A cruise line funded and owned by Saudi Arabia is set to be unveiled in the coming months.

Aroya Cruises’ itineraries and packages are currently under development, the line said.

Combining the words ‘Arabian’ and ‘roya’, meaning vision or dream, Aroya Cruises will offer passengers the chance to ‘explore the wonders of Saudi from the sea’ and will reflect the country’s ‘rich cultural heritage, natural beauty and warm hospitality’.

Aroya Cruises said it would provide ‘exceptional passenger experience and will offer the highest standard of service, facilities and shore excursion programme’ in the region.

Cruise Saudi, a 100% public investment fund-owned business in Saudi Arabia, is launching the cruise line and it will be managed as a separate business unit.

The cruise line will help support Cruise Saudi’s strategic goals of welcoming 1.3 million cruise visitors by 2035 and will be aimed at Saudi nationals, expatriates and regional guests, Cruise Saudi said.

Ghassan Khan, who is leading the launch of Aroya Cruises, said it was a privilege to ‘bring this cruise line to launch as a core element of Saudi’s development as an international cruising destination’.

Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen said: “This momentous step marks a historical milestone in Cruise Saudi’s ambitious strategy to create a premium cruise ecosystem in Saudi.

“Aroya Cruises will be operating as an autonomous brand within the Cruise Saudi portfolio, aiming to provide experiences and services specifically designed to embrace Arabian preferences.”