Passengers onboard the IslamiCruise can enjoy its varied amenities. — Photos: Aroya Cruises
Every year, tens of thousands of Muslims head to Makkah and Madinah in Saudi Arabia to either perform the haj or umrah.
Normally, these travellers will sign up for pilgrimage packages that include selected ground tours and activities.
For the first time in Malaysia, an umrah cruise – called the IslamiCruise – will launch in January next year by Aroya Cruises. This cruise is set to give travellers a unique pilgrimage experience.
The 15-day cruise will start at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal in Selangor, and make stops throughout the cruise including at Banda Aceh in Indonesia, Oman and Maldives, before finally docking at Saudi Arabia. From here, passengers who are performing the umrah will spend two nights in Jeddah.
With the exception of Maldives, these destinations were once taken by pilgrims who used to travel back in the day by ship to perform the haj and umrah.
Alternatively, pilgrims can start their journey in Saudi Arabia, and dock in Malaysia.
This is a one-way cruise, meaning passengers will have to take a flight back (or head to other places) from their final destination. Airfare is also not included in the base package of the cruise.
The IslamiCruise also welcomes non-Muslim passengers, though they will get a separate package that does not include the umrah.
There are a range of amenities and activities onboard the Aroya ship, such as swimming pools, water slides, miniature golf and football.
There will also be spiritual enrichment lectures onboard, guided by Ustaz Wadi Anuar from Malaysia and Ustaz Abdul Somad from Indonesia.
This ensures that passengers have a spiritually fulfilling experience throughout the voyage.
One of the cabins on Aroya.
“This is a great opportunity to pamper yourself and your loved ones in a peaceful and blessed atmosphere,” said project director of Aroya IslamiCruise, Ab Rahman Mohd Ali, at the launch earlier this week at KL Tower.
“Guests who book a suite or higher class will receive a Khuzama Club membership, which offers exclusive privileges,” he continued.
The ship can accommodate over 3,500 passengers, with four room types, including suites, cabins, and even villas.
Ab Rahman is confident that the initiative will have a positive impact on Malaysia’s economy. “We are talking about bringing about 8,000 visitors to the country via this cruise,” he said.
IslamiCruise is officially recognised by the Malaysian government as a Visit Malaysia 2026 tourism product.
Bookings are open now and can be made through five local umrah and haj tour agencies, including Tabung Haji Travel & Tours and Andalusia Travel & Tours. For more information, head to pelayaranislamik.com.
