Aroya Cruises Gain Popularity with Mediterranean Itineraries Amid Positive Market Response: Here’s What You Need To Know

Aroya Cruises is making waves in the Mediterranean cruise market as the company sees strong interest in its newly launched itineraries. Executive Director of Marketing, Turky Kari, shared the company’s excitement over the success of their Mediterranean voyages, which have exceeded expectations, particularly among Saudi and European travelers.

Successful Mediterranean Launch with Growing Bookings

The cruise line has been expanding its offerings since the Aroya Ship debuted in late 2024. Aroya shifted its operations to the Mediterranean in June 2025, offering a new seven-night cruise itinerary. The new itinerary features Turkey and Greece and Egypt as primary stops. Sales are picking up as noted by Kari. They are doing well and even with the late seasonal start, the cruise line is 65% booked.

Kari mentioned that upcoming trips are seeing positive booking trends, and the company is witnessing an increased interest, with many travel agents visiting the ship. He noted that both Saudi guests and Europeans are particularly responsive, making this a promising season for Aroya Cruises.

Istanbul’s Strategic Role as Homeport

Selecting Istanbul as Aroya’s Mediterranean homeport has proven to be an excellent decision. Istanbul’s air connectivity with more than twelve daily flights from different airlines serving Turkey to Saudi Arabia makes it easier for people to travel. Furthermore, Saudis are already accustomed to Istanbul’s culture which makes it easier as a departure point.

As Kari elaborated, Istanbul’s central position, combined with easy connectivity, is a major advantage for travelers from Saudi Arabia. He continued to explain that the familiarity with Turkish culture and the ease of access to Istanbul has contributed to the growing popularity of the itineraries.

Visa-Free Options Appeal to Core Markets

One of the advantages of Aroya Cruises for in-bound travelers is the visa-free travel arrangements. Aroya’s itineraries have one route that comes in between Turkey and Egypt, which is quite convenient for travelers from Saudi Arabia and a number of other countries where getting a visa is a your problem. Aroya Cruises is focusing on a region which is expanding in cruise travel demand by servicing Turkey and Egypt.

In contrast, the cruise line also offers itineraries that cater to European travelers and Saudis with a Schengen visa. These cruises sail to Greece and appeal to those with an interest in both Greek history and Mediterranean charm.

Weather Challenges in the Middle East Drive Seasonal Shift

Aroya’s decision to sail in the Mediterranean instead of the Red Sea or Arabian Gulf during the hotter summer months is a response to the challenging weather conditions in the Middle East. Turky Kari explained that the weather in these regions can become extremely hot, which poses difficulties for cruising. This seasonal shift to the Mediterranean offers cooler temperatures and better cruising conditions, making it more attractive to tourists during this time of year.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Continued Success Expected

Looking forward to 2026, Aroya Cruises plans to continue offering the same Mediterranean itineraries from Istanbul. The company’s success in this region will depend on the results of the current season, but Kari remains optimistic. He stated that the company plans to expand its offerings if the current season proves successful. Aroya Cruises is keen on solidifying its place in the Mediterranean market and continuing to serve its growing customer base.

Kari expressed, that he is hopeful that the strong bookings this year will lead to even more growth next year. The demand for Mediterranean cruises is undeniable, and we are excited to continue our journey here.

Key Destinations and Experiences

Aroya Cruises’ Mediterranean itineraries offer more than just scenic views; they present a rich cultural experience for travelers. Stops in Turkey, Greece, and Egypt allow passengers to explore the historic sites of Istanbul, the ancient ruins of Athens, and the awe-inspiring pyramids of Egypt. These destinations provide a mix of culture, history, and adventure that appeals to a wide variety of travelers.

For travelers seeking a combination of relaxation and exploration, Aroya’s Mediterranean cruises are proving to be an attractive option. Whether you’re a history buff looking to explore ancient sites or simply seeking some time at sea, these cruises cater to a broad audience.

Aroya’s Growth in the Competitive Mediterranean Market

The Mediterranean market has many cruise lines operating in the region, making it highly competitive. Aroya Cruises, however, has set itself apart by prioritizing demand and offering value-added services such as visa-free travel and homeporting in Istanbul. This gives Aroya Cruises a competitive edge in capturing travel demand. Travel agents are responding positively, and booking numbers are increasing, making it apparent that Aroya is starting to find a cruise market niche despite the contending competitors.

Conclusion: A Promising Future for Aroya Cruises

As Aroya Cruises continues to build momentum in the Mediterranean, its focus on ease of access, cultural appeal, and strategic itineraries sets the stage for future success. Whether the company sticks to its core offerings in Turkey, Greece, and Egypt or explores new destinations, the market response suggests that Aroya Cruises will continue to grow. For now, the company remains focused on its strong bookings and its mission to provide travelers with a memorable Mediterranean cruising experience.

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