Cruise Saudi and Aroya: The Future of Saudi Arabia


Cruise Saudi, a 100% Public Investment Fund-owned company, collaborates closely with ministries and regulatory authorities to develop the offshore and onshore cruise ecosystem. Following the successful completion of its third season, Cruise Saudi has welcomed over 300,000 cruise passengers in total.

Operating within the broader framework of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 to diversify the economy, Cruise Saudi aims to host 1.3 million cruise passengers annually by 2035, thereby bolstering the country’s tourism industry. Serving as a bridge between land and sea, Cruise Saudi plays a pivotal role as a strategic facilitator and a trusted partner for international and local entities. It oversees the development of services and infrastructure, including state-of-the-art cruise terminals, ground services training, and the creation of shore excursions, transforming the country’s coastlines into a premier global cruise destination.

With cruise port facilities in Jeddah, Yanbu, and Dammam, Cruise Saudi invites cruise lines from around the world to include Saudi Arabia as a significant port of call on their itineraries. This initiative introduces exciting new destinations that unveil Saudi Arabia’s rich cultural heritage, history, and natural wonders.

Cruise Saudi has announced its investment in leading technology organizations for its proprietary cruise line, Aroya Cruises, as part of its visionary ambition to revolutionize Saudi Arabia’s tourism industry in alignment with Vision 2030.

Cruise Saudi’s strategic partnerships for phase I of technology stack development for Aroya Cruises, including Monitor Deloitte, Alibaba Cloud SA, theICEway, SourceToad, Otalio, and Versonix Seaware, form a crucial aspect of Cruise Saudi’s commitment to creating a seamless passenger experience, from booking to the boarding process and beyond.

The unparalleled expertise of Cruise Saudi’s Information Technology and Digitization team in crafting the technology stack, combined with an insatiable drive for innovation and market disruption in cruise line technologies, underscores the project’s visionary approach. Meanwhile, Aroya Cruises stands out as a beacon of innovation, blending luxury with groundbreaking technology, thus charting a fresh course for Arabian travel experiences.

Monitor Deloitte, a global leader in strategy and consultancy, will lead the project management efforts, intricately weaving data and digital strategies to ensure that every technological decision is foresight-driven.

As a homegrown Saudi enterprise, Alibaba Cloud Saudi Arabia will lay the digital foundation for Aroya Cruises, exemplifying the pinnacle of security, reliability, and swift digital interactions. Simultaneously, theICEway is tasked with amalgamating Aroya‘s diverse technological realms into a seamless and cohesive digital ecosystem, ensuring a harmonious experience for every guest and crew member.

SourceToad’s guest-centric digital concierge, offering features such as an interactive ship map, daily itineraries, and reservations for shore excursions, dining, and spa treatments, is poised to become the central hub of onboard connectivity and engagement. Additionally, Otalio’s Ship Property Management System (SPMS) will revolutionize every facet of the onboard journey for Aroya Cruises, providing guests with curated experiences from their cabins to the decks. Meanwhile, Versonix Seaware, globally recognized for its cruise-focused Reservation and Revenue Management capabilities, is set to provide an intuitive booking experience that mirrors the exceptional quality of Aroya Cruises.

CEO of Cruise Saudi, Lars Clasen, remarked, “We are proud to collaborate with world-leading technology companies to integrate cutting-edge technology into the Aroya Cruises experience. Creating a seamless, modern, and comfortable journey for our passengers is at the heart of our offering. Investing in technology to enhance the cruising experience aligns perfectly with our forward-looking ambitions for this cruise line.”

This represents a significant step toward the development of the new Saudi company and, more importantly, the development of a vast area that is increasingly opening up to the world of cruises in a coherent and modern manner.

For information and updates on Aroya Cruises and Cruise Saudi, follow Cruising Journal for reviews, tips, and discounted cruises.

Gabriele Bassi

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