Myrmell heading to Saudi Arabia

FORMER Carnival Australia president and current Journeys Beyond chief operating officer Sture Myrmell has been appointed president of Saudi Arabia’s AROYA Cruises.

Mr Myrmell spent many years with the Carnival Group, including 13 years in Australia and senior roles with P&O Cruises, Cunard, Princess Cruises and P&O Cruises Australia.

The Jeddah-based AROYA, owned by government-backed Cruise Saudi, operates its eponymous 150,695 GT vessel focusing on the Arabian market, carrying up to 3,362 passengers and 1,600 crew. The ‘floating resort’ also specialises in hosting conferences.

Image: Aroya / LinkedIn

Aroya was built in 2017 by Germany’s Meyer Werft for Genting Hong Kong’s Star Cruises but transferred to subsidiary Dream Cruises as World Dream before entering service.

Genting became a corporate victim of the COVID-19 pandemic and the ship was sold at auction in 2023 to Cruise Saudi, initially as Manara, before shirting to the newly-established AROYA in 2024.

Mr Myrmell will oversee the cruise line’s commercial operations and guest experience, reporting to Cruise Saudi CEO Lars Clasen, who said his expertise in operations, commercial strategy and market development will play an important role as the company continues expanding AROYA Cruises’ offering.

“Joining AROYA Cruises is an exciting opportunity to contribute to establishing [the business] as a world-class cruise experience shaped by the culture and hospitality of the region, while supporting the continued development of the cruise sector in Saudi Arabia and the wider region,” Mr Myrmell said.

His appointment comes at a difficult time for the company. In an operational update on 7 March it said that due to ongoing regional operational considerations and in coordination with the relevant maritime and national authorities, “AROYA Cruises will not proceed with the remaining sailings scheduled in the Arabian Gulf for the current season".

“All guests on board were safely disembarked in Dubai on 7 March," the company stated.

“Guests affected by this operational decision have been contacted and provided with all the necessary information in line with AROYA Cruises’ guest policies. Our teams continue to support guests as they arrange their onward travel and remain available to provide guidance and assistance where needed."

Lars Clasen said he was "incredibly proud of the professionalism and care shown by our onboard and shoreside teams, who have worked tirelessly to ensure our guests are safe and supported. I would also like to thank the local authorities for their close coordination and assistance during this time, as well as our guests for their patience and understanding”.