Shipping Arabia, October 4, 2026 – Aqaba Port welcomed the AROYA cruise ship from Jeddah with approximately 3,400 tourists and around 1,200 crew members on board, supporting the continued growth of Aqaba cruise tourism and the city’s position within the regional cruise network.
The ship’s arrival forms part of growing cruise activity connecting destinations across the Red Sea region. AROYA operates a regular itinerary beginning in Jeddah, calling at Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt and Aqaba before returning to Jeddah.
The route enhances tourism connectivity between regional ports and creates additional opportunities for the development of cruise tourism across the region.
Aqaba Cruise Tourism Connects Regional Destinations
AROYA’s regular itinerary links Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Jordan through a multi-destination cruise route. The ship’s Aqaba call gives passengers access to some of Jordan’s major tourism attractions while strengthening Aqaba’s role as a cruise destination.
During the visit, passengers joined tourism programs covering key attractions in Aqaba, Petra and Wadi Rum. Relevant authorities provided the required facilities and coordinated transportation services and guided tours to support smooth operations throughout the call.
The arrangements were designed to facilitate passenger movements and provide visitors with access to the destinations included in the tourism program.
ASEZA Seeks to Attract More Cruise Calls
Dr. Thabet Al-Nabulsi, Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs at the Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority (ASEZA), said welcoming cruise ships forms part of the authority’s efforts to strengthen the cruise tourism sector and attract additional cruise voyages.
According to Al-Nabulsi, increased cruise activity also contributes to commercial and service sectors linked to tourism and supports the local economy.
ASEZA continues to develop the Aqaba cruise tourism ecosystem by improving the readiness of facilities and services. These efforts are intended to reinforce Aqaba’s position as an integrated tourism destination and strengthen its role within the regional cruise network.
Regional Cruise Activity Supports Aqaba’s Tourism Position
The AROYA call highlights Aqaba’s role within a regional cruise itinerary connecting Jeddah, Sharm El Sheikh and Aqaba. The route provides cruise passengers with access to destinations across the three countries while strengthening tourism connectivity between their ports.
For Aqaba, cruise calls also connect maritime tourism activity with the wider tourism offering in Petra and Wadi Rum. ASEZA’s continued focus on facilities, services and operational coordination supports its efforts to attract more cruise voyages and expand Aqaba’s participation in regional cruise tourism.
Source: Aqaba Special Economic Zone Authority
