New cruise brand will deliver cruises tailored to Saudi Arabians when it begins sailing in 2024
By
Rebecca Gibson |
Cruise Saudi has appointed Dr. Joerg Rudolph as president of its new Aroya Cruises brand, which will deliver a cruise offering tailored for Saudi Arabian nationals, expatriates and regional guests.
Rudolph has 20 years of experience in the global cruise sector, having previously worked in senior positions at AIDA Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, TUI Cruises and, most recently, Costa Cruises in Germany.
“I am delighted to be joining Cruise Saudi as president of Aroya Cruises at such a significant time in the business,” said Rudolph. “To be part of delivering such a unique and innovative product catering specifically for a new source market is an incredible opportunity.”
In his role, Rudolph will be responsible for bringing Aroya Cruises to the market in 2024 and developing and implementing strategies to support its continued growth. He will also oversee the business’s operations, finances, revenue management, sales, guest experience, customer-oriented services and guest experience.
“Cruise Saudi has grown rapidly as a business over the last few years and Joerg Rudolph’s appointment as president of Aroya Cruises is a milestone in the company’s journey to providing a unique offering delivered to an exceptional standard,” said Lars Clasen, Cruise Saudi CEO.
Aroya Cruises’ first ship formerly sailed as Genting Cruise Line’s World Dream and is being redesigned by both SMC Design and Partner Ship Design before it begins service, with MJM Marine and De Wave completing outfitting work on 98 per cent of the guest-facing venues. Meanwhile, DL Services will redesign and refit all existing catering spaces.
Columbia Blue will oversee the hotel management onboard the ships, Columbia Cruise Services will manage technical operations and Columbia Signature will deliver hospitality services. In addition, Versonix will provide the reservation and management systems.