JAKARTA – Malaysia has officially introduced a groundbreaking maritime umrah program utilizing luxury cruise ships, set to commence in January 2026. This innovative initiative offers a 15-night voyage to Jeddah and marks a historic milestone as Asia’s first halal-certified cruise service dedicated to religious pilgrimage.

Strategic Partnership for Islamic Tourism

The program is operated by Saudi Arabia’s Aroya Cruises in partnership with IslamiCruise Malaysia, with full backing from the Malaysian government. Through this collaboration, Malaysia aims to attract at least 6,000 travelers to participate in this combined worship and maritime journey package.

This voyage simultaneously marks Aroya Cruises’ debut in Malaysia and the broader Asian market, representing a significant development in global halal tourism.

World’s First Halal-Certified Cruise Line

As the world’s first halal-certified cruise line, Aroya Cruises delivers an integrated experience of worship and tourism infused with Islamic heritage at every port of call.

The cruise route includes several international destinations:

• Banda Aceh, Indonesia
• Salalah, Oman
• Male, Maldives
• Concluding in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Comprehensive Halal Facilities and Services

Throughout the journey, passengers enjoy worship facilities including congregational prayers, religious lectures, 100% halal cuisine, and various Muslim-friendly family entertainment options.

The package operates on a one-way basis, meaning the return journey to Malaysia requires air travel and is not included in the basic package price.

Tapping into the Booming Halal Tourism Market

This program has been specifically designed to serve the Muslim religious tourism market, which is projected to reach USD 301.9 billion in 2025. Industry forecasts predict halal tourism will surge to USD 548 billion by 2035.

With a capacity of up to 3,500 passengers, Aroya Cruises offers a spiritual experience seamlessly integrated with halal recreation. IslamiCruise, which has operated 52 charters worldwide, affirms that this partnership will strengthen Malaysia’s position in the global halal tourism sector.

Economic Impact and Industry Growth

This collaboration is expected to generate positive effects across multiple sectors including travel, hospitality, culinary, and retail industries. It opens a new chapter in Malaysian tourism by providing increasingly comprehensive Muslim-friendly services.

The initiative positions Malaysia as a pioneer in halal maritime tourism, combining religious obligation with comfortable travel experiences while adhering to Islamic principles throughout the entire journey.

This development demonstrates the growing demand for faith-based travel options that accommodate Muslim travelers’ religious requirements while offering modern amenities and diverse cultural experiences.

Original Article:

Batam Pos. (2026, January 11). Malaysia Luncurkan Umrah Kapal Pesiar Halal Pertama di Asia Mulai 2026.  Retrieved from https://news.batampos.co.id/malaysia-luncurkan-umrah-kapal-pesiar-halal-pertama-di-asia-mulai-2026/