Cruise Saudi, a 100% Public Investment Fund-owned company that specializes in the development of the Kingdom’s cruise industry, has announced its partnership with the Culinary Arts Commission to showcase authentic Saudi cuisine onboard AROYA Cruises through the Irth Culinary Boutique & Café. This collaboration forms part of AROYA Cruises’ vision to offer exceptional and creative experiences to its passengers.

AROYA Cruises is the first cruise ship of its kind to be tailored exclusively to Arabian tastes, and resembling it is Irth, the first Saudi restaurant at sea, which will offer a variety of locally sourced Saudi foods and drinks and high-quality products.

In addition to its rich heritage and glorious history, Saudi is also renowned for its authentic hospitality, which will be embodied in the services provided at Irth, with all restaurant staff being trained by the Culinary Arts Commission to ensure a deluxe and genuine experience for passengers.

Founded in 2020, the Culinary Arts Commission seeks to promote the unique Saudi culinary traditions on both a local and global scale and position the Kingdom as a leading destination for culinary arts. The goals and ambitions of the Culinary Arts Commission align perfectly with those of AROYA Cruise, which aims to provide exceptional experiences that cater to the tastes and preferences of Arabian people while seeking inspiration from the authentic Saudi culture.

Lars Clasen, CEO at Cruise Saudi, commented on the partnership, “We’re proud to be partnering with the Culinary Arts Commission. Launching Irth Culinary Boutique & Café onboard AROYA Cruises represents a key step in exhibiting the Kingdom’s authenticity and offering the best of services to our guests”.

Mayada Badr, CEO of the Culinary Arts Commission, said, “Irth Culinary Boutique & Café will showcase the authenticity of Saudi cuisine and its rich culture, and this partnership with Cruise Saudi’s AROYA Cruises aligns perfectly with our ambition to celebrate the Kingdom’s rich heritage and culture. We look forward to joining AROYA Cruises in their mission to offer the best of Saudi culture and traditions across its journeys.”

Unveiled in June 2023, AROYA Cruise is the Kingdom’s first-ever cruise line with a unique design catering to Arabian tastes while focusing on the holiday preferences of Saudi nationals, expatriates, and regional guests. It starts from the design of cabins and suites to the detailed attention given to the quality of on-board food and beverage offerings, reflecting the spirit of innovation and true Arabian hospitality that the Kingdom excels in.