Aroya Cruises has revealed plans for dining aboard its first vessel, which includes the only Saudi restaurant at sea and a space-themed family diner. Olivia Palamountain reports

The first-ever Arabian cruise line, Aroya Cruises, has revealed a diverse culinary programme featuring 12 restaurants and 17 lounges and cafes aboard its inaugural vessel Aroya.

The 1,678-cabin ship, scheduled to set sail in December 2024, will showcase a diverse range of dining experiences, from traditional Saudi cuisine to international fine dining.

At the heart of the ship's culinary offering is Irth, a venue that marks the first Saudi restaurant at sea. The establishment will deliver an authentic taste of the kingdom, featuring traditional sharing dishes such as jareesh, haneeth and saleeg. Local produce takes centre stage, complemented by traditional Saudi coffee and regional specialities such as lemon juice with Habaq, Medinah's traditional dry mint.The ship's Italian restaurant, La Tavola, brings innovation to the seas with its own hydroponic herb garden, where fresh herbs are grown on-board for use in artisanal pasta dishes and risottos.

Meanwhile, The Fish Market boasts the largest fresh seafood display on a cruise ship, offering local catches including najel, hamour, harid and shaour.In a nod to Saudi Arabia's space programme, the Space Diner combines American cuisine with space exploration themes, featuring interiors inspired by the Saudi Space Agency's Human Space Flight Programme. The family-friendly venue serves playful dishes such as "astro-burger sliders" and "meteorite mac 'n' cheese."

The Asian dining venue, Bamboo Kitchen, will take guests on a pan-Asian culinary journey, featuring live cooking displays and teppanyaki performances. The menu spans multiple cuisines, from Vietnamese pho to Chinese Peking duck and Japanese sushi.

The Legends Sports Lounge makes history as the first cruise ship venue to offer charcoal shishas, while streaming international sports events. The Al Matal Lounge provides a more relaxed setting with floor-to-ceiling ocean views and a dedicated indoor terrace for shisha.

Luxury travellers booking the ship's premium Khuzama experience will have exclusive access to additional venues. The Khuzama Restaurant offers a sophisticated fusion of Saudi and French cuisines with a weekly rotating menu, while the Khuzama Lounge provides round-the-clock VIP service with international light bites and live music.Beyond dining Aroya features an impressive array of entertainment facilities, including 20 dedicated venues. Passengers can enjoy a theatre, karaoke room, climbing wall, and mini golf course. The ship also houses the largest retail area of any cruise ship globally, alongside two swimming pools and comprehensive spa facilities.

The maiden voyage will depart from Jeddah on December 16, 2024 offering a three-night journey that includes a visit to a Red Sea private island. Prices start from SAR 1,405 (£294) per guest.