Aroya Cruise in October: Crossing from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean
In early October 2026, the Aroya cruise liner will make a crossing that doesn't happen often: from the Red Sea — through the Suez Canal — into the Mediterranean, finishing in Istanbul. The ship carries 3,362 passengers, has 1,678 cabins, 18 decks and a length of 335 metres; built in 2017, fully refitted in 2023 under the new Saudi brand. Departure is set for October 1, 2026, from the port of Jeddah (Saudi Arabia). Three routes are available, ranging from 4 to 9 nights, priced from $292 to $642 per person. Bookings made before September 25, 2026 come with four gifts from the cruise line. After completing the crossing, the ship will continue on regular Mediterranean routes departing from Istanbul or Alexandria.
About the liner
Aroya is the flagship vessel of Saudi cruise line Aroya Cruises, part of Cruise Saudi (Public Investment Fund) — the Arab world's first homegrown cruise brand. The ship offers more than 20 entertainment venues, a theatre seating close to 1,000, a VR zone, a kids' area over 1,800 m², two pools, and a spa centre with a thermal zone.
Worth noting separately is Khuzama — a premium "ship within a ship" zone, similar in concept to MSC Yacht Club: Khuzama guests get a private lounge and elevated service throughout the cruise.
One important feature to know in advance: the ship operates on a fully halal concept — no alcohol or pork on board. Instead of alcohol-based cocktails, the bars serve non-alcoholic versions of margaritas, mojitos and other classic drinks.
Three crossing routes
Jeddah — Istanbul: 9 nights / 10 days
Dates: from October 1, 2026
Route: Jeddah → Sharm El Sheikh → Ain Sokhna → Suez Canal → Alexandria → Kusadasi → Istanbul
Price: from $642 per person
Along the way:🏝 Sharm El Sheikh — the coral reefs of Naama Bay, close to Ras Mohammed National Park, good for a short snorkelling trip
🏛 Ain Sokhna — a convenient port for a day trip to Cairo: the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx are 2–2.5 hours away
📚 Alexandria — the Citadel of Qaitbay on the site of the legendary lighthouse, the Catacombs of Kom El Shoqafa, and the Bibliotheca Alexandrina
🏺 Kusadasi — the gateway to excursions to Ephesus, with its Library of Celsus and amphitheatre seating 25,000
Sharm El Sheikh — Istanbul: 7 nights / 8 days
Dates: from October 3, 2026
Route: Sharm El Sheikh → Ain Sokhna → Suez Canal → Alexandria → Kusadasi → Istanbul
Price: from $516 per person
The same set of ports as the first route, minus the initial leg from Jeddah.
Alexandria — Istanbul: 4 nights / 5 days
Dates: from October 6, 2026
Route: Alexandria → Kusadasi → Istanbul
Price: from $292 per person
The shortest and most affordable option — the Mediterranean leg of the journey, calling at Alexandria and Kusadasi.
Gifts for bookings before September 25
Available on all cabin categories, for new bookings only:
🎁 AROYA Basic drinks package (drinks up to $7)
🎁 two dinners at specialty restaurants under a special menu
🎁 5 GB of AROYA Net internet
🎁 30% off shisha
What's next for Aroya
After finishing the crossing in Istanbul, the ship moves on to regular Mediterranean cruises departing from Istanbul or Alexandria. Let us know if you'd like a separate rundown of those routes.
FAQ
Can you sail the entire Suez Canal?
Yes, only on the Jeddah–Istanbul route (9 nights/10 days) — it covers the full crossing from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean.
What's included in the cruise price?
The listed price is for accommodation in a base-category cabin per person; the final amount depends on cabin category and number of passengers.
Is there alcohol on board?
No, the ship operates on a fully halal concept — no alcohol or pork on board.
What is Khuzama on Aroya?
A premium "ship within a ship" zone with a private lounge and elevated service, similar in concept to MSC Yacht Club.
Until when is the gift promotion valid?
For new bookings made before September 25, 2026.
Do I need a visa for transit through Egypt and Saudi Arabia?
Depends on nationality and the specific port of call — check with our team before booking.
📲 WhatsApp: wa.me/905326799057
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