We have Indian passports. What visas would we need to board AROYA in Istanbul?
Asked by Anonymous pilgrim · 2 Nov 2026
Written and checked by our team, with dated sources.
In short
Usually yes. Indian passport holders generally need a Turkish visa to fly into Istanbul and board, and a visa for Egypt if the cruise calls at Alexandria. Some travellers with a valid US, UK or Schengen visa or residence permit can apply for a Turkish e-visa. Rules change, so confirm on the official websites; we check the ports on your sailing when we plan it.
As of 2 Nov 2026
Marhaba Editorial Desk
Turkey
Egypt
Next step: tell us your passport and dates, and we list the visas for your sailing.
Answered 2 Nov 2026 · Facts as of 2 Nov 2026
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Ask our team about your own dates and family — no obligation.
From October 2026 to about September 2027 the ship sails the Mediterranean, with 6- to 8-night cruises from Istanbul and Alexandria along the Turkish coast, and some longer summer voyages. Reports say it returns to the Red Sea, sailing from Jeddah, after that. Dates are set by the cruise line and can change.
Yes. AROYA keeps running its 7-night Mediterranean cruises through Ramadan 2027, which is expected to begin around 8 February. Booking sites list departures from Istanbul on 27 February and 6 March, and from Alexandria on 2 March. No special Ramadan programme has been announced for 2027, so we check suhoor and iftar times for your sailing.
Yes. Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected on about 9 or 10 March. Booking sites list a 7-night AROYA sailing from Istanbul on 6 March, at sea over Eid, and another on 13 March for families who pray Eid at home first. Dates are set by the cruise line, so we confirm them for you.
Not from a UK port. The closest fully alcohol-free option is AROYA, which sails from Istanbul, about four hours' direct flight from London, Manchester or Birmingham, until about September 2027. British families usually fly to Istanbul, spend a night or two in the city, then board.
Yes. Until about September 2027, AROYA sails from Istanbul and Alexandria, so the cruise is its own leg: Umrah in Makkah and Madinah, then a flight to Istanbul for a week at sea, or the other way round. When AROYA is back in the Red Sea from Jeddah, the cruise fits between Makkah and Madinah without extra flights.