PIF-owned Cruise Saudi launches new cruise line

Newswire
18 June 2023 Jeddah, KSA
new cruise line
  • AROYA Cruises to offer guests the opportunity to explore Saudi Arabia from the sea
  • Launch marks a milestone in the strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem, in line with Vision 2030, says CEO of Cruise Saudi
  • PIF is developing and promoting Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination, as the country looks to attract 100 million visitors per year by 2030

Cruise Saudi, a PIF company, has announced the launch of its own cruise line to support its target of welcoming 1.3 million cruise visitors and creating 50,000 direct and indirect job opportunities by 2035.

 

AROYA Cruises – which combines the word “Arabian” with “roya”, which means “vision” or “dream” in Arabic – is set to offer extraordinary passenger experiences and a one-of-a-kind opportunity for guests to explore the wonders of Saudi Arabia from the sea. Itineraries and packages will be announced in the coming months.

 
Lars Clasen, CEO of Cruise Saudi, said: “This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, in line with Vision 2030.” 
 
AROYA Cruises’ independent operational and management team will be led by Ghassan Khan, who is currently Cruise Saudi’s Chief Strategy Officer. The brand will be managed as a separate business unit to the rest of Cruise Saudi.
 
“This is an extremely exciting time. It is a privilege to bring this cruise line to launch as a core element of Saudi’s development as an international cruising destination,” said Khan.
 
As a driver of the national transformation strategy, PIF is developing and promoting Saudi Arabia as a tourism destination, as the country looks to attract 100 million visitors per year by the end of the decade.