Aroya maiden voyage will sail a 7-day luxury itinerary from Dubai through Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama and Muscat, marking a major step for luxury cruising in the Arabian Gulf.
Summary: The Aroya maiden voyage will launch a 7-day luxury cruise from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama and Muscat, bringing high-end amenities, curated shore excursions and strong early bookings to the Arabian Gulf market.
In a few weeks Aroya will begin operations with its inaugural sailing through the Arabian Gulf. The Aroya maiden voyage departs from Dubai and spans seven days, calling at major regional ports including Abu Dhabi, Doha, Manama and Muscat, and aims to deliver an all-inclusive luxury experience tailored to high-end travellers.
Aroya's Maiden Voyage: Itinerary and highlights
Aroya is a newly launched luxury cruise liner purpose-built for premium travel in the Middle East. Its first itinerary begins in Dubai and visits a sequence of iconic Gulf cities over seven days. The schedule is designed to combine cultural discovery with upscale onboard comforts and curated shore experiences that appeal to discerning guests.
Why the Arabian Gulf is attracting luxury cruises
The Arabian Gulf has grown into a compelling destination for upscale travel thanks to its mix of modern urban centres, cultural sites and attractive coastlines. Cities such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi offer world-class infrastructure and connectivity, while the region’s coastlines and marine life provide appealing settings for short luxury itineraries.
- Major urban hubs with luxury shopping, dining and attractions
- Well-served cruise terminals such as the Dubai Cruise Terminal
- Coastal scenery and unique shore excursion opportunities
- Rising regional demand for premium cruise experiences
What makes Aroya stand out onboard
Aroya positions itself as a leader in luxury cruising by offering an all-inclusive model that combines upscale accommodation, gourmet dining and bespoke excursions. The ship incorporates advanced navigation systems and eco-friendly measures, and the cruise line emphasises personalised service and culturally immersive programming at each port of call.
- All-inclusive luxury accommodation and personalised service
- Gourmet dining and curated culinary experiences
- Exclusive shore excursions focusing on culture and history
- Advanced navigation technology and eco-conscious initiatives

Regional impact: Growth for Middle East cruising
Aroya’s launch is part of a broader uptick in cruise activity across the Middle East. Industry observers note that growing demand for luxury options is encouraging more lines to schedule Gulf sailings, which in turn supports local tourism economies and creates employment opportunities in hospitality and port services.
Dubai’s cruise infrastructure, in particular, has seen increased activity in recent years and serves as a convenient embarkation point for regional voyages. Aroya Cruises reports strong interest in its initial departures, with bookings already filling the earliest sailings and additional departures planned later in the year.
Practical considerations for travellers
Prospective passengers should note that Aroya’s inaugural sailings are marketed to the luxury segment and are reportedly enjoying high demand. The itinerary blends cultural visits with onboard enrichment, so travellers seeking a premium, immersive Gulf experience will find this offering aligned with those expectations.
For industry stakeholders, Aroya’s move into the Arabian Gulf underscores expanding opportunities for luxury operators in the region and signals continued investment in cruise infrastructure and services.
So what? For travellers, Aroya’s arrival means more high-end cruise choices that combine comfort with cultural programming across the Gulf. For the travel industry, it highlights the Arabian Gulf’s growing role as a destination for premium cruising and the potential for further expansion in luxury maritime tourism.




