AROYA Cruise Ship Returns to Alexandria Port With 2,137 Passengers and Crew
Shipping Arabia, October 31, 2026 – Alexandria Port welcomed the Saudi cruise ship AROYA on October 26, carrying 1,102 tourists and 1,035 crew members, a total of 2,137 people. The visit marked another call during the vessel’s early voyages of the 2026 Mediterranean cruise season, reinforcing Alexandria’s growing role in regional cruise tourism.
The arrival follows the official launch of AROYA’s 2026 Mediterranean cruise season at Alexandria Port on October 20. The event highlighted cooperation between Alexandria Port Authority, Cruise Saudi and other stakeholders involved in developing maritime tourism between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
According to Alexandria Port Authority, the latest visit forms part of Egypt’s wider efforts to promote tourism and attract international cruise vessels. These efforts also reflect directives from Transport Minister Kamel El Wazir to strengthen the country’s maritime tourism sector.
The authority emphasized Alexandria’s importance as a destination for major cruise ships and a gateway for passenger movements. It also highlighted opportunities to expand the port’s role in Mediterranean cruise itineraries and support tourism-related economic activity.
Alexandria Port Supports AROYA Cruise Operations
Alexandria Port Authority coordinated the arrival of AROYA with relevant government and operational agencies to facilitate passenger movements and ensure navigational safety.
The port provided technical and operational assistance throughout the vessel’s call. These services included tugboat support, pilot boats and continuous monitoring from the port’s radar control tower.
The authority stated that these arrangements aimed to maintain efficient vessel handling, streamline passenger procedures and ensure compliance with maritime safety and operational standards.
The latest call also demonstrated the continued coordination between Alexandria Port Authority and Cruise Saudi in supporting the vessel’s Mediterranean operations.
Beyond the immediate operational requirements, the authority highlighted the importance of developing Alexandria as both a passenger arrival and departure port. This includes supporting the homeport model, which allows cruise passengers to begin and conclude their voyages at the same port.
Expanding this model could increase the economic benefits associated with cruise operations, particularly through passenger movements and tourism-related services.
AROYA Launches 2026 Mediterranean Cruise Season in Alexandria
The latest arrival followed a formal ceremony held at Alexandria Port on October 20 to launch AROYA’s 2026 Mediterranean cruise season.
The ceremony brought together senior officials from Egypt’s Ministry of Transport, Alexandria Governorate, the Maritime Transport and Logistics Sector and Alexandria Port Authority.
Diplomatic representatives also attended, including the ambassadors of Saudi Arabia and Türkiye to Egypt and the Turkish consul general in Alexandria.
Representatives of Cruise Saudi and organizations involved in the tourism sector participated in the event, reflecting the regional cooperation supporting the vessel’s operations.
The launch highlighted AROYA’s position as a Saudi cruise tourism offering and its role in strengthening tourism connections between Mediterranean ports.
Organizers also emphasized the coordination between Egyptian authorities, Cruise Saudi and Rhapsody Shipping Agency in facilitating the ship’s operations and supporting its cruise program.
During the ceremony, Cruise Saudi representatives praised the assistance and operational services provided at Alexandria Port. They acknowledged the cooperation of the relevant Egyptian authorities in supporting the vessel’s Mediterranean deployment.
The event also included a guided tour of AROYA, allowing participants to examine its hotel facilities, entertainment areas and passenger services.
The tour highlighted the ship’s onboard hospitality and recreational offerings, which are designed to provide a comprehensive cruise experience for different categories of travelers.
Cruise Saudi Outlines Further Fleet Expansion Plans
During the October 20 launch ceremony, Cruise Saudi representatives also discussed plans to expand the company’s cruise offering.
They indicated that preparations are being considered to introduce an additional vessel to the cruise fleet in the coming period.
The proposed expansion forms part of the company’s ambitions to develop its cruise tourism activities and support further growth in the regional market.
The announcement accompanied discussions about AROYA’s Mediterranean operations and the cooperation required to support cruise services across different ports.
Alexandria Port Authority emphasized that continued visits by AROYA demonstrate the importance of cooperation between Egypt and Saudi Arabia in developing maritime tourism.
The authority also highlighted the role of coordinated port services, efficient vessel handling and passenger facilities in supporting the continued growth of cruise operations.
Alexandria Strengthens Its Mediterranean Cruise Tourism Role
The authority views the continued deployment of AROYA to Alexandria as an opportunity to strengthen the port’s position within Mediterranean cruise networks.
It emphasized that cruise tourism can contribute to wider economic activity by attracting visitors and supporting services connected to passenger travel.
A key priority is developing Alexandria’s capabilities as a port for both cruise arrivals and departures, while encouraging greater adoption of the homeport model.
Such operations can create additional economic opportunities associated with the start and completion of cruise itineraries, complementing the benefits generated by visiting cruise passengers.
The authority also stressed the importance of maintaining efficient operational arrangements and cooperation with cruise operators to accommodate major passenger vessels.
With AROYA continuing its Mediterranean cruise program, Alexandria Port Authority remains focused on providing the technical services, safety arrangements and passenger handling facilities needed to support cruise calls.
The ongoing cooperation with Cruise Saudi forms part of broader efforts to strengthen Egyptian-Saudi maritime tourism links, improve connectivity between regional cruise destinations and support Egypt’s tourism economy.
Source: Alexandria Port Authority
