tourism & Hospitality at King Abdulaziz University and University of Prince Mugrin.

“Through hands-on experience across cruise hotel operations and management, the Ambassadors will gain practical industry exposure while representing the spirit of ‘Remarkably Arabian’ hospitality,” the company stated.

“The Ambassador Program reflects Cruise Saudi’s commitment to developing Saudi talent, strengthening industry-academia collaboration and creating sustainable career pathways,” it added.

The Aroya is currently sailing in the Eastern Mediterranean for itineraries that include visits to destinations in Turkey, Greece and Egypt.

Operating its second consecutive summer season in the region, the 3,500-passenger ship arrived in Istanbul for the season in early June.

The Aroya is then scheduled to return to the Red Sea in September, offering a repositioning voyage that sails to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

In addition to a transit of the Suez Canal, the eight-night cruise features visits to destinations in Turkey and Egypt, such as Bodrum, Marmaris and Sharm El Sheikh.

During the 2026-27 season, the Aroya offers short cruises to Saudi Arabia and the Red Sea from its homeport in Jeddah.

The 2017-built vessel is also scheduled to debut in Italy this summer, serving as a hotel ship during the 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games while docked in Taranto.

As previously reported by Cruise Industry News, the Aroya will welcome athletes and delegates from 26 countries between late August and early September.