Saudi Arabia’s first homegrown cruise line, Aroya Cruises, made its inaugural call to Galataport Istanbul this week ahead of its Eastern Mediterranean season. The arrival marks the start of the cruise brand’s first foray into European waters after a successful debut in the Red Sea.

Aroya Cruises has chosen Galataport Istanbul as its official homeport for the summer season, with weekly sailings scheduled every Saturday through mid-September.

“This is a historic moment,” said Turky Kari, Executive Director of Marketing for Cruise Saudi. “We couldn’t have found a better place to start our Mediterranean journey than Istanbul. We’re working hard to grow tourism links between Saudi Arabia and Turkey, with a goal of bringing 90,000 passengers to the city this year.”

The vessel arrived in Istanbul on June 20 following a journey along Turkey’s southwestern coast, including stops in Bodrum and Kaş. The ship will undergo routine maintenance before beginning its first commercial voyage on June 28.

Galataport Istanbul is rapidly cementing its status as a major cruise hub. According to board member Erdem Tavas, the port expects to handle approximately 600,000 passengers in 2025—a 134% increase from last year.

“Homeport passengers are vital to the local economy,” Tavas noted. “They spend six to seven times more than an average tourist, with per-person spending averaging between $450 and $500.”

Photo Credit: Aroya Cruises