Signaling Egypt’s rising prominence in regional maritime tourism, AROYA Cruises—the first Arabian cruise line—has launched its maiden Mediterranean voyage, making Egypt a cornerstone of its summer 2025 itinerary. Departing from Istanbul’s Galataport on June 28, the cruise marks a historic milestone not just for the Saudi-backed cruise company, but also for Egypt’s strategic ambitions to reclaim its place as a central player in the global cruise industry.
The seven-night journey, which includes a scheduled port call in Alexandria, underscores the Egyptian city’s growing importance as a gateway to the Eastern Mediterranean. Once the crown jewel of Mediterranean maritime trade, Alexandria is now poised for revival as a luxury cruise destination, with AROYA Cruises leading the charge.
“This is not just about connecting destinations—it’s about reconnecting with history,” said Dr. Joerg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises. “Bringing our flagship vessel to Egypt, a nation with a maritime legacy spanning millennia, is deeply symbolic. It reflects our commitment to offering ‘Remarkably Arabian’ journeys that blend modern luxury with timeless cultural experiences.”
Alexandria: A Cultural and Strategic Pillar
By including Alexandria as a principal stop, AROYA Cruises taps into Egypt’s unique tourism potential—a rare blend of antiquity and cosmopolitanism. From the Library of Alexandria and Qaitbay Citadel to bustling souks and sun-soaked beaches, the city offers a richly textured experience for global travelers.
More than just a historic stopover, Alexandria’s inclusion signals a shift in cruise routing strategy. Traditionally dominated by European ports, Mediterranean itineraries are now evolving to embrace destinations that offer cultural depth and geographical diversity—qualities Egypt delivers in abundance.
“Egypt is critical to the future of regional cruise tourism,” noted a Cruise Saudi spokesperson. “Its strategic location, coupled with its unmatched heritage, makes it indispensable to our vision for expanding Arabian cruising into a truly global offering.”
AROYA Cruises: Redefining the Arabian Maritime Narrative
AROYA Cruises, a subsidiary of Cruise Saudi and wholly owned by the Kingdom’s Public Investment Fund (PIF), is the centerpiece of Saudi Arabia’s broader strategy to transform the Red Sea and broader regional waters into world-class cruise corridors. After a successful Red Sea debut, the company’s expansion into the Mediterranean is anchored not just in geography—but in cultural diplomacy.
On board, passengers are treated to Arabian-inspired luxury and hospitality, with curated experiences that mirror the richness of regional cultures. From spa treatments and theatrical performances to gourmet dining across 12 restaurants—including selections influenced by Egyptian and Levantine cuisines—every element is tailored to reflect the cultural mosaic of the Middle East and North Africa.
The vessel also features amenities aimed at families and multi-generational travelers, including one of the largest children’s zones at sea, water slides, a zip line, and an expansive wellness center.
Egypt’s Cruise Revival: A National Priority
AROYA’s arrival in Alexandria aligns with Egypt’s broader tourism ambitions under Vision Egypt 2030. The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has been actively working to modernize port facilities, expand maritime routes, and incentivize cruise operators to return to Egyptian shores.
In recent years, Egypt has begun investing heavily in coastal infrastructure—from Alexandria to the Red Sea port of Safaga—with the goal of integrating cruise tourism into the national economy and generating jobs for coastal communities.
With AROYA Cruises now including Egypt as a fixed destination in its Mediterranean programming through mid-September 2025, Egypt stands to benefit from a fresh wave of high-spending travelers seeking immersive cultural experiences beyond traditional European capitals.
A Maritime Renaissance
As AROYA Cruises sails toward Mykonos, Bodrum, and other celebrated Mediterranean locales, its stop in Alexandria is more than a geographical waypoint—it is a cultural anchor. In reconnecting the sea routes of antiquity with the luxury demands of modern travelers, the Arabian cruise line is helping to reframe Egypt’s maritime future.
