Aroya (ship)
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Cruise line |
| Founded | 2024 |
| Headquarters | Saudi Arabia |
Area served | Red Sea |
| Parent | Cruise Saudi |
Aroya is a cruise ship currently operated by Aroya Cruises based in Saudi Arabia. Initially constructed for Star Cruises, the vessel was reassigned to Dream Cruises during its build phase. In 2022, the ship was listed for sale and subsequently purchased by Cruise Saudi in 2023. Since 2024, it has been sailing under the Aroya Cruises brand.
Originally commissioned as World Dream for Star Cruises, the ship was tailored for the Asian cruise market, boasting multiple dining options, a casino, and cabins designed with special features. The vessel was officially christened on 17 November 2017 by Cecilia Lim, spouse of Genting CEO Lim Kok Thay, who acted as the ship’s sponsor.
Following its acquisition by Cruise Saudi in 2023, the vessel was renamed Manara before being rebranded as Aroya by Aroya Cruises in July 2024.
Construction and service
The order for the ship was placed in February 2014 under Star Cruises, with the keel laid on 29 July 2015. Actual construction commenced in February 2016. In November 2015, ownership transferred to sister company Dream Cruises, and the ship was named World Dream. It was launched on 26 August 2017 and completed by 26 October 2017. With a gross tonnage of 150,695, the vessel measures in length and has a beam of . The ship began service with Dream Cruises in November 2017.
Between 19 and 24 January 2020, three passengers aboard World Dream tested positive for COVID-19. On 5 February, all approximately 3,800 passengers and crew were placed under quarantine at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Cruise Terminal after Taiwan refused docking rights at Kaohsiung. The quarantine concluded on 9 February once all 1,800 crew members tested negative; most passengers were not tested due to no direct exposure to infected individuals.
On 26 February, the Indonesian Government evacuated its contingent of 188 nationals from the ship using the hospital vessel KRI dr. Soeharso. They were transported to Sebaru Kecil Island within Jakarta's Thousand Islands Regency for a mandatory two-week quarantine and health monitoring.
Auction and refit
After parent company Genting Hong Kong became insolvent, Dream Cruises halted operations. On 1 March 2022, it was declared that World Dream would cease sailing following its final journey.[1] The ship was subsequently laid up in Singapore and put up for auction, with sealed bids due by 21 December 2022.[2]
In March 2023, World Dream was acquired by Cruise Saudi and renamed Manara.[3] By June, it arrived at Bremerhaven for a comprehensive refurbishment at the Bredo shipyard.[4] The sale price was approximately $355 million USD, with modifications supported by Meyer Werft.[5]
The vessel received the name Aroya, combining Arabian with roya, meaning vision or dream, and commenced service under this name in December 2024.[6][7]
Lego replica
On 16 November 2017, Dream Cruises introduced a Lego replica of the vessel measuring 8.44 m (27 ft 8 in), recognized as the largest Lego model of a cruise ship, showcased at Hong Kong's Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
External links
- World Dream cruise ship information on Dream Cruises
- Aroya official site
- ↑ Dream Cruises' World Dream vessel to cease operations on Mar 2
- ↑ World Dream Cruise Ship Heading to Auction
- ↑ Genting HK's World Dream Sold to Cruise Saudi and Renamed Manara
- ↑ Cruise Saudi Ship Arrives in Germany for Drydock
- ↑ Papenburg: Meyer Werft hilft beim Umbau der "World Dream"
- ↑ Aroya Cruises' first ship is renamed after the brand
- ↑ First Arabian cruise line Aroya sets sail for luxury Red Sea adventures