Mykonos, Greece - Aroya Cruises Makes Historic Mediterranean Debut - Travel And Tour World
Friday, July 4, 2025
In its first time ever, the luxury cruise line Aroya Cruises has visited the Greek island of Mykonos this week as part of its first time there, and the first time ever for its flagship ship, the Aroya. In its inaugural seven-night Mediterranean cruise from June 28, 2025, the 3,400 passenger vessel sailed out of Istanbul’s Galataport Cruise Terminal and arrived at its first long port stop at the port of Mykonos. The ship stayed berthed for 14 hours from 6 AM until 1 AM the next morning, and the passengers could explore the world’s famous nightlife destination with its beautiful beaches and great cultural heritage.
Aroya Cruises historic call to Mykonos is the brand’s first outside the Arabian Gulf where it has thus far only cruised since its launch in 2024. This is the brand’s first foray into the European seas as it brings luxury cruising to iconic Mediterranean ports. Mykonos is one of the ports of call for Aroya’s first European sailing and is a testament to the growing acceptance of Mediterranean cruising among the travelling fraternity in search of the perfect combination of culture discovery, natural scenery and luxury.
The historic visit to Mykonos is a significant milestone for Aroya Cruises, which debuted in 2024 and had previously only operated within the Arabian Gulf. This marks the brand’s expansion into European waters, offering luxury cruises to iconic Mediterranean destinations. Mykonos is just one of the many stops on Aroya’s inaugural European voyage, and it reflects the growing popularity of Mediterranean cruising among travelers seeking a blend of cultural exploration, scenic beauty, and opulence.
The Aroya’s maiden Mediterranean cruise includes stops at several other renowned destinations in Greece, such as Piraeus, the port city serving as a gateway to Athens, and Souda Bay in Crete. Guests on this first seven-night journey were treated to the delights of the Greek islands, with visits to popular locales known for their historical significance, beautiful landscapes, and unique cultural experiences.
After leaving Mykonos, Aroya was scheduled to visit Bodrum, Turkey, before returning to its summer homeport in Istanbul. This marks just the beginning of Aroya’s Mediterranean cruising season, which will run through the summer of 2025, offering more week-long cruises to other Greek islands, as well as destinations in Turkey and Egypt. The ship will continue to visit popular Mediterranean ports, providing travelers with a luxury cruising experience that combines the elegance of Arabian hospitality with the charm and beauty of the Mediterranean.
Aroya Cruises is an Arabian luxury cruise line that brings a fresh perspective to the cruise industry. Originally built as Genting’s World Dream, the vessel entered service in 2017 before being acquired by Cruise Saudi in 2023. Following a major refurbishment, with over 95 percent of its public areas rebuilt, the ship entered service as Aroya Cruises in late 2024. Now, with its state-of-the-art amenities, luxurious staterooms, and modern design, Aroya is offering an unforgettable cruising experience that caters to the most discerning travelers.
The ship accommodates 1,678 cabins across 18 decks, with multiple dining options, including specialty restaurants, bars, and lounges. Aroya boasts a 1,018-seat theater, a large casino, a wellness center, and a variety of entertainment options, ensuring that guests have everything they need for an indulgent voyage.
Aroya’s focus is not just on luxury, but on providing guests with culturally enriching experiences. The ship offers onboard activities and themed events that celebrate both Arabian and Mediterranean cultures. From Arabic-inspired performances to Mediterranean-themed dinners, Aroya is designed to showcase the diversity and beauty of the regions it visits.
For guests aboard Aroya, the Mediterranean is more than just a destination—it’s an immersive experience. In addition to visits to historic cities and picturesque islands, passengers will enjoy a series of curated shore excursions, exploring ancient ruins, local markets, and pristine beaches. Aroya also offers travelers the opportunity to relax and unwind in luxurious surroundings, from its sprawling pool areas to its onboard spa, ensuring a balance of adventure and relaxation.
One of the standout experiences on board is the cultural immersion Aroya offers. Guests will be treated to performances from local musicians, cultural demonstrations, and expert-led shore excursions that highlight the rich history of the Mediterranean. Whether it’s a private wine tasting in Rhodes, a guided tour of the Acropolis in Athens, or a leisurely walk through Mykonos’ old town, Aroya’s itineraries are carefully crafted to ensure that every moment spent on land is as enriching as the time spent aboard the ship.
Aroya Cruises’ successful expansion into the Mediterranean is just the beginning for the cruise line, which has big plans for future itineraries. Following the Mediterranean season, Aroya will return to its homeport in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where it will continue to offer cruises in the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf. The cruise line is also considering the possibility of expanding its fleet in the future, as demand for its luxurious offerings continues to grow.
The upcoming Mediterranean cruises will offer additional itineraries to even more Mediterranean gems such as Alexandria in Egypt, Rhodes, Marmaris, and Kaş. These destinations provide a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty, and Aroya’s luxury services will ensure that every passenger enjoys a first-class experience both on board and on shore.
While Aroya Cruises delivers an indulgent and luxurious experience, it is also committed to sustainability. The cruise line focuses on minimizing its environmental impact by implementing responsible practices such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainable sourcing. Guests are encouraged to participate in sustainable practices during their cruise, with options to choose environmentally friendly shore excursions and eco-conscious dining.
With its maiden Mediterranean season in operation, Aroya Cruises is committed to growing its itinerary to new ports and ensuring an exceptional cruising experience. Its successful maiden voyage underscores the market attractiveness of the Mediterranean cruise market, and Aroya’s mix of Arabian warmth and Mediterranean flair is likely to resonate with varied international visitors.
Aroya Cruises’ innovative approach to cruising and its entry into the Mediterranean market is the new frontier of luxury cruising. Its opulent accommodations, immersion into culture of the experience kind, and elite service classify Aroya as the future leader of the world cruise market with an unrivaled cruising experience of the Mediterranean.
(Source: Aroya Cruises.)
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Tags: Arabian cruise line, Aroya Cruises, Aroya ship, Aroya voyage, Crete, greece, luxury cruise, Luxury Cruising, luxury travel, Mediterranean debut, Mediterranean itineraries, Mediterranean sailing, mediterranean sea, Mykonos, Piraeus, rhodes, Souda Bay, Turkey
