Skift Take

The brand is being built up to almost exclusively serve the Saudi and Gulf markets.

Saudi Arabia's spare-no-expense cruise brand Aroya is set to launch this December, promising cigar lounges, jacuzzis, 28 dining options, 20 venues for entertainment, a retail area, and wellness and spa facilities.

All sounds like fun. But there will be no alcohol. And the brand is being built up to almost exclusively serve the Saudi and Gulf markets, with no plans to add features that would appeal to a more global audience.

"Everywhere Aroya will operate will be for the Saudis and Saudi families," said Turky Kari, Aroya's spokesperson at Arabian Travel Market (ATM), Dubai's largest travel trade show. "Regardless of Red