AROYA Cruises has announced a major expansion of its Mediterranean program for the 2026–2027 season. The cruise line will add new routes, ports, and embarkation options, and the AROYA liner will set sail for the first time on a 14-day voyage across the Western Mediterranean and the Adriatic.
One of the key changes will be the ability to start or end individual cruises not only in Istanbul and Alexandria, but also in Italian ports of Civitavecchia and Trieste. This will make the AROYA product significantly more accessible to travelers from Europe.
New Cruises from Istanbul and Alexandria
As of October 10, 2026, AROYA will operate 6-, 7- and 8-day cruises between Istanbul and Alexandria, with calls at ports along the Turkish coast.
Alexandria will become the second embarkation port on select itineraries. Passengers will be able to join the cruise in Egypt without flying to Istanbul. On some sailings, an overnight stay in Alexandria is scheduled, which opens up more opportunities to visit Cairo and the Giza pyramids.
This model is called interporting: one itinerary has multiple ports where passengers can start or end their journey.
New AROYA Routes in 2027
Starting May 2027, the program will include cruises to Turkey, Egypt and Greece with durations of 6 to 8 nights.
Among the new features:
the first AROYA call in Antalya;
the first call to Nafplion in Greece;
calls in Alexandria on a greater number of itineraries;
the first nights the ship will spend in Alexandria;
the first two 14-day cruises;
AROYA’s debut on routes across the Western Mediterranean and the Adriatic.
The ship’s home port in the region will remain Galataport in Istanbul.
First 14-day cruise in the Western Mediterranean
On June 5, 2027, AROYA will set off from Istanbul on its first two-week journey across the Mediterranean Sea.
The itinerary will cover Turkey, Greece, Italy, Tunisia and Malta. Among the listed ports:
Catania;
Salerno;
Civitavecchia;
Cagliari;
La Goulette;
Valletta.
Interporting will be available in Civitavecchia. This means that some passengers will be able to start or end the cruise near Rome, which is especially convenient for tourists from EU countries.
First itinerary: AROYA by Adriatic Sea
The second 14-night cruise departs from Istanbul on 17 July 2027. It will combine the Aegean and Adriatic Seas and cover Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Italy and Croatia.
The itinerary will include:
Katakolon;
Saranda;
Bar;
Trieste;
Zadar;
Korčula;
Bari.
In Trieste, you can also start or end your journey. This format makes the cruise more appealing to passengers from Central and Eastern Europe, who find it easier to reach Italy by car, train, or a short flight.
What makes AROYA different from other companies?
AROYA positions itself as the first Arab cruise company. Its offering combines an international style of sea travel with Arab hospitality, cuisine, and cultural features.
The liner is geared in particular toward family holidays. On board, there are ten dedicated spaces for children and teenagers, a large wellness complex, and a separate premium zone, Khuzama, with suites, villas, its own restaurants, and butler services.
Expanding itineraries show that AROYA is gradually moving beyond the markets of Saudi Arabia and the Persian Gulf and is increasingly competing for international passengers in the Mediterranean.
What Ukrainian tourists should know
ARoya itineraries may include Schengen Area countries and countries with separate immigration rules - Turkey, Egypt, Tunisia, Albania and Montenegro.
Before booking, it is necessary to check:
the validity period of the passport;
the requirements of each country on the itinerary for citizens of Ukraine;
the documents required for re-entry to the Schengen Area;
the validity of a residence permit or a document on temporary protection;
whether the specific fare allows boarding at the chosen port.
The same cruise may be sold with different durations and prices depending on the boarding port. Therefore, offers from Istanbul, Alexandria, Civitavecchia and Trieste should be compared separately.
When will the prices be available?
AROYA has already presented the main routes and dates for its new program. The exact price will depend on the embarkation port, the cabin category, the number of passengers, and the available fare.
On Cruise‑Life.PRO, up-to-date AROYA offers will be gradually added after the schedule, prices, and cabin availability are confirmed.