Aroya cruising - what is a cruise holiday like?

Aroya cruises has plans to launch a fleet of ships - and the first to take to the water will be the MS Manara - which will set sail in December 2024.

Exactly what does Manara mean?  To translate from Arabic, it means something close to "she who spreads the light".   And what a fitting name.  Bringing the first middle eastern owned and operated cruise ship to the waters of the Red Sea and Gulf - and soon the world.

Into late 2025 it is expected an additional ship will join the Aroya fleet.

And the sister ships of ultra luxury line "Aman At Sea" will launch into 2026-27.

The kids will love you.  So many things to do, and exciting things that they will never do on land.  Seeing amazing new places, experiencing the sea, and exciting activities, with other kids the same age.   All looked after by specially trained teams who know how to communicate, entertain and inspire kids.  Call it "Edutainment"... they will learn as they play.  

BUT the bonus for you - the kids are looked after - and the adults can treat themselves with "me time", a spa treatment, a delicious meal without the kids, a stroll int he shops.  All without the kids tagging along.   And then see them later for lunch or dinner.   (there are even programs to entertain them while you have an elegant dinner - how good is that!).

On a cruise your room key is your onboard account.  So you don't need to carry any cash or a credit card with you in your pocket.

Any purchases on board go to your ship account, which is settled with a credit card you place on file.   Your room key card is secure - with a stored picture of you - so when anyone tries to use your card, the staff will see if it's you using it.  It's super secure.  

Once you have paid your deposits, you will get access to MY BOOKING on the Aroya site.  You can then tailor your cruise - but purchasing things like wifi packages, spa treatments, and booking tickets to shows (many of which are actually included)

Most meals are included in your cruise price.  There are some packages you can buy to dine in the upscale / exclusive Specialty Dining venues like Fish Market etc.

Music.  Bands.  Entertainment.  Shows.

It will all be available not he variety of venues on board (including the outdoor concert space).

And watch a film, a performance, or a show in the Aroya Theatre.  With shows several times a day, with premium seating for the Suites and Villa guests, and reservable seats for others - you can see some amazing entertainment while you sail between exciting ports.

Aroya doesn't forget how important sport is for the cruisers.  From the sports bar, to the football clinics for kids - sports are as much of a part of an Aroya cruise as they are at home.

If you can watch it or experience it on land - you will have front row seats on your cruise.  And home is just a few minutes walk away!

One of the benefits of cruising is that you unpack your suitcase once - but you get to see so many amazing places.   And how do you see them?

Once you have booked your cruise you will have access to reserve Shore Excursions.  The tours vary from 3 to 8 hours - and will pick you up at the door of the ship - and return you back - guaranteed that you will not miss the ship when it pulls out (and heads to the next amazing destination).

You can always walk ashore and do your own thing, but in most places, you will get much more out of the time by reserving a spot for you and your travel companions on a shore excursion.   

Each excursion has its own price.  And you can choose say for mum and the daughters to do a food and culture tour, and dad and the boys to go to see the sports grounds and other such pursuits.

Cruising has something for everyone.