Tag Archives: Mediterranean

AROYA Cruises began its journey to the Mediterranean ahead of the launch of its inaugural Mediterranean season on 28th June. The ship is scheduled to arrive in Galataport Istanbul, AROYA’s Mediterranean homeport, on 20th June via the popular Turkish coastal towns of Kaş and Bodrum. She will then undergo routine maintenance ahead of the first commercial sailing a week later. Until mid-September, AROYA will explore the wonders of the Eastern Med with six and seven-night voyages to ports in Turkey, Greece and Egypt, blending iconic destinations with the cruise line’s Arabian inspired experience. In addition to Kaş and Bodrum, AROYA will sail to Marmaris in Turkey as well as Athens, Mykonos, Rhodes and Souda Bay in Greece, and Alexandria in northern Egypt. Since its maiden voyage in December 2024, AROYA Cruises has completed a successful inaugural season in the Red Sea, welcoming more than 70,000 passengers aboard sailings that visited Egypt, Jordan and the Saudi Red Sea private island of Jabal AlSabaya for Saba Beach. The move to the Mediterranean marks a strategic next chapter for the AROYA Cruises as it expands its itineraries and brings a taste of Arabian culture and hospitality to Europe. Dr Joerg Rudolph, President of AROYA Cruises, commented: “We’re excited to be bringing AROYA to some of the Mediterranean’s most popular cruise destinations this summer. AROYA Cruises first set sail just six months ago and we’re incredibly proud of all we’ve achieved so far, with passenger numbers in the Red Sea exceeding expectations. We look forward to welcoming our valued guests aboard this season.”

As part of its robust international expansion strategy, Barceló Hotel Group has opened the doors of Barceló Cappadocia, its fourth hotel in Turkey. This new addition complements the three existing properties, which include two in the city of Istanbul –Occidental Taksim and Barceló Istanbul– and one in the capital, Occidental Ankara. The 5-star Barceló Cappadocia stands out for its privileged location in the picturesque town of Ortahisar, an exceptional base from which to explore all the charms of the Turkish region. This small town, situated in the deepest part of Cappadocia, is considered one of the most beautiful on Earth thanks to its characteristic excavated architecture and its rocky landscape formed by lava and volcanic sand. With an elegant design that harmonises with Cappadocia’s unique texture, the new hotel offers guests the experience of staying in an unforgettable setting amidst rich history and natural beauty. Its architecture responds to Cappadocian culture and tradition, where noble materials, colours characteristic of this region of Asia Minor, and carved stone details stand out. Its 170 rooms promise to captivate guests with the delicate beauty and tranquillity of the hotel’s surroundings. In a tribute to the region’s excavated architecture, Barceló Cappadocia offers 19 exclusive luxury stays in cave rooms carved into ancient rocks. The interior design of each suite highlights the region’s rich and historic architectural and cultural heritage through the stonework reflected in the walls, headboards, canopies, Turkish baths and private pools. The richness of the elements and materials can also be observed in the common areas, among which its impressive Wellness Centre with Spa stands out. The imposing relaxation setting offers an evocative design with a heated water area guarded by a stained-glass …