Aroya Cruises has been officially revealed as Saudi Arabia’s first luxury cruise ship. Scheduled to set sail from the city of Jeddah in the first half of 2024, the 335-metre Manara will be able to ferry more than 3,300 guests on each voyage thanks to 1,682 staterooms across 19 passenger decks.
Destinations expected to be charted on the map include Damman and the aforementioned Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, Oman’s Muscat and Salalah, the Jordanian port of Al Aqaba, Egyptian towns of Ain Al Sokhna and Safaga, and the UAE’s Dubai.
On the design front, the livery showcases a minimalist style with Aroya’s brand name inscribed in Arabic and English on the bow, as well as a prayer in Arabic. Inside, emphasis is on space with cabins and suites all accommodating at least two passengers, drawing inspiration from Arabic style.
While all amenities and experiences have yet to be confirmed for the ship, guests can prep themselves for 15 restaurants, 13 lounges, two theatres with one dedicated to families and the other for adults, a five-slide waterpark and a 1,858-square-metre kid zone to keep little ones entertained. In the heart of the ship, there will also be a massive retail area that will offer premium brands, as well as a concierge-style retail experience for VIP guests, and a wellness area for beauty enhancement treatments and a dedicated Thermal suite for groups.
Aroya Cruises’ prices and schedules for its voyages have yet to be unveiled so watch this space for the latest updates.
