Quick answer
From 10 October 2026 to 24 April 2027, AROYA uses Istanbul as its main home port, with about 25 winter sailings from Galataport. A typical 7-night cruise goes to Alexandria in Egypt, with an overnight stay, then Marmaris and Kuşadası on the Turkish coast before returning to Istanbul; other winter sailings call at Bodrum. For summer 2027 AROYA has announced two 14-night voyages from Istanbul, on 5 June and 17 July.
Last checked 2 November 2026. Onboard details are as published by each cruise line and can change; we confirm them for your sailing before you pay.
A typical 7-night sailing from Istanbul
This is the route listed for winter 2026–27 sailings by booking sites. Ports and their order can change by sailing, so we check the exact itinerary for your dates.
- Day 1: board at Galataport, Istanbul.
- Day 2: at sea.
- Days 3 and 4: Alexandria, Egypt, with the ship staying overnight.
- Day 5: Marmaris, Türkiye.
- Day 6: Kuşadası, Türkiye, the port for Ephesus.
- Day 7: at sea.
- Day 8: back in Istanbul.
Other ports and the longer summer voyages
Cruise news reports list Bodrum among the winter ports, and some sailings start in Alexandria instead of Istanbul.
For summer 2027 AROYA has announced two 14-night voyages from Istanbul. The 5 June sailing crosses the Mediterranean from east to west, calling in Türkiye, Greece, Italy, Tunisia and Malta. The 17 July sailing goes from the Aegean into the Adriatic, calling in Greece, Albania, Montenegro, Italy and Croatia. Both are as announced by the cruise line and can change.
Boarding at Galataport
- Galataport is Istanbul's cruise terminal in Karaköy, on the European side, close to the old city.
- Download the AROYA app before you travel: online check-in opens up to 24 hours before departure and the app holds your digital boarding pass.
- Bring your passport, valid for at least six months after the cruise ends.
- Luggage is listed as two checked suitcases and two hand pieces per guest.
- Check visas for Türkiye for your nationality, and for Egypt, because the ship calls at Alexandria.
Make a few days of it in Istanbul
Arrive a day or two early. Eyüp Sultan, the Blue Mosque and the Süleymaniye are all a short drive from the port, and a night in the city means a missed connection does not cost you the cruise.
Plan your halal cruise
Tell us roughly when and who is travelling. We reply with the sailings that fit, the cabin price and what is included, plus flights, hotels, transfers and Umrah if you want them.
Questions
Where does AROYA depart from in Istanbul?
From Galataport, Istanbul's cruise terminal in Karaköy on the European side. AROYA uses Istanbul as its main home port from 10 October 2026 to 24 April 2027.
How long are AROYA cruises from Istanbul?
Most winter 2026–27 sailings are 7 nights, to Alexandria and the Turkish coast. For summer 2027 AROYA has announced two 14-night voyages, departing 5 June and 17 July.
Do I need an Egypt visa for an AROYA cruise from Istanbul?
The typical 7-night route calls at Alexandria, so check Egypt's rules for your passport as well as Türkiye's. We check the visas for every port on your sailing when we send your plan.
Can you arrange a hotel in Istanbul before the cruise?
Yes. We can arrange flights, hotel nights in Istanbul, the port transfer and the cruise together, with one point of contact.
More halal cruise guides
- On board AROYAWhat it's like on board AROYA: cabins, food, prayer and a typical day
- From the UKHalal cruise from the UK: how British Muslim families sail alcohol-free
- Ramadan & Eid 2027Ramadan and Eid cruise 2027: what to know before you book