AROYA Cruises, the pioneering Arabian cruise line, has officially concluded a landmark 20-night charter in Taranto, Italy, serving as a primary hub for the Mediterranean Games 2026. The cruise line’s flagship vessel, AROYA, transformed into a floating Mediterranean Village, providing essential support and high-standard hospitality to over 4,000 competing athletes representing 26 nations.
Throughout the duration of the event, the vessel served as a home away from home for a total of 15,100 athletes, delegation members, and official visitors. This massive undertaking required a dedicated team of 1,200 crew members to maintain operations, blending the brand’s signature Arabian hospitality with the rigorous service standards required for an international multi-sport event.
In recognition of this logistical triumph, the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games hosted a special ceremony onboard on September 1, just days before the Games’ official closing. Taha Nazer, Acting CEO of Cruise Saudi, praised the achievement, noting that the charter marks a pivotal milestone for the company. “This demonstrates our ability to support major international events while maintaining the quality and care that define our guest experience,” Nazer said.
The prestige of the event was reflected in the caliber of guests welcomed aboard, including H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco, the President of North Macedonia, the President of the Lebanese Republic, and the Acting President of the Republic of Kosovo. A highlight of the visit was a bespoke dining experience curated by AROYA’s culinary team specifically for Prince Albert II, showcasing the vessel’s elite gastronomic capabilities.
Beyond the VIP reception, the vessel functioned as a high-performance training camp. A team of 273 culinary professionals, representing 15 nationalities, managed a complex, round-the-clock dining program tailored to the specific nutritional needs of elite athletes. The team prepared an average of 550 packed lunches daily for athletes competing at remote venues, while simultaneously managing complex dietary requirements and individual health needs.
Athlete recovery was prioritized through a comprehensive suite of onboard facilities. The ship featured a fully equipped gym, dedicated training studios, and 20 private treatment rooms for team physiotherapists. Thermal wellness areas—including Finnish and infrared saunas, salt rooms, and hydro-jacuzzis—offered athletes vital spaces for relaxation, supported by 24-hour onsite medical facilities.
Behind the scenes, the operation was nothing short of heroic. To accommodate the athletes, 1,678 staterooms were specially configured, while a 24-hour laundry service processed over 8,600 bags of gear. From virtual-reality gaming lounges to seamless digital connectivity for delegation meetings, AROYA proved that luxury cruise infrastructure can be successfully adapted for the high-stakes world of international sports. This successful charter has significantly bolstered AROYA Cruises’ global reputation, proving the versatility and operational excellence of the fleet on the world stage.
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