Latest news with #AROYACruises
Trade Arabia
18-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
What's next for revenue management for cruise lines?
The Middle East cruise industry is poised for continued growth with the 2024-2025 season set to attract over one million cruise tourists to the Arabian Gulf through key ports including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, and Jeddah, a great testament to the region's expanding maritime tourism sector. Saudi Arabia is the fastest growing regional market, projected to reach $89.5 million by 2030 and expected to register the highest CAGR over the next five years, stated Crystal Pernici, Global Director, IDeaS Cruise RMS. Aside from well-known international cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, TUI Cruises Virgin Voyages, and Celestyal Cruises, the region now has its very own first homegrown cruise brand, AROYA Cruises, which cruises from Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. The sector is supported by the Cruise Arabia Alliance, established in March 2024 by the maritime and tourism authorities from Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and Oman. This partnership aims to promote the Arabian Gulf as a premier global cruise destination by enhancing port infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and attracting more cruise lines to the region. With the growth and development of the cruise sector in the region, the landscape is increasingly competitive. Interestingly enough, despite the industry's ability to deliver millions of memorable passenger experiences every year, cruise lines have been comparatively slow to adopt the shift in tools and philosophy needed to maximise revenue from their cabin accommodations. The result? A vastly competitive environment with cruise lines willing to undervalue ticketing to ensure a ship full of passengers who'll (hopefully) spend enough onboard to cover the difference and then some. It's a tough balancing act filled with missed revenue opportunities. And it's one we believe can be fundamentally shifted through the use of similar, tried-and-true revenue science principles widely adopted across airlines and hotels. One of the key challenges is the inability to effectively forecast demand. A cabin ticket can't be sold after the ship departs, resulting in cruise lines focus in filling ships and maximising onboard spending, rather than maximising revenue across cabin categories. Predicting premium cabin demand early could improve pricing and promotions. Revenue management systems, used in hotels and airlines, enhance financial performance by analysing demand and adjusting prices, distribution, and promotions for smarter, category-specific pricing. In addition to forecasting demand, cruise lines often need more defined market segments that group similar booking (and spending) behaviors. Revenue management can look at factors such as booking channel, product offerings (and conditions), source market and agency vs direct bookings which can serve as key indicators for segmentation-based forecasting. With enough insight into segment-based demand, cruise lines can develop strategies that ultimately lead to getting the most valuable mix of passengers on board as possible. But there's just one problem—it takes a ton of time-consuming, error-prone work to make this happen manually or extensive staffing and high labor costs that typically only the large lines can take of. Particularly at the scale and frequency needed to respond effectively for an entire fleet of ships booking months or years in advance. To pull off the necessary data crunching and subsequent shifts in selling strategy effectively, cruise lines need to enlist the power of advanced automated tools. By harnessing revenue management technology, cruise lines can navigate the tides of an ever-evolving industry, optimising performance across their vast and diverse itineraries. By ensuring each route and cabin is dynamically priced with precision, they can maximise profitability while delivering smooth sailing and unforgettable experiences for passengers.
Arabian Business
28-04-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
EXCLUSIVE: AROYA Cruises hosts over 92,000 passengers in first 4 months of operations
Saudi Arabia's AROYA Cruises has welcomed more than 92,250 passengers since launching operations in December 2024, with 38,000 visitors during Ramadan alone, the company's official spokesperson told Arabian Business on Monday. Speaking at Arabian Travel Market 2025, Turky Kari, AROYA's Executive Director of Marketing, revealed strong demand for the first Arabian cruise line, which positions itself as offering a 'remarkably Arabian experience' whilst maintaining global standards. AROYA Cruises soars successfully 'It was a very exciting journey for the last four months. We started December 16 in the Red Sea with very good occupancy trip by trip,' Kari said. 'We're hosting a lot of new guests, new cruisers in the Red Sea, majority from Saudi but we expanded beyond Saudi citizens between GCC, Arab countries and a lot of international travellers.' The company introduced a special concept during the holy month called 'Ramadan Along the Horizon,' which proved particularly successful. The vessel was anchored in front of Jeddah Yacht Club, offering Iftar and Suhoor meals alongside Ramadan-themed activities and overnight stay options, attracting 38,000 visitors. AROYA currently operates two primary itineraries from Jeddah – a three-night weekend trip from Thursday to Sunday and a four-night weekday cruise from Sunday to Thursday. Both itineraries include visits to Saba Beach on the private island of Jabal Al-Sabaya, with weekday cruises also travelling to destinations including Sharm El-Sheikh in Egypt, Aqaba in Jordan, and Safaga, which serves as a gateway to Cairo. The cruise line will host the first International Floating Franchise Exhibition from May 5-8, organised by the National Franchise Committee of the Federation of Saudi Chambers. The event will bring together Saudi brands with international investors in a unique maritime setting. The cruise line has attracted a diverse passenger mix, with Kari noting significant numbers from GCC countries alongside unexpected interest from Russian and Uzbekistani tourists, as well as Europeans, particularly Germans and Italians. Beginning June 12, AROYA will reposition its vessel for Mediterranean operations with a nine-night journey from Jeddah to Istanbul through the Suez Canal. From June 21, the company will launch seven-night Mediterranean itineraries visiting destinations in Turkey and Greece including Bodrum, Kaş, Kuşadası, Mykonos, Athens and Rhodes. Cruise prices start from SAR 999 (approximately $266) per person for a three-night all-inclusive weekend trip, with premium 'Khuzama' experiences available that include dedicated restaurants, lounges, butlers and concierge services. The 1,600-cabin vessel features numerous amenities including 12 restaurants, 17 lounges and cafes, a theatre, spa, zip line, water slides and extensive children's facilities.
Tourism Breaking News
21-04-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
AROYA Cruises launches Mediterranean Season Itineraries
Post Views: 130 AROYA Cruises announced the launch of its inaugural Mediterranean itineraries set to begin in June 2025. Homeported in Galataport Istanbul, AROYA will sail to some of the region's most popular European cruise destinations, marking a major milestone in the cruise line's growth and regional expansion. The new itineraries feature 7-night voyages to ports in Turkey and Greece, blending iconic destinations with AROYA's Arabian inspired experience. Beginning on 21st June, AROYA will sail to Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş and Kuşadası, followed by additional stops in Athens, Mykonos and Crete later that month. In July, the itineraries expand to include Rhodes and İzmir, with Fethiye added in August. One of the new itineraries will be dedicated entirely to Turkish coastal cities, offering guests an immersive experience along the country's breathtaking shoreline. The remaining sailings will blend stops in both Turkey and Greece, with a particular emphasis on Bodrum and other iconic ports along the Turkish Riviera. Since its maiden voyage in December, AROYA Cruises has completed a successful inaugural season in the Red Sea, offering guests a Remarkably Arabian experience rooted in Saudi hospitality and the spirit of Hafawa. Onboard, guests can enjoy a wide range of world-class experiences, from a spacious main pool area and a theatre with nightly entertainment, to wellness facilities that include a snow room and advanced spa treatments. Designed with families in mind, the ship features a zip line, water slides and one of the largest kids' zones at sea, while culinary enthusiasts can explore 12 restaurants and 17 lounges and cafes offering a curated selection of Saudi and international cuisine. For guests seeking added exclusivity, the Khuzama experience offers access to spacious suites, private dining and personalized butler service. Dr. Jörg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises, commented: 'Launching our Mediterranean season is a proud moment for AROYA Cruises, offering a new way to discover one of the world's most iconic cruise regions through an Arabian inspired experience. These itineraries reflect our commitment to delivering journeys rooted in Saudi culture, shaped by its values, and shared through the warmth and generosity that define the AROYA experience.' İlhan Sipahi, CEO of Galataport Istanbul, added, 'It is a great honour and joy for us to witness Galataport İstanbul, the city's main cruise port, recognised as a preferred destination by the world's leading cruise lines. The selection of Galataport İstanbul as the homeport for AROYA Cruises, one of the newest and most substantial investments in the cruise industry, is a source of immense pride. More importantly, we are thrilled to introduce the people of Saudi Arabia, İstanbulites, and travellers from around the world to both the unparalleled amenities of Galataport İstanbul and the rich cultural heritage of the city.'
