Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises suspends Gulf sailings for current season

Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises has announced the early conclusion of its debut Arabian Gulf season, confirming it will not operate its remaining sailings scheduled through 8 May. The winter season, which commenced on 21 February, has therefore been brought to a premature close.

 

The cruise line said the decision followed ongoing “operational considerations and in coordination with the relevant maritime and national authorities” in the region.

Aroya confirmed that all guests aboard had disembarked in Dubai on 7 March. Passengers remained onboard while the line coordinated travel arrangements with airline partners and local authorities.

 

“All guests were safely disembarked in Dubai on 7 March, with the safety, security and wellbeing of our guests and crew guiding this process,” an Aroya Cruises spokesperson said.

 

The company added that its teams continue to assist passengers with onward travel plans. “We are supporting our guests as they arrange their onward travel and providing guidance and assistance throughout this process,” it said.

 

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The ship had been operating seven-night itineraries calling at ports across the UAE, Oman and Qatar, including Khasab, Muscat, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Sir Bani Yas Island.

 

Aroya’s decision follows similar operational adjustments by other cruise lines that had deployed ships to the Gulf this season, including Celestyal, MSC Cruises and TUI.

 

Celestyal, which had positioned Celestyal Journey and Celestyal Discovery in the region operating sailings from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, has also cancelled the remainder of its winter cruises. Celestyal Discovery will reposition to Athens as planned ahead of its Mediterranean programme. Guests booked to depart from Doha on 7 and 14 March and from Dubai on 9 and 16 March will be offered either a full refund or cruise credit for a future voyage.

 

MSC Cruises has likewise suspended operations of MSC Euribia, currently docked in Dubai. The line, which had already cancelled its 7 March sailing, has now withdrawn three additional seven-night departures scheduled for 14, 21 and 28 March.

 

TUI has also cancelled its remaining Gulf departures due to sail from Dubai and Doha on 28 February and 1 and 2 March.

 

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