AROYA Cruises is moving its flagship from the Arabian Gulf to an expanded Mediterranean programme for winter 2026–27, adding Alexandria as a second embarkation port alongside Istanbul.
The revised deployment begins on 10 October 2026 and includes six, seven and eight-night cruises through Türkiye and Egypt. Selected itineraries will feature overnight stays in Alexandria, allowing additional time for excursions to Cairo and the Pyramids of Giza.
The change represents a significant expansion of AROYA’s Mediterranean operation. The cruise line had previously been expected to return to the Arabian Gulf for the winter season.
Alexandria becomes second embarkation port
Passengers will be able to begin or end selected voyages in Alexandria instead of travelling through Istanbul.
The interporting arrangement gives AROYA access to the Egyptian market while creating additional options for international fly-cruise packages and pre- or post-cruise stays.
Selected cruises will operate between Istanbul and Alexandria, visiting destinations along the Turkish coast. AROYA has not stated that every Mediterranean itinerary will include an overnight call in Alexandria, so passengers should check the schedule for their chosen departure.
Mediterranean programme expands in 2027
AROYA’s programme will expand again from May 2027, with six, seven and eight-night voyages combining destinations in Türkiye with either Egypt or Greece.
The season will include the cruise line’s first calls at Antalya and Nafplion. It will also introduce two 14-night cruises, marking AROYA’s longest and most extensive Mediterranean itineraries announced so far.
The first extended voyage departs Istanbul on 5 June 2027 and is scheduled to visit Catania, Salerno, Civitavecchia, Cagliari, La Goulette and Valletta. Passengers will also be able to join or leave the cruise in Civitavecchia.
A second 14-night sailing leaves Istanbul on 17 July 2027 and continues into the Adriatic, calling at Katakolon, Sarandë, Bar, Trieste, Zadar, Korčula and Bari. Trieste will provide an additional embarkation and disembarkation option.
AROYA targets international growth
AROYA Cruises said its expanded choice of departure ports, destinations and voyage lengths would help travel partners create more flexible packages for different markets.
The company reported that its 2026 Mediterranean season attracted passengers from more than 100 nationalities. Demand came from Türkiye, Egypt, Gulf states and CIS countries, as well as European markets including the UK and Germany.
AROYA is backed by Cruise Saudi and was created to provide a cruise product shaped around Arabian hospitality. Its decision to remain in the Mediterranean through winter 2026–27 increases its exposure to European and North African destinations while establishing Alexandria as an important part of its future deployment.
No operational reason for abandoning the planned Arabian Gulf winter programme was given in the announcement.