Leaders
20-04-2025
- Business
- Leaders
AROYA Cruises Launches New Promising Mediterranean Season
AROYA Cruises has launched its inaugural Mediterranean itineraries with trips departing from Galataport in Istanbul, according to the Saudi Press Agency. Set to begin in June 2025, the new itineraries feature seven-night voyages to several Turkish and Greek ports. In order to provide visitors with an unparalleled Arab marine tourism experience, AROYA will sail to Bodrum, Marmaris, Kaş and Kuşadası, followed by additional stops in Athens, Mykonos and Crete later June. Meanwhile, the itineraries will include Rhodes and İzmir in July, and Fethiye in August. AROYA Through these trips, guests will have an exclusive opportunity to explore distinctive natural and cultural landmarks, within a comprehensive experience inspired by authentic Arab hospitality. The current expansion comes after the remarkable success of the first season of 'AROYA Cruises' in the Red Sea, that offered outstanding trips and deeply reflected the Saudi cultural identity. AROYA Interestingly, the first season has boosted the company's presence as a major player in the cruise industry in the region. 'We are so proud to launch our Mediterranean season that unleashes a new way to discover one of the world's most iconic cruise regions through an Arabian inspired experience,' AROYA Cruises President Dr. Jörg Rudolph said. Rudolph also noted that the new season perfectly aligns with the company's vision of integrating the global tourism experience with authentic Saudi culture and presenting an exceptional model of maritime hospitality. AROYA Related Topics: AROYA Cruises Opens Booking Platform for Sailings on Board Saudi AROYA Cruises Shines in Arabian Travel Market in Dubai Saudi Arabia's Aroya Sets Sail with Record-Breaking Retail Experience Short link : Post Views: 14
Campaign ME
17-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Campaign ME
Who brought Cristiano Ronaldo and Georgina Rodríguez's first collab ad to life?
Social Clinic, a Saudi-born creative agency, has revealed its involvement – including creative development and execution management – for AROYA Cruises' new campaign, starring global icons Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodríguez in their first-ever brand campaign together. The campaign, titled Yalla, AROYA Cruises, took a cinematic, playful approach – offering a glimpse into how Ronaldo and Rodríguez turn a regular day at home into a spark of cruise excitement. Using advanced CGI and visual storytelling, the campaign is a first-of-its-kind for AROYA Cruises, which launched in December 2024. 'This collaboration is a proud moment for Saudi creativity — two Saudi-born brands coming together to deliver a story on a global stage,' said Rayyan Jamjoom, CEO of Social Clinic. 'Seeing AROYA Cruises and Social Clinic lead a campaign with two of the world's most recognised figures reflects the ambition and capability emerging from the Kingdom's creative industry.' Social Clinic was responsible for: Developing the creative platform, Directing the narrative and tone of the campaign, Managing production and post-production, and Delivering the full communications rollout across digital and social platforms, as well as news and media channels. The digital campaign has been launched on the Cristiano Ronaldo's and Georgina Rodríguez's respective Instagram channels, in collaboration with AROYA Cruises, following a series of teasers In the film, which captures the spirit of escapism in a fresh and modern way, the world-renowned footballer is seen at home planning the next holiday with his long-term partner. Rodríguez swipes through options on her phone before selecting AROYA Cruises. The couple's home then transforms into the luxurious AROYA ship, complete with sun lounges, branded kitchenware and a balcony with incredible views of the sea. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Social Clinic (@socialclinicsa) Ronaldo shows off his impressive football skills before the couple head out to the balcony to end the campaign with a call to action, saying 'Yalla,' the colloquial Arabic term for 'Let's go', which also happens to be the AROYA Cruises' brand tagline. 'Our mission was to breathe life into AROYA as a brand that's not only aspirational and global, but truly one-of-a-kind,' said Turky Kari, Executive Marketing Director at AROYA Cruises. 'Social Clinic came in with bold ideas and an incredible collaborative energy that helped us craft a campaign bursting with personality, style, and international flair — everything AROYA stands for,' Kari concluded. CREDITS: Client: AROYA Cruises Creative agency: Social Clinic
