The first ship of AROYA Cruises, AROYA, will set sail from its main port, Galataport Istanbul, on June 6, starting its summer program and will embark on a new voyage every Saturday. AROYA is expected to make a significant contribution to Istanbul's tourism economy by completing 15 voyages by September 12.

Erdem Tavas, a member of the Board of Directors of Galataport Istanbul, stated that the number of companies using Istanbul as their main port has increased by 50% over the past three years. With AROYA increasing its number of voyages this year, they anticipate that the number of Turkish citizens embarking on trips from Istanbul will rise to 35,000.

Last year, AROYA Cruises, owned by the Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF), designated Galataport Istanbul as its main port and set its number of voyages at 15 for this year. AROYA, which commenced its first voyage from Galataport Istanbul on June 6, will contribute to bringing more tourists to Turkish ports until the end of the season.

The last voyage of AROYA this year will depart from Galataport Istanbul on September 12. AROYA will visit Turkish ports including Bodrum, Marmaris, and Kaş.

Erdem Tavas emphasized that AROYA Cruises' decision to once again choose Galataport Istanbul as its main port and increase the number of voyages from 13 to 15 for the 2026 season highlights Istanbul's strong strategic position and increasing attractiveness in cruise tourism.

Erdem Tavas shared the following: 'Currently, the annual number of cruise passengers globally increases by an average of 8% each year. Turkey is receiving its share of this increase, particularly from the Eastern Mediterranean ports within its geography. As Galataport Istanbul, we are one of the most important and strategic stops for cruise travel. The number of Turkish citizens embarking on cruise travel is expected to increase by approximately 70% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching 25,000. This year, with AROYA solidifying its position in the cycle, we anticipate that the number of Turkish citizens starting trips from Istanbul will rise to 35,000. In this regard, we are very pleased with the growing collaboration we have developed with Cruise Saudi, a subsidiary of the Saudi Public Investment Fund. We believe that AROYA's increasing operations will provide significant momentum for both our city and the regional cruise tourism.'

Sture Myrmell, President of AROYA Cruises, commented on the voyages starting on June 6, stating: 'We are offering 7-night itineraries departing from Istanbul. These itineraries will place Turkey at the center of the journey, providing a broad Mediterranean experience. Today, Istanbul has natural advantages for passengers coming from Gulf countries. Considering the factors of transportation alternatives, high recognition, seasonal suitability, and cultural proximity, it is entirely natural for Istanbul to be one of the most attractive tourism cities in the region. At this point, Galataport Istanbul has significantly contributed to the city's transformation into a strong cruise main port in the Mediterranean, which is why it was our preferred main port. Galataport Istanbul is not just a port; with its gastronomy and shopping opportunities, it offers a complete Istanbul experience. As AROYA Cruises, we support Galataport Istanbul becoming an important cruise destination for Turkey, and looking at the booking and occupancy rates, we see a positive outlook for the remainder of the season.'

The AROYA, which was launched last year with a capacity of 3,362 passengers, also includes three Greek islands that require Schengen visas on its route.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye