First launched in 2023 by Cruise Saudi, AROYA Cruises has brought “Remarkably Arabian”- travel to an international audience of patrons from across the globe, combining the rich cultural heritage of Saudi Arabia with a unique cruise experience
In alignment with both Saudi Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s goal of becoming a global tourism leader, AROYA – a portmanteau of two Arabic words, ‘Ar’ symbolising Arabian and ‘Roya’ meaning vision – not only reflects the preferences and values of the region but also offers a new perspective on leisure at sea. The onboard design philosophy perfectly embodies the essence of Saudi Arabian culture, achieved through contemporary design expression that refines and elevates these touchstones while still retaining their core spirit.
The vast, multifaceted landscapes of the Kingdom form the foundation of AROYA’s aesthetic language. Colour palettes, textures and patterns are all taken from distinct regional environments, from the corals and deep blues of the Red Sea and the terraced greenery of the Asir mountains to the sculptural sand dunes of the Empty Quarter, and the soft tones of Najd’s central plateau. Each of these environments is abstracted into distinct visual cues that manifest through flooring, wall finishes, soft furnishings and other decorative details. These motifs also incorporate many examples of traditional Najdi and Hijazi architecture, as well as elements of heritage craftsmanship, textiles and calligraphy.
What truly sets AROYA apart, however, is the onboard Art Collection, crystallising AROYA’s dedication to Saudi identity, creativity and culture, as well as the Kingdom’s growing prominence in today’s modern global community. Encompassing 2600 commissioned artworks, displayed across the ship, the collection immerses guests in an experience of Arabian-inspired travel and hospitality. The pieces collectively present multiple dimensions of Saudi heritage and creative expression.
On Deck 6 specially curated works revolve around five pillars. The first of these pillars – ‘Crafts of the Kingdom’ – highlights some of the oldest Saudi artforms. Textiles and traditional clothing have long served as powerful symbols of identity throughout the Kingdom’s various regions and tribes, so much so that AROYA commissioned Saudi artists to produce 40 unique hand-embroidered textiles, each showcasing patterns found in traditional Saudi garments. A large-scale installation by Saudi visual artist Rana AlOgayyel also incorporates pieces of Al Sadu, Zeri and handmade Bedouin jewellery. Palm weaving and carved gypsum also find representation here. German artist Anna Maria Bellmann has created a series of seven pieces for the lift lobbies, showcasing intricate geometric patterns found in traditional buildings, while Saudi artist Hind Rawas has produced four hand-carved gypsum pieces for the Irth restaurant, inspired by traditional window carvings found in Al Balad, Jeddah’s old town.
The ‘Coastal Journeys’ pillar celebrates Saudi Arabia’s profound connection to the sea. In an ode to the Red Sea port city of Jeddah, the works pay tribute to the Kingdom’s rich maritime history and explore traditions that have shaped generations through a diverse range of media and artistic voices. For example, established American artist Tahiti Pehrson was commissioned to create four large-scale, hand-carved artworks on paper that depict the merchant houses of the Farasan Islands.
Meanwhile, ‘Land Journeys’ includes works that directly honour the desert environment of the Saudi interior. The Saudi artist Raeda Ashour has created pieces using hand embossing and watercolour on paper, portraying traditional desert motifs and ancient petroglyphs. Other commissioned artists, including Stephanie Neville, focus on capturing the sheer grandeur, textures and colours of the arid landscape. Creative attention is also extended to the native flora of the Kingdom, with renditions of botanical subjects created using regional traditional crafts, including detailed stitched embroidery with bead embellishments, blending the natural beauty of the land with its artistic legacy.
Scripting the Past’ focuses on the elegant and ancient tradition of Arabic calligraphy, recognised on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Among its styles is Kufic, an early and universal script historically essential for copying the Qur’an. To honour this tradition, several Saudi Arabian artists – including Ahmad Tariq Jeddawi and Mohammed Khadder – were commissioned to reimagine calligraphy through abstract designs. These works span a variety of media, including detailed acrylic reliefs, striking works on paper and intricately hand-carved wood panels, demonstrating the enduring versatility and beauty of the script.
For ‘Beyond Patterns’, AROYA commissioned painters and textile artists to capture the extensive architectural history of Saudi Arabia, encompassing everything from ancient UNESCO archaeological sites to modern and contemporary structures. Artists such as Khalid Al Malouki were tasked with depicting the incredible hanging villages of the Asir Mountains, while Al Hanouf Al-Laboun focused on portraying the intricate architectural patterns found in historical heritage locations.
Throughout the ship, works are meticulously chosen to bring the spaces to life as art enlivens every aspect of the voyage. These raneg from Saudi artist Ahmed Bawazeer’s work in the Space Diner to Irth and Breakfast Studio’s digitally controlled kinetic work (a real-time visualisation of the tide of the Red Sea), and UK-based Indigo Art’s bespoke illustrations in the onboard Italian restaurant, Tavola. AROYA Cruises successfully merges travel with a deep celebration of Saudi Arabia’s heritage. Through commissioned works by both local and international artists, AROYA creates an amazing experience for guests, one that draws deeply from Saudi creativity, artistry and cultural vibrancy and highlights multiple dimensions of Saudi identity and expression.
This article is in partnership with AROYA Cruises
