AROYA Cruises: a Gourmet Journey
AROYA Cruises, an Arab cruise company, introduces a sophisticated selection of traditional Saudi cuisine, rustic Italian specialties, and high-end international dishes.
AROYA Cruises has unveiled new details about the dining offerings aboard its first ship, AROYA. With 1,678 cabins, the ship will host a total of 12 restaurants, including eight specialty venues, and 17 lounges and cafes, designed to cater to a wide variety of culinary tastes and preferences. Additionally, the company has announced exclusive restaurants and lounges for guests opting for the luxurious Khuzama experience.
Restaurants
The first Saudi restaurant at sea, Irth, will offer a sensory journey through the flavors of Saudi tradition. At its heart lies the warm hospitality characteristic of the country, welcoming guests from the moment they step in. The menu celebrates local products with shared dishes like jareesh, haneeth, and saleeg, alongside traditional bread, Saudi coffee, and refreshing beverages such as lemon juice with Habaq, Medina’s dried mint.
The flagship Italian restaurant, La Tavola, will transport passengers to a classic trattoria with authentic flavors and a convivial atmosphere. The menu includes handmade pasta, flavorful risottos, fresh salads, and irresistible desserts. A standout feature is the onboard hydroponic herb garden used to enhance savory dishes like homemade pasta.
Irth Restaurant, AROYA Cruises
La Tavola Restaurant, AROYA Cruises
Next is the seafood specialty restaurant, The Fish Market, which offers the freshest locally and sustainably sourced fish. Guests can select their meals from the largest fresh fish counter ever seen on a cruise ship, featuring local catches like najel, hamour, harid, and shaour. Various service styles are available, including Guéridon and table service for a refined experience, along with interactive options for entertaining younger guests.
In a different setting, American cuisine meets space exploration at Space Diner, an interactive restaurant. The retro interiors are inspired by the Saudi Space Agency’s Flight Program, featuring vibrant colors and original geometric designs. Perfect for families, the menu includes slider burgers and “meteorite” mac and cheese, paired with milkshakes inspired by the textures and colors of space.
Bamboo Kitchen, AROYA’s distinctive Asian restaurant, will take passengers on a culinary journey across China, Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia, and Korea. With a modern design and live cooking stations like teppanyaki, the menu ranges from Vietnamese pho to Peking duck, spicy Tom Yum soup, and Japanese sushi.
Bamboo Kitchen Restaurant, AROYA Cruises
Space Dinner Restaurant, AROYA Cruises
The Fish Market Restaurant, AROYA Cruises
Lounges and Cafes
Al Matal Lounge is an all-day venue characterized by breathtaking ocean views through floor-to-ceiling windows. Walls adorned with contemporary art and comfortable sofas make it the perfect place to relax. The menu features Saudi, Moroccan, Turkish, and English teas paired with freshly baked pastries. A dedicated indoor terrace for shisha is also available.
For sports enthusiasts, Legends Sports Lounge broadcasts sporting events from around the globe on numerous screens. Surrounded by sports memorabilia and an energetic atmosphere, guests will feel like they’re in a VIP lounge. The menu offers quick bites blending Arab and American cuisine, such as nachos, sliders, and mezze platters, along with the option of enjoying shisha with charcoal, a unique offering aboard.
Legends Sports Lounge, AROYA Cruises
Al Matal Lounge, AROYA Cruises
Exclusive to guests opting for the Khuzama luxury experience, the namesake restaurant offers fine dining in an elegant setting. The menu combines Saudi and French ingredients and techniques, with dishes rotating every seven days to ensure a constantly evolving selection. The refined ambiance is enhanced by live music performances.
Another exclusive space for Khuzama travelers is the sophisticated Khuzama Lounge, open 24/7. Here, guests can enjoy light snacks and exquisite desserts, with a menu that frequently updates to include Spanish tapas and French pastries. The high-class culinary offerings are complemented by live music, creating a welcoming and luxurious atmosphere at any time.
Khuzama Lounge, AROYA Cruises
Khuzama Restaurant, AROYA Cruises
Aroya thus redefines the concept of vacation in Arabia, a journey that began with its inaugural voyage in December 2024 from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Beyond world-class dining, the ship will feature 20 entertainment venues, including a theater, a karaoke room, a climbing wall, and mini-golf; dedicated areas for children and teens; a spa and tailored wellness services; two swimming pools; and the largest retail area ever seen on a cruise ship.
For more information and reviews on AROYA Cruises, visit our site, Cruising Journal.
