Saudi-Owned Cruise Ship Navigates Strait of Hormuz Amid Tensions
A Saudi-owned cruise ship, Aroya, successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz despite renewed tensions between Saudi Arabia and Iran. The ship, registered in Malta, was the last of several cruise ships to transit the strait over the weekend, following a brief lull in hostilities. Acquired by Saudi interests in 2023, Aroya is the first large cruise ship owned by a Middle Eastern country. It was conducting cruises from Dammam, Saudi Arabia, when tensions escalated. The ship is now en route to Jeddah, planning to resume service with cruises in the Red Sea before repositioning to Turkey for Mediterranean cruises.