Pre-Sail Information

Your AROYA journey is almost here. Please review the information below carefully and complete all required steps before travelling. Preparing your documents and check-in details in advance will help ensure a smooth embarkation.

Passport and Visa Requirements

It is each guest’s responsibility to obtain all passports, visas and other travel documents required for the entire itinerary. Visa and entry requirements depend on your nationality, country of residence and the ports included in your cruise. Requirements may change at short notice, so please check the latest official information before travelling. AROYA Cruises does not arrange visas on behalf of guests and cannot accept responsibility if a guest is denied boarding or entry because of missing or incorrect travel documents.

Türkiye

Guests must meet the entry requirements applicable to their nationality.

If your itinerary departs from Türkiye, visits another country and subsequently returns to Türkiye, you may require a valid multiple-entry Turkish visa. A single-entry visa may not be sufficient for re-entry during the cruise.

Please consult the official information provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye:

Greece and the Schengen Area

Guests travelling from Galataport Istanbul on an itinerary that includes Greece must hold a valid Schengen visa unless they are exempt from the visa requirement. Please ensure that your visa is valid for the dates of travel and permits entry according to your itinerary.

Egypt

Guests whose itinerary includes Egypt must obtain an Egyptian visa unless their nationality is visa-exempt or eligible for a visa on arrival.

According to the current guidance:

citizens of Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries are eligible for a visa on arrival;
citizens of Schengen countries are eligible for a visa on arrival;
guests of all other nationalities must confirm the applicable requirements with the nearest Egyptian embassy or consulate.

Guests who require an Egyptian visa and arrive without the correct documentation will be denied boarding.

Visa requirements can change. Please verify the latest rules with the relevant embassy or consulate before travelling.

Before You Travel: Essential Checklist

Before leaving home, please make sure that you:

hold a physical passport valid for at least six months;
have obtained all visas required for your itinerary and nationality;
have downloaded the AROYA Cruises App;
have uploaded your personal information and registered a valid credit card;

Please note that a digital copy of your passport does not replace the original physical passport.

Complete Your Pre-Boarding Steps

1. Download the AROYA Cruises App

Download the AROYA Cruises App before your cruise:

Your boarding pass will be available through the app approximately 24 hours before sailing.

2. Upload Your Personal Information

Enter and verify the personal and passport details for every guest included in the booking. The information must match the details shown in each guest’s passport. Incorrect or incomplete information may delay check-in.

3. Register Your Credit Card

Register a valid credit card before embarkation to activate your onboard account.

AROYA operates a cashless payment system:

cash payments are not accepted onboard;
onboard purchases are charged in US dollars;
your AROYA Pass is used for purchases throughout the ship.

4. Check Your Boarding Time

Check-in at Galataport Istanbul is available during the following hours:

Check-in opens: 2:00 PM
Check-in closes: 8:00 PM

Guests arriving after check-in has closed may be denied boarding. The check-in times can change, check info about your cruise through your Travel Advisor.

Embarkation at Galataport Istanbul

Galataport Istanbul Cruise Terminal is located in the centre of Istanbul.

Open Galataport Istanbul Cruise Terminal in Google Maps

Parking is available at the port. Charges and access conditions may apply in accordance with local regulations.

When entering the port, security personnel may ask to see:

your AROYA Cruises reservation confirmation; or
your boarding pass displayed digitally in the AROYA Cruises App.

Keep these documents readily accessible when approaching the terminal.

Enhance Your Cruise Before You Sail

A selection of onboard packages can be purchased before embarkation, often with exclusive pre-sailing offers:

AROYA Net internet packages;
beverage packages;
entertainment packages;
speciality restaurant packages.

We recommend booking packages in advance, as availability and onboard prices may differ.

Prohibited Items

For the safety and comfort of everyone onboard, the following items must not be brought onto the ship:

weapons, ammunition and sharp objects;
martial arts or self-defence equipment;
disabling chemicals and other dangerous substances;
explosives, fireworks and flammable items;
tools with sharp edges or blades;
items that violate applicable public-decency laws;
alcohol;
outside food and beverages;
irons;
personal hair dryers;
hair straighteners and hair irons;
kettles and coffee machines;
electrical thermoses;
steamers;
candles;
cooking appliances;
bakhoor burners;
shisha burners and related heating equipment.

Prohibited items may be confiscated at the terminal or onboard. Additional restrictions may apply under the laws and regulations of the countries included in your itinerary.

Travelling with Children and Teenagers

Children Travelling Without a Parent or Legal Guardian

If a child is travelling with an adult who is not their parent or legal guardian, a signed Guardian Consent Form is required.

The completed and signed form must be presented during check-in.

Medical Conditions, Allergies and Additional Support

Parents and guardians must inform AROYA Cruises of any important information relating to a child included in their booking, including:

medical conditions;
disabilities or special needs;
allergies;
dietary requirements;
medication or care requirements;
any other information that may help the onboard team support the child.

Children’s Safety Wristbands

All children aged 12 and under will receive a coloured wristband during embarkation.

The wristband corresponds to the child’s designated assembly station and enables the crew to direct the child to the correct location in an emergency, even if the child is not participating in a Kids & Teens activity at that time. The wristband must be worn throughout the cruise.

Parents and guardians should also pay close attention to the children’s safety information provided in the onboard safety video and during the dedicated briefing conducted by the Kids & Teens team.

We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a Remarkably Arabian cruise experience.