Delivered in December 2024, AROYA marks Cruise Saudi’s first venture into the global cruise market and stands as one of the most ambitious refurbishment projects ever undertaken in maritime industry.
The 335 metre long, 150,000 gross tonne luxury cruise ship was comprehensively transformed at the Bremerhaven shipyard in Germany, emerging as a vessel that combines Middle Eastern elegance with cutting edge technology and sustainability led design. With capacity for up to 3,362 passengers and 1,140 crew across 19 decks, AROYA presents a bold, future‑ready vision for luxury cruising.
dpa lighting consultants collaborated closely with AROYA Cruises, SMC Design, and Partner Ship Design to develop a lighting design that enhances architectural form while expressing cultural identity. The resulting scheme balances atmosphere, operational performance, and narrative, positioning lighting as a core contributor to the guest experience.
At the centre of the ship is a dramatic three deck atrium and gallery space, conceived as AROYA’s cultural heart. Redesigned by the project’s design team, the space showcases historical artefacts alongside bespoke kinetic lighting sculptures that introduce movement and visual rhythm.
Boutiques, gourmet restaurants, and cafés are unified beneath a striking digital ceiling chandelier, programmed to transition from vivid desert sunrises to atmospheric Arabian nights. This evolving lighting feature creates a fully immersive environment, reinforcing a sense of place while guiding passengers through the space.
Across AROYA, each venue is given its own identity through carefully considered lighting strategies. While Space Diner employs playful, colourful dynamic lighting to engage younger guests and energise the space, the steakhouse, Meast, is enhanced with lighting that accentuates bold colours, material richness, and texture. The Fish Market offers a personalised, refined dining atmosphere with textured fabrics revealed with well-crafted lighting layers.
Throughout the ship, lighting supports wayfinding, enhances spatial hierarchy, and contributes to comfort and legibility, while remaining fully integrated with the vessel’s technical and operational requirements.
The lighting design of AROYA demonstrates the impact of thoughtful innovation- where artistry, functionality, and cultural storytelling work in harmony. Through close collaboration between client, designers, and technical partners, dpa has supported the delivery of a luminous expression of AROYA Cruises’ vision, establishing a new benchmark for large scale luxury cruise refurbishment.
Client: Cruise Saudi
Project & Technical Manager: Columbia Cruise Services
Outfitters: MJM Marine, De Wave Group
Architects/Design Team: SMC Design, Partner Ship Design, Brand Creative
House Lighting Control: Videlio-FUNA
Photography: Courtesy of AROYA Cruises, SMC Design, and Franklin & Franklin Photography
