largest Maritime Retail Presence Established on Saudi Arabian Ocean Voyager
Saudi Arabia's first cruise line, Cruise Saudi, has set a new standard in retail on sea by launching a ship with over 17,250 square feet (1,603 square meters) of shopping space. This record-breaking claim is made by retail concessionaire Gebr. Heinemann. The ship, named Aroya, will also be the first to offer a fully functional online store.
Measuring 1,099 feet long and carrying up to 3,362 passengers, the Aroya is slightly smaller than the largest Royal Caribbean International ships, which fall under the Icon- and Oasis-class. However, due to its more intimate size, Aroya will cater to fewer guests, with a focus on larger Khuzama suites and villas. These luxury accommodations offer various amenities, such as dining areas, fully furnished balconies, and dedicated service from butlers, concierges, and 24-hour assistance.
The villas, including The Royal Villa, Presidential Villa, and Signature Suites, are even more opulent, featuring jacuzzis, bathtubs, and up to 4,250 square feet of Arabian luxury.
Retailing Like Never Before
Given its wealthy clientele primarily consisting of Saudi and Gulf Cooperation Council nationals and residents, what can we expect from Aroya's retail offerings?
In a statement, President of Aroya Cruises, Jörg Rudolph, revealed that passengers will be treated to an "extraordinary" shopping experience. He elaborated that by collaborating with Heinemann, they have designed a retail concept that encompasses bespoke shopping services, high-end global and Arabian brands, and top-notch customer service.
Spanning three decks, the retail offerings comprise eight boutiques on board, showcasing over 250 international and Arabian brands. These will be serviced by 30 Heinemann employees.
Deck 6 features the Aroya Souk, showcasing regional gifts, delicacies, and sweets, as well as Aroya Dukkan, a convenience store stocking everyday products. Fragrances and cosmetics, children's clothing and toys, sunglasses and leather goods, premium and luxury watches and jewelry, and fashion/accessories can be found on Deck 7.
For an exclusive shopping experience, the Khuzama Boutique on Deck 16 offers VIP personal shopping by appointment, with lighting and decor reminiscent of a starry desert night.
Arabian and Regional Themes
Several stores exhibit Arabian design and culture, such as the Aroya Souk and beauty boutique, which utilize sand and dune motifs. Elsewhere, palm trees and architectural back-wall arches pay homage to local landscapes. Several retail spaces also provide separate areas for women to shop privately and have their makeup applied without interuption.
Heinemann and Cruise Saudi have also debuted the first web store on a cruise ship, allowing passengers to browse, reserve, or pre-order products ahead of their voyage or outside of opening hours, with pickup in-store.
Launched during the pandemic in 2021, Cruise Saudi is owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), which plays a significant role in supporting the country's tourism ambitions as outlined in Vision 2030, a transformation plan from ruler Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, designed to diversify the Saudi economy away from fossil fuels. However, these ambitions have been met with scrutiny at COP29.
In regards to Cruise Saudi's plans, CEO Lars Clasen said, "Our mission is to become a world-class cruise port and cruise line operator, positioning Saudi Arabia as a premier global cruise destination. We aim to welcome 1.3 million cruise passengers to experience Saudi via sea by 2035."
The retail concept on Aroya, a Cruise Saudi cruise ship, is a collaboration between its president Jörg Rudolph and retail concessionaire Gebr. Heinemann. This collaboration aims to provide passengers with an "extraordinary" shopping experience, featuring bespoke services, high-end brands, and top-notch customer service.
The ship's retail offerings span three decks, with eight boutiques showcasing over 250 international and Arabian brands. For a more exclusive shopping experience, the Khuzama Boutique on Deck 16 offers VIP personal shopping by appointment.
Cruise Saudi, owned by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF), has also launched the first web store on a cruise ship, allowing passengers to browse, reserve, or pre-order products ahead of their voyage or outside of opening hours.
Aroya, with its record-breaking retail space of 17,250 square feet, is part of Cruise Saudi's ambitious plans to position Saudi Arabia as a premier global cruise destination, attracting 1.3 million cruise passengers by 2035. This aligns with the country's Vision 2030, a transformation plan aimed at diversifying the Saudi economy away from fossil fuels.
