Aroya Cruises Debuts Mediterranean Sailings From Istanbul for Summer 2025

Aroya Cruises has begun its first Eastern Mediterranean season from Galataport Istanbul, officially setting sail on June 28, 2025, after concluding a successful maiden deployment in the Red Sea. The 3,400-guest vessel, formerly known as Dream Cruises’ World Dream, was acquired by Cruise Saudi in 2023 and extensively refurbished prior to its late-2024 relaunch. Its summer schedule marks the brand’s European debut and showcases the company’s ambition to blend Arabian-inspired experiences with iconic Mediterranean destinations.

Launch from Istanbul and Maiden Calls

The ship operates weekly sailings out of Galataport Istanbul through mid-September, with a plaque exchange ceremony commemorating its first call attended by Aroya executives, port officials, and local authorities. “We’re excited to be bringing Aroya to some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations this summer,” said Dr. Joerg Rudolph, President of Aroya Cruises. “Aroya Cruises first set sail just six months ago, and we’re incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved so far, with passenger numbers in the Red Sea exceeding expectations.”

Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing at Cruise Saudi, called the Istanbul launch “a historic moment” and added, “We couldn’t have found a better place to start our Mediterranean journey than Istanbul,” underscoring efforts to bring 90,000 passengers to the city this year alone. Various port leaders and maritime officials joined Aroya officers for inaugural ceremonies in Piraeus, Mykonos, Souda Bay, and Bodrum, where plaque exchanges and onboard tours reflected strong local support.

Itineraries in Greece, Turkey, and Egypt

Aroya Cruises is offering six- and seven-night voyages that highlight prominent ports across the region. Core calls include Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Rhodes, Marmaris, Bodrum, Kaş, Alexandria, and Souda Bay (Crete), among others. Certain departures feature extended visits, such as Mykonos, where guests can explore the island from early morning to after midnight. These busy schedules have already brought thousands of travelers ashore, with more than 12,000 visitors arriving on Mykonos on a single day during Aroya’s debut call.

Weekly departures every Saturday allow passengers ample time for shore excursions in both bustling cityscapes and resort towns along the Turkish and Greek coastlines. Alexandria in Egypt also features on select itineraries, offering a gateway to the historic attractions of the region.

Arabian-Inspired Experience and Market Strategy

The on-board product is characterized by Saudi design elements, family-friendly amenities, cultural programming, and an absence of alcoholic beverages or casino facilities. “Our goal is to attract international guests while staying true to our core audience,” Dr. Rudolph said, noting that while 30 percent of passengers this summer are anticipated to be from Saudi Arabia, the remaining 70 percent hail from Central Europe, the Far East, Central Asia, and Singapore.

During its inaugural season in the Red Sea, the brand reportedly hosted around 100,000 guests. By deploying in the Mediterranean, Aroya Cruises aims to broaden its reach and reinforce tourism links between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, aligning with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. Local economies, including Istanbul and Bodrum, are expected to benefit from passenger spending as each call can bring thousands of tourists to port communities.

Repositioning and Future Plans

The current Mediterranean program is scheduled to conclude in mid-September 2025. On September 12, Aroya will begin an eight-night repositioning cruise from Istanbul to Jeddah, calling in Kusadasi, Bodrum, Sharm El-Sheikh, and Port Suez along the way. Once back in the Red Sea, the ship will resume shorter regional cruises designed to showcase Saudi Arabia’s growing appeal as a leading travel destination.

Aroya and Cruise Saudi plan to continue investing in refurbished vessels, innovative itineraries, and cultural experiences that highlight Arabian hospitality for global travelers. As the ship completes its summer run, the deployment solidifies the cruise line’s position as a rising player in the competitive Mediterranean market.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When did Aroya Cruises begin its Eastern Mediterranean season?

The inaugural Eastern Mediterranean sailing departed Galataport Istanbul on June 28, 2025. Aroya Cruises will continue weekly operations there through mid-September.

What destinations are featured in Aroya’s Mediterranean itineraries?

Core calls include Piraeus (Athens), Mykonos, Souda Bay (Crete), Marmaris, Bodrum, Kaş, and Alexandria. Certain departures may also visit Rhodes and other Turkish ports.

How does Aroya Cruises differentiate itself from other companies?

Aroya focuses on Arabian-inspired hospitality, eschewing alcoholic beverages and casinos in favor of family-friendly amenities, regional cuisine, and cultural programming. This approach sets it apart from more traditional Western-style cruise offerings.

What official statements has the cruise line provided?

Dr. Joerg Rudolph expressed pride in the brand’s rapid growth, attributing it to strong Red Sea demand and international interest in the company’s distinctive product. Cruise Saudi executive Turky Kari highlighted the significance of launching from Istanbul, aiming to bring in 90,000 passengers during the season.

Will Aroya Cruises return to the Red Sea after the Mediterranean season?

Yes. Aroya will depart Istanbul on September 12, 2025, for an eight-night repositioning cruise with stops in Turkey and Egypt before resuming Red Sea itineraries from Jeddah.

As Aroya Cruises completes its first Mediterranean run, its blend of Saudi hospitality, family-focused offerings, and varied port calls underscores a growing presence in global cruising. By pairing iconic Eastern Mediterranean destinations with Arabian-inspired service, the line continues extending its international reach while pursuing further expansion in the Red Sea region.