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AMMAN — The cruise ship “AROYA” docked at Aqaba Port on Wednesday carrying around 3,371 tourists, in a move that an official said highlights the growth of Jordan’s maritime tourism sector and strengthens Aqaba’s position as a major Red Sea cruise destination.
The vessel arrived on the first day of Eid Al Adha and was received at the Aqaba Cruise Terminal by ASEZA Commissioner for Tourism and Youth Affairs Thabet Al Nabulsi, alongside representatives from AD Ports Group’s Aqaba Cruise Terminal team, tourism agencies and stakeholders from the maritime and tourism sectors.
Al Nabulsi said the arrival of the AROYA cruise ship reflects Aqaba’s growing position on the regional maritime tourism map and confirms the city’s readiness to receive major international cruise ships while providing integrated services for visitors.
The ship arrived with around 3,371 tourists on board, most of whom were Saudi nationals, in addition to around 1,049 crew members. Its arrival was coordinated with maritime agent Kawar Navigation and tourism operator Travco Jordan.
According to ASEZA, the reception formed part of an integrated operational and organisational plan aimed at managing visitor movement across the city and tourist destinations while ensuring smooth traffic flow and a safe tourism experience.
Al Nabulsi noted that the tourism programme includes visits to Petra, Wadi Rum and Aqaba’s beaches, in addition to local tours showcasing the city’s cultural and heritage attractions.
“The continued arrival of cruise ships, including AROYA and other international vessels, confirms growing confidence in Aqaba’s readiness, safety and appeal as a cruise tourism hub,” Al Nabulsi told The Jordan Times.
The influx of cruise tourists is also expected to support hotels, restaurants, transport operators and tourism businesses in Aqaba and Petra during the Eid holiday period.
Commenting on the partnership with AD Ports Group, Al Nabulsi described it as “a key pillar in strengthening Aqaba’s maritime tourism infrastructure.”
“Through the development and operation of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal, the partnership has enhanced the city’s ability to receive major international cruise ships efficiently and professionally,” he said.
He added that the cooperation reflects a broader strategic vision to position Aqaba as a modern maritime gateway for Jordan through high-quality port services, improved visitor handling and stronger connectivity with regional and international cruise itineraries.
Al Nabulsi said the continued arrival of cruise ships represents a positive indicator of the recovery and growth of the cruise tourism sector and reinforces the role of the Aqaba Cruise Terminal in Marsa Zayed.
The strategic partnership between Aqaba Development Company and AD Ports Group, he noted, supports Aqaba’s ambition to become a regular stop on regional and international cruise routes in the Red Sea.
Looking ahead, Al Nabulsi said Aqaba is actively working with its partners to attract more international cruise lines and expand cruise traffic in the coming years.
“Before the end of 2026, Aqaba is expected to receive 13 additional cruise ships carrying mixed nationalities, mainly European passengers, in addition to AROYA,” he said.
The Aqaba Cruise Terminal, officially inaugurated in early 2023, is considered one of Jordan’s most advanced maritime tourism facilities.
The terminal includes a 720-metre-long jetty with depths ranging between 10 and 14 metres, enabling it to accommodate large cruise ships with high operational efficiency and strengthening Aqaba’s readiness to attract more regional and international cruise traffic.
