Saudi Arabia has officially launched its first cruise line, setting a remarkable retail benchmark. The new cruise ship, Aroya, features an astounding 1,600 square meters of shopping space. This shopping area, highlighted by retail concessionaire Gebr. Heinemann, sets a new record in the global cruise industry. This expansive shopping area includes a souq-inspired district, offering guests a unique blend of global and Arabian brands. Guests can also explore the ship’s fully operational web store for seamless shopping experiences on board.
Unmatched Onboard Shopping
The ship’s retail offerings are strategically located across multiple decks, each catering to diverse guest preferences. On Deck 7, boutiques specialize in sunglasses, leather goods, premium watches, jewelry, fashion, and accessories. Deck 16 houses the exclusive Khuzama Boutique, providing a VIP shopping experience with luxury products, accessible by appointment through the concierge.
Enhancing the retail experience, Aroya introduces the first-ever cruise ship web store, accessible via the Aroya app. This digital platform allows guests to shop anytime, anywhere on the ship, and even reserve items before boarding. This innovation reflects Aroya’s commitment to integrating technology with luxury.
Luxurious Accommodations
Beyond shopping, Aroya offers 1,678 cabins, including lavish suites and villas, accommodating up to 3,362 passengers. The ship features 20 entertainment venues across 18 decks, a 1,018-seat theater, and a water park with five slides and a splash zone for kids.
Moreover, the ship offers exclusive areas for women, such as dedicated pools, gyms, and prayer rooms, ensure a comfortable experience for all guests.
Aroya boasts 15 restaurants, including the first Saudi restaurant at sea, Irth, offering authentic regional cuisine.
Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options, from complimentary to specialty venues, ensuring a rich culinary journey. The Khuzama Restaurant blends Saudi and French cuisine, providing an exclusive dining experience for suite guests.
In light of its luxurious amenities and affluent clientele, Aroya’s retail strategy aims to impress. The majority of guests will consist of Saudi nationals and Gulf Cooperation Council residents. President of Aroya Cruises, Jörg Rudolph, expressed ambition for an exceptional shopping experience. He emphasized that collaborating with Heinemann allowed them to create a unique retail concept.
Combining Luxury with Local Culture
Rudolph highlighted their focus on high-end global and Arabian brands. He stated, “We combined our insights to create bespoke shopping services and excellent customer service.” As the cruise line embarks on its inaugural three-night voyages from Jeddah’s cruise terminal, the Aroya redefines luxury life at sea. This remarkable venture showcases Saudi Arabia’s commitment to enhancing its tourism and cruise industry through unique, world-class experiences.
