VACAYA Arabian Nights Cruise

VACAYA’s Arabian Nights Cruise 2027 is a 10-night luxury voyage aboard the new Emerald Kaia superyacht, sailing from Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on March 28, 2027. The cruise is marketed as a first-of-its-kind journey that combines luxury travel with exploration of some of the Middle East’s most famous historical and cultural destinations. Guests will travel through the Red Sea and neighboring regions while visiting sites connected to ancient civilizations and world-renowned landmarks. 

The itinerary includes stops in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Israel, and Jordan. Highlights include Yanbu’s Red Sea coastline, Luxor’s temples and the Valley of the Kings near Safaga, the resort city of Sharm El Sheikh, Israel’s Eilat, Jordan’s Petra and Wadi Rum, and Egypt’s Ain Sokhna, which provides access to Cairo and the Great Pyramids of Giza. The voyage features seven ports of call and is designed to blend history, culture, nature, and adventure.

A major theme of the cruise is inclusivity. VACAYA positions the trip as an opportunity for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies to experience destinations that have historically been difficult or uncommon for queer travelers to visit. The company discusses Saudi Arabia’s evolving tourism policies and presents the voyage as a chance to foster cultural understanding, visibility, and dialogue while respecting local customs and traditions.

The cruise emphasizes a premium all-inclusive experience. Included amenities feature luxury accommodations, onboard meals, many excursions, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, Wi‑Fi, entertainment, themed parties, social activities, water toys, and personalized service. VACAYA highlights the small-ship nature of the experience, noting that Emerald Kaia is designed to access smaller ports while offering upscale facilities such as dining venues, lounges, pools, a marina platform, and wellness spaces. 

Beyond travel, the cruise incorporates a charitable component through VACAYA’s ReachOUT initiative in partnership with The Alwan Foundation, an organization that supports LGBTQ+ communities in the Middle East. The company states that it will match guest donations up to $50,000 and plans to include programming focused on regional stories, artists, and community projects. Overall, the cruise is presented as both a luxury vacation and a culturally significant journey aimed at creating connections across diverse communities